benefits of Bottle Gourd ( Laucki )

1.Low in Calories and Fat : Bottle gourd is low in fat and cholesterol with high in dietary fibre (good for digestion). It contains 96% water and 100gm of it
contains around 12 Kcal. It is rich in iron and also has vitamins C and B complex. It has sodium of 1.8mg per 100gm and 87 mg of potassium making it
suitable vegetable for hypertensive patients.
2. Cooling : The cooked Bottle Gourd is cooling, calming, diuretic and easy to digest. It is also effective against constipation and other digestive disorders.
3. Premature Graying Hair : Ayurveda suggests Bottle gourd juice once daily in the early morning for treating Graying Hai
4. Blood Pressure and Heart Treatments : Bottle Gourd is also help in treatment of Blood Pressure and Heart diesease.
5. Curing Nervous diseases : Mixture of bottle gourd juice a sesame oil acts as an effective medicine for insomnia. It should be massaged over scalp every night.
The juice is useful in treating insanity, epilepsy & other nervous disease

The Bottle Gourd juice is used in treatment of stomach acidity, indigestion and ulcers.
It helps to reduce acidity of urine and can be used to cure urine infections and acidic urine (burning sensation when you pee.)

Bottle Gourd Juice 

Ingredients
1. Bottle gourd – 250 gm or small one
2. Mint leaves – 5
3. Salt to taste
4. Jeera powder – 1 tsp
5. Black pepper powder – 2 tsp
Method:
1. Peel bottle gouard and wash, cut mint leaves
2. Mix in mixture
3. Add water(little )
4. Add jeera, pepper powder and salt. Stir Well.

Essential Oil

Plants contain complex and powerful substances known as essential oils. These are aromatic liquids derived from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, herbs, and seeds. These distinctive components defend plants from insects, harsh environmental conditions, and disease 

Lavender Oil

Lavender Oil Uses: Acne, allergies, anxiety, asthma, athlete's foot, bruises, burns, chicken pox, colic, cuts, cystitis, depression, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, headache, hypertension, insect bites, insect repellant, itching, labor pains, migrane, oily skin, rheumatism, scabies, scars, sores

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon Oil Uses: Athlete's foot, chiliblains, colds, corns, dull skin, flu, oily skin, spots, varicose veins, warts.

Lime Essential Oil
Lime Oil Uses: Acne, asthma, chilblains, colds, dull skin, flu, varicose veins.

Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Sweet Orange Oil Uses: Colds, constipation, dull skin, flatulence, flatulence, flu, gums, mouth, slow digestion, stress.

Grapefruit Essential Oil

Grapefruit Oil Uses: Cellulitis, dull skin, toxin build-up, water retention.

Rose Essential Oil

Rose Oil Uses: Depression, eczema, frigidity, mature skin, menopause, stress

Jasmine Absolute
Jasmine Absolute Uses: Depression, dry skin, exhaustion, labor pains, sensitive skin.

Fennel Essential Oil
Fennel Oil Uses: Bruises, cellulites, flatulence, gums, halitosis, mouth, nausea, obesity, toxin build-up, water retention

Ginger Essential Oil

Ginger Oil Uses: Aching muscles, arthritis, nausea, poor circulation.

Nutmeg Essential Oil

Nutmeg Oil Uses: Arthritis, constipation, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, neralgia, poor circulation, rheumatism, slow digestion.

Essential Oils Blend for Thicker Hair
Thyme oil- 2 drops
Atlas cedarwood oil- 2drops
Lavender oil- 3 drops
Rosemary oil- 3 drops
Jojoba oil- ½ tsp
Grapeseed oil- tsp

Mix all the listed essential oils.Massage your scalp with this oil blend at night for about 2-3 minutes.Leave overnight.Wash off in the morning
Methods of Application
Direct Application
Direct application onto the skin is one of the easiest ways to use essential oils. It is also a highly effective method since essential oils can easily pass through the lipid membranes of cell walls. They are able to penetrate cells and disperse throughout the body within minutes. The bottom of the feet is a good place to apply oils directly because many nerve endings are found there and the pores of the skin are large in that area.
Carrier oils 

