REMOVING BLACKHEADS

REMOVING BLACKHEADS Home Remedies for REMOVING BLACKHEADS REMOVING BLACKHEADS The oil ducts lying at the base of the sebaceous glands get blocked with oil, the daily dust and grime of the environment, and result in blackheads. Some people try and remove them by pricking them with a needle, pin or tweezers. These are incorrect and unhygienic measures, and will only make the blackheads worse. Blackheads extraction is a professional job. Never pick at them, or try to remove them yourself. Not only will you damage skin tissue, but cause the skin to get infected, resulting in an acne condition. Causes of Blackheads. •Genetics. •Hormones. •Prescribed Medications. •Oil Based cosmetics. •Skin picking or squeezing. •Stress. •Physical irritation. •Humidity and Environmental pollutants. Symptoms of Blackheads. Blackheads are small, tallow-like plugs formed in the pores by the accumulation of dirt, oil, and bacteria. They are black, at the exposed end, because of oxidation rather than the presence of germs. They generally cause no itching or pain, but are unsightly. Natural home remedies for the removal of blackheads. •Regular washing of the skin and applying any of the cleansing packs suggested for pimples, e.g. the dried orange peel, tomato-puree and onion-seed packs will all help in cleansing the pores and softening the skin. Gentle yet firm pressure applied to the base of the blackhead with a clean cotton bud will extrude the grimy contents. Wash the face again with cold water and pat it dry. Helps to get rid of blackheads. •Make a paste of roasted & powdered pomegranate skin with fresh lime juice and apply over boils, pimple, blackheads and whiteheads. •Peel cucumber and place in blender. Blend until cucumber is of a pasty consistency, but not too watery. Take the mixture and apply as a face mask leaving it on face for 25 min's. This procedure not only clears the acne, blackheads but also cools down your face leaving you feeling refreshed. Helps to get rid blackheads. •Using a yoghurt-lentil mask twice a week will keep the skin clean and soft. •Apply a paste of fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves over the face every night for 10-15 minutes and washed with warm water. This will prevent pimples, blackheads, and wrinkles. •Mix Cornstarch With Vinegar, plaster on the area for 15-30 minutes; wash off with washcloth and warm water, this helps to get rid blackheads. •Make a paste of turmeric powder in mint juice. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water. •Warm a little honey and apply on the trouble spots. Wash off after 10-15 minutes. •Mix groundnut oil with an equal amount of fresh lime juice and apply on face. leave for 10-15 minutes and wash. It may be applied daily to prevent formation of blackheads and pimples. •A solution made out of one and a half cups of hot water and half a tablespoon of boric powder is an ideal concoction for blackheads, Saturate a face napkin in this hot solution and press on to the skin, repeat twice. Extract blackheads carefully with a blackhead remover and sterilized cotton wool. Pat on an astringent. Helps to get rid of blackheads. Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer. This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- __,_._,___ -

