Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth." That is quite a remarkable statement associated with this natural and humble oil.

Wherever coconut palms grow, the people there understand the value of the food and medicine derived from the fruit. For centuries people have respected the curative properties of coconut oil.

The Scientific Name:

Cocos nucifera is the scientific name for coconut. Spanish explorers called it coco which means “monkey face” as it has three indentations on one end of the fruit, added to which long hairy fiber resembles a monkey. Nucifera literally means “nut – bearing”.

This oil which is a rich source of fiber, minerals and vitamins has more than ninety percent saturated fats. According to Dr. Weston the saturated fats in coconut oil occur naturally and are not the artificially created fats through the man made process known as hydrogenation. In his studies he found that the people of South Pacific Island thrived on a diet high in coconut and even then, had excellent cardiovascular health, with no clogged arteries.

Lauric acid, a compound found in coconut oil, is also present in mother’s milk. It helps to build the new born baby’s immune system. It is also a rich source of medium chain triglycerides.

There are several health benefits of coconut oil, both when used topically and also when consumed internally.

Hair Care:

Coconut oil is applied on the scalp and hair extensively in India, as it prevents dandruff when massaged on a dry scalp. It nourishes damaged hair and is used as a conditioner.

Skin Care:

Massaging the body and face with coconut oil delays wrinkles and sagging skin. It helps in curing problems like psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and dry flaky skin. This oil is the basic ingredient for many expensive products like soaps, shampoos, creams and lotions.

Weight Loss:

Coconut oil stimulates the metabolism and improves thyroid function while it also removes the stress on the pancreas. As this oil contains short and medium range fatty acids it helps in keeping off excessive weight. According to a study in the journal “Lipids”, 40 women are said to have lost belly fat when given coconut oil in their diet along with an exercise regimen.

Heart Health:

Coconut oil although very high in saturated fats, contains 50% of lauric acid which prevents high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Unlike other vegetable oils it does not lead to increased LDL levels. It reduces the incidence of injury to arteries which will prevent atherosclerosis.

Digestion:

The saturated fats in coconut oil prevent growth of fungi and parasites that cause indigestion and related problems like irritable bowel syndrome. It helps in absorption of amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

Healing:

When applied on wounds and cuts, coconut oil forms a shield, consequently preventing the entry of dust, bacteria and virus. It speeds up the healing process while repairing damaged tissue.

Coconut Oil for Cooking:

Dr. Joseph Mercola finds that olive is best for salad dressings – but unstable on heating, as a result he found coconut oil best for cooking. According to him the polyunsaturated fats like corn, soy, safflower, sunflower and canola, when heated produced toxins as well as trans-fats. The only oil that is stable enough to withstand high temperatures while cooking is coconut oil

Face Mask

Surprisingly we have a lot of options to clear our blemishes within our reach – right there on the kitchen shelf. All we need is to have a little perseverance and patience for home remedies to work their magic.
There are a variety of ingredients, which can be used, so take care to choose whatever suits your skin best. At times when you use the same face mask continuously, it can stop showing too much progress, so go ahead and try another. Take care to test your skin as you go along.

Grate half a cucumber and blend it with a cup of oatmeal. Add 1 teaspoon of yogurt to this, to make a paste. Apply on the face, taking special care to cover blemishes and leave for 10 minutes. Wash gently with cool water. With regular use this mask will soften and smooth acne pits.

This is a simple one – grate cucumber and strain to collect ½ a cup of juice. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and mix well. Apply this on face and neck area, leave for 15 minutes. Wash gently with cool water and splash some cold water to close pores. The skin will clear up and glow.

Take 1 teaspoon of brewer’s yeast and mix it well with 1 tablespoon of yogurt. Apply this paste and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash gently with cool water. This helps to clear blemishes. Repeat every other day for 2 months.

Mash some boiled carrots to make a cup. Apply thickly on face and leave it on till it dries or for 20 minutes. Rinse with cold milk first and then use cold water. This is very good for acne marks and pits.

Use a blend of 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of rose water. Apply on face and neck every night and go to bed. Wash with normal water in the morning. If this feels sticky– wash it after 40 minutes.

Peel and grate some green papaya. Mash well or run it through the blender. Apply this as a thick paste for 20 minutes before washing face. This works well on acne and pit marks and brings a smooth and glowing complexion.

Take 2 tablespoons of green gram (moong) powder and make a paste with water. Leave on the face for 20-25 minutes and rinse with cool water. This clears pimples, acts on wrinkles and moisturizes skin as well. The powder can be stored in a jar.

