Hibiscus Tea and its health benefits. If you are tired of regular Green and Black tea, then Switch to Hibiscus Tea. In this post, learn everything about it and how to prepare this exotic tea that is loaded with health benefits.
Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
There was a time when a was a coffee addict, I was so addicted to my caffeine shots that I couldn’t work, couldn’t concentrate, in fact, couldn’t sleep without having my cup! And when I say Cup I mean a Big Fat cup! I wanted to break free from this habit and to do so I needed a substitute. For almost a year I have been religiously drinking my Green tea with mint and lately, I have been tired of the same old taste. I have also been reading a lot about the harmful effects of Tea Bags (Yes, those innocent-looking tiny white bags are considered to be harmful to your health!) This was a perfect time to shop around and look for a substitute and this is when I switched to Hibiscus Tea.
What is Hibiscus Tea?
I jumped from one Tea to another but nothing seemed to catch hold of my interest. This is when I decided to make my own fun tea! I bought loose green tea leaves, bought dried hibiscus petals (both are sold in almost all departmental stores in spices or tea section) Mixed these two in the ratio of 1:1 I bought a tea infuser and viola my new tea was ready!! Now let’s talk about the benefits.
Why Hibiscus Tea?
Prevents Hypertension
Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Brings Down Blood Sugar Levels
Keeps Your Liver Healthy
Treats Menstrual Cramps
Treats Depression
Aids Digestion
Great for skin
Body Coolant
Weight Management
Anti-Ageing
Rich In Vitamin C
A Drink For All Seasons
Chemo-Preventive Effect
Is Vermifuge/Antibacterial and much more!
So, How does Hibiscus Tea taste like?!
It has a taste that is very similar to cranberry juice. It can definitely be described as tart, so you can add sugar or honey to increase the sweetness. Also, you can try adding spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, anise star or ginger depending on your taste.
It is important to note that there are over 200 species of hibiscus, and not all of them are used for tea or healing. For instance, the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant should not be confused with other hibiscus species, such as the non-medicinal Hibiscus Acetosella. The traditional hibiscus plant has yellow flowers and a red centre. The Hibiscus Ascetosella has red flowers.
If you are like my mum who just hates the taste of regular hibiscus tea then this recipe is for you:
How to Prepare the perfect Hibiscus Tea?
You’ll need:
4 cups of pure filtered water
1/4 cup of dried organic hibiscus flowers
1 to 2 tablespoons of raw honey
Lime wedges (optional)
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Cinnamon Stick (optional)
Directions:
Boil half of the filtered water in a small saucepan.
Add the dried hibiscus flowers and then turn off the heat. Next, steep the liquid until it appears dark red.
Add the remaining two cups of filtered water to the hot tea, and add the raw honey to achieve sweetness when the tea is still warm. You can drink the hibiscus tea hot as it stands. Hot hibiscus tea is also sometimes called Jamaica tea.
As an option, pour the tea into a pitcher for serving. Pour the tea into iced-filled glasses. If you like you can also garnish with mint, lime and cinnamon sticks.
Go ahead and enjoy, don’t forget to tell me when you try it! Don’t forget to check out more tips and tricks here.
I tried (drank and rinsed my hair!) Apple Cider Vinegar for 30 days and documented my overall experience. One product for skin, hair and health, read on to know how to use it and why to use it and which ACV to use. Bringing you “How, Why, What and Which” of Apple Cider Vinegar in a single post.
Apple Cider Vinegar for 30 days
Disclaimer- Please read it carefully.
