Henna Hair Coloring

Traditionally henna has been used for coloring hair for centuries in the Middle East and in India. Using henna for the hair is part of the normal beauty regime in these countries. Henna while coloring the hair conditions it as well. Henna is considered a very good natural conditioner for the hair. Henna strengthens the hair. It has anti fungal properties that help in the reduction of dandruff. Once you use henna on your hair it is easier to detangle and your hair is more manageable. Henna is a natural dye and henna dyes your hair a beautiful and natural red.Henna is natural and therefore does not dye your hair like synthetic dyes. Henna coats the hair with a transparent red coloring. As you repeatedly apply henna on your hair, the color of your hair will get deeper. Henna cannot and does not lighten hair. On dark hair henna provides red and reddish highlights. When henna is applied on black or dark brown hair, the hair will be dyed auburn to burgundy with red highlights that will be visible in the sunlight. Henna will dye blond hair a natural red. Henna on red hair will make the hair a deeper red. Henna will dye white hair a natural red or a deep red. An advantage of using henna is that it is natural and therefore conditions and colors your hair in a natural and safe manner. Another great thing about using henna is that you can make a paste to suit your hair type. Some people who are concerned about their hair becoming dry add special essential oils to their henna paste. People add floral water, eggs and other natural dyes to their pastes in order to create the perfect paste.

My favourite indian actress-SriDevi

Ever wondered how 'Atiloka Sundari' Sridevi looks so slim and stunning despite being 40-plus woman? Okay, here is the secret behind her charms: She always takes simple 'south Indian Thali'. No, not the type of KAMAT HOTEL Thali. "I always take light food. Particularly home made Andhra food," revealed Sridevi. That food consists of two cups of rice, Pappu (Lentils), Avakaya and curds. And lots of fruit juice. She said that even while she was doing full of Hindi films in Mumbai, she had always taken light food, Andhra style.Though she has recently learnt the recipe of Hyderabad Biryani from her colleague Tabu, she hardly touches it. Says she: "I love that biryani but I am diet conscious. So only once in a while, I eat H.B."

South Indian cuisine is rice based. Rice is combined with lentils to make wonderful dosas, idlis, vadas and uttapams. These items are glorious and delicious besides being nourishing and digestible (due to the fermenting process). They are combined with sambhar (dal), rasam (tamarind dal), dry and curried vegetable and pachadi (yogurt). Their rice preparations are also masterpieces like biryani from Hyderabad, lemon rice and rice seasoned with coconut peanuts, tamarind, chilies, curry leaves, urad dal and fenugreek seeds.
South Indian chutneys are made of tamarind, coconut, peanuts, dal, fenugreek seeds, and cilantro. Meals are followed by coffee. South Indian dals and curries are more soupy than North Indian dals and curries. South Indian cuisine is also hotter. Coconut milk straight from the nut is a common beverage and sight in South India. Coffee is very popular in South India and Madras coffee is popular in South Indian restaurants throughout the world. The South Indian food is a brilliant blend of flavors, colors, seasoning, nutritional balance, fragrance, taste, and visual appeal..Explains why SriDevi maintains her looks...

Indian treatments are simply better!

It is a well known fact that Indian beauty treatments are often a lot better for you than ordinary treatments. So why is this? Well it is because most of their treatments are natural.

Natural Indian Beauty Treatments
Most of the beauty treatments used today in India has been passed down from generation to generation. The treatments consist if things which were found in the kitchen such as milk, curd, and gram flours. Other items came from the garden such as hibiscus leaves, henna and fruits. We may only just be buying into natural products such as organic food, and organic beauty treatments, but the Indians have known about the health benefits and the beauty benefits of these products for a long time. So it is only natural that Indian treatments are fast becoming more and more popular as time goes on. Below you will find some of the most popular Indian treatments.

