Spice story in kasaragod Slideshows (2025)

Slideshow By: Priyanshi Lal

Just a tablespoon of this miraculous spice will help you get back in shape

Priyanshi Lal

Trying to lose weight This might give you some solace New research shows that cardamom powder can help jumpstart weight loss decrease body fat and improve unhealthy cholesterol levels naturally While weight loss is no easy task use of this powder in proper diet and it can help you in getting rid of those extra kilosElaichi or cardamom is one of the most common spices seen in an Indian household Not only does it add sweet taste and unique flavour to your dishes it has some amazing health benefits This spice helps boost your metabolism and improve your body s ability to burn fat Take a look at the amazing ways by which this green little pod helps in losing weightYou have often seen people offering Elaichi after meals Ever wondered why Elaichi is carminative in nature and helps indigestion It also reduces inflammation of the stomach lining fights heartburn and nausea According to Ayurvedic texts it also reduces the air content in the stomach making it more capable of digesting food efficientlyCardamom is a great source of manganese a mineral which plays a key role in the production of an enzyme that scavenges and destroys free radicalsElaichi also has very strong detoxifying properties that help cleanse the body and protect it from cancer and other allied diseases Add Elaichi to your daily meal and tea to grab more benefitsCardamom is a thermogenic herb that increases the metabolic activity in the body As a result people quickly burn calories fats and carbohydrates and consequently lose weightAdd a pinch or two of Elaichi powder and turmeric to a glass of warm milk You can add a little sugar for taste Drink this every night to help relieve weakness and other symptoms of anemiaCardamom tea might do the trick for you All you need to do is infuse it into some regular green tea and drink it while it s warm This mixture works well right at the onset of the symptoms of indigestion It also acts as a powerful home remedy for headachesThe best way to keep acidity at bay is to avoid sitting right after you have eating instead walk around a bit while chewing on the Elaichi pod and you should feel much better

Slideshow By: Priyanshi Lal

A pinch of cumin seeds could help you lose weight in just 15 days

Priyanshi Lal

Spices play an important role in making a dish more flavorful Indian cuisine is especially known to have some of the healthiest traditional spices as its main ingredients But who knew they could have more benefits than one Jeera or cumin seeds the quintessential Indian spice is an addition to a number of dishes be it dal or a normal vegetable But did you know that originally we added this spice to our dish not only for its wonderful flavour and aroma but also for the number of health benefits it has It may surprise you but a pinch of cumin powder or seeds can lead to a major weight lossTrying to lose weight This might give you some happiness New research shows that cumin powder can help jumpstart weight loss decrease body fat and improve unhealthy cholesterol levels naturallyThe presence of thymol and other essential oils in cumin seeds stimulate the salivary glands thereby helping in the digestion of food Apart from this they strengthens a sluggish digestive system Hence if you do suffer from indigestion try drinking some jeera tea Apart from that this jeerabanana combo can help you lose weight tooAdd a teaspoon of cumin seeds to a glass of water and bring it to a boil Once the water turns brown turn off the gas and cover the vessel Allow the decoction to cool down to room temperature Drink this tea three times a day to improve digestion and to help resolve minor stomach aches If you want the tea to be a little mild you can add some cumin seeds to a glass of boiling hot water and cover it Let it steep and then decant the waterTake two big spoons of cumin and soak it overnight In the morning boil the water and drink as your morning tea Chew the soaked cumin Doing this regularly will eliminate fat from your bodyIf first experiment does not work for you then heres the second one Increase the intake of cumin in your food Add one spoon of cumin powder in 5g of curd and eat it on regular basis Regular use of it will help you in reducing weightAdd 3 grams of cumin powder and few drops of honey in water and drink it on regular basis Add one spoon of cumin powder in vegetable soup or brown rice These small things will make your weight loss easier and tastierGarlic and lemon both have tendency to cut extra fat from your body Take carrots and other vegetables and boil them Add finely chopped garlic and lemon juice to it Sprinkle some cumin powder Eat this every night and see some magical things happening to your bodyIf you follow the above mentioned experiments for at least 15 days you will witness some dramatic changes in your body The weight loss is the sure thing after following these thingsAccording to experts cumin acts as an antioxidant and increases metabolism rate which helps to reduce abdominal fat Fat is the main reason behind obesity and cumin helps in cutting fatDrinking lukewarm cumin water is considered as to rehydrate the human body and keep refresh all the time According to the studies conducted by the Cancer Research Laboratory of Hilton Head Island South Carolina USA cumin can help in the fight against cancer This is because it contains an active compound known as cuminaldehyde that helps in retarding the growth of tumours However this anticancer property was confined to kala jeeraBeing high in potassium a mineral that helps maintain the electrolyte balance in the body this seed is an elixir for heart patients This mineral not only helps in the regulation cell production but also helps maintain your blood pressure and heart rate Because of its regulatory properties cumin helps patients who have heart disease and helps prevent it as wellIt also provides relief from the chills reduces swellings relieves breathing difficulties regulates bowel movements relieves joint infections treats umbilical hernia treats intestinal diseases eyes problems and toothacheIf you are suffering from body heat and itchiness you can put some cumin seeds in boiled water Once it is cooled take a bath with that water Disclaimer The information mentioned in this slideshow is generic Before implementing any tips it is advisable to consult your nutritionist Weight loss is matter of sheer dedication and strict diet

