Month: February 2006

While there are many types of Pranayama, they are usually classified in four groups based upon the nature of the retention:

Retention after expiration (rechaka), called outer retention (bahya kumbhaka)

. Retention after inspiration (puraka), called inner retention (abhyantara kumbhaka)

. Retention made at once

. Retention after many inhalations and exhalations

These last two forms of retention are called “kevala kumbhaka”. Thus, the action of Pranayama consists of four phases:

. Inspiration – Puraka

. Inner retention – Abhyantara Kumbhaka

. Expiration – Rechaka

. Outer retention – Bahya Kumbhaka

Proportion

The proportion of inhalation, exhalation and retention is important in determining the strength and nature of Pranayama. A beginner should practice Primayama with a one-to-two ratio of inhalation and exhalation; that is, with exhalation held twice as long as inhalation. After proficiency in this is’ gained, one should practice with a proportion of inhalation one, internal retention two, exhalation two and external retention two.

The ideal proportion is inhalation one, internal retention four, exhalation two, and external retention four, but this takes some time to be able to do with ease and requires the development of much internal strength. In Pranayama there should be no straining to achieve results but a natural deepening of the breath by letting go of strain and tension.

Technique

Pranayama is best learned by direct instruction from a qualified teacher. The following guidelines should not substitute for that. To practice Pranayama, sit in Padmasana (lotus posture), Siddhasana, Svastikasana, or any other comfortable seated pose. The place of practice should be well ventilated but the draft of air should not come directly toward the body. Open air and a calm and quiet place are preferable.

Certain types of Pranayama require closing alternate nostrils. For this, the right palm is first spread out. The index and middle fingers are turned down, lightly resting just above the bridge of the nose. The thumb is placed on the bridge of the nose at the right nostril and the pinky and ring fingers together on the left. Then alternately, the thumb or other two fingers are used to close and open the right or left nostrils for Pranayama.

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Dandruff is a common problem. You can fall victim to excessive dandruff at any age. 97% of Americans suffer from dandruff at some time. One out of every two persons in the world have problem with dandruff.

Common practice is to treat dandruff with anti-dandruff shampoos. But did you know that you can use simple effective home remedies to treat dandruff? Home remedies may offer complete solutions for controlling dandruff.

One of the best ways to control dandruff is to apply a mixture of vinegar and water on the scalp. Make a mixture of 2 teaspoons of vinegar and 6 teaspoons of water and apply it on the scalp before you go to bed. Keep it for the whole night with a towel around the head. Rinse your head with vinegar water again in the morning. If you continue to treat your hair with it for few months, it will serve your purpose.

You can also use a mixture of 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 2-teaspoons of vinegar. Massage the scalp with this solution. After the massage, treat your hair with an egg shampoo.

You can rub a combination of 1 part sulfur powder, 2 parts surgical spirit, 1 part almond oil and 4 parts rose water or distilled water on your scalp to keep dandruff at bay. Or:

Boil a mixture of 4-5 dried thyme and two cups of water for 10 minutes. When the mixture cools down, massage it on the scalp and leave it for half an hour. Wash it afterwards and see the results. You will have a dandruff-free head.

You can also soak ground fenugreek seeds overnight in water and massage the paste on the head, leaving it for a few minutes. Wash it afterwards using a mild shampoo.

You can also prepare a homemade mixture of 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice with 100 grams witch hazel in 200ml of water and use it on washed hair. Applying the mixture several times is helpful in warding off the problem of dandruff.

If you wash your hair with warm apple cider vinegar, leaving it for 30-40 minutes and then rinsing it with plain water, you are sure to control dandruff positively. You have to continue this process regularly to stop its return. The smell of the vinegar does evaporate!

Try a mixture of olive oil and almond oil. Massage your scalp with the mixture and leave it for five minutes after you feel the burning sensation. Rinse properly and you should have a dandruff-free head.