20 PAINKILLERS FOUND IN YOUR KITCHEN

20 PAINKILLERS FOUND IN YOUR KITCHEN 20 Painkillers found in your kitchen When Danish researchers asked achy people to jazz up their diets with ginger, it eased muscle and joint pain, swelling and stiffness for up to 63 percent of them within two months. Experts credit ginger’s potent compounds called gingerols, which prevent the production of pain-triggering hormones. The study-recommended dose: Add at least 1 teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger to meals daily. Cure a toothache with cloves Got a toothache and can’t get to the dentist? Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum inflammation for two hours straight, say UCLA researchers. Experts point to a natural compound in cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic. Bonus: Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks. Heal heartburn with cider vinegar Sip 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water before every meal, and experts say you could shut down painful bouts of heartburn in as little as 24 hours. “Cider vinegar is rich in malic and tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed the breakdown of fats and proteins so your stomach can empty quickly, before food washes up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn pain,� explains Joseph Brasco, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Center for Colon and Digestive Diseases in Huntsville, AL. Erase earaches with garlic Painful ear infections drive millions of Americans to doctors’ offices every year. To cure one fast, just place two drops of warm garlic oil into your aching ear twice daily for five days. This simple treatment can clear up ear infections faster than prescription meds, say experts at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Scientists say garlic’s active ingredients (germanium, selenium, and sulfur compounds) are naturally toxic to dozens of different pain-causing bacteria. To whip up your own garlic oil gently simmer three cloves of crushed garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes, strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks, suggests Teresa Graedon, Ph.D., co-author of the book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy. For an optimal experience, warm this mix slightly before using so the liquid will feel soothing in your ear canal. Chase away joint and headache pain with cherries Latest studies show that at least one in four women is struggling with arthritis, gout or chronic headaches. If you’re one of them, a daily bowl of cherries could ease your ache, without the stomach upset so often triggered by today’s painkillers, say researchers at East Lansing ’s Michigan State University . Their research reveals that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their brilliant red color, are anti-inflammatories 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin. “Anthocyanins help shut down the powerful enzymes that kick-start tissue inflammation, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many different kinds of pain,� explains Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor of food science at Michigan State University . His advice: Enjoy 20 cherries (fresh, frozen or dried) daily, then continue until your pain disappears. Fight tummy troubles with fish Indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases...if your belly always seems to be in an uproar, try munching 18 ounces of fish weekly to ease your misery. Repeated studies show that the fatty acids in fish, called EPA and DHA, can significantly reduce intestinal inflammation, cramping and belly pain and, in some cases, provide as much relief as corticosteroids and other prescription meds. “EPA and DHA are powerful, natural, side effect-free anti-inflammatories, that can dramatically improve the function of the entire gastrointestinal tract,� explains biological chemist Barry Sears, Ph.D., president of the Inflammation Research Foundation in Marblehead , MA . For best results, look for oily fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout and herring. Prevent PMS with yogurt Up to 80 percent of women will struggle with premenstrual syndrome and its uncomfortable symptoms, report Yale researchers. The reason: Their nervous systems are sensitive to the ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone that occur naturally every month. But snacking on 2 cups of yogurt a day can slash these symptoms by 48 percent, say researchers at New York ’s Columbia University . “Yogurt is rich in calcium, a mineral that naturally calms the nervous system, preventing painful symptoms even when hormones are in flux,� explains Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a professor of gynecology at Yale University . Tame chronic pain with turmeric Studies show turmeric, a popular East Indian spice, is actually three times more effective at easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, plus it can help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of people struggling with arthritis and even fibromyalgia, according to Cornell researchers. That’s because turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2, an enzyme that churns out a stream of pain-producing hormones, explains nutrition researcher Julian Whitaker, M.D. and author of the book, Reversing Diabetes. The study-recommended dose: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of this spice daily onto any rice, poultry, meat or vegetable dish. End endometrial pain with oats The ticket to soothing endometriosis pain could be a daily bowl of oatmeal. Endometriosis occurs when little bits of the uterine lining detach and grow outside of the uterus. Experts say these migrating cells can turn menstruation into a misery, causing so much inflammation that they trigger severe cramping during your period, plus a heavy ache that drags on all month long. Fortunately, scientists say opting for a diet rich in oats can help reduce endometrial pain for up to 60 percent of women within six months. That’s because oats don’t contain gluten, a trouble-making protein that triggers inflammation in many women, making endometriosis difficult to bear, explains Peter Green, M.D., professor of medicine at Colombia University . Soothe foot pain with salt Experts say at least six million Americans develop painful ingrown toenails each year. But regularly soaking ingrown nails in warm salt water baths can cure these painful infections within four days, say scientists at California ’s Stanford University . The salt in the mix naturally nixes inflammation, plus it’s anti-bacterial, so it quickly destroys the germs that cause swelling and pain. Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup of water, heat to the warmest temperature that you can comfortably stand, and then soak the affected foot area for 20 minutes twice daily, until your infection subsides. Prevent digestive upsets with pineapple Got gas? One cup of fresh pineapple daily can cut painful bloating within 72 hours, say researchers at California ’s Stanford University . That's because pineapple is natually packed with proteolytic enzymes, digestive aids that help speed the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine, say USDA researchers. Relax painful muscles with peppermint Suffering from tight, sore muscles? Stubborn knots can hang around for months if they aren’t properly treated, says naturopath Mark Stengler, N.D., author of the book, The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies. His advice: Three times each week, soak in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil. The warm water will relax your muscles, while the peppermint oil will naturally soothe your nerves -- a combo that can ease muscle cramping 25 percent more effectively than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half, says Stengler. Give your back some TLC with grapes Got an achy back? Grapes could be the ticket to a speedy recovery. Recent studies at Ohio State University suggest eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl). That’s great news because your back’s vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue, says Stengler. Wash away pain injuries with water Whether it’s your feet, your knees or your shoulders that are throbbing, experts at New York ’s Manhattan College , say you could kick-start your recovery in one week just by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Why? Experts say water dilutes, and then helps flush out, histamine, a pain-triggering compound produced by injured tissues. “Plus water is a key building block of the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones, your joints’ lubricating fluid, and the soft discs in your spine,� adds Susan M. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of the book, The Good Mood Diet. “And when these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide over each other without causing pain.� One caveat: Be sure to measure your drinking glasses to find out how large they really are before you start sipping, she says. Today’s juice glasses often hold more than 12 ounces, which means five servings could be enough to meet your daily goal. Heal sinus problems with horseradish Latest studies show sinusitis is the nation’s number one chronic health problem. And this condition doesn’t just spur congestion and facial pain, it also makes sufferers six times more likely to feel achy all-over. Horseradish to the rescue! According to German researchers, this eye-watering condiment naturally revs up blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping to open and drain clogged sinuses and heal sinus infections more quickly than decongestant sprays do. The study-recommended dose: One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own, or used as a sandwich or meat topping) until symptoms clear. Beat bladder infections with blueberries Eating 1 cup of blueberries daily, whether you opt for them fresh, frozen or in juice form, can cut your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTIs) by 60 percent, according to researchers at New Jersey’s Rutgers University. That's because blueberries are loaded with tannins, plant compounds that wrap around problem-causing bacteria in the bladder, so they can’t get a toehold and create an infection, explains Amy Howell, Ph.D. a scientist at Rutgers University . Heal mouth sores with honey Dab painful canker and cold sores with unpasteurized honey four times daily until these skin woes disappear, and they’ll heal 43 percent faster than if you use a prescription cream, say researchers at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the United Arab Emirates . Raw honey’s natural enzymes zap inflammation, destroy invading viruses and speed the healing of damaged tissues, say the study authors. Fight breast pain with flax In one recent study, adding 3 tablespoons of ground flax to their daily diet eased breast soreness for one in three women within 12 weeks. Scientists credit flax’s phytoestrogens, natural plant compounds that prevent the estrogen spikes that can trigger breast pain. More good news: You don’t have to be a master baker to sneak this healthy seed into your diet. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce or add it to smoothies and veggie dips. Cure migraines with coffee Prone to migraines? Try muscling-up your painkiller with a coffee chaser. Whatever over-the-counter pain med you prefer, researchers at the National Headache Foundation say washing it down with a strong 12- ounce cup of coffee will boost the effectiveness of your medication by 40 percent or more. Experts say caffeine stimulates the stomach lining to absorb painkillers more quickly and more effectively. Tame leg cramps with tomato juice At least one in five people regularly struggle with leg cramps. The culprit? Potassium deficiencies, which occur when this mineral is flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beverages or heavy perspiration during exercise. But sip 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomato juice daily and you'll not only speed your recovery, you'll reduce your risk of painful cramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days, say UCLA researchers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "

The Benefits of Singing: Harmonizing with the Universe

The act of singing is one of the easiest ways of raising the vibration of your body as you harmonize with the universe. Singing is an act of vibration. It takes music from the realm of the unformed-- whether that is in your mind or from that magical space of inspiration--and moves it from within to without. From the first breath singing moves the energy in a circular way inside your body. As the breath fills your lungs, it brushes against the second and third chakras—the centers of creation and honoring self and others. Instead of merely exhaling, pushing the air past the fourth and fifth chakras where heart charka and the center of will and intention reside, singing engages both the heart and mind. Sound vibrations from vocal chords resonate in the sinus cavities, filling the head with motion and sound while the brain lights up with the processing of the mathematics of music. This marriage of activities brings the third eye into play and opens the door for inspiration from the crown chakra before sending the sound out into the world. Once the vibration begins, it is sustained with each note, moving throughout your body and the space around you. This can help you to harmonize your frequency with the world and with the divine. The use of the voice can bring about catharsis, a cleansing from the expression of emotion, which is why we feel better after singing certain types of songs. All of this occurs even if we are not conscious of what we are singing, but when we really connect with an intention, the power of the voice and music together are powerful tools in creation. Even if you are not a singer by nature or talent, you are not left out. If you have a voice, it is your birthright to celebrate life with song. It doesn’t matter if you don’t feel you have a nice voice. Chanting or humming, singing solo or with others, your voice is yours to enjoy. Whether you sing along to the radio or use vocalization as part of your meditation time, singing and harmonizing are healing activities that bring your body’s vibrations into alignment with the universe.