Rub a nutmeg against a stone with some cold milk to get a paste. You can finely dry grind 4-5 nutmegs and store the powder. Mix 1 teaspoon of nutmeg powder with 2 teaspoons of cold milk and apply this paste on the face. Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing gently with cool water. This removes acne marks and lightens skin tone.

Castor oil is very popular and known to remove blemishes and pigmentation. Apply by moving fingers in a circular direction. Use this twice a day. Avoid using if there are any pus filled pimples – as the oil will aggravate them. Avoid using castor oil during pregnancy.

Take 1 tablespoon of gram flour (chick pea flour). Mix 1 tablespoon of yogurt to form a paste. This has exfoliating properties as well as fading blemishes. This mask is effective and safe to use as it does not cause any reactions. A few drops of lemon juice may be added.

Make a mask with 2 tablespoons of sandal wood powder and 2 tablespoons of rose water. After washing your face with warm water, apply this paste and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash with cool water. This mask generally suits all skin types.

Blend the juice of ½ a lemon with 1 egg white. Apply this mask on face and neck and wash after it dries. It can be kept on face overnight. This will tighten skin and is especially good for open pores.

Take the water from a green coconut or tender coconut and apply on blemishes and for pigmentation. This can be applied on dark elbows and knees as well. It lightens the skin tone. This water is said to remove pox marks.

Face masks – which are made from natural ingredients, will take a little longer to show results, though regular care will definitely show positive and long lasting results

skin tone and add a glow to the complexion.

The masks mentioned below are very good to lighten the skin tone and add a glow to the complexion. They must be followed for the specified time and inculcated as a daily routine.
Tip 1:

Soak 4 almonds overnight. Make a very fine paste with them, using milk to grind them.

Apply this paste on the neck and face before going to bed. Wash with cold water in the morning. Repeat daily for 15 days, followed by twice a week.

Tip 2:

Take 1 tbsp of gram flour and 2 tsp of raw milk and 2-3 drops of lime juice. Mix well and apply. Wash after 15 minutes. Repeat for 4 weeks and follow up with once a week.

Tip 3:

Grind a cup of mint leaves to a fine paste. Apply and leave for 20 minutes. Wash. Continue for 15 days.

Tip 4:

Grate a tomato. Add 2-3 drops of lime juice. Apply and wash after 20 minutes. Do this morning and evening for 15 - 20 days. Apply well on the neck area also.

Tip 5:

Diluted Vinegar
Potato juice with 2-3 drops of lime juice.
Cucumber juice with 2-3 drops of lime juice.
Diluted lime juice.

Causes of Dry Skin

Dry skin is a universal problem; people the world over are trying to cope with dry skin and in the bargain, the manufacture of skin products has become a billion dollar industry.
Causes of Dry Skin

There are many reasons why we get dry skin, which at times is flaky and patchy, and even develops rashes. Cold weather with harsh winds is one of the main reasons; low humidity and working in air-conditioned atmospheres for long periods are other common reasons.

Many people have genetically dry skin or suffer from skin disorders like or eczema. Medications for diabetes and thyroid dry the skin out. One of the reasons for dry skin in older individuals is that - as you grow older, the oil glands produce less oil leading to skin dryness.

Here are some remedies for dry skin. Always consult a doctor before trying any of them for your dry skin.
Dry Skin on the Face

The face is exposed to all the elements like heat, cold and wind. It therefore becomes easily susceptible to dry skin. Here are some tips to manage dry facial skin.

Tip 1:

Start the day with this – take half a cup of unboiled milk at room temperature. Dip a pad of cotton wool and generously apply on the face and neck. Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes and wash off. After a shower, pat the face dry and apply a moisturizer while the face is still moist.

Tip 2:

Splash some water from a tender whenever possible. Do this at least twice a day when the dryness is acute as coconut water is one of the best natural moisturizers. Leave it on for 15 minutes before washing off.

Tip 3:

Mash ½ an avocado and mix the pulp with 2 teaspoons of  Mix it well and smear on the face for 10 minutes. Wash with warm water.

Tip 4:

Yogurt applied on the face and neck works in gently removing flakes of dry skin. has lactic acid which soothes and refreshes the skin, and calms down the itchiness and skin rashes. Some ripe papaya pulp can be added to the yogurt and use it as a mask.

Tip 5:

Pumpkin has enzymes which are extremely good for a smooth satiny skin. Peel the pumpkin and grate the fleshy part, add a pinch of cinnamon powder to this, let it soak for a few minutes and use as a face mask.

Tip 6:

Clean off make up with cotton pads dipped in  - it works on the skin as a moisturizer and adds a layer of fatty acids which don’t deplete the skin in any way.