Did you know the well-known pain killer aspirin, used for relieving aches, can serve you equally effectively to eliminate the problem of dandruff? Just crush and powder two aspirin tablets and add it to your shampoo. Leave the mixture on your scalp for two minutes. Rinse and wash properly to remove the aspirin particles completely from the scalp.

You can directly use Aloe Vera gel to remove excess dandruff. Apply the gel on your scalp 10-15 minutes before you plan to wash your hair. Regular use of the gel before shampooing will keep down the growth of dandruff.

These remedies take time to show a visible change but are effective for some people.

The best point concerning a home remedy is that you have many options and, if you think that a particular ingredient does not suit you, you can try an alternative. You should give each remedy at least a week before trying another.

Herbal remedies guide

Basil is an important herb known the world over more for its culinary uses but the herb offers a plethora of medical benefits. Basil has many health benefits that cover a wide spectrum of uses. Known to have originated in India, its widely found in India, Pakistan and Thailand.

Basil makes a great kitchen plant, as its uses are two-fold, for cooking as well as to cure a variety of ailments. An attractive plant, it looks and works well in a vegetable patch, herb or flower garden. A versatile herb, basil is used extensively in Thai, Italian and Vietnamese cuisine for its warm, gentle and unique flavor and fragrance. They taste and smell best when it’s freshly cut and used immediately. Tear the leaf into pieces with your hand instead of chopping as this helps retain the flavor longer.

Basil does not retain its flavor well when dried or frozen; hence use it as soon as you pluck it from the plant. Medically it is useful to provide relief to sore gums, swish out the mouth often with strong basil tea. A basil leaf tucked into the mouth over the ulcer and kept there eases the pain. Basil leaf has many uses in aromatherapy. It is refreshing when used in a bath.

A potpourri of dried basil leaves and flowers can be used to create a fragrant atmosphere in the house or office. It is a natural pesticide, burn sprigs of basil to drive away mosquitoes. A potted basil plant in the kitchen windowsill will deter flies. Basil has been used as a tonic to aid digestion, steep in water or boil in water while preparing tea. Basil oil is known to relieve mental fatigue; it is widely used in aromatherapy.

Types of Basil
Bush Basil Also known as Sweet or Common Basil, it is native to the tropical countries such as India and Africa. Basil has significant religious importance in India and is an essential part of many religious rituals. Lemon Basil Bushy in appearance and grows to about two feet tall, it has a strong lemony fragrance.

Camphor Basil an annual shrub, it grows to about 5 feet in height. The leaves have a camphor-scented fragrance and can be used to protect woolens. Camphor basil can be used in tea to combat stomachaches. Tree Basil With fuzzy, lime-green leaves, tree basil is an excellent remedy for colds, and fevers.

Its thymol content makes it useful to treat wounds, relieve sore throats and even conjunctivitis. Holy Basil, an annual shrub with spicy clove-like scented leaves reaches the two feet in height. It is the sacred basil of the Hindus, who use it both for cooking and medicines.

Traditional medical uses of Basil
Apart from being a general tonic and vitalizer, basil has since ages been employed in hundreds of different formulations for the treatment of a range of ailments. Some of which are mouth and throat disorders, lungs, heart, blood, liver, kidney and the digestive, metabolic, reproductive and nervous systems. It has been frequently used to treat coughs, colds, flu, head and earaches, rheumatism and arthritis, malaria, fever, allergies and various skin diseases.

It was used in reducing the toxicity of various poisons, including insect and reptile bites, to expel intestinal parasites, repel insects and purify the air. Modern research on this wonder herb has revealed many of its less known qualities. Basil protects against and reduces stress; enhance stamina and endurance. It helps increase the body’s efficient use of oxygen; boost the immune system; reduce inflammation; protect against radiation damage, stems rapid ageing, supports the heart, lungs and liver; has antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties; enhances the efficacy of many other therapeutic treatments; and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients.

Summarizing the benefits of basil, it has been found that it is a premier adaptogen, helping the body and mind adapt and cope with a wide range of physical, emotional, chemical and infectious stresses and trauma. It helps restore disturbed physiological and psychological functions to a normal healthy state. These general vitality enhancing properties, coupled with the therapeutic actions make Basil the wonder herb that it really is.