Slideshow By: Pallavi Thakur

Aphrodisiacs 21 kinds of desi Viagra

Pallavi Thakur

You would have heard about many nutritional properties of the foods that we will talk about in this slideshow But the very fact they can also up your sexual appetite will take you by surprise Read on to unravel the magical elements of these common food items According to science there is no such thing as food that triggers sexual desires But ancient wisdom tells a different story Throughout history various foods have been held to work wonders as some are suggestive in shape many have arousing aromas or a sensual mouthfeel Some raise body temperature and others provide instant energy But measured under the scrutiny of modern science we learn that most of these foods are excellent sources of energy and maintain sexual hormones that trigger feelings of love or arousal The apple is the temptation of Eve the downfall in the Garden of Eden Apples are superfoods wrapped in delicate skins High in antioxidants their free radicalfighting power boosts natural antiaging abilities while helping to fight cancer And although apples deliver a jolt of sweetness their high pectin content keeps a sugar rush at bay preventing the hyper high and depressing experience from eating less healthy sweets Instead their even energy distribution is a divine source of sustenance Soy isn t just proteinpacked and wonderfully versatile it s also great for the sex lives of both men and women For women soy s natural nutrients have been linked to less PMS and better lubrication Researchers at Kansas State University found that soy protein was just as good as beef for guys trying to gain muscle mass But quite unlike cow flesh tofu and veggie burgers have zero cholesterol and almost no saturated fat substances that lead to heart disease impotence bad breath and body odor Theres a reason chocolate floods store shelves around Valentines Day Most studies link chocolate lovers with higher libidos because of the effect chocolate has on brain Chocolate contains serotonin a chemical that makes you happy and thus more inclined to show your partner some affection It also has caffeine which keeps you awake and energetic But the real secret weapon in this sweet may be phenylethylamine High levels of phenylethylamine are associated with love while heartbreak can cause phenylethylamine levels to drop dramatically It is recorded that in the court of James I apricots were commonly served as an aphrodisiac treat Australian aboriginals also used apricots as an aphrodisiac While it is not clear why ancient people elevated apricots to their mythical status today we know that these seductively soft little fruits are packed with beautyenhancing nutrients A single serving of fresh apricots provides over 50 of your daily intake of betacarotene a potent antioxidant They are also a good source of iron a key nutrient for fertility in women Apricot nutrition also extends to the candylike dried fruit Although they re high in sugar dried apricots offer a trace of iron and magnesium as well as vitamin E the sex vitamin vitamin A and fiber It could be the sensuous pear shape or the rich flavor of the fruit that gave avocado its aphrodisiac reputation And while the jury is still out on just how lustful avocados are Barbara Klein professor of food and nutrition at the University of Illinois says that the fruits high levels of vitamin E could help keep the spark alive because of its role in maintaining youthful vigor and energy level Basil not only makes the meals smell and taste better but it also has a lot of beneficial effects on human body Basil has a fantastic aroma that is said to have an aphrodisiac effect it is also very stimulating Using sweet basil in a pasta sauce will be sure to get your heart racing Maybe this explains why Italians are so romantic Honey is made through pollination and is a symbol of procreation In fact the word honeymoon got its name from mead an alcoholic beverage made from honey given to the happy new bride and groom It also contains boron which helps regulate estrogen and testosterone levels and provides a natural energy boost High in energizing zinc which has been linked to a healthy sex drive pine nuts are also considered aphrodisiacs because of the effort required to procure these oily gems from pine cones Because of its association with new life the egg was considered the ultimate symbol of fertility among almost every ancient nation One of the most mystical foods eggs have even held high importance in more modern traditions In Central Europe peasants have been known to rub eggs on their plows as a ritual for improving crops In France brides broke an egg on their doorstep as a guarantee of a large family The most opulent of eggs caviar was named for the Persian khavyar meaning cake of strength The tiny pearls of the sea were originally thought to give the eater a long life Like all eggs caviar is rich in protein And protein increases the aphrodisiac effects by helping to sustain energy and passion Caviar has the added bonus of a high zinc content essential for blood flow Your heart is racing Beads of sweat are starting to form Blood is rushing through your body and you feel lightheaded The fact that spicy foods such as hot peppers mimic the sexual response has earned them a reputation as an aphrodisiac Sometimes extracts of cayenne and chilies are sold as an aphrodisiac but the natural form is acceptable too Cinnamon is a spice held in the highest regard for its powerful medicinal qualities as well its aphrodisiac power A spice used in Asia to guard against colds the bark of the cinnamon tree is also used around the world as flavoring for both sweet and savory dishes as well as an aromatherapy agent for relaxation Among the spices considered useful for producing heat within the body cinnamon has been measured to increase appetite both physical and sexual The liquid extracted from green coconuts contains far more electrolytes than an average sports drink Coconut water is also a natural source of calcium potassium and magnesium which brings us to the aphrodisiac part With its powerful punch of minerals and its ability to balance pH levels in the body coconut water can help raise energy naturally It also raises metabolism which boosts sex Best of all coconut water is proven to boost circulation and this is where its ancient aphrodisiac reputation probably comes in Nutritionally cucumbers provide several nutrients essential to maintaining sexual health including Vitamin C and manganese The silica in cucumbers makes them something of a culinary fountain of youth Silica supports connective tissue heath which will not only keep us flexible but can also help maintain young vibrant skin Cucumbers also prevent water retention which means they can diminish bloat to keep you feeling your sexiest Unlike most aphrodisiac foods garlic is one that both lovers must eat for its magical properties to manifest powers of romance Beyond its reputation as an aphrodisiac food garlic is one of those mysterious foods touted to cure everything from lethargy to cancer But the power of garlic of which lovers should take note is its purported power to inspire extraordinary stamina and unbridled energy The ancient Greeks fed garlic to top athletes prior to Olympic competition to encourage peak performance Packed with antioxidants olives and their oil have been used for centuries for health The Greeks believed they made men more virile as well Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which are critical for a healthy heart blood flow and hormone production Ginger has been used for centuries as a highly effective aid to digestion But its classification as a natural aphrodisiac comes largely from its ability to increase circulation Served pickled candied or in the raw ginger increases sensitivity in the erogenous zones Ginger will also make the tongue tingle and lips swell with its tingling effect It is worth mentioning that mango is a good natural source of vitamin E also known as the sex vitamin Perhaps it is the magic of vitamin E in combination with the mango s juicy fleshy texture and hint of natural sugar that give it a reputation as an aid in love Mustard has long been considered a potent aphrodisiac Throughout much of recorded time monks were not permitted to ingest mustard for it was believed to lead the men of God down the path to temptation Greeks were the first to document mustard s ability to increase circulation good circulation leads to good sex And that may be why this spice was regarded as a sexual aid throughout most of European historyHowever in China mustard seed was thought aphrodisiac for its heat in the mouth and ability when ingested in large enough doses to warm the body as well Mustard is considered a respectable source of selenium magnesium and omega 3 s all essential for maintaining sexual health It is also a source of manganese zinc and dietary fiberThe evidence has only emerged in recent years but it seems the term sow your wild oats has roots in health science Green oat has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine as a treatment for low libido They were once considered one of five culinary treatments for female infertility Oats including oat bran wild oats and oat straw may be among the most potent and least expensive edible libido enhancers In controlled studies the power of concentrated oats has been proven to significantly raise testosterone levels Touted as an aphrodisiac fruit since the times of ancient Rome the strawberry was a symbol of Venus In France there was once a tradition of serving newlyweds cold strawberry soup to help promote the aphrodisiac of honeymoon romance Tomato is known as the love apple poma amoris or pomme d amour depending on region Red in color with sweet tangy flesh it became the perfect symbol for the aphrodisiac qualities of food The tomato has been linked to the Garden of Eden Some even call it the other forbidden fruit It earned a place on the brethren s list of forbidden dishes along with any other food that put into question the ability of lustfilled young members of the church to maintain selfcontrol This is a small list of common foods believed to have sexually stimulating effects even though in most cases their effects have yet to be proven This list is by no means incontestable since most of the claims are not based on facts Nevertheless here are some foods that are considered aphrodisiacs and why or as the case may be why not