Threading
Threading is an old, centuries old in fact, treatment which is used to remove body hair. As it is a 100% natural treatment, it makes it ideal for sensitive skin, which is great news for anybody who finds hair removal creams and foams too harsh for their skin.It works by removing individual rows of hair with a 'thread' which successfully pulls out the hair by the follicles. The technique is definitely a lot better for the skin than waxing, razors and tweezing around the eyebrow area. Razors and tweezers can cut the skin and cause irritation, whilst waxing can burn, peel and actually scar the skin. Threading is extremely gentle, precise and it has the power to even remove in growing hairs. Overall this treatment is growing in popularity, especially in America.
Sugaring
Many people have heard of sugaring, but how many of us have actually tried it? Again, it is a natural treatment used to get rid of any unwanted body hair. The main ingredients within this treatment are lemon and sugar. Lemon is widely known for its cleansing ability and sugar is a natural exfoliator which will effectively remove any dead skin cells.Whilst it may not be completely pain free, people who have tried it say that it is definitely more pain free than waxing. Any redness which the treatment leaves, also clear up very quickly and as there are no chemicals in this treatment whatsoever, it makes it ideal for use on sensitive skin.
Henna
Henna has been used by Indian women for years now. Usually used to temporarily tattoo the hands for special occasions, it can also be used to dye the hair. It is an excellent alternative for pregnant women who still want to dye their hair but are worried about chemicals. It will only turn the hair reddish brown however, it does not come in all different colors!
Turmeric
Turmeric is a yellow spice used in Indian cooking. However, due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, it has been used in many beauty treatments. Many people use it to correct Hyperpigmentation and to soften their skin. Some Indian brides like to use it to prepare their bodies for their wedding day as it usually leaves skin looking even toned, soft and supple.It really is no wonder Indian beauty treatments are becoming more wide spread. They are natural, they work, and most of them are pain free. You really could not ask for a better beauty treatment! Those treatments mentioned are only a few of what is on offer, and no doubt we will be seeing many more popping up in the next year or two.We are only just starting to realize what Indian women have known all along - Natural products are better for the skin!

vitamins in natural food

Indian mothers are famous for force feeding vitamins down their children throats!I love all mothers!However, I am a total believer in natural products and natural vitamins.Somehow I'm not convinced that god intended man to take all that vitamins.We are what we eat.If the food we eat is rich in vitamins, we will be healthier, feel less tired, more energetic and simply be able to achieve more.Also, Indian ladies take care of their beauty simply by eating food rich in vitamins. All the expensive miracle lotions cannot do anything for ones beauty if one is consuming unhealthy food excessively. What we eat has a profound effect on our outward appearance as well as on our physical well-being. An ideal diet should provide adequate quantities of all the nutrients essential to health and beauty. And don't forget to nourish your mind! The nutrients which are of particular importance for beauty and their main sources are briefly examined here.
Vitamin A is essential for healthy hair and eyes. It is also important in the prevention and clearing of infections of the skin. Vitamin A counteracts dry skin, dandruff and wrinkle formation. It is needed for healthy blood circulation which gives a glow to the skin. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to eruptions or dry, coarse, wrinkled skin; dull and dry hair or dandruff; ridging or peeling fingernails; pimples or acne and visual fatigue.
Natural Sources of vitamin A are Cod liver oil , Dairy products , Eggs , Carrots , Green leafy vegetables , Tomatoes , Papaya , Melon
B vitamins are vital for clear, luminous skin, youthful looks and for delaying graying of hair. They are essential for healthy skin, hair, and eyes. Studies show that 40 percent of dermatitis sufferers lack B vitamins. B vitamins also counteract stress, which has adverse effects on one's appearance. A deficiency of B complex vitamins can lead to: Greasy hair Dandruff Dry skin Scaly lips Redness and irritation Premature wrinkles Poor hair growth Grey hair Inflamed fissures at the angles of the nose and mouth. Natural Sources of vitamin B are whole grain cereals, wheat , Pulses , Nuts , Green leafy vegetables , Molasses , Meat , Liver , Brewer's yeast .
Vitamin C, in conjunction with protein, is necessary for the production of collagen-the glue that holds us and our skin together and circumvents sags or wrinkles. It regulates sebaceous glands to keep skin from drying out; helps prevent facial lines, wrinkles and spider veins; hair tangling or breaking. Vitamin C is essential for the health of the hair, eyes and teeth, resistance to infection, healing of wounds and firm skin tissues. Combined with bioflavinoids, vitamin C Prevents the pigment clumping that the sun turns into age spots Strengthens capillaries to avoid easy bruising or the tiny hemorrhages that become spider veins. Helps the oil-secreting glands function property to keep the skin from drying out. Prevents bleeding of the gums.
Natural Sources of vitamin C are green vegetables, broccoli, cabbage, green peppers, raw leafy greens, tomatoes Fresh fruits, like lemon, orange and grapefruit, cantaloupe, kiwi, strawberries Potatoes , Black currants, blackberries, buckwheat, cherries, and grape are rich sources of flavonoids
Vitamin D is essential for healthy teeth, bones and nails as well as for the assimilation of calcium and phosphorus. It promotes healthy eyes, skin and teeth. Deficiency of Vitamin D can lead to dental decay.
Natural Sources of vitamin D are rays of the sun, Milk , Beef liver , Salmon , Tuna , Butter , Sprouted seeds , Synthetic Vitamin D is manufactured from fish liver oils . Vitamin E helps form muscles and tissues to prevent wrinkles and premature aging of the skin. It helps prevent dry, dull skin, age spots, falling hair and dandruff. It improves circulation and healing of scars. Research has shown that large doses of vitamin E double healthy cell reproduction to slow the aging process and forestall premature wrinkling. Caution: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid, check with your physician before taking supplemental E.
Natural Sources of vitamin E are whole wheat bread , Whole grains , Wheat germ , Milk , Raw or spouted seeds , Asparagus , Broccoli , Brussels sprouts , Butter, Egg yolks , Leafy greens , Liver , Olives , Soybeans , Sunflower seeds , Nuts , Vegetable oils .