“Dear Readers,
Every person is different, what suits one might not suit another. Please consult a doctor before trying any new health/fitness regime. Owner of this blog shall not be responsible for any injuries/side effects whatsoever. This is a personal experiment and the results are based on my own experience. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.” Happy Reading! xoxo
When they say “Your selfie is 90% your hair” I never use to agree until I noticed that I had the most horrible hair related issues (and split ends, and dandruff and so on! Thanks to Dubai weather!). I was always conscious of my hair (Remember that cringe-worthy ad of Head and Shoulders!) I was frantically searching for a solution to stop this before it was too late. Tried changing my shampoo and conditioner (we will talk about these two in upcoming posts!) I took Hair Supplements (read the blogpost here)
And then lightning strikes and I decided to try Apple Vinegar Cider! I spent hours and days and maybe months reading and researching about it and in the end felt I wish there was Just One Single Post that would give me the basic “What, Why, Which and How” of using ACV. This is when I decided to write this post.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar? (ACV)
You must have heard about Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) lately unless you live on Mars! Just kidding, well these days almost everyone seems to be talking about it. For centuries, vinegar has been used for various household and cooking purposes. It is also an ancient folk remedy, claimed to help with all sorts of health problems. It seems to be the In-Thing these days, from adding it to salads to rinsing hair, from making a facial mask to drinking it (Did I mention that I drink it once or twice a month for detox!)! The list of uses is endless, the possibility of what you can do with it is just unbelievable. So what Is this Apple Cider Vinegar aka ACV? Basically it’s just rotten apples, just kidding (ignore my lame jokes!)
What is Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
WebMD describes Apple cider vinegar as, “Mostly apple juice, but adding yeast turns the fruit sugar into alcohol — this is fermentation. Bacteria turn the alcohol into acetic acid. That’s what gives vinegar its sour taste and strong smell.”
Why use Apple cider vinegar?
Well, I can probably write a book on this and still have reasons left! Let me try to list out the categories where you can probably use ACV:
Weight loss
Detox
Flushes out the toxins
Skin (A boon for people with Acne and Oily skin)
Hair
Gums
Cleaning (Yes!)
Bath soak
Foot Soak
Salads
Phew, I promise I can go on and on for this!
Which Apple Cider Vinegar to use?
With so many brands and so many types of ACV present in the market, it is almost impossible to decide which one to go for. Obviously you don’t want to go for something that will give you unsatisfactory results. Look for ACV that is Raw, Organic and Unfiltered, if possible with “Mother” in it. (I found this mother part really funny but it just means that it has those tiny-winy particles still in it.
and finally ‘How’ to use Apple Cider Vinegar?
My personal Experiment with Apple cider Vinegar (for Hair)-
So, here is my experience with it! As you must have figured out by now, I am up for anything that is Natural and Organic, when I started doing my own Research on ACV I was swept off my feet to see the number of uses (and benefits!) it has. It was almost like a Genie in a bottle waiting to be freed and cast his spell on me (Over-dramatic. Blaming it on Bollywood movies.) I realized the maximum time I spent was in deciding which brand to use! Took almost a month to find ACV that was Organic, Natural, Un-distilled, and also had Mother in it. I didn’t want to go blindly with Braggs, even though it has been regarded as the undisputed king of ACV world.
To begin with, I diluted 1 cup of ACV in about 1-litre water. After I had shampooed my hair I lowered my head in the basin and poured it from root to tip. Let the water pass through your hair and wait for the water to drip down. Give it around 5 minutes. Then towel dry as usual. Side by side, I also drank Apple Cider Vinegar every morning for detox and so see if it actually does anything!
Steps to prepare the Hair Rinse:
Mix 1 cup of ACV in 1000ml of water.
Rinse your hair with this after shampooing.
Leave it on for 5 min.
Towel dry your hair.
Hello Beautiful and Healthy Hair!
The first that I noticed was, it smells horrible. For a person who loves to smell good always and makes sure that everything around is smelling good as well, this was a Big Big turn off, although the smell went away after an hour or so. I continued this for 10 days, I noticed there was a noticeable reduction in the split ends, my hair was more manageable. I continued using it for another couple of days.
Steps to prepare Apple Cider Vinegar Drink:
Take a glass of lukewarm water.
Add a teaspoon of honey (preferably organic).
Add a teaspoon of ACV (refer to what’s mentioned in the post on which ACV to buy)
Drink this first thing in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating anything.
Don’t forget to brush your teeth after drinking it as ACV is acidic and can harm the teeth enamel.