For natural medicinal herbs

Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately, without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional pain relievers.

Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns?

Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They’ll clear up your stuffed nose.

Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix One Tablespoon of horseradish in 1/2 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take one Tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infections with AlkaSeltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. AlkaSeltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly, even though the product was never advertised for this use.

Eliminate puffiness under your eyes: All you need is a dab of preparation H, carefully rubbed into the skin, avoiding the eyes. The hemorrhoid ointment acts as a vasoconstrictor, relieving the swelling instantly.

Honey remedy for Skin Blemishes. Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus. Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

Easy eyeglass protection. To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

Coca-Cola cure for rust. Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done. (And people drink this stuff?)

Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer. If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can’t find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.

Smart splinter remover. Just pour a drop of Elmers Glue all over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

Hunt’s tomato paste boil cure: Cover the boil with Hunt’s tomato paste as a compress. The acid from the tomatoes soothes the pain and brings the boil to a head.

Balm for broken blisters. To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine, a powerful antiseptic.

Heinz vinegar to heal bruises: Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for one hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dishwashing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog’s bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.

Rainy day cure for dog odor: Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet. This instantly makes your dog smell springtime fresh.

Eliminate ear mites. All it takes is a few drops of Wesson Corn Oil in your cat’s ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat’s skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.

Vaseline cure for hairballs: To prevent troublesome hairballs, apply a dollop of Vaseline petroleum jelly to your cat’s nose. The cat will lick off the jelly, lubricating any hair in its stomach so it can pass easily through the digestive system.

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief. It’s not for breakfast anymore! Mix two cups of Quaker Oats and one cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for one minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

For more herbal home remedies

Home Remedies include:

Yogurt is the #1 Home Remedy choice. Even some Dr.’s and Midwives recommend it. Yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacterium that is found in healthy vaginas. Acidophilus kills yeast by producing hydrogen peroxide. Make sure that your yoghurt is Really cultured. If you see “ProBiotic” on the label it’s a good sign. To treat a minor yeast infection simply apply it directly to the vulva and gently introduce some into the vagina. Continue for a week.

Acidophilus capsules Another method is to get acidophilus capsules from a natural foods store. You can easily open up the capsules and gently apply the powder to your vulva with the contents. Or you can mix with water and coat a tampon in it and insert it, gently. Continue for a week.

Grapefruit Seed Extracts are highly effective locally, or taken by mouth. Products like Nutribiotic are supurb. Or you can take your own. Just throw a handful of grapefruit seeds(collect the seeds in season) in the blender. When they are crushed, strain out the particles, and you have a POWERFUL antifungal. Mix eually with AloeVera Gel and Apply locally.

Garlic contains natural antifungal substances that kill off yeast. If it seems too gross to apply a peeled and oiled(with Olive Oil)Actual Garlic Clove, you could also try the garlic SOFT capsules that are sold in many health food stores

Hydrogen Peroxide is produced naturally by bacteria in your vagina, and kills yeast. Try mixing 1 teaspoon of ordinary 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 cup of water. use as a douche once a day until the symptoms disappear.

Teatree oil is available at many natural foods stores. Just be careful to dilute it well, because it can burn. Try 10 drops per 2 cups of water, as a wash.

Potassium sorbate is a potent fungicide that is used in food preservation. It is often used in brewing beer to stop the growth of the yeast at the correct time. Potassium sorbate is available at home-brewing suppliers, and at some natural foods stores. Mix about 1 tablespoon Potassium sorbate to a cup of water and use as a wash or Douche.

Goldenseal Powder mixed with AloeVera is often soothing and helpful.

Calendula(Marigold flowers) cream or wash is also soothing and often effective for Minor Yeast Discomfort.

Vinegar can help make the pH of the vagina, inhospitable to yeast. Try making a solution with 2 tablespoons of white or cider vinegar, per quart of water. Wash or douche every day to treat mild infections, or in combination with other treatments.

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