Herbal Beauty Tips

External impurities and internal toxins are the worst enemies of our body and skin and herbal beauty products and detoxification remedies help us not only to get rid of them but also provide additional nutrients to the body.Healthy person looks naturally beautiful. Green tea, calendula, linden, chamomile and rosemary are some of the natural herbal products that work quite well as sunscreens and skin revitalizers.

Choose lip balms with Aloe Vera for they soothe cracked and dry lips and get rid of painful cold sores and fever blisters. Other herbal lip balms can include Apricot, Bee Propolis, Beeswax, Camphor, Castor Oil, Golden Seal, Icelandis Moss, Jojoba Oil, Menthol and/or Squalane. Products that use animal testing should be strictly avoided. Use only cruelty-free products. Herbal products are the safest bet in this category. Herbal shampoos and conditioners are gentle, organic, environmental-friendly, safe and are made from herbal extracts.They have ingredients like Aloe Vera, Burdock, Chamomile, Coconut Oil, Comfrey, Jojoba Oil, Marshmallow, Rose Hips, Rosemary and/or Sage. They are effective in treating dry and damaged hair, cleanse and nourish the scalp and hair and prevent dandruff. Natural botanical moisturizers with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and humectants have herbal extracts of Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Jojoba Oil and are usually free of color and artificial fragrance.

Do-It-Yourself Moisturizing Treatment
A face pack (the Indian version of a face masque) is also used weekly to keep the skin glowing, firm and nourished. Here is a simple face pack you can create at home to start you on a more natural approach to skincare:

1. Ingredients:
· ¼ banana
· 1 egg yolk
· 1 tablespoon of honey
· 1 tablespoon of powdered milk

2. Directions:
· Use a blender to mix ingredients into a pulp.
· With your fingertips, apply the mixture to freshly cleansed skin, avoiding the eye area.
· Wait 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
· Towel dry face gently.