Honestly, It does taste horrible and I kept reminding myself that it’s all about developing a taste! I started with half a teaspoon and I also took a gap of 2 days to see if my body reacted normally (Very important, don’t just start a new regime without testing it first and giving your body time to adjust). Somehow I actually got used to that bitter-sour taste and if you ask me now I don’t loathe drinking it as much as I did it initially! (Hurray!)
After 10 days–
Observation:
My hair is manageable (coming from a person who struggles with frizzy hair, you got to give it a point!)
Split-ends have reduced a bit.
A slight reduction in dandruff has reduced, not too sure at this point.
Drinking ACV hasn’t helped me with anything so far. I do, however, feel that I am pooing more than usual! Lol (So tempted to insert a Poo-Joke here!)
I kept the bottle in my washroom to make sure I don’t skip this routine and it was easier to remember when I had this Dark bottle staring right in my face! Observation after completing 20 days-
After 20 Days–
Observation:
My hair has a subtle shine, which is very unusual for me, I have the frizziest-hair you can imagine!
Hair feels smooth, again Very unusual for my hair!
I feel I am getting used to this pungent smell. Aaarrgggghh. Not sure if this is a plus point!
I am all smiles while writing this but I feel I am breaking out way lesser now! I usually have a pimple or two always on my face (Well! Let’s say most of the times).
Haven’t reduced any weight but my stomach is a little less flabby! (Tell me I am not imagining this!)
I feel really light after drinking it.
I am excited like a kid in a science project, I couldn’t wait for these 30 days to pass. Here’s a confession- I missed my routine twice in the last 30 days! Once, I had to attend a party and washed my hair in a frenzy and once because… well… I just didn’t want to do it! Call it a mood swing. LoL
After 30 Days! (drum rolls please)-
Observation:
By this time I was (almost) immune to this horrible smell! Plus point!
My hair IS NOW Smooth and Shiny.. not a lot much though!
Split ends are reduced and I cannot be happier!
I noticed a significant reduction in hair fall as well as dandruff, not sure if it was because of ACV or just seasonal, I took it as an effect of ACV!
Hair looks more voluminous.
My hair didn’t get greasy easily.
My skin has cleared out a bit.
Somehow, I did actually lose a little weight, like 1 kilo (Though it wasn’t my plan) it might be as this ACV made me poo so much?!
It is not a very drastic change yet my tummy does feel less flabby.
One of the best after-effects of drinking ACV was, it made me feel really energetic and fresh (even without drinking coffee I felt really wide awake!)
I continued my hair rinse routine (Though, I am not drinking the detox drink in the morning as I am focussing on putting on some weight), unbelievably! As I never thought I would rinse my hair with something that smelled so gross, although I must admit I made it a point not to go out immediately after washing my hair! It isn’t easy to smell gross and go out, which means now I wash my hair a day before going somewhere. The results have been better than I thought they would be and that is what got me hooked to Apple Cider Vinegar.
Overall Observation:
My hair feels fresh and the roots don’t get greasy that quickly.
Noticeable reduction in split ends.
Hair looks healthy and voluminous.
Reduction in hair fall (Insert dancing emoji here!)
Not sure if that’s because of ACV but my hair growth is better than before.
After doing this experiment for 30 days, the bottle of ACV has found a permanent place in my washroom. I try to stick to this regime, if not every single time then at least 80% of the times I wash my hair and then rinse it with ACV.
Let me know if you tried this, or if you know any skin/hair care regime that involves Apple Cider Vinegar. Also, I would love to answer if you have any concerns/queries, just shoot it.
Also, in case you are a dog-parent, don’t forget to read How yo Use Apple Cider Vinegar for you do here.
Rainbow Diet, just as colorful and exciting as it sounds! This diet is said to have numerous health benefits. In this post, learn the easy way to start this diet and why you need to try it.
Rainbow Diet
Am I the only one who is tired of age old green-leafy salads? Let me make your diet colorful, in fact very colorful! Heard about Rainbow Diet? This diet trend is just as interesting as it sounds!
Why you need to try Rainbow Diet?