Carrier oils extend essential oils when they are applied to a large area. When massaging, the Carrier Oil
carrier oil helps lubricate the skin, as well. Some suggested carrier oils are:
· Almond
· Grapeseed (cold-pressed)
· Jojoba
· Olive
· Sesame
· Wheat germ
When applying essential oils to children, always use a carrier oil. Lavender oil does not require dilution as long as it is not lavandin or genetically-engineered lavender. Add 15-30 drops of essential oil to one ounce of a quality carrier oil and mix well.
Layering
Multiple oils can be applied, one at a time, using a technique called layering. For example, if marjoram is used on a sore muscle; it is massaged into the tissue until the area is dry. Then the next oil is applied - perhaps peppermint, until the oil is absorbed. Then the third oil, possibly basil, until the oil is absorbed.

Aromatherapy Methods of Application Table

METHOD	PROCEDURE	DOSAGE	BENEFITS
Massage	Use a massage couch and cover the patient with towels, exposing areas one at a time. Massage for up to 90 minutes	7-10 drops (1.5- 2%) in 25ml (1 fl oz) of carrier oil, for a complete massage (adult dose)	Benefits physical and psychological problems. Good for muscular fatigue and aching, nervous tension, and anxiety
Ointments and creams	These require a cream base, preferably made from cold-pressed vegetable oil. Apart from essential oil, one may add herbal oils such as calendula and hypericum, at 10-20%	5-20 drops (0.5-2%) in a 50g (2 oz) jar or tub	Higher dose of 2% may be applied to bruises, sprains, painful joints, and the chest and back for respiratory ailments. Lower dose of 0.5% is for sensitive or inflamed skin
Compress	Add essential oil to a bowl of either hot or cold water. Place a cloth on the water and wring out. Apply to affected area for 5 minutes. Repeat 2-4 times	3-5 drops in a 600mls (one pint) bowl of water	Hot compresses are suitable for cold conditions characterized by a fixed, cramping pain, worse in cold weather. Cold ones are for hot, swollen conditions, and pain of a "burning" nature
Steam Inhalation	Add essential oil to a bowl of boiled water. Draping a towel over the head, breathe in the steam for 1-2 minutes only. Repeat 2-4 times	2-3 drops in a 600mls (one pint) bowl of water	Effective for respiratory complaints, including: bronchial and sinus congestion; coughs and bronchitis; and sore throats, colds, and influenza
Bath	Add essential oil to very warm bath water, vigorously stirring in the drops to ensure full and safe dispersal. Allow time for a good, relaxing soak	4-6 drops (adult) 3-5 drops (13-16yrsS 2-4 drops (10-12yrs) 1-3 drops (7-9 yrs) 1-2 drops (4-6yrs) 1 drop (under 3yrs)	The ultimate way to relax. Especially beneficial for nervous tension and tired, sore muscles. For insomnia, bathe in oils such as lavender, orange, and chamomile before going to bed
Vaporization	Add essential oil to a burner (containing water), or a dish of water that can be safely warmed. Or use an electric nebuliser (without water)	5-20 drops in a burner or dish; 20-200 drops in a nebuliser	A burner is best employed for the psychotherapeutic purposes of mood enhancement and upliftment. A nebuliser is preferable for disinfecting the air and to improve breathing

Masala Lemon Tea

INGREDIENTS:
1. Cumin Seeds (zeera) - 1/2 teaspoon
2. Lemon -1
3. Tea Powder - 1/4 teaspoon
4. Water - 2 cups
5. Sugar - to taste
PREPARATION:
1. Dry roast the cumin seeds till a nice smell emerges
2. Crush these seeds in a pestle to form a powder and keep aside
3. Extract the juice of the lemon and keep aside
4. Boil The water in a pan
5. When the water starts boiling, add the sugar, stir well and turn off
6. Add the lemon juice, crushed cumin (zeera) and tea powder and put a lid on the pan
7. Let it stand for 3 minutes, Strain the tea and serve hot
TIPS: For healthier option go for honey instead of sugar can be served chilled with ice to get iced lemon tea

 