Benefits of Aromatheraphy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.Essential oils which are the pure "essence" of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits . My article will focus on the benefits of Indian based aromatherapy.
Rose petals were considered the secret of Empress Noor jahan's beauty. She is the wife of Saah jahaan, the king who built the Taj Mahal as a symbol of love for his wife. These oils can be dropped on a bowl of hot water and infused or even used as part of a homemade facial massage.
It is especially helpful where an emotional disturbance is linked to female sexuality. It carries with it distinct feminine qualities. It has a powerful effect on the uterus, as it helps to cleanse, purify, and regulate and may help with uterine muscle tone. It can be used to regulate the menstrual cycle and help to reduce excess loss.

Rose has long been known as an aphrodisiac, the Romans used to scatter rose petals on the bridal bed, and this custom has degenerated into paper rose petals at weddings. It is also a very good skin care oil, especially valuable for dry, sensitive or aging skin. On an emotional level, Rose is a gentle antidepressant and may help with post-natal depression or the depression that may follow the break up of a relationship. It is also good for skincare (cell regenerator), most especially for dry, sensitive or aging skins. It is a natural astringent and has antiseptic properties.I always use rose scents on dates as it makes me smell more feminine and it's aphrodisiac values have never failed me!
Another favorite of mine is basil. Considered one of the sacred herbs of India, dedicated to Krishna and Vishnu, Ancient Greeks called it the King of herbs. Egyptians offered it to their Gods, and used it in embalming fluids. It is used for concentration, strength, fatigue and stress. It is also beneficial for nervous disorders like weakness, indecision and hysteria.It may also be used to relieve sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, influenza, fever and whooping cough.I always prefer traditional methods of healing to modern medicine as it is less of a shock to the system and natural therapies in the long wrong keep you young and healthy.
Chamomile is also popularly used nowadays.It has wonderful anti-inflammatory and soothing properties making this oil an excellent one for all manner of skincare. It is helpful in treating acne, dermatitis, and eczema as well as inflamed and sensitive skins. For internal inflammation, Chamomile is very useful for arthritis and inflamed joints as well as inflamed conditions of the digestive tract (colitis, gastritis and diarrhea) due to the fact that tension and anxiety are often the cause of these conditions and Chamomile is very calming on an emotional level. It has also been used in the treatment of depression.On days when I am under a lot of stress at work, a few whiffs of this at the work place or home uplifts my mood immediately.
I will also like to mention the grapefruit or as I refer to it as the happy oil. Grapefruit essential oil is valued for its ability to help with fluid retention and cellulite. It is a diuretic, detoxified and lymphatic stimulant (good when used in a massage oil with geranium for these conditions!) It has been used in post exercise massage oils for its ability to help break up lactic acid from the muscles (thereby helping to relieve muscle pain and stiffness). As it has the ability to control bodily secretions, it is great for use on oily and acne skin, as it has a tonic effect. This essential oil's most important use, however, seems to be its antidepressant capabilities. It is a "happy" oil that is non-sedating with uplifting powers. Those with S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) have noticed good results when grapefruit essential oil was used. You can try giving it to your boss when he is in a bad mood!
Every aromatherapy article deserves a mention on the lavender. Lavender has the wonderful ability to help restore balance to unbalanced states, within the mind or the body. Once balance has been achieved, proper healing can then occur. The analgesic, antiseptic and antibiotic properties of lavender make it great when treating colds, the flu and coughs with the best way of using it for these conditions being inhalation through steam.Steam is a great anti-viral treatment alone, but when combined with the lavender you get soothing, decongestant, and destruction of bacteria, which may be responsible for further infections. It is also a wonderful sedative, making it great for use before bedtime, as this will help aid in sleep. When massaged into the temples, lavender may help to relieve headaches. For muscular pain, this oil is excellent, especially when blended with Rosemary or Marjoram, as the properties of Lavender improve when mixed with another oil (it also improves the properties of the oil its mixed with!). During labor, Lavender will both reduce pain and strengthen contractions (best massaged into the lower back), helping to speed labor. For skin conditions and general care, Lavender is an excellent oil. For treating acne, it is one of the most useful oils, as it inhibits the growth of bacteria which cause the infection, while working to heal the damage that has already been done. Some essential oils work well to help stimulate the growth of healthy cells (Lavender, Neroli and Tea tree), so using any of these oils in a regular skincare regime would be conducive to great skin! As an insect repellent, it will help protect clothes, sheets and towels (soak a cotton ball and place in your linen cupboard), as well as your skin when applied in a spray or body lotion. If you should forget to use something before you go outside and manage to get bitten, Lavender will help take the sting out of the bite, help to stop it from becoming infected, and work to help it heal faster. One of the few oils that may be used on the skin neat, no home should be without one!