We all know that fruits and vegetables get their color from the micro-nutrients that they contain. Vitamins and Phyto-nutrients are responsible for providing these colorful hues varying in each and every plant source. This is why it is very important for you to eat All the colors of the rainbow, say hello to “Rainbow Diet” Which means a diet abundant in all the nutritional colors (i.e. yellow, orange, red, green, blue, indigo, purple) is essential for optimal health. These powerful antioxidants help to establish a strong defense system to support a bulletproof immune system and equip your body to combat the development of diseases.
To simplify the Rainbow Diet for you-
To make it even more easy-peasy for you I am gonna list down (at the end of the article) fruits and vegetable according to their color so you have your grocery list ready with you, just screenshot and head to the nearest store! You’re welcome! 😉
The main benefit a Rainbow diet is ensuring that you eat All the colors which in turn means you will get all the different vitamins and minerals, remember we talked about how each color denotes presence of a unique set of vitamins and minerals.
My Rainbow diet
Let’s talk about colors and the benefits:
Blue/Purple
Science behind the color:
The blue/purple hues in foods are due primarily to their anthocyanin content. The darker the blue hue, the higher the phytochemical concentration. Anthocyanins are antioxidants that are particularly heart healthy and may help support healthy blood pressure.
Violet/Indigo
Science behind the color:
Grapes, black beans, black cherries, prunes, raisins, boysenberries, mangosteens, passion fruit, purple cabbage, plums, and flowers from sage, rosemary, and thyme plants contain flavonoids, antioxidants, vitamin D, phytochemicals, and fatty acids (essential to proper brain function).
Red
Science behind the color:
A meta-analysis (a super-study which collates the findings of earlier research) has confirmed lycopene, the phytonutrient which makes tomatoes red, cuts the risk of prostate cancer by 20 per cent. Having a lot of tomatoes in the diet also appears to protect against breast and neck cancer.
Tomatoes are also a good source of potassium which helps maintain electrical activity in the heart and counters some of the damage caused by a high-salt diet. A carotenoid, lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been associated with a reduced risk of some cancers, especially prostate cancer, and protection against heart attacks.
Green
Science behind the color:
The natural plant pigment chlorophyll colors green fruits and vegetables. In our system, the green foods represented those foods rich in isothiocyanates, which induce enzymes in the liver that assist the body in removing potentially carcinogenic compounds. According to information from the PBH, cruciferous veggies such as broccoli and cabbage contain the phytochemicals indoles and isothiocyanates, which may have anticancer properties.
Green vegetables are excellent sources of vitamin K, folic acid, potassium, as well as carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids.
Yellow/Green
Science behind the color:
A variation of the green color category, these foods exhibit a richness in lutein. Lutein is particularly beneficial for eye health,There are lutein receptors in the macula of the eye, and lutein helps protect against age-related macular degeneration.
White:
Science behind the color:
Unlike the manufactured food in which white always means sugar, bleached flour, and food drained of its nutrient profile, white foods in nature are highly nutritious and healing for the body. White foods purifies the blood, detoxifies the liver, regulates healthy cellular growth, and reduces inflammation that can damage the vascular system. Foods that comprise the onion family are loaded with the anti-inflammatory compound allicin. Allicin is a sulfur containing compound that destroys viruses, bacteria, and fungi and inhibits cancer growth.
Violet/Indigo- Grapes, black beans, black cherries, prunes, raisins, boysenberries, mangosteens, passion fruit, purple cabbage, plums,
Red- Tomatoes and tomato products, watermelon, pink grapefruit, cranberries, Pomegranates, Raspberries, Strawberries, Red Apples, Red Peppers and Chillies
Green- Broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, Watercress, Spinach, Lettuce, Alfalfa, Green Peppers, Green Grapes, Nori Seaweed
Yellow/Orange and Yellow/Green- Avocado, kiwifruit, pistachios, Green Apples, Green Grapes, guava, Sweet Potato, Carrots
White- White Onion, Garlic, Cauliflower, Chicory, Mushrooms, White Cabbage, White Beans.
Bonus for trying this diet, you can take some Insta-worthy shots of this diet since it is already a trend on Instagram.