Slideshow By: Pravin Agrawal

Know These 9 Benefits Of Drinking Warm Water With Turmeric In The Morning

Pravin Agrawal

1 Most of us know the benefits of drinking warm water first thing in the morning It cleanses the body from the inside flushes out toxins from the digestive system boosts metabolism clears skin etc But what you might not know is that if you add just a small amount of Turmeric to your warm water it will benefit you even more Adding this spice to warm water is the best thing you can do for your longterm health Know these benefits of drinking Warm Water with Turmeric in the morning 2 Turmeric is linked to lower cholesterol levels and the prevention of atherosclerosis which is plaque buildup in arteries that can lead to stroke or heart attack Turmeric may also help protect against blood clots developing on artery walls3 Regular consumption of turmeric can greatly lower the risk of cancer Turmeric is one of the best ways to prevent tumors caused by radiation exposure4 Turmeric reduces the chances of developing Alzheimer s disease Scientists have found that the curcumin found in turmeric counteracts symptoms of Alzheimer s by blocking the formation of betaamyloid the protein substance believed to cause the cell and tissue loss In addition turmeric also reduces inflammation of neural tissues5 Turmeric has many benefits for the skin Turmeric is a natural blood purifier It removes toxins from the blood Turmeric also has an antioxidant property which protects the skin from free radical damage and helps in brightening the overall skin and adds a healthy glow to it6 Turmeric water stops inflammation which prevents damage to the joint tissues This prevents or relieves joint pain and arthritis So for people with arthritis a warm glass of turmeric tonic is a brilliant start to the day7 Drinking turmeric water prevents fat accumulation in the body It is very helpful for the process of weight loss The curcumin in turmeric has been found to prevent fat accumulation in the adipose tissues8 Turmeric helps the body to properly process the sugars inside the food which prevents high blood sugar spikes This property of the turmeric is very useful for the people with Diabetes9 Turmeric encourages the gallbladder to produce bile and other digestive enzymes that aid the body in proper digestion of food When you start your day with turmeric water you set your digestive system for the rest of the day to digest the food properly10 The lipopolysaccharides endotoxins in turmeric boost the immune system of the body and lowers the risk of catching Cold Flu or other nasty infections Drinking this turmeric water regularly especially in the winter months is definitely advisable to help defend against the viruses that are widespread in the colder monthsSlideshows more than 1000K Views httpswwwspeakingtreeinallslidesslideshowsmorethan1000kviewsMy all profiles httpswwwspeakingtreeinallslidesmyallprofiles13 Sixteen Ayurvedic Health Tips to keep fit in Monsoon httpswwwspeakingtreeinallslidesayurvedichealthtipstokeepfitinmonsoon