GAINING WEIGHT

GAINING WEIGHT For every person, there is an ideal weight, depending on his/her height and sex, which describes him/her as healthy. A person who weighs 10 percent less than his/her ideal weight is considered moderately underweight. On the other hand, those who weigh 20 percent less than their ideal weight are termed as simply underweight. Being thin can be a hereditary condition or the result of a number of psychological as well as physical factors. To know more about the causes of being underweight, along with its symptoms, browse through the following lines. Causes For Underweight Poverty Famine Torture Anorexia nervosa Bulimia nervosa Cancer or cancer treatment Tuberculosis Hyperthyroidism Type 1 Diabetes Anxiety and depressive disorders Drug use, especially stimulants Inflammatory bowel disease Malfunctioning digestive organs Dental pain Over-training (endurance sports) HIV/AIDS Genetic factors Insufficient calorie intake Unhealthy eating habits, such as skipping meals and frequent fasting Metabolic disorders Presence of intestinal worms Sexual disorders Chronic diarrhea Inadequate digestion Heredity factors Loss of appetite Excessive exercising Symptoms Of Underweight Fatigue Poor physical stamina Low resistance to infection Low body weight Loss of menstruation The problem of being underweight has become a common phenomenon. It is a condition, when a person does not have an ideal weight, according to his/her height and sex. A person, who weighs almost 10 to 20 percent below the average, is termed underweight. Some of the causes for underweight problems are rise in the stress level, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, exposure to pollutants, lack of exercise, etc. Bad eating habits also add to the causes for the occurrence of the problem. Being underweight can also arise due to hereditary reasons. Apart from being skinny, a person starts facing a number of health problems. However, gaining weight is not as major problem and can be treated by indulging in the right kind of eating habit. In the following lines, we provide some of the ways to gain weight. Home Remedy For Gaining Weight The most effective and simple remedy to gain weight is to consume banana milk shake. It is a fast way to gain weight. Another effective way would be to have banana thrice a day. This should be followed with curd or milk. Muskmelon is beneficial in treating underweight problem. Have muskmelon three times a day as it helps in gaining weight. Another effective way to cure underweight problem would be to have fruit diet with milk. While fruits nourish the body with sugar, milk provides the proteins. An effective way to gain weight would be consume a glass of hot milk with a tablespoon of honey. Take a cup of milk and put some almonds, date palm and anjeer in it. Boil this milk and have it when warm. This is helpful in treating underweight problem. Mangoes are useful in gaining weight. Have a mango followed by a glass of milk. The other way would be to have a glass of mango milk shake every day for a month. Raisins are beneficial in solving underweight problems. Have 30 grams of raisins every day for about a month. This would surely cure underweight problems. Take 3-4 dry figs and immerse them in water. Keep them overnight. Have this twice a day to get cured of underweight problem. Combine equal amounts of pomegranate seed powder, white muesli powder and Indian ginseng root powder. Intake this mixture, twice a day for about a month, along with a glass of water or milk. Not only does it helps gain weight, but also tones up the body. Intake 100 to 150 grams of bran with fruits. The best deal would be to take it with papaya. It works as an excellent appetizer improving digestion and reducing constipation. Increase in the intake of fatty foods such as flour, rice honey, raisins, figs, dates, butter, germinated wheat, etc. Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer. This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BONE SPUR

BONE SPUR Medically known as osteophytes, bone spur can be described as the growth of an extra bone over the normal bone. Bone spur is mostly seen in people who are above the age of 60. It mostly occurs along the joints, especially those of the spine, feet, shoulders, hips, hands and knees. While bone spur is not painful, it causes problem when it rubs against the normal bone or nerves. The condition of bone spur is indicative of spine degeneration, as it is caused when the surface area of joint is damaged. The most common symptoms of bone spur are pain in the back, neck, shoulder, thighs, arms or legs. There are some factors that increase the possibility of the occurrence of bone spur, such as lack of proper nutrition, faulty lifestyle, accidents and sport injuries. However, it can be effectively treated using some home remedies. Read on to explore how to treat bone spur naturally. Bone spur is the name given to the extra bone that emerges out of a normal bone. Though this bony growth is usually smooth, it might cause pain or even abrasion, especially when pressed or rubbed against some other bone or soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons or nerves in the body. Spine, shoulders, hands, hips, knees, and feet are the most common places where a bone spur might occur. Bone spur is also known as osteophytes and might limit joint movement, causing immense pain. In the following lines, we have provided the causes and symptoms of bone spur. Causes Of Bone Spur Ageing Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) Plantar fasciitis Spondylosis Spinal stenosis Constant pressure, rubbing or stress in a particular area Physical instability Injury Arthritis and other diseases Osteomyelitis, a bone infection Charcot foot i.e. neuropathic breakdown of feet, primarily seen in diabetics Symptoms Of Bone Spur Back and neck pain Pain in shoulders Progressive weakness Pain in one or both arms and/or legs Numbness or tingling sensation Progressive bowel and bladder dysfunction, in some cases Pain while standing or walking Radiating pain into the shoulders (often including headaches) Home Remedy For Bone Spur To treat bone spur, the first step would be to lessen the inflammation. Applying an ice pack to the affected area would help reduce the swelling. Continue doing this 4 to 5 times a day. Another effective way to cure a person with bone spur would be to give him 500 to 1000 mg of curcumin (the yellow pigment of turmeric), 3 to 4 times a day, on an empty stomach. If there is pain, apply flaxseed hot pack to the affected area. Take a thick cloth and put heated flaxseed in it. Apply on the affected area and let it be there as long as it remains hot. Soak cheese cloth in warm linseed oil. Apply the cloth on the affected area. Cover it with plastic and keep a heating pad on the plastic covering for 2 hours. Indulging in alternate cold and hot water bath, for the affected area, would be effective in treating bone spur. Bathe the joints with chamomile tea. Take a cup of boiling water and steep 2-3 tsp fresh or dried chamomile flowers in it. Strain the decoction and cool it down. Use it to bathe the painful joints. Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer. This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