Should I take hair supplement? If Yes, then which Hair Supplement to take? Why shouldn’t I take Hair Supplement? Answers to all these questions and more.
Dietary Supplements can be beneficial to your health — but taking supplements can also involve health risks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have the authority to review dietary supplement products for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed.
www.fda.gov
Hair, Skin, and Nail supplements industry is a booming industry as of today, thanks to the obsession to get a quick fix for The perfect body. Be it hair, skin, nail or body weight, we want it to be perfect without doing much about it. While it’s not completely bad to take supplements but taking it blindly without doing your research can do more harm than good.
What are Health/Dietary supplements?
Health/Dietary supplements include ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, etc. Dietary supplements might be in the form of tablets, capsules, soft-gels, gel-caps, powders, or liquids.
What are Hair supplements?
Supplements that contain ingredients that help in promoting the growth of hair are called Hair Supplements. These might contain antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, or Coenzyme Q10, biotin, a B-complex vitamin, fatty acids, etc.
Is there any risk involved in taking supplements?
Yes. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects in the body. This could make them unsafe in some situations and hurt or complicate your health. For example, the following actions could lead to harmful – even life-threatening – consequences.
Combining supplements
Using supplements with medicines (whether prescription or over-the-counter)
Substituting supplements for prescription medicines
Taking too much of some supplements, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, or iron.
Some supplements can also have unwanted effects before, during, and after surgery. So, be sure to inform your healthcare provider, including your pharmacist about any supplements you are taking.
Does that mean all Hair supplements are a waste of money? Or are there any that might actually be beneficial?
Not really. You need to understand “When to take supplement” and “Which Supplement to take”. Since supplements aren’t regulated by FDA, you need to be very careful while selecting one. These supplements will help only if you are lacking in any of the vitamins related to hair growth.
According to Michele Green, M.D., of RealSelf, the ingredients in supplements all work in conjunction with one another to provide the nutrients essential for healthy cell regeneration. “Biotin strengthens the hair and increases its density,” Green says. “Fish oil makes hair and nails shiny and is a great anti-aging supplement, as the omega oils found in fish oil stimulate collagen production and overall appearance of the skin.”
Supplements are amazing—but.. for some people.
Now, what you need to understand is, if supplements were such a cure-all, wouldn’t everyone be taking them? In reality, supplements have been proven to work, but only for people with health concerns that interfere with their ability to absorb nutrients. One supplement might work perfectly for a person but might cause some serious illness to other, when it comes to supplements there is nothing like one-size-fits-all! So, what you need to do is to analyze your health and then select a supplement or consult a doctor before you start taking it.
Remember, supplements aren’t heavily regulated by FDA.
Remember, since supplements aren’t really regulated by FDA, you have to ensure that you know what you are taking. Hence, some inferior quality supplements might contain substances that not listed on the label or have much less or more of an ingredient than promised. For example, in 2008, one brand of multivitamin was found to have 200 times the labeled concentration of selenium.
If I really want to take supplements, how do I select one?
“Shopping for vitamins can be tricky,” Green says. “You want to be sure the label says they’re 100 percent natural and list all-natural ingredients with no synthetic fillers.”
Michele Green, M.D., of RealSelf
Since there’s no evidence that supplements are actively bad for hair, skin, and nails, not to mention the evidence that they’ve helped at least a few people, supplements are probably worth a shot if you’re interested in them. Be a savvy supplement user. Here’s how:
When searching for supplements on the internet, use noncommercial sites (e.g. NIH, FDA, USDA) rather than depending on information from sellers.
If claims sound too good to be true, they probably are. Be mindful of product claims such as “works better than [a prescription drug],” “totally safe,” or has “no side effects.”
Be aware that the term natural doesn’t always means safe.
Ask your healthcare provider if the supplement you’re considering would be safe and beneficial for you.
Hey there, winter warriors! As the icy winds sweep in, I find myself reaching for the cosiest of beverages to ward off the chill. And guess what’s become my go-to winter elixir? You got it – turmeric milk! This golden delight not only tastes awesome but has also has some amazing health benefits.