Slideshow By: Prateek Pathak

The mysterious ghost who guards the Indian Border

Prateek Pathak

There is something about ghost stories that makes you want to sit beside a fire with your legs curled up and a warm cup of coffee in your hand maybe even a Scotch on the rocks depending on what suits your fancyNow imagine yourself in an alien land with treacherous terrain freezing temperatures being miles away from family and anything familiar Wont a ghost story spice up your life a bit Maybe thats why this legend of a ghost has made its way into Indian Army folklore giving them some respite from their tedious and mundane activities in the Himalayas Harbhajan Baba ki Jai says the taxi driver as he crosses the rickety bridge over the Teesta River Harbhajan Baba is revered across Sikkim as a sacred entity But who is heLate Sepoy Harbhajan Singh was enrolled into the Punjab Regiment on 9 February 1966 Born in the village of Browndal in Kapurthala district of Punjab he enlisted in the army at an early age and found himself posted on the misty heights of the SinoIndian border near Nathula Pass The year 1968 saw heavy rainfall and vicious floods in the region On 4 October 1968 while escorting a mule caravan from his battalion headquarters at Tukla to Deng Chukla Harbhajan Singh fell into a fastflowing stream and was washed awayThe search for his body continued for a couple of days but was abandoned due to inclement weather And one day Harbhajan Singh appeared in the dream of one of the sepoys in his unit In the dream Harbhajan Singh informs his colleague that he was no longer alive and told him the exact spot where his body would be found He asked him to construct a samadhi at the spot where his body would be found Adding that he would always patrol the area and never give up being a soldier Harbhajan Singh disappeared from the sepoys dream When the man woke up he dismissed the dream as a manifestation of his grief for Harbhajan Singh s loss It wasn t until another member of the same unit had the same dream down to the last detail that suspicions got aroused It seemed an incredible coincidence that two people could have dreamed the same sequence of events Soon a search party was dispatched to the spot that had been described in the dream and the late Sepoy Harbhajan Singh s body was found He was cremated with full military honours and a samadhi was made at Chhokya Cho as per the wishes that he had expressed in his dreamThe first part of the dream had proved to be accurate Now what about the second half about remaining a soldier forever Soon reports of a man seen patrolling the area began filtering in Soldiers deployed in the area would talk of a lone uniformed man on horse patrolling the region Forces on the other side of the border confirmed these reports and claimed that they too had seen the ghost riderOver the years many soldiers in the area began seeing Harbhajan Singh in their dreams where he instructed them of loopholes and unprotected areas from where the Chinese could attack As his instructions generally proved to be accurate the legend of Baba Harbhajan Singh grew and so did the popularity of the shrine which gained significance as a religious spot People came with the faith of having their problems solved or their infirmities cured by the Baba who had come back from the dead The Samadhi dedicated to Harbhajan Singh consisted of a threeroom complex where a bed was laid out for him and his uniform and boots were placed asideCaretakers of the Samadhi would swear that each morning the bedsheets would appear crushed as if someone had slept in the bed the previous night and the carefully polished boots would be soiled and covered with mud This conundrum only added to the number of followers of the Baba The Indian Army soon realised the importance of the Late Sepoy Harbhajan Singh and in honour of his contribution he was posthumously promoted as Honorary Captain Even a paycheck would be sent to his home in Kapurthala every month and more interestingly he would be allotted annual leave on September 14 every year Soldiers would pack his trunk with basic essentials and Capt Harbhajan would be accompanied by two soldiers all the way to Kapurthala by train and brought back after a month the same way This tradition continued for years until he was retired a few years back Driving along the twisting narrow roads located at a steep incline taxis and cars snake their way up 14000 ft to visit Harbhajan Baba every year Devout believers from all over Sikkim and Bengal visit the samadhi bringing the sick and the elderly with them in the hope of a miracle Visitors bring bottles of water and take it back for their families as it is believed that water left at the samadhi for a period of time turns to water that is capable of curing ailments Soldiers looking after the samadhi serve food to visitors making the arduous journey hereThe Samadhi dedicated to Harbhajan Baba is located amidst a beautiful panorama of high mountains broken in places by gushing waterfalls and dotted by multicoloured shrubs En route one crosses beautiful lakes and hamlets that resemble something out of a picture postcard One such village is Kyangnosla The ascent is steep and often takes skilled driving In order to reach the Samadhi a detour must be taken along the road that leads to the SinoIndian border post of Nathula which was opened for trade recently The Samadhi attracts people from all religions in its own way it has promoted a certain secular equanimity in the region a rare feat in today s world Taxi drivers and soldiers passing through the area generally stop at the samadhi to pay obeisance to the revered Baba Not doing so is supposed to bring bad luck In a society that is dictated by tradition and supported by the pillars of superstition it is not uncommon to find a legend of this kind Perhaps the Chinese are just as superstitious as Indians because at the monthly flag meetings between the two nations at Nathula the Chinese set a chair aside for Harbhajan BabaAs the red flag bespeckled with stars flaps in the icy wind next to the tricolour a lone figure perhaps stands and watches ever alert ever watchful ever zealous and ever protective of his country s honour With a commitment that has lasted beyond deathI cant comment on the veracity of this story but I can say one thing if you are in the vicinity of Nathula do visit this shrine as it stands for something that is stronger than enemy firing or bad weather FAITH