Herbal Remedies for Glowing Skin

The following are some natural remedies to reduce skin tanning.
Potato: Slice the raw potato and place the slices on the face. This reduces the blemishes and other marks.
Orange: Dry the orange peel and mix it with yogurt. Apply the paste on the face and leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water. This reduces the scars and blemishes.
Turmeric Powder: Mix turmeric powder with lemon juice. Apply it on the face and leave it to dry. This removes the tan.
Oatmeal: Mix oatmeal, yogurt and tomato juice. Apply it on the face and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water. This remedy removes the tan and also lightens the skin.
OR: Mix oats with honey, yogurt and ground almonds. Apply this to your face, leave it for five minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
Gram Flour: Make a paste with 2 tablespoons of raw milk, 1 tablespoon of gram flour and 2 – 3 drops of lemon juice. Apply the paste and leave the mixture for 15 minutes. This is an excellent remedy for lightening the dark skin. Repeat the same for 4 weeks and then follow up with once in a week.
Chocolate Mask :Try chocolate mask to make your skin smooth. Take 1/3 cup cocoa, 3 tsp of heavy cream, 1/3 cup ripe papaya, ¼ cup honey and 3 tsp of oatmeal powder. Mix them together. Smooth on your face. After 10 minutes, wash your face with warm water.
Massage For a glowing skin : heat 4 tbsp of almond oil, 2 tbsp each of lanolin, petroleum jelly and extra virgin olive oil. Blend all these ingredients and massage into your skin
Egg White : A facemask of egg white and honey gently removes the tan from your face. 
Dry Skin : Mix honey, lemon and vegetable oil for a great home made moisturizer for your dry skin. Apply this concoction for 10 minutes.
Dark Circles Under The Eyes : dip cotton pads in chilled mixture of cucumber and potato juice. Keep this on your eyelids for 15 to 20 minutes and gently wash it off.

Smelly Feet : Vinegar can work wonders for smelly feet and armpits. Mix water and vinegar 50/50, and use in place of deodorant: it will keep the unpleasant sweat smell away, without any irritation.

.

.Betel Leaf Snack ( Paan k Pattay )

Betel leaves are commonly used to make Paan There are so many health benefits of betel leaf including boosting digestion power and curing diabetes. Here's an easy and quick unique snack recipe prepared with betel leaf and gram flour (besan).
Ingredients
Betel leaves : As per requirement
Gram flour (Besan) : 1 cup
Corn flour : 1/2 cup
Baking powder : 1/2 tea spoon
Red chilly powder : 1/2 tea spoon
Salt as per taste
Oil for frying
Method
Mix gram flour, corn flour, red chilly powder, salt, baking powder together, make a thick batter by adding little water and stirring continuously.
Wash betel leaves and keep aside
Heat oil in a deep bottomed pan or wok
Hold betel leaf by the stem and dip it in the gram flour batter gently drop in the oil in wok.
Fry both sides on slow flame till the bhajji turns into golden color
Serve hot with chutney or sauce. 

Health Benefits
Betel leaves contain many health benefits, curative and healing properties. It contains vitamins such as vitamin C, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin and carotene. It is also a good source of calcium.

An analysis of a betel leaf shows that it contains 85.4% of moisture, 6.1% of carbohydrates, 3.1% of protein, 0.8% fat, 2.3% minerals and 2.3% fibre per 100 grams. Recent studies have found that betel leaves contains an essential oil that contains a phenol called as chavicol that has potential antiseptic properties.

+Local application of the leaves benefits in the treatment of inflammations such as orchitis and arthritis.
+Betel leaves soaked in mustard oil, slightly warmed and applied on the chest relieves cough and breathing difficulty in children.
+A hot poultice of betel leaves or juice mixed with refined coconut oil when applied on the loins benefits lumbago ( lower back pain).
+Local application of betel leaves relieves sore throat.

+Juice of betel leaves dropped in the ear relieves ear aches.
+Leaves are useful in healing of wounds. Apply the extracted juice of some leaves on the affected part. Then wrap the betel leaf over the wound and bandage it. The wound will heal within 2 days with the help of single application.

+Helpful in treating nervous exhaustion as well as debility

Health Benefits of Betel Leaves

O Acne
To treat acne, please take 8-10 pieces of betel leaf. Clean and wash can be made with kneaded or crushed rough, and brewed with hot water and use a hot water infusion of the leaves of the betel had to wash their faces. Do 2-3 times a day.