BE AWARE OF THE SIGH OF DEPRESSION

A devastating illness, affecting one in four women

and one in 10 men at some point in their lives

Black dog, the blues, down in the dumps, the vapours – whatever you call it,

it’s a rare human who doesn’t feel low from time to time. But occasional sad days

are a million miles from true depression.

Though many casually use the term “depressed� to describe their glum moments,

the condition is much more than simply feeling melancholy.

The fact is that depression is an illness, where sadness is persistent

and intense and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are accompanied

by debilitating physical effects.As Depression Alliance notes, these include

disturbed sleep, loss of energy and even physical aches and pains.

Contrary to what some may believe, “snapping out� of a true depression is impossible:

the only way to escape its clutches is to seek proper medical advice.

“Sometimes people may not realise how depressed they are, especially if they have

been feeling the same for a long time, if they have been trying to cope with their depression

by keeping themselves busy, or if their depressive symptoms are more physical than emotional,�

explains Depression Alliance.

“As a general rule, if you have experienced four or more of these symptoms,

for most of the day nearly every day, for over two weeks, then you should seek help.�

They include:

Tiredness and loss of energy

Persistent low mood or sadness

Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem

Feeling hopeless and helpless

Difficulty concentrating

Feeling tearful

Feeling guilt-ridden

Not being able to enjoy things that are usually pleasurable

Sleeping problems - difficulties in getting to sleep or waking

much earlier than usual.

Avoiding other people

Finding it hard to function at work/college/school

Loss of appetite

Loss of sex drive

Physical aches and pains

Thinking about suicide and death

Self-harm

The symptoms of depression can have a knock-on effect on daily life, with work suffering,

social contact falling away and increased difficulties in home and family life.

As the NHS Livewell site notes:

“Depression can come on gradually, so it can be difficult to notice something is wrong.�

Often it takes a friend or family member to suggest there may be a problem.

And while there is no single cause, it can be triggered by a host of different factors –

from bereavement to divorce, illness, job worries, money issues or a combination of things

that lead to a “downward spiral�.

There are some genetic factors, too, and hormonal changes, such as giving birth,

can lead to increased instances of depression.

But what can you do if it is blighting your life?

The key thing is to see a Doctor: while there may seem no way out of the mire,

the fact is that the sooner you seek help the sooner the depression will lift.

Treatments vary from simple exercise and talking therapies for milder depression,

to antidepressants or a combination of the above if symptoms are more severe.

As Patient UK points out: “Treatment takes time to work but has a good chance of success.�

There are also some simple self-help tips to follow that can stop depression from getting worse.

They include:

Don’t bottle things up – tell people close to you how you feel

Don’t despair – most people with depression recover

Try to distract yourself with simple things such as watching TV or listening to the radio –

especially if sleeping is a problem

Eat regularly and healthily even if your appetite is lacking

Try to take regular exercise in the open air, even if just a brisk walk

Don’t drink too much alcohol, which can make problems worse

Avoid making major decisions while depressed – for example quitting a job,

moving house or finishing a relationship. Seek treatment first

Tell your doctor if you feel you are getting worse, and particularly if

suicidal thoughts are troubling you.