Slideshow By: Pallavi Thakur

Science behind Hindu traditions

Pallavi Thakur

Traditions in Hinduism were considered mainly as superstitions but with the advent of science it is becoming evident that these traditions are based on some scientific knowledge and moved from generations to generations as traditions Though the common people did not know science in it they were following it very faithfully over the years This blog is an attempt to bring forward the science involved in these traditions and rituals The general reasoning given for this act is that it brings Good Luck However scientifically speaking in the ancient times most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the stainless steel coins of today Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body Throwing coins in the river was one way our forefathers ensured we intake sufficient copper as part of the water as rivers were the only source of drinking water Making it a custom ensured that all of us follow the practiceIn Hindu culture people greet each other by joining their palms termed as Namaskar The general reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means respect However scientifically speaking joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers together which are denoted to the pressure points of eyes ears and mind Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long time And no germs since we don t make any physical contact Wearing toe rings is not just the significance of married women but there is science behind it Normally toe rings are worn on the second toe A particular nerve from the second toe connects the uterus and passes to heart Wearing toe ring on this finger strengthens the uterus It will keep it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it and menstrual cycle will be regularized As Silver is a good conductor it also absorbs polar energies from the earth and passes it to the bodyOn the forehead between the two eyebrows is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in human body since ancient times The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of energy the red kumkum between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration While applying kumkum the points on the midbrow region and Adnyachakra are automatically pressed This also facilitates the blood supply to the face muscles People who are visiting the temple should and will Ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum Garbhagudi or Garbha Gruha or wombchamber where the main idol is placed According to Agama Sastra the bell is used to give sound for keeping evil forces away and the ring of the bell is pleasant to God However the scientific reason behind bells is that their ring clears our mind and helps us stay sharp and keep our full concentration on devotional purpose These bells are made in such a way that when they produce a sound it creates a unity in the Left and Right parts of our brains The moment we ring the bell it produces a sharp and enduring sound which lasts for minimum of 7 seconds in echo mode The duration of echo is good enough to activate all the seven healing centres in our body This results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughtsOur living style has drastically changed if we compare it to the society hundreds thousands of years ago The traditions which we follow in present are not establishments of today but of the past Ever thought why do we have Navratras twice a year unlike other festivals like Deepawali or Holi Well both these months are the months of changing seasons and the eating habits of both the seasons are quite different from each other Navratras give enough time to the body to adjust and prepare itself for to the changing season These nine days were marked as a period when people would clean their body system by keeping fasts by avoiding excessive salt and sugar meditate gain a lot of positive energy gain a lot of self confidence increase the self determination power fasts are a medium to improve our will power and self determination and finally get ready for the challenges of the changed seasonHindu religion has bestowed Tulsi with the status of mother Also known as Sacred or Holy Basil Tulsi has been recognized as a religious and spiritual devout in many parts of the world The vedic sages knew the benefits of Tulsi and that is why they personified it as a Goddess and gave a clear message to the entire community that it needs to be taken care of by the people literate or illiterate We try to protect it because it is like Sanjeevani for the mankindTulsi has great medicinal properties It is a remarkable antibiotic Taking Tulsi everyday in tea or otherwise increases immunity and help the drinker prevent diseases stabilize his or her health condition balance his or her body system and most important of all prolong his or her life Keeping Tulsi plant at home prevents insects and mosquitoes from entering the house It is said that snakes do not dare to go near a Tulsi plant Maybe that is why ancient people would grow lots of Tulsi near their houses Peepal tree is almost useless for an ordinary person except for its shadow Peepal does not a have a delicious fruit its wood is not strong enough for any purpose then why should a common villager or person worship it or even care for it Our ancestors knew that Peepal is one of the very few trees or probably the only tree which produces oxygen even at night So in order to save this tree because of its unique property they related it to Godreligion Our ancestors have stressed on the fact that our meals should be started off with something spicy and sweet dishes should be taken towards the end The significance of this eating practice is that while spicy things activate the digestive juices and acids and ensure that the digestion process goes on smoothly and efficiently sweets or carbohydrates pulls down the digestive process Hence sweets were always recommended to be taken as a last itemSushrut rishi the foremost surgeon of Ayurveda describes the master sensitive spot on the head as Adhipati Marma where there is a nexus of all nerves The shikha protects this spot Below in the brain occurs the Brahmarandhra where the sushumn nerve arrives from the lower part of the body In Yog Brahmarandhra is the highest seventh chakra with the thousandpetalled lotus It is the centre of wisdom The knotted shikh helps boost this centre and conserve its subtle energy known as ojasBesides lending color to the hands mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb Weddings are stressful and often the stress causes headaches and fevers As the wedding day approaches the excitement mixed with nervous anticipation can take its toll on the bride and groom Application of mehndi can prevent too much stress because it cools the body and keeps the nerves from becoming tense This is the reason why mehndi is applied on the hands and feet which house nerve endings in the body Diwali usually falls in October or November which marks the start of winter season and end of rainy season Rainy season wasnt a good time for everyone back then many homes needed repair and renovation after a heavy fall That is why time before diwali was considered the period during which everyone can indulge in cleaning and beautification of their home And also take out their winter clothes and pack the summer ones This tradition is not just about sitting on floor and eating it is regarding sitting in the Sukhasan position and then eating Sukhasan is the position we normally use for Yoga asanas Sitting in this position while eating helps in improving digestion as the circulatory system can focus solely upon digestion and not on our legs dangling from a chair or supporting us while we are standingMyth is that it invites ghost or death but since says that it is because human body has its own magnetic field Also known as hearts magnetic field because the flow of blood and Earth is a giant magnet When we sleep with head towards north our bodys magnetic field become completely asymmetrical to the Earths Magnetic field That cause problems related to blood pressure and our heart needs to work harder in order to overcome this asymmetry of Magnetic fields Apart from this another reason is that Our body have significant amount of iron in our blood When we sleep in this position iron from the whole body starts to congregate in brain This can cause headache Alzheimer s Disease Cognitive Decline Parkinson disease and brain degeneration Hindus have a tradition of paying regards to Sun God early in the morning by their water offering ritual It was mainly because looking at Sun rays through water or directly at that time of the day is good for eyes and also by waking up to follow this routine we become prone to a morning lifestyle and mornings are proven to be the most effective part of the day Piercing the ears has a great importance in Indian ethos Indian physicians and philosophers believe that piercing the ears helps in the development of intellect power of thinking and decision making faculties Talkativeness fritters away life energy Ear piercing helps in speechrestraint It helps to reduce impertinent behaviour and the earchannels become free from disorders This idea appeals to the Western world as well and so they are getting their ears pierced to wear fancy earrings as a mark of fashion Hindus do not eat meat on particular days not limited but including Tuesdays Thursdays and Saturdays The reason is that as a human being we need only a little amount of meat to fulfill the requirements of our body such as iron vitamin B12 and other vital nutrients But we often get addicted to eating meat which is not good for health It can cause diseases like piles kidney stones colon cancer etc Therefore Hinduism has placed some restrictions by assigning days to particular deities It is interesting to note that that the application of sindoor by married women carries a physiological significance This is so because Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmericlime and the metal mercury Due to its intrinsic properties mercury besides controlling blood pressure also activates sexual drive This also explains why Sindoor is prohibited for the widows For best results Sindoor should be applied right upto the pituitary gland where all our feelings are centered Mercury is also known for removing stress and strain Usually the person of whose feet you are touching is either old or pious When they accept your respect which came from your reduced ego and is called your shraddha their hearts emit positive thoughts and energy which is called their karuna which reaches you through their hands and toes In essence the completed circuit enables flow of energy and increases cosmic energy switching on a quick connect between two minds and hearts To an extent the same is achieved through handshakes and hugs The nerves that start from our brain spread across all your body These nerves or wires end in the fingertips of your hand and feet When you join the fingertips of your hand to those of their opposite feet a circuit is immediately formed and the energies of two bodies are connected Your fingers and palms become the receptor of energy and the feet of other person become the giver of energy The underlying principle behind fasting is to be found in Ayurveda This ancient Indian medical system sees the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials in the digestive system Regular cleansing of toxic materials keeps one healthy By fasting the digestive organs get rest and all body mechanisms are cleansed and corrected A complete fast is good for heath and the occasional intake of warm lemon juice during the period of fasting prevents the flatulenceSince the human body as explained by Ayurveda is composed of 80 liquid and 20 solid like the earth the gravitational force of the moon affects the fluid contents of the body It causes emotional imbalances in the body making some people tense irritable and violent Fasting acts as antidote for it lowers the acid content in the body which helps people to retain their sanity Research suggests there are major health benefits to caloric restriction like reduced risks of cancer cardiovascular diseases diabetes immune disorders etc Hinduism propagates idol worship more than any other religion Researchers say that this was initiated for the purpose of increasing concentration during prayers According to psychiatrists a man will shape his thoughts as per what he sees If you have 3 different objects in front of you your thinking will change according to the object you are viewing Similarly in ancient India idol worship was established so that when people view idols it is easy for them to concentrate to gain spiritual energy and meditate without mental diversion It is a popular belief that Tulsi is the wife of Lord Vishnu therefore chewing it will be a mark of disrespect However botanists in the course of their research found that Tulsi plant has the maximum of mercury If raw mercury is applied to teeth they fall immediately That s why in Hindu religion Tulsi leaves are not chewed but swallowed Tilgul is a very colorful and excellent sesame candy made of sesame seeds and jaggery Til means sesame seeds whereas gul means jaggery in Marathi Hindi Since Makar Sankranti is celebrated in mid winter ideally Tilgul recipe is a combination that helps keep the body warm due to these heat generating ingredients making it a healthy sweet to enjoy In Ayurveda Sesame is considered to be an extremely beneficial and strong medicine Sesame laddus are beneficial for those children who normally have the problem of bedwetting in winters Normally the wrist portion is in constant activation on any human Also the pulse beat in this portion is mostly checked for all sorts of ailments The Bangles used by women are normally in the wrist part of ones hand and its constant friction increases the blood circulation level Further more the electricity passing out through outer skin is again reverted to ones own body because of the ring shaped bangles which has no ends to pass the energy outside but to send it back to the body