Tip 7:

Use a gentle face wash rather than soap and avoid hot water which can be harsh on a sensitive dry skin.
Dry Skin on Feet

The skin on our feet is naturally dry compared to the rest of the body as there are no oil glands – only sweat glands. Dry feet can lead to fissures and cracks, which occur more often during extreme cold climate. Sometimes over exposure to direct sunlight can be a cause for dry skin on the feet. Hot and long baths and showers with strong and harsh soaps is another common reason.

Wearing comfortable cotton socks with shoes which allow your feet to breathe are definitely a benefit. For severe dryness of skin accompanied with rashes and scales, it would be a good idea to consult a dermatologist or a podiatrist. They may advise some blood tests to check for psoriasis,  or dermatitis.

There are some remedies which can arrest the problem when used at the initial stage. At times instead of aggravating the skin by scratching, rub some ice on the rashes to calm the burning and itchiness.

Tip 1:

Combine a spoonful of olive oil with a few drops of  and a few drops of lavender oil. Shake well till the oil becomes thick and creamy. Apply on feet and leave it on for an hour at least.

Tip 2:

Apply vegetable oil on the feet and wear a pair of socks. This can be kept on overnight for best benefit.

Tip 3:

Petroleum jelly is very popularly used for dry feet. Apply a thick layer at bed time and cover with cotton socks; repeat on a regular basis to keep the feet soft and smooth.

Dry Skin on the Eyelids

Dry eyelids are an issue many of us are plagued with. It can lead to a condition called blepharitis. When you have this condition, you are not only dealing with dry scales but itchiness, discoloration of the skin and soreness.

There are many reasons for this condition and some of them are directly related to hygiene and allergies. It may be due to a brand of shampoo or maybe hair dye, cologne, a moisturizer, eyeliner or an eye shadow. Sometimes, a feather pillow or a down comforter can be the culprit.

Most of us wash our faces under the shower spray with our eyes closed. Try to keep hot spray away from your eyelids and wash your face with tepid water, avoiding soap.

Tip 1:
 helps dryness of the eyelids. Aloe Vera gel gives immediate relief to eyelid rashes and scabs that are a result of dry skin and flakes. Use fresh gel if it is available or a preparation which has no preservatives.

Tip 2:

Give warm compresses to the  three to four times a day; use a clean wash cloth dipped in warm water – squeeze out excess water and place on both eye areas for 10-15 minutes. Continue at least once a day even when the eyelids are better.

Tip 3:

Wear a sunscreen and goggles whenever you go out in the sun.

Tip 4:

Avoid touching the eye area with unwashed hands.

Tip 5:

Cleanse face and eyes completely of make up before going to bed every night. Apply a moisturizer that suits you and keep pillows and comforters well aired and dusted. Vacuum the house regularly.

Lemon juicefruit in medicine and beauty

The most popular citrus fruit in medicine and beauty therapy. It helps bleach and purify the skin.

Lemon juice, raw - Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts Serving Size 100 grams Amount Per Serving Calories 22 Calories from Fat 2 % Daily Value* Total Fat 0g 0 %    Saturated Fat 0g 0 %    Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg 0  % Sodium 1mg 0 % Total Carbohydrate 7g 2  %    Dietary Fiber 0.3g 1 %    Sugar 3g Protein 0g 1 % Vitamin A 0%  Vitamin C 64% Calcium 1%  Iron 0% *Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie reference diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower based on your individual needs. Medindia.net

Download Printable Label

Nutrition summary
Calories 22	Fat 2 g	Carbs 18.6 g	Protein 1.2 g

Percent breakdown of 22 total Calories (kcal)
Protein	5.35%	(0.4 g x 3.4 Kcal/g = 1.2 kcal)
Fat	9.13%	(0.24 g x 8.37 Kcal/g = 2 kcal)
Carbohydrate	84.68%	(6.9 g x 2.7 Kcal/g = 18.63 kcal)

Vitamins Nutrient Amount %DV Betaine ~ Carotene, alpha 0 mcg Carotene, beta 1  mcg Choline 5.1 mg Cryptoxanthin, beta 4  mcg Folate, DFE 20  mcg 5 % Folate, food 20  mcg 5 % Folate, total 20  mcg 5 % Folic acid 0  mcg Lutein + zeaxanthin 15 mcg Lycopene 0  mcg Niacin 0.09  mg 0.46 % Pantothenic acid 0.13 mg 1.31 % Retinol 0  mcg Riboflavin 0.02  mg 0.88 % Thiamin 0.02 mg 1.6 % Tocopherol, beta ~ Tocopherol, delta ~ Tocopherol, gamma ~ Vitamin A 6  IU 0.12 % Vitamin B12 0 mcg 0 % Vitamin B6 0.05 mg 2.3 % Vitamin C 38.7 mg 64.5 % Vitamin D 0 IU 0 % Vitamin E 0.15 mg 0.5 % Vitamin K 0  mcg 0 %