The Seven habits of Highly Effective People

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People provide a holistic, integrated approach to personaland interpersonal effectiveness. Habits are patterns of behavior that involve three overlappingcomponents: knowledge, attitude, and skill. These three components are learned rather thaninherited. We are not our current habits. We can make or break our habits.
The Seven Habits are an orderly sequence of growth, moving from Private to Public Victory. Habits 1, 2, and 3 lead to Private Victories--the victories that allow us to achieve self-masteryand dominion over self. If you need the complete ebook! Just Email me at nermala.sandy@yahoo.com.sg.

· In Habit 1: Be Proactive, we recognize that we are free to choose.

· In Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind, we identify our personal mission and goals.

· In Habit 3: Put First Things First, we act on our priorities.

Habits 4, 5, and 6 lead to Public Victories--the victories that allow us to achieve success withother people.

· In Habit 4: Think Win-Win, we look for alternatives that allow everyone to win.

· Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood is both an attitude and a skill of listening deeply for complete understanding.

· In Habit 6: Synergize, we discover a creativity that people can experience when they explore their differences together.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw is the habit that calls the others forth. It is comprised of simple daily activities that implant the principles of effectiveness in our minds.The habits form a continuum because the Private Victory must come before the Public Victory.Until we have developed self-mastery, it is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve success withother people. Taken together, the Seven Habits cultivate personal character, which is the foundation of effectiveness.

BEAUTY TIPS-BEAUTY FOOD

I am giving away another ebook on beauty tips.Drop me an email at nermala.sandy@yahoo.com.sg for your copy. Hope you like what you read!

What To Eat Each Day For Looks And Health

Apple Cider Vinegar Beside having amazing healing properties, apple cider vinegar keeps skin supple. It's heavy concentration of enzymes helps peel off dead skin cells. It breaks down fat and helps food digest properly.

Carrots Maintain the outer layer of the skin to prevent premature aging. What you'll find in is the same as you'll get in Retin A.

Cheese To ensure a happy smile, add a slice or two of hard cheeese into your diet. Choose Swiss, cheddar, or gouda to block bacteria in the mouth and prevent cavities.

Citrus Fruits Hold the skin cells together by forming collagen. Collagen cannot be added to the skin topically, which is why fruits and fruit juices are such an important part of the daily diet.
Cranberries Keep urinary tract lining healthy.

Garlic Helps combat wrinkles and restores tissue.

Nonfat Yogurt High in calcium, which keeps your smile white and your teeth cavity-free.
Sweet Potatoes Vitamin A is known to be a remarkable anti-wrinkling agent. Sweet potatoes are full of this important vitamin. The pleasing results is clearer, smoother skin.

Tomatoes These "love apples" will keep you loving your skin. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Wheat Germ If you want to get rid of pimples quickly and efficiently, make sure to include two or three tablespoons a day in your diet. Add it to cereal, yogurt, and cottage cheese.
You should choose foods that you enjoy, of course, but you need to include the following:
Vegetables Three to five servings daily. Try to include one serving of raw, leafy greens.

Meat Have no more than three three ounce servings a day. Cut off all fat. Try to make two servings of turkey or chicken. One serving of fish a day is ideal.

Fruits Two to three servings daily. A 1/2 cup of chopped or sliced fruit is a serving. Fruit salad
Dairy At least two servings daily. A serving would be eight ounces of milk or yogurt.
Fats Salad dressing, cooking oil, butter, and mayonnaise should be limited to two servings a day.