Slideshow By: Vivek Kumar

Chinese astrology predictions for various signs in 2014

Vivek Kumar

Year 2014 is called the year of horse according to Chinese astrology I provide various predictions for various signs You can check your sign from the year that you were born in an earlier blog that I wroteA challenging year for you As per your nature you would love to become the part of those tasks Especially at the workplace you will get ample chances to prove yourself If you are not yet employed you may get a good news soon However the golden chances will approach only till the first half of the year So utilize the best of this time Keep your confidence high as always The year of Horse 2014 will be quite entertaining for you as you love taking critical challenges and solve them and as a result you will be recognized more in the masses for your skills If we talk about your health everything is fine only if you keep an eye Chinese Rats are generally quite workaholic Hence they strain themselves with excess of work Work pressure may become the cause of health troubles in coming days Give proper rest to your body and mind Keep a balance in between your energy and work pressure Follow a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise proper diet sound sleep and Yoga If we talk about your relationship keep them personal as outside forces may intervene In this Chinese year of Horse you got to create a balance between your personal as well as professional life You may face some financial troubles but not in terms of income the trouble will begin when you will be needing to hold it for something important So spend carefully Chinese Astrology 2014 predicts a tough year for you Things may become unfavorable just because of your disturbed psyche Too much of work pressure and competition will push you to take a shortcut which may harm you in near future Just be truthful to yourself and accept the glory of being righteous As per 2014 Chinese Horoscope some of you may wander to take a shift in work The monotonous work is making your skills moribund impelling you to strive for change Everybody is this world feels insecure and this insecurity sometimes leads them to play evil games People around you may do some silly politics against you 2014 Chinese Astrology suggests you to ignore it 2014 the year of Horse is nice for love matters Chinese Horoscope 2014 predicts that you and your partner may face some trust issues As per Chinese Astrology 2014 you need to keep your mind shut to keep your relation moving smoothly If you are single then you may find your love in this time Financial issues will settle down Though you won t face any financial issue yet you are advised to keep any idea of lavish expenditure on hold If we talk about your health you may have to face a difficult time Stomach and head are more prone to illness or injury Maintain a healthy diet along with regular workout Time will stay entertaining with certain ups and downs but your spirit will stay high 2014 Chinese Horoscope has brought good news for you Many of you will be quite lucky Some changes at workplace are also possible It may make you stressed for a while but soon you will realize that the change has come for your good According to the 2014 Chinese Astrology many great opportunities are waiting for you You just got to utilize them best 2014 the year of Horse is also favoring you financially Chinese Horoscope 2014 predicts that you may be favored from almost all the aspects of life be it career finance love or family Victory promotions and luxuries everything is seen in your cards As you belong to a witty category you will utilize the best of your assets and make more investments If we talk about your personal life and relationships Chinese Astrology 2014 predicts some complications Lack of trust may disturb the balance Some hidden secrets may come out and you may feel cheated If we talk about your health everything seems fine However you need to maintain Excess as well as scarcity of anything is bad You need to create a balance in everything It would be better if you concentrate a bit more toward spirituality 2014 Chinese Horoscope foretells a tough year for you However your high energy level as well as intelligence will help you sail through it 2014 Chinese Astrology has seen that overconfidence may put you down You will go through a difficult time as professional life may overrule the personal life You need to find a plan to create a balance between professional as well as personal life In the times of trouble friends will come to your rescue 2014 the year of Horse seems favorable for financial matters However you need to stay extra cautious while making big investments You may get a surprise in the form of ancestral property If we talk about your expenditures journeys may take over the major chunk of your pocket However you will realize that the travel was worth expending As per Chinese Horoscope 2014 love life may face some hurdles Along with some shifts you will get ample of time to spend with each other this will give you opportunities to keep things smooth Singles may have to wait a little more So you are advised to keep your eyes wide open radar on and wait for your soul mate to find you Health may also keep you in strain You are advised to take better care of yourself Chinese Astrology 2014 predicts a boring year for you It is good but with no ups and downs Everything will remain constant Many of you may like it but the nature of Dragon doesn t allow this You may feel lifeless and dull so keep planning parties and outings No improvement at workplace is seen either everything is just the same But the workflow will remain same to keep you pretty occupied You can make it interesting with your creativity and get recognized for your work On the other hand lack of cooperation from coworkers is seen by 2014 Chinese Horoscope As you people are hotblooded try to keep cool and handle things with patience If we talk about your financial luck 2014 Chinese Astrology predicts a risky time You need to keep a check on all your investments as well as expenditure because some losses are expected You need to concentrate on all what you already have Trying your hands on other things may come out as a failure You may get financial benefits from your ancestors If we talk about your love life things seem better However things may become difficult as dragons are bad at keeping calm If you are single then hasty decisions may end you up falling for a wrong one Overall the year of Horses is good for you Chinese Horoscope 2014 predicts a year full of excitement for you Things will become quite active and favorable at workplace Some new coworkers may give you challenge However you Snakes enjoy being in competition Chinese Astrology 2014 foretells the hand of your seniors on your shoulder for you wonderful performance They will be comfortable handing you over with confidential matters A promotion is also expected As the finances will grow high you may feel like spending on luxuries However 2014 Chinese Horoscope suggests you to save your hard earned