Protein and Amino Acids Nutrient Amount %DV Protein 0.35 g 0.7 % Essential Aminos Histidine ~ Isoleucine ~ Leucine ~ Lysine ~ Methionine ~ Phenylalanine ~ Threonine ~ Tryptophan ~ Valine ~ Non-essential Aminos Arginine ~ Alanine ~ Aspartic acid ~ Cystine ~ Glutamic acid ~ Glycine ~ Hydroxyproline ~ Proline ~ Serine ~ Tyrosine ~ Methionine ~ Phenylalanine ~

Hair Loss

This is a very natural phenomenon and all of us do experience loss of hair. Too much of hair loss is a matter of concern. This usually happens after a long illness, extreme climates, too much of stress and bad eating or sleeping habits.

Tip 1:

Wash the hair with Tender Coconut water every other day for weeks.

Tip 2:

Add the paste of fresh Curry leaves to Shikakai powder and wash hair with this on a regular basis.

Tip 3:

Wash hair with coconut milk

Tip 4:

Dry some basil leaves and Margosa leaves. Add some Bay leaves and powder all 3 together. Add 1tspn of this powder to 50 ml. of water and apply for ½ an hour Wash.

Dandruff

Healthy glowing hair is a crowning glory for a woman today. To keep it this way is not very simple given to-days living conditions. The heat and dust and also working for long periods in air- conditioned surroundings. The hair treatments like perms, tinting, and hot rollers also affect the healthy luster of your hair.

The best way to atone for this would be to go "Totally Natural" from time to time. Just like plants hair too needs proper nourishment. You need to eat a proper protein rich diet.

The scalp should be clean before oiling the hair. Do brush hair as a daily routine, with firm downward strokes. Wet hair should not be brushed, as hair is weak when it is wet, and breaks easily. Take care and the time to massage the scalp while oiling hair, as this will increase the blood circulation around the roots.

Dandruff is the shedding of dead cells from the scalp. It sometimes leads to boils and pimples too. These are some ways in which we can get rid of dandruff.

Tip 1:

Keep the scalp clean. Oil hair on alternate days and shampoo.

Tip 2:

Mix 2 tspns of Brandy in 1 cup of water. Apply with the fingertips to the roots of hair. Wash after ½ hour with shampoo.

Tip 3:

Mix 1 egg with 1 cup of yogurt and apply on the scalp. Leave for ½ an hour and wash.

Tip 4:

Mix 1 tblspn of Olive oil with 1 tspn of limejuice. Apply well on the scalp and cover the head by tying an old scarf. Keep it on overnight and shampoo the next morning.

Tip 5:

1 tspn of Fenugreek seed powder mixed with an egg. Apply and leave for ½ an hour before shampooing the hair.

Tip 6:

1 tspn fenugreek seed powder mixed with 1 cup of yogurt. Apply and leave for ½ an hour before washing.

Tip 7:

Take 2 tblspns of Beetroot juice and add 1 egg and 1 tspn limejuice to this. Apply and leave for ½ an hour before washing.

Tip 8:

Oil hair well before going to bed. Next morning mix 1 tspn limejuice with ½ tspn salt. Rub this on the scalp with the peel of a lime turned inside out. Leave for 1 hour before shampooing.

hair conditioners

Tip 1:

1 cup Henna powder
½ cup Yogurt
1 tspn Coffee powder
1 Egg

Mix all these together. Keep in an iron pot or vessel overnight. Apply enerously and leave for 1 hour. Wash well.

Tip 2:

Soak 1 tspn fenugreek seeds for 3-4 hours. Grind to a fine paste. Rub into the scalp and leave for 1 hour. Shampoo.

Tip 3:

Rub the scalp with 1 cup of whey Leave for ½ an hour Rinse with fresh water.

Tip 4:

For a final rinse after washing hair add 2 tspns Vinegar to 1 mug of water.

Tip 5:

Add 1 tspn of limejuice to 1 mug of water.

Tip 6:

Rinse with flat Beer.

Tip 7:

1 Egg white beaten well. This is added to a mug of water. Wait for 5 minutes and rinse again with fresh water.

Tip 8:

Apply a paste of Spinach leaves before washing. Adds life to dull hair.

An all round vegetable, used a juice, a vegetable

An all round vegetable, used a juice, a vegetable, a salad and for a face mask.

To a finely grated carrot add half a teaspoon of sugar granules and gently massage the face and neck – it’s an excellent for exfoliation.