Lucca Cafe's Brownies

Lucca Cafe's Brownies Brownies: 1/2 pound bittersweet chocolate, chopped 1/2 pound salted butter 5 eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons almond extract 1 1/2 tablespoons instant coffee 3 3/4 cups sugar 1 1/2 cups plus 2 1/2 tablespoons (7 ounces) flour 1 cup chopped walnut pieces Line 2 (9-inch) square baking pans with foil, and grease the foil. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. MethodIn a bowl set over a pot of simmering water, combine the bittersweet chocolate and butter, stirring frequently until melted and combined.Remove from heat and set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat the eggs, vanilla and almond extracts, coffee and sugar over high speed until combined and the mixture increases in volume (it will look almost like softened ice cream), 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the mixer. Beat in the melted chocolate and butter over low speed just until combined.Add the flour and nuts and stir just until incorporated. Pour the batter into the pans, dividing evenly between the 2 pans. Bake the brownies until barely set: A crust will form on top, and a toothpick inserted will be very gooey (though not wet like the batter), 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the brownies and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate the brownies (still in the pans) for at least 6 hours to chill and fully set. Ganache and Assembly: 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped 3/4 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons milk 7 1/2 tablespoons salted butter Prepared brownies 4 ounces white chocolate Place the bittersweet chocolate in a large bowl. In a large saucepan, combine the cream, milk and butter and bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat. Pour the mixture over the chocolate and stir until the chocolate is melted and combined with the cream mixture, forming a ganache. Remove the chilled brownies from the refrigerator, and invert the pans over a cooling rack set over a large rimmed baking sheet (the sheet will catch the excess ganache when it is poured over the brownies).Peel the foil liner away from the brownies. Pour the ganache over the brownies, making sure it covers the tops of both batches (do not worry about the sides, as these will be trimmed when the brownies are cut). Set the brownies aside to allow the ganache to cool and set. Melt the white chocolate (place it in a glass container and heat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds or so, until completely melted).Place the white chocolate in a piping bag, coronet or a sealable plastic bag (after the chocolate is added to the bag, trim one of the tips to the desired size to make a makeshift piping bag).Streak the brownies with the white chocolate, then set them aside to give the white chocolate time to harden. Trim the edges from the brownies, then cut the brownies into squares; each pan makes about 9 (3-inch) squares. Servings: 18 brownies Source: L.A. Times

Turkey Stew with Root Vegetables

 

 

One of my  favorite dishes to make in the winter is a hearty turkey stew with lots of root vegetables like rutabagas, turnips, and carrots. It's warming, filling, and a big batch will last all week for several meals of leftovers. It's also very easy on the budget, which is probably why we had it so much growing up. You make it with turkey thighs (or legs), which, in addition to being the tastier dark meat, you can usually get for $1.50 per pound or less. Slow cooking the turkey thighs bone-in, you get all of the healthy goodness and flavor from the bone marrow. Cooking them with skin on also coats the turkey with flavor. Turnips and rutabagas, which can be rather strong tasting, hold up beautifully with the also strong-tasting dark turkey meat.

Turkey Stew with Root Vegetables Recipe

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Save time by prepping the root vegetables during the first stage of the stew's oven cooking.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 lbs turkey thighs (preferred) or legs (skin on, bone in)
• 1 medium-large yellow onion, peeled and roughly chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 quart chicken, turkey, or vegetable stock (use gluten-free stock if cooking gluten-free)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled, 1/4 inch slices (about 1 1 /4 cups)
• 2-3 medium turnips, peeled, 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 medium rutabaga, peeled, halved, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
• 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 teaspoon herbes de provence*
• Freshly ground black pepper

*Herbes de Provence is a delightful French blend of herbs - Winter savory, thyme, basil, tarragon, and lavender flowers.

Method

1 Preheat oven to 300°F. Heat olive oil on medium high heat in a Dutch oven on the stove top. Wash and pat dry turkey pieces. Working in batches if necessary, brown turkey pieces, first skin side down, 2-3 minutes on each side. Sprinkle the thighs with a little salt as you brown them.

2 Once the thighs have browned, remove them from the pan and set them in a bowl. Add the onions and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes or so, until the onions are translucent and starting to brown at the edges.

3 Add 2 teaspoons of salt and half of the stock. Bring to a simmer, remove from the stove top and put in the oven, covered, for an hour and fifteen minutes.

4 After an hour and fifteen minutes, remove from oven and add the rest of the vegetables - carrots, turnips, rutabaga, and potatoes, the herbs, and the rest of the stock. Return to the oven, covered, and cook until tender, another 45 minutes or more.

5 Remove the turkey thighs from the stew and place in a bowl to cool. When cool enough to handle, strip the meat off the bones. Discard the bones and skin. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces (1 1/2-inches or so chunks) and return to the pot.

Season the stew to taste.

Yield: Serves 6 to 8.

5 Reasons to Pack Your Lunch

5 Reasons to Pack Your Lunch

Most schools are trying hard to upgrade their lunch programs and offer the best food they can. But not every school cafeteria provides appealing, healthy lunch choices. Educate yourself when it comes to what your cafeteria has to offer. For example, did you know chicken nuggets have more fat and calories than a plain burger?

Even if your school provides healthy options, it can be too easy to give in to temptation and pick a less healthy choice when you're feeling really hungry. How do you take control? Take a packed lunch to school!