O Leucorrhea
Please take the 10-15 had betel leaves provide enough aroma and a distinctive color. Boil the betel leaf that has been washed out last with 2-3 liter water. And use of water decoction of betel leaf that is still warm to wash Miss V (Female Genitalia).

O Coughs
To treat a cough similar to prescription to treat cancer is to boil 10-15 the betel leaf and let the cold water and mix the stew that can with honey or sugar to drink.

O Burns
It's easy, just take a few betel leaves, wash and wring the water. Add a bit of honey and apply the liquid last kedapam the burning skin.

Benefits of Betel with the Recipes:

O Cough:
5 pieces of betel leaf
Cloves, cardamom, cubeb, each of 11 seeds
Cinnamon 1 Stick
Method:
All the material after being washed, boiled with 2 cups of water up to 1 ½ cups water to live. Lift and strain.
Drinking rules:
Children age 1 s.d. 3 years 3 times a day 1 tablespoon.
Children age 4 s.d. 5 years 3 times a day 3 tablespoons
Children age 6 s.d. 11 years 3 times a day 5 tablespoons
Adult 3 times a day

Measurement Equivalents

Volume (Dry) American Standard Metric 1/8 teaspoon .5 ml 1/4 teaspoon 1 ml 1/2 teaspoon 2 ml 3/4 teaspoon 4 ml 1 teaspoon 5 ml 1 tablespoon 15 ml 1/4 cup 59 ml 1/3 cup 79 ml 1/2 cup 118 ml 2/3 cup 158 ml 3/4 cup 177 ml 1 cup 225 ml  2 cups or 1 pint 450 ml 3 cups 675 ml 4 cups or 1 quart 1 liter 1/2 gallon 2 liters 1 gallon 4 liters Volume (Liquid)  American Standard   (Cups & Quarts ) American Standard (Ounces) Metric (Milliliters & Liters) 2 tbsp  1 fl. oz. 30 ml 1/4 cup 2 fl. oz. 60 ml 1/2 cup 4 fl. oz. 125 ml 1 cup 8 fl. oz.  250 ml 1 1/2 cups 12 fl. oz. 375 ml 2 cups or 1 pint 16 fl. oz. 500 ml 4 cups or 1 quart 32 fl. oz. 1000 ml or 1 liter 1 gallon 128 fl. oz. 4 liters

Oven Temperatures  American Standard Metric 250° F 130° C 300° F 150° C 350° F 180° C 400° F 200° C 450° F 230° C Weight (Mass) American Standard  (Ounces) Metric (Grams) 1/2 ounce 15 grams 1 ounce 30 grams 3 ounces 85 grams  3.75 ounces 100 grams 4 ounces 115 grams 8 ounces 225 grams 12 ounces 340 grams 16 ounces or 1 pound 450 grams Dry Measure Equivalents  3 teaspoons  1 tablespoon  1/2 ounce  14.3 grams  2 tablespoons 1/8 cup  1 ounce  28.3 grams  4 tablespoons  1/4 cup  2 ounces  56.7 grams  5 1/3 tablespoons  1/3 cup  2.6 ounces  75.6 grams  8 tablespoons  1/2 cup  4 ounces  113.4 grams  12 tablespoons  3/4 cup  6 ounces  .375 pound  32 tablespoons  2 cups  16 ounces  1 pound

British and American Variances Term Abbreviation Nationality Dry or liquid Metric equivalent Equivalent in context cup c., C. usually liquid 237 milliliters 16 tablespoons or 8 ounces ounce fl oz, fl. oz. American liquid only 29.57 milliliters British either 28.41 milliliters gallon gal. American liquid only 3.785 liters 4 quarts British either 4.546 liters 4 quarts inch in, in. 2.54 centimeters ounce oz, oz. American dry 28.35 grams 1/16 pound liquid see OUNCE see OUNCE pint p., pt. American liquid 0.473 liter 1/8 gallon or 16 ounces dry 0.551 liter 1/2 quart British either 0.568 liter pound lb. dry 453.592 grams 16 ounces quart q., qt, qt. American liquid 0.946 liter 1/4 gallon or 32 ounces dry 1.101 liters 2 pints British either 1.136 liters teaspoon t., tsp., tsp either about 5 milliliters 1/3 tablespoon tablespoon T., tbs., tbsp. either about 15 milliliters 3 teaspoons or 1/2 ounce