money If we talk about your love life everything seems in your favor Good time for family planning and singles may find their soulmate 2014 Chinese Astrology has seen your negligence toward health As the year will be quite happy and fun you may get into irregular lifestyle as well as eating habits In this year of Horse if you want to cherish all the amazing activities keep a check on your health Chinese Horoscope 2014 predicts an exciting year ahead New tasks will keep you active Success will follow you and you will leave the ground with that Therefore you are advised to never forget your beginning Your skills will be exposed as you will have to handle many tasks at a time As per Chinese Astrology 2014 you may get involved in social work Financially this year is a boon for you You will be able to fetch good deals due to your intelligence and confidence If we talk about your love life 2014 Chinese Horoscope predicts you favors Before making strong moves 2014 Chinese Astrology advises you to stay wise and steady because your actions may be interpreted in a bad way You need to give time to your love life The year of Horse seems good for your health However you need to take special care of your lungs and chest Chinese Horoscope 2014 suggests you to take care of all your problems because they may grow to bigger ones in later times Chinese Astrology 2014 predicts a lucky year for you With your lucky charm you will get many favorable opportunities Colleagues and seniors will stand by you You will get fair results for all your hard work A promotion is also expected at work Chinese Horoscope 2014 has seen a year full of love for you However you need to learn to let go Putting efforts in love life may disturb things Singles may meet their love partner in this time However there are chances that the relation may not last for long But still you should try because the luck can be changed with efforts For money matters the year seems quite lucky Income sources will flourish However you may go through the hard time finding ways to utilize your money better In order to impress your sweetheart you may spend a lot 2014 Chinese Horoscope suggests you to avoid making any such deed An add on in your assets is seen by 2014 Chinese Astrology You may become the owner of a lost or forgotten ancestral property Stressful lifestyle may give you some illness Take care of your back as well as upper body As a solution it would be better if you can keep yourself fit with workout in this year of Horse Chinese Horoscope 2014 predicts a year full of mixed results for you Indeed you are hard working but hasty decision making may give you a tough time Chinese Astrology 2014 suggests you to ponder over any idea thoroughly Your previous achievements seems to be on stake as you may take up many things and not able to complete within the stipulated period of time Your biggest weakness is that you get easily distracted Hence you need to work on it Things may look bright and advantageous but when you will go closer it will just disappear like a cloud of gas If you have found a shortcut for something then make yourself believe that it is not worth taking up Some big attractive investments may make you greedy landing you up in losses 2014 Chinese Horoscope predicts a good inflow of money Therefore you need to keep a control over your expenditure You are advised to invest only in promising aspects If you will save in this time it will benefit you in future Love life seems to be quite romantic and harmonious Good time for family planning Singles need to work on their lost charm If we talk about your health 2014 Chinese Astrology suggests you to maintain a healthy lifestyle The year of Horse needs your concern Don t ignore small issues they may turn biggerChinese Horoscope 2014 predicts that the year will give you mixed results You people may have to face some basic changes at workplace which may seem uncomfortable in the beginning Quick adaption of everything will help you You need to come over your past and start moving in pace with the world Chinese Astrology 2014 predicts good finances in the beginning of the year but by the end you may have to face certain difficulties Roosters are generous people at heart you like to spend more on others However 2014 Chinese Horoscope suggests to keep this habit in control 2014 Chinese Astrology sees a disturbed love life for you You are suggested to keep calm Married couples may face some disagreements issues which will lead to the arguments adding spice to your life but don t let it go so serious that it could create some difference between you two Singles may have to strive hard in search of true love Friends will come to your rescue in all your hard times in this year of Horse Old friends may come in contact Health seems fit But you need to stay at bay from stress and tensions Yoga and meditation will be most beneficial for you Chinese Horoscope 2014 predicts that this time you are going to spend enough time pondering over your life A change in job is seen for most of you This change seems to be positive for you Also this change will bring out your hidden skills If we talk about your finances you need to stay quite cautious You need to keep a track of all your expenditures this time precisely Chinese Astrology 2014 suggests you to avoid spending on others as your own expenditures may cross the red line The tricky part of love life is about to begin in your life Singles may have to strive hard to find the right one On the contrary married ones will be troubled finding ways to stay with their best one If you hope for a beautiful love life you need to keep a control over your ego and temper Think twice before saying anything Health seems fine in 2014 However you need to take special care of your stomach According to the 2014 Chinese Horoscope entire year is quite favorable for businessmen In spite of being into competition you people will fare out well 2014 Chinese Astrology suggests you to stay on ground no matter how much success comes to your feet Love life will stay smooth only if you will stay at bay from your past Married couples will cherish a blissful time and may expect a new born Single ones will cherish their status and would like to live a better social life Flirting is good for health As they say a little chocolate now and then doesn t hurt You guys will get many chances to make money and most of them will be successful However you need to direct your expenditure in this year of Horse Many situations will come in front of you that will ask you to help others but you need to check if someone is befooling you The year doesn t seem very good healthwise as you may go more into junk foods People under Pig sign have a delicate stomach Hence proper attention needs to be given You may go through some stomach related issues in this time like ulcers and indigestion Headaches may also give your trouble once in a blue Moon Chinese Horoscope 2014 suggests you to take Herbal teas and do proper workoutFeel free to post what you think about the predictions and whether you feel they connect to you