Here are the top 5 reasons to pack your lunch — and snacks — at least twice a week:

1. Control. Do you ever wait in the lunch line only to find when you get to the front that you don't like what they're serving? So you reach for pizza again. A healthy packed lunch lets you avoid the lunch line (and any temptations). Bringing your own lunch also lets you control exactly what goes into the food you eat.

2. Variety. It doesn't hurt to cave in and enjoy the occasional serving of pizza and hot dogs. But if you're eating these foods all the time, your body probably feels ready for a change. A packed lunch a couple of times a week means you can enjoy some favorites that you might not find at every school — like a piping hot thermos of your mom's chicken soup; hummus and pita bread; or some crisp, farm-stand apples.

3. Energy. If you have a big game or activity after school, plan a lunch and snacks that combine lean proteins with carbohydrates to give you lasting energy and keep you going through the late afternoon. Some ideas: your own "trail" mix of dried fruit and nuts or sunflower seeds, whole-grain pretzels and low-fat cheese, or a bagful of baby carrots and yogurt dip.

4. Cold hard cash. Pack healthy snacks so you don't feel tempted to step off campus for a fast-food lunch, or hit the vending machine or corner store for chocolate and a soda! Put the money you save on such snacks aside.

5. That warm and fuzzy feeling. Remember when your mom or dad used to pack your lunch? Pack yourself a retro lunch featuring healthy versions of your old faves — such as PB&J on whole-wheat bread.

Whether you pack or eat in the cafeteria, what’s important is that you make healthy choices. If you're concerned that your cafeteria doesn't offer enough healthy choices, get involved in trying to make changes. Ask a teacher or someone in food service for advice on how to get started.

 

What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.

A GLASS OF WATER

A GLASS OF WATER
BEFORE EXAM BEATS ANXIETY




DRINKING A glass of water could help you do better in exams, researchers have
suggested. A new study found that students who took a drink, such as water,
coffee or cola, before taking an exam did up to 10 per cent better than those who did
not — the difference between a grade. It is unclear why a drink should
help, but one theory suggests that information flows more freely between brain cells
when they are well hydrated.

Researchers said that drinking water may also calm nerves, while those who
became thirsty during test time could be more easily distracted, the Daily Mail
reported. The study, which looked at hundreds of university students, compared
whether they took a drink into the exam with their final marks. The students’
overall academic ability was then factored in, to ensure that the results were not
skewed by the possibility that smarter students are also more thirsty.

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Spinach potato patties

Spinach potato patties



Ingredients

A bunch of spinach leaves
3 medium potatoes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Salt to taste
Oil to deep fry

Method

Boil the potatoes, peel the skin and mash them into a smooth paste.
Cook the spinach leaves until tender, mash into a fine paste with a fork.
In a bowl, mix the mashed potato and spinach well, add the flour and salt.
Mix them well and prepare just like chapati dough.
Make small balls out of the dough and flatten them with palm into the shape of patties.
Heat the oil in a pan.
When it is hot, add these patties one by one carefully.
Fry them for some time and take them away from the oil and spread on a paper towel.
Repeat this process for all the patties.
Transfer them into a serving plate.
Serve hot with the ketchup and peanut chutney.

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METHI KI POORI

[] Methi Ki Poori [Navraatri]

 

Ingredients -

■Atta – 2 cups
■Besan – 1 cup
■Methi (Fenugreek leaves) – 200 grms
■Oil – 1 tablespoon
■Cumin Seeds – ½ teaspoon
■Salt to taste
■Oil for frying

Preparation:
Wash and chop the fenugreek leaves, after that sieve both atta and besan together and add salt, cumin seeds and 1 tablespoon oil to it and knead to make a soft dough, keep adding little water to it till the dough is ready and does not stick to your hands. Keep the dough aside for 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a kadai and make small lemon size balls from the dough and roll to make small size pooris.Now put the rolled balls one by one in the kadai and turn the side till you see poori is done. Remove on paper napkin. Keep putting all the rolled balls same way into the kadai.
Your methi ki Poori is ready and can be served with aloo ki sabzi, chutney or even any veggie of your choice.

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RECEIPE PESAHA APPAM AND PESAHA PAALU

 

Pesaha Appam and Pesaha Paalu

Maundy Thursday- the Thursday before Good Friday is celebrated by Christians,with great significance. It was on this day,Jesus celebrated the Passover(Pesaha) with his 12 discipes,he washed his disciples feet and then shared the last meal before crucification with them ,which is named ‘Last Supper‘.During the meal,he also commanded his disciples to break and eat bread, and drink wine in his memory ,which is still followed by the christians throughout the world,and this is called Holy Eucharist or Mass.On this day,the priests in catholic churches carry out a ceremonial washing of the feet of 12 men,following the Christ’s act.