Did you know, the Turmeric Latte, a.k.a. fancy pants turmeric milk, from Starbucks can be very easily prepared at home! What’s more, you can adjust the taste according to your liking, doesn’t burn a hole in the pockets and ofcourse is way more nutritious than Starbucks!
Let’s talk about the Starbucks Turmeric Latte obsession – guilty as charged. I found myself on a first-name basis with the barista, who affectionately started calling me the “Turmeric Maestro.” It became a thing, and now I proudly strut to the counter, chanting my order like a winter mantra – “One grande Turmeric Latte, please!” I remember taking the first sip and thinking to myself, “Why haven’t I been sipping on turmeric milk all my life?” Now, I’ve made it a point to incorporate homemade turmeric milk every time I need to boost my immunity, and let me tell you, it does wonders. I started dubbing it my “liquid sunshine” because, let’s face it, the winter sun is often more myth than reality.
Here’s the kicker – my attempt at making turmeric milk at home for the first time turned into a kitchen comedy. As I clumsily attempted to mix turmeric, milk, and a dash of sweetness, my kitchen looked like a spice bazaar explosion. Note to self: turmeric can be a bit mischievous when not handled with care.
Recipe for Turmeric Milk aka Liquid Sunshine
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
Organic Turmeric (Fresh or organic powder)
Saffron
Cardamom
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
A pinch of black pepper (for better absorption of curcumin)
Sweetener of your choice (honey, maple syrup, or agave) to taste
Optional: A dash of ginger for an extra kick
How to Prepare Turmeric Milk
Heat the milk in a saucepan
Add all the ingredients like turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, and ginger (if using). (Order Organic Turmeric here)
Add 3-4 strands of Saffron (You can order it here)
Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
Start heating the milk on low flame (the lower the better, we want to make sure that we extract all the goodness of the ingredients)
Remove from heat and add sweetener to taste.
Strain the mixture if desired and enjoy your cup of homemade turmeric milk!
Optional:
You can add dry fruits like Almonds, dates etc. if you like.
Health Benefits of Turmeric Milk:
Immune System Boost: Turmeric milk, with its curcumin content, supports and strengthens the immune system, helping you fend off winter illnesses like colds and flu.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Combat winter joint pains and stiffness with the anti-inflammatory magic of turmeric, providing relief from aches and pains.
Warming Effect: The natural heat-generating properties of turmeric make it an ideal beverage to keep you warm from the inside out, helping you combat the winter chill.
Better Sleep Quality: Enjoy a restful night’s sleep with a cup of turmeric milk before bedtime, thanks to its compounds that promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Digestive Aid: Turmeric aids digestion and soothes the digestive tract, making it a perfect post-meal drink to combat winter bloating.
Skin Radiance: Keep your skin glowing during winter by harnessing the antioxidants in turmeric, preventing dryness and maintaining a healthy complexion.
Mood Enhancement: Turmeric’s connection to serotonin and dopamine production can lift your spirits during the winter blues, contributing to an improved mood.
Conclusion:
As winter wraps us in its chilly embrace, embracing the warmth and goodness of turmeric milk can be a delightful and healthful choice. From bolstering your immune system to promoting better sleep and enhancing your mood, the benefits of this golden elixir extend far beyond its delicious taste. So, why not savor a cup of turmeric milk this winter and let its golden magic work wonders for your well-being?
To sum up the benefits of Turmeric Milk:
Antibacterial
Anti-ageing
Improves skin texture and makes your skin glow!
Improves immunity
Eases menstrual cramps and pain
Purifies blood
Helps in sleeping like a baby (that’s what my mum claims!)
Last but not least, do not expect an overnight miracle, natural remedies take time, so be patient!
Word of caution:
Here are a few side effects and risk factors associated with turmeric milk, which when ignored can cause problems:
Check for allergies before you consume Golden Milk or Turmeric Milk.
Don’t go overboard with this Golden drink.
Pregnant women should avoid taking too much of turmeric.
Turmeric may interfere with certain medications, so those taking anticoagulants like aspirin should totally avoid it. They can also interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Consult your physician before you start drinking turmeric milk.