Drinking carrot juice is very beneficial for eyes.

Eating as a salad prevents constipation because of fiber content.

Carrot pulp applied on sores and freckles gradually diminishes them.

he ABO blood group system

he ABO blood group system was discovered by Karl Land Steiner in 1901.

Red blood cells or erythrocytes are present in the blood and contain certain proteins on their surface. These proteins are called antigens. The plasma which is the liquid part contains antibodies which will attack certain antigens if they are present. There are various types of red blood cell antigens - the ABO and rhesus types are the most important. By the time a person is six months old, he naturally will have developed antibodies against the antigens his red blood cells lack.

ABO Blood Group System

A blood group individuals will have type A antigens on the surface of red blood cells and anti-B antibodies in plasma. There are about 20 different subgroups of which A1 and A2 subtypes are the most common.

B blood group individuals will have type B antigens on the surface of red blood cells and anti-A antibodies in your plasma.

AB blood group are those who will have type A and type B antigens on the surface of red blood cells and no antibodies to A or B antigens in plasma.

O blood group are those who will have neither type A or type B antigens on the surface of red blood cells but will have anti-A and anti-B antibodies in plasma.

Before donating blood, here are some must-eat food items:

Check out this list of nourishing food items that you must eat before you step out of your house to donate blood on World Blood Donor Day Friday. Once you are done with the good deed, consume food items rich in vitamins and more, says Annapurna Agrawal, nutritionist at Snap Fitness India.

Before donating blood, here are some must-eat food items:

- Iron rich foods: Whole grains, spinach, rice flakes, watermelon are some of the foods that are rich in iron.

- Vitamin C rich foods: Eat citrus fruits and juices to increase levels of vitamin C. This will help to increase iron absorption.

- Fluids: Drink plenty of water and fruit juices in the night and morning before you donate blood. Avoid carbonated drinks.

- No fatty foods: Don't consume fatty foods 24 hours before you go for blood donation as these can affect blood tests. Due to excess fat in blood, it can't be tested for infectious diseases and so the blood will not be used for transfusion.

After donating blood continue to have liquids to prevent low blood pressure.

Also, include the following in your diet:

- Foods rich in folic acid: Your body uses B-9 also known as folate, folic acid, to manufacture new red blood cells. This helps to replace the ones that you lost during donation. Food rich in this acid include liver, dried beans, spinach and many more.

- Foods rich in Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin): Riboflavin or vitamin B-2 is another vitamin required to produce red blood cells. It helps your body turn carbohydrates into energy for the body, which will help to strengthen you. Again, consume green leafy vegetables, eggs, peas, nuts and dairy products.

- Foods rich in Vitamin B-6: Your body needs it to build healthy blood cells and it helps the body break down proteins. Because proteins contain several nutrients, eating vitamin B-6 foods can be helpful. Potatoes, bananas, seeds, nuts, red meat, fish, eggs and spinach are rich in this vitamin.

Feminity and facial hair - don't go together although some have to combat this nuisance more than others. Facial hair makes women feel unattractive and unfeminine causing them to feel stressed and less confident.

All women have facial hair - just like men, men have a darker and thicker growth, Some women have more than their fair share of hair while some are blessed with downy fuzz.

There are some factors, which affect facial hair:

Due to heredity

Stress

Hormonal changes

Menopause

Steroid creams

There are some methods by which facial hair can work wonders at home:

Tip 1: 1 egg white

1 tablespoon sugar

½ tablespoon corn flour

Blend egg white with sugar and corn flour. Apply this sticky paste thickly wherever needed and leave it on till it dries. Gently peel off. Repeat the process 2 -3 times a week.

Tip 2: 2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 cup water

1/4^th cup honey

1/4^th cup gram flour

Make a paste of the above mentioned items, first wash your face. Apply paste till it hardens, with a face loofah, scrub in the opposite direction of hair growth. Wash face gently. Repeat every second day for 2 months.

Tip 3: 1 tablespoon gram flour (chick pea)

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Water to make a paste

Rub well with fingers in the opposite direction of hair growth. Leave for 15 minutes and gently wash face. Repeat everyday for 2 weeks.

Tip 4: 1 tablespoon of gram flour (chick pea flour)

1/4^th cup of milk

½ tablespoon of milk cream

Blend together to make a paste. Apply thickly in the same direction as hair growth. Wait for 20 minutes or till it dries - scrub off the paste in the opposite direction. This may irritate the skin as fine hair is pulled off. When regularly done will definitely show a remarkable change.

Tip 5: 1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon sugar

½ a cup of water

Apply on unwanted hair and massage into hair growth in the same direction as hair. Wash gently.