In Kerala, catholic Christians follows another tradition of Pesaha Appam (unleavened bread) and Pesaha Paalu in their houses,the whole family gathers in the dining hall,and the head of the family cuts the appam into pieces,dips in the prepared Pesaha paalu and then gives to other members,starting from the oldest.In my family,we never prepares this Pesaha appam on any other occasion,other than on Holy Thursday.


PESAHA APPAM APPAM

Ingredients



Roasted rice Flour – 2 and 1/2 cup
Urad dal (Uzhunnu)- 1/4 cup
Grated coconut – 1 cup
Cumin seeds(Jeerakam) – 1/2 tsp
Garlic pods (Veluthulli alli)- 3
Shallots (Kunjulli)- 10
Salt – to taste

Preparation

Make a cross of the Palm leaf you get from church on Palm Sunday,and place it on top of the batter. Steam cook it until done,you can use an idli cooker for steaming.Remove it from the banana leaf and serve with Pesaha paalu.
You can also prepare it without banana leaf,just pour it into a greased plate and steam.


PESAHA PAALU





Ingredients

Jaggery (Sharkkara)- 1/2 kg
Coconut milk thin (Randam paalu)- 2 cup
Coconut milk thick (Onnam paalu)- 1 cup
Raw rice – 1/2 cup (Rosematta rice (Kuthari) / Parboiled rice is the best)
Dry Ginger(Chukku) – a small piece
Cumin seeds(Jeerakam) – 1/2 tsp
Cardamom (Elakka)-2

Method

Break the jaggery into small pieces,add 1 and 1/2 cup water into it and boil it slowly until it is completely melted.Drain it,and discard any soiled particles in the jaggery.Dry roast the raw rice till it crackle,and turn brown in color.

Grind together roasted rice,ginger,cumin seeds and cardamom into a fine powder and mix it with the thick coconut milk and keep it aside.

Add thin coconut milk into the jaggery syrup and let it come to a slow boil.Now add the ground spices mixed in thick coconut milk into the jaggery and allow it to boil again.

Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.Remove from the heat.

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Red Lobster Grilled Salmon with Vinaigrette & Asparagus

 Red Lobster Grilled Salmon with Vinaigrette & Asparagus

4 eight- to ten-ounce pieces of fresh salmon fillets, skinless

1/2 cup canola oil McCormick's Season All

1 lb. fresh asparagus spears, medium size Sun-dried tomato basil vinaigrette (recipe below)

4 portions of your favorite savory rice recipe (Red Lobster suggests a wild/white rice blend) Grilled Salmon:

Lightly brush both sides of fillets with oil and season with McCormick's Season All.

Pre-heat grill to medium-high heat and grill fish for 4-5 minutes until well marked.

Turn fish over and continue grilling another 5-6 minutes or until your fresh fish preference is reached.

Grilled Asparagus:

Measuring from the tip, cut stems off about 5 inches down. Discard stems.

Toss asparagus in 3 tbsp. oil;

add salt and pepper to taste.

Grill asparagus for about 1 minute, then roll and grill another minute or until tender.

To Serve: Place a heaping portion of rice on the center on a large dinner plate.

Place fish leaning on half of the rice.

Place asparagus next to fish and rice.

Pick two pieces of asparagus and criss-cross over fish. Spoon two ounces of warm vinaigrette over fish. Serve with a lemon wedge.

Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Vinaigrette: (Yield: 8 ounces)

6 ounces canola oil

2 ounces red wine vinegar

2 ounces sun-dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil 2 tbsp. red onion, diced

1 tsp. fresh garlic, minced Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, mix canola oil, red wine vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, red onions and garlic. Using a wire whip, mix ingredients until incorporated.

Whip in salt and pepper to taste and warm slightly.

Makes 4 Servings

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SWEET MANGO LASSI RECIPES

 | Sweet Mango Lassi Recipes \

    FROM:

• S DEVIKA RANI

A sweet mango yogurt drink.

Preparation Time : 5 mins

Cooking Time : 5 mins

Servings : 4

INGREDIENTS

Mango : 1

Yogurt : 1 cup

Sugar : 1 tablespoon

Green cardamom powder : a pinch

Saffron (kesar) : 2-3 strands

METHOD

Wash, peel, remove seed from mango and make a puree of its flesh in a mixer. Transfer into a bowl.In the same mixer blend yogurt, sugar and ice cubes for a minute. Add mango puree and blend for half a minute on minimum speed. Garnish with saffron strands and serve chilled.

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