Tip 6: 1/2 cup of dry apricots

1 teaspoon honey

Powder the apricots and mix it in honey. Apply on the face and scrub gently. Wash after 20 minutes.

Tip 7: Use a pumice stone gently. Over time the removal will be permanent.

Unless you are a man forget about shaving facial hair - it is very temporary and the hair returns thicker and denser.

Threading extra hair on eyebrows, upper lip and chin area is a good method, which can be done in a salon.

Many women use depilatory creams - these have chemicals and at times can burn sensitive skin causing skin blemishes and scars.

When facial hair is fine and downy - bleaching will be good idea - as it lightens hair - making it less visible.

Bleaches without Chemicals:

1. Tomatoes are good as bleaching agents - slice a tomato and gently rub it all over the face. Leave it on for 5 minutes and wash face.

2. Mix equal quantity of lemon juice with honey, apply on face and leave for 20 minutes before rinsing face. Repeat twice a week. This works well as a bleach.

3. Mix ½ a cup of ripe papaya pulp with 1 tablespoon of milk. Apply a thick paste and rub gently into facial hair, leave for 10 minutes before washing.

4. To ½ a cup of orange peel powder add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. This paste not only lightens facial hair - it also exfoliates the skin - leaving a radiant glow on face.

Waxing:

This can be done at home and the cold wax can be prepared in the kitchen.

2 cups of sugar

½ cup of water

¼ cup of lemon juice

In a pan bring the mixture (sugar + water + lemon juice) to a boil on medium heat. Remove and use while still warm. The extra can be stored in a jar.

Dust the area with powder or corn flour. Apply this sticky paste with a butter knife. Place a strip of clean cloth over the solution and press down with fingers. Wait for 2 minutes and hold the end of cloth firmly and jerk off. Repeat as required.

Eyebrows define the lines of one's face especially eyes.

Eyebrows define the lines of one's face especially eyes. When you thread or pluck your brows, the shape of your eyebrows can change your facial appearance.

Some of us are fortunate enough to be born with well defined and shaped brows, while the rest of us have thick brows or 'unibrows' which need to be trimmed, plucked, threaded or shaped.

Scanty eyebrows can be attributed to various causes – stress, medication, illness, and even genetic disorder.

Sometimes, you may pluck or shape them too thin. You have thick brows to start with but as you try to get the right shape you end up plucking too much. It is safer to shape them professionally at a salon for first time or two and follow up on your own by following the initial shape.

One of the first things to do when the eyebrows don't grow back is to immediately stop plucking or threading eyebrows and let them grow back to their full thickness again – if possible.

Dip your finger in castor oil and massage the eyebrow well. Do this for the other eyebrow as well. Leave it on and go to bed. Take care not to use too much oil as it should not drip into the eyes. Wash gently next morning with a face wash.

Here are some other home remedies to make your eyebrows grow -

Apply some cold milk to eyebrows and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Wash off. Repeat twice everyday for 2 months.

Massage eyebrows with olive oil to thicken hair growth. Take care to massage in the same direction as the growth. As a bonus, the existing hair on the brow as well looks darker and softer with this massage.

Aloe vera gel is great when used regularly. Similarly, coconut oil too works magic for hair growth and massages. The same magic works for thickening eyebrows.

Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water for 4 to 5 hours and make a paste. Apply on brows at bedtime. Wash off in the morning. You can also mix almond oil to this paste.

Fresh onion juice may be a bit pungent and smelly but it can help with the growth of eyebrows.

Apply egg yolk with finger tip or cotton balls on your eyebrows and keep it for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash off.

If you are not into home remedies, you may fix your eyebrows cosmetically.

Brown eyeliner can be used to darken existing brows. Use small feathery strokes so that the eyebrows look well defined without the painted look.

Sometimes women get surgically implanted eyebrows but this can prove to be very expensive and painful.

Eyebrows in a man’s face are also important; his thick brows can define masculinity and character. However, for men, it is best not to get too dramatic and keep away from curves and arches.

Too much of hair on the eyebrows can also pose a problem. Those who sport a caterpillar look can trim and tweeze a little to bring in uniformity and a clean groomed look.

If you are among those who don’t want the unibrow look (where eyebrows grow abundantly and join in the center and seem like one long eyebrow), you can tweeze some hair out from the middle of the brow.

Structure of Skin:

The skin, which forms the outer covering of the body, has a surface area of about 1.5 - 2m² in adults and it contains glands, hair and nails.
 

Structure of Skin:

Skin is made up of two layers:
• The epidermis (or, outer covering)
• The dermis (or, true skin)

The epidermis:

The outermost part of the epidermis consists of flat, dead cells that are constantly being shed

The underlying part of the epidermis is made up of rapidly dividing cells. These are continually pushing upwards and replacing the dead cells above them.

Specialized epidermis cells that extend downwards into the dermis produce hair and nails, which are also composed of dead cells.

The dermis:

The dermis is made up of tiny blood vessels and nerve endings that are densely woven into the flexible connective tissue. Sweat glands and oil glands are embedded in it.

General Features of Skin:

It is a barrier against germs, and a tough resilient cushion that protects the tissues underneath, and helps to regulate the body temperature.

When it is hot, glands in the skin secrete sweat, the evaporation of which causes cooling. Or when it is cold, constriction of the blood vessels in the skin cuts down the flow of blood near the body’s surface and so reduces heat loss.

Just below the surface of the skin are millions of tiny nerve endings. These are the touch receptors which tell us about the world through five different kinds of sensations pain, cold, heat, pressure and contact

The skin supplies much of the body’s vitamin D requirement by producing substances that changes into vitamin D when it is exposed to the Ultraviolet radiation in sunlight.

The thickness of the skin and the number of special structures vary in different parts of the body.

Skin is thinnest on the lips and thickest on the scalp, palms of the hands and soles of the feet (Continual pressure or friction can cause skin to thicken)

Hair follicles are found on nearly the whole body, being abundant on the scalp but absent in the skin of the soles and palms.

Sweat glands, oil glands and nerve endings are also unevenly distributed. There is a concentration of sweat glands in the armpits; nerve endings are most abundant in the lips and fingertips.

Skin owes its colour partly to the blood, redness of which shows through translucent tissues, and partly to various pigments in the epidermis

skin tone

The masks mentioned below are very good to lighten the skin tone and add a glow to the complexion. They must be followed for the specified time and inculcated as a daily routine.
<brTip 1:

Soak 4 almonds overnight. Make a very fine paste with them, using milk to grind them.

Apply this paste on the neck and face before going to bed. Wash with cold water in the morning. Repeat daily for 15 days, followed by twice a week.

Tip 2:

Take 1 tbsp of gram flour and 2 tsp of raw milk and 2-3 drops of lime juice. Mix well and apply. Wash after 15 minutes. Repeat for 4 weeks and follow up with once a week.

Tip 3:

Grind a cup of mint leaves to a fine paste. Apply and leave for 20 minutes. Wash. Continue for 15 days.

Tip 4:

Grate a tomato. Add 2-3 drops of lime juice. Apply and wash after 20 minutes. Do this morning and evening for 15 - 20 days. Apply well on the neck area also.

Tip 5:

Diluted Vinegar
Potato juice with 2-3 drops of lime juice.
Cucumber juice with 2-3 drops of lime juice.
Diluted lime juice.</br

பிறந்தது முதல் 30 வயது வரை எலும்புத் திசுக்கள் ஆரோக்கிய நிலையில் இருக்கும். அடுத்த 10 ஆண்டுகளும் இந்நிலை நீடிக்கிறது. மாதவிலக்கு நின்ற பெண்களுக்கு எலும்புத் திசுக்கள் சுருங்கும் வாய்ப்பு மிகுதியாக உள்ளது. இந்நிலை நீடிக்கும்போது எலும்பு முறிவு ஏற்படும் அபாயம் அதிகரிக்கிறது. எலும்பரிப்பு நோய் எந்த அறிகுறியையும் வெளிப்படுத்திக்கொண்டு வெளியாவதில்லை. எலும்புகள் எலும்பரிப்பால் பலகீன மடைந்திருக்கும் போது பலமாக இருமினால்கூட அல்லது வேகமாக நடந்து செல்லும்போது தடுக்கினால் கூட எலும்பு முறிவு ஏற்படுகிறது. பெண்களுக்கு சாதாரணமாக அதிக அளவில் தற்சமயம் ஏற்படும் மார்பகப் புற்றுநோய், இதய நோய் மற்றும் மூளை நரம்புகளில் ஏற்படும் கோளாறுகளைவிட ‘எலும்பரிப்பு நோய்’ தான் அதிக அளவில் ஏற்படுகிறது என்பது அதிர்ச்சியளிக்கும் ஒரு புள்ளி விவரம்.

இரண்டில் ஒரு பெண் தன் வாழ்நாளில் எலும்பரிப்பு நோயால் ஏற்படும் எலும்பு முறிவால் அவதிப்படுகிறாள். ஆண்களைவிட பெண்கள் இந் நோயால் அதிகம் பாதிப்படையக் காரணம் பெண் களுக்கு எலும்புத் தசைகள் ஆண்களைவிடக் குறைவு. மேலும் மாதவிலக்கு நின்ற பெண்களுக்கு எலும்புகள் பாதிப்படைவதும், பலகீனம் அடைந் திருப்பதும் முக்கிய காரணம்.

35 வயது வரையில் எலும்புகளின் வளர்ச்சியும், மொத்த எடையும் பெண்களுக்கு ஒரே சீராக உள்ளது. அதன்பின் ஒரு எதிர்மறை சுண்ணாம்புச் சத்து சமநிலை அடைகிறது. அதுதான் எலும் பரிப்பு துவக்க நிலை. 35 வயதுக்குப் பின் ஒரு பெண்ணுக்கு ஒவ்வொரு வருடமும் 0.3 சதவீதம் என்ற அளவில் எலும்பின் எடையில் இழப்பு ஏற்படுகிறது. மாதவிலக்கு நின்ற பின் பெண் களுக்கு எலும்பு எடை குறைவு 0.5 சதவீதம் என அதிகரிக்கிறது. இந்த வேகத்தில் ஒரு பெண் தன் 60 வயதிற்குள் 30 முதல் 35 சதவீத அளவுக்கு எலும்பின் எடை குறையும் அபாயத்தை எட்டுகிறாள். இந்நிலையில் எலும்பு முறிவுகள் வெகு சுலபமாக ஏற்படுகிறது.

எலும்புகள் கல் போன்று உறுதி கொண் டவை என நாம் நினைக்கிறோம். இது ஒரு தவறான கருத்து. பல்வேறு ரசாயன ஊக்கிகளின் தாக்குதலுக்கு இணக்கமாகி சுண்ணாம்புச் சத்து உயிரியத்தால் மென்மைப்பட்டு வலுக்குறைந்து முறியும் நிலைக்கு உள்ளாகி விடுகிறது.

மாதவிலக்கு நின்ற பெண்களுக்கு ‘ஈஸ்ட்ரோஜன்’ அளவு குறைவதும் எலும்பரிப்புக்கு ஒரு முக்கிய காரணம்.
சுண்ணாம்புச் சத்து சமநிலையில் எலும்ப ரிப்பு நோயையும் அதன் தொல்லைகளையும் தவிர்க்க இயலும். அதிலும் பெண்களின் குழந்தைப் பருவம் முதல் முழு வளர்ச்சிப் பருவம் வரையிலும்.

மேலும் ஒரு பெண் கருவுற்ற காலங்களில் மட்டுமின்றி குழந்தைகட்குத் தாய்ப்பால் கொடுக்கும் காலத்திலும் சுண்ணாம்புச் சத்து அவசியம் தேவை.

நோயைத் தடுக்கும் முறைகள் :

நடைப்பயிற்சி ஒரு சிறந்த பலனை அளிக்கும். மாதவிலக்கு நின்ற பெண்களுக்கு ‘ஈஸ்ட் ரோஜன்’ அளவு குறைவதும் எலும்பரிப்புக்கு ஒரு முக்கிய காரணம்.

சுண்ணாம்புச் சத்து சமநிலையில் இருந்தால் எலும்பரிப்பு நோயையும் அதன் தொல்லைகளையும் தவிர்க்க இயலும்.

மேலும் ஒரு பெண் கருவுற்ற காலங்களில் மட்டுமின்றி குழந்தைக்குத் தாய்ப்பால் கொடுக்கும் காலத்திலும் சுண்ணாம்புச்சத்து அவசியம் தேவை.

ஆல்கஹால், சிகரெட் பிடிப்பதை அறவே நிறுத்தவேண்டும். உணவில் கால்சியம், வைட்ட மின் D சரியான அளவில் இருக்க வேண்டும். போதிய உடற்பயிற்சி பெண்களுக்கு அவசியம் தேவை. மாதவிலக்கு சரியில்லாத பெண்களுக்கும், நீண்ட நாள் தடைப்பட்ட மாதவிலக்கு உள்ள பெண்களும் கோளாறுகளை சரிசெய்து கொள்ளவேண்டும். ஈஸ்ட்ரோஜன் குறையும் பண்களுக்கு எலும் பரிப்பு நோய் ஏற்படுவது போல Testosterone அளவு குறைந்தால் ஆண்களுக்கும் இந்நோய் ஏற்படுகிறது.

மாதவிலக்கு நின்ற பெண்களும், குடும்பத்தில் எலும்பரிப்பு நோய் உள்ளவர்களும் தகுந்த சிகிச்சை முறைகளை மேற்கொண்டால் இந்நோய் தீவிரமடையாமல் தடுக்கலாம்.