Slideshow By: Sathya Narayanan

Love compatibility by date of birth

Sathya Narayanan

Love and romance are the spice of every individual s life Devoid of love you feel life is just barren and devoid of fun and relaxation However it is very difficult to know about people You need to check love compatibility with your partner before entering into a serious relationship in order to avoid conflicts disagreements and dissentions in the long run Here is a detailed account of love compatibility analysis between different zodiac signs based on your date of birthBeing a fire sign Aires always has to take the initiative when it is the question of romance Usually they are the ones who first to propose when it comes to love They can shower a lot of love on their loved one Being highly passionate about love often they are ready to do anything and everything for their love partnerMost times they can t wait to enjoy the carnal pleasures Their partners must understand this expectation and satisfy them to the core Also Arians must try to understand that they must also give importance to tenderness peaceful lovemaking and joy The zodiac signs compatible with Aries are Libra Gemini Aquarius Sagittarius and LeoFor a Taurus born the need to satisfy the sense is the top priority They are extremely sensual They always look forward to safe and peaceful sexual encounters to make the most of their love lifeWhile provided with a chance to enjoy intimacy they must know how to keep their emotions at check lest they will get lost in the extremities of the sexual world They regard tradition and convention with great importance Taurus is a sign of physical pleasure At the same time they are not willing to break the laws and conventions for some adventure Signs compatible with Taurus are Cancer Virgo Capricorn and PiscesFor Geminians communication is of paramount importance Therefore they deem that verbal interaction is as much important as physical contact when it comes to love relationships They are ready to flirt and experiment with different options in love life before settling with the one they deem the bestStimulation variety and passion are some words that best describe a Gemini born individual They can t get emotionally close most times They can t make resolutions or stick to one person for so long The signs compatible with Gemini are Aries Sagittarius Libra Aquarius and LeoCancer born persons are highly emotional individuals They give utmost importance to feelings in love relationships They are gentle and caring and will express their sensibility to the outside world in a blunt way without thinking about the consequencesThey want to mix with a partner who can understand them from the heart without the need for any words They can t find comfortable with partners who are superficial unreliable and flaky Zodiac signs compatible with Cancer are Taurus Pisces Virgo Scorpio and CapricornLeo is a highly passionate fire sign They can express their feelings with a great sense of clarity and precision When they are in love they are loyal fun loving respectful and highly generous too Even in relationships they will take the leading roleThey prefer partners of the same intelligence and reasoning capabilities It is necessary that the partners of a Leo born needs to express them thoroughly and get their needs fulfilled Leos prefer an adventure filled energetic sex life Libra Aries Gemini and Sagittarius signs are compatible with LeoVirgos are very soft and gentle and expect their partners to make them feel safe secure and comfortable to be able to express themselves The hidden beauty of their emotional self can be brought to surface only through intimacy Virgos can never tolerate casual and flirting love They always seek serious and stable relationship with their partners They have a definition of love and romance that they expect their partners to follow strictly They always want to get stuck to someone and remain faithful and loyal all through their life The signs compatible with Virgo are Scorpio Pisces Capricorn Taurus and CancerLibra born persons have the long mission of searching for the partner most compatible with them The search will often be very long not being able to decide firmly After entering into a relationship the Libra born take the fullest measures to maintain peace and harmony inside the portals of their love lifeThey are fully balanced creative and highly expressive They cannot tolerate loneliness In order to please their partners they can go to any number of extra miles Their dedication combined with the charming personality make them highly lovable The signs compatible with Libra are Aquarius Sagittarius Leo and GeminiIn the full gamut of zodiac signs we can say Scorpios are the most passionate ones For them sexual and emotional intimacy are of great importance in love life They always prefer partners who are intelligent and loyalIn love they can be the most faithful and dedicated ones Since they require a lot of time to build trust in a person they will often take a long time to propose their love They always wish to be very careful in choosing their life partners The signs compatible with Scorpio are Pisces Cancer Capricorn Cancer and VirgoThe fun loving and robust Sagittarians always enjoy having so much fun with their partners They always expect partners who are open minded passionate and equally expressive like them If they get such a partner they will be ready to do anything on the earth to please them and keep them happyThey always look for variety and adventure even on the bed Once they are in serious love they remain dedicated and fully loyal to their partners The signs compatible with Scorpio are Aries Libra Aquarius and LeoWinning the heart and love of a Capricorn born can be a daunting experience However once they give them heart to someone they wish to stay committed for the whole of their life These people possess an unpredictable and tough character They wish to show sensitivity through actions than wordsThey can t easily express their feelings and needs even to their closest one While dealing with their loved ones Capricorn born can lack emotion and compassion They will enthusiastically support the growth of their partners in life and career The signs that can find compatible relationship with Capricorn born are Pisces Virgo Scorpio and TaurusHe intelligent Aquarians seek intellectual stimulation even in romantic life Nothing other than an interesting conversation will interest an Aquarian The qualities required to attract them are openness communication preparedness to take risk and imagination They always look forward to honesty to rule their love relationshipThey are not possessive and can give the freedom needed by their partners They prefer a long term relationship with a person who is robust and dynamic Aries Libra Gemini and Sagittarius are compatible signs with AquariusPisceans are thorough romantics They are highly generous to their partners and always expect a loyal and gentle relationship These are passionate individuals looking for a sense of real connection with their partnersAt the same time adventures and short term relationships are not uncommon to this zodiac sign When it comes to serious love they can be fully committed to their partners and remain fully loyal to them The care they can show to their partners is unparalleled The signs compatible with Pisces are Capricorn Cancer Scorpio and Taurus

Slideshow By: Shruti Srivastava

16 professional life lessons by Dhirbubhai Ambani might help you achieve big

Shruti Srivastava

Dhirubhai Ambani had been a symbol of struggle hark work passion and achievement The Ambani Empire which was once a dream of a na ve village guy from Junagadh Gujarat turned him into one of the top successful entrepreneurs of the world Known for his fiery instinct burning passion futuristic outlook and an indomitable will Dhirubhai Ambani started off on his own with just 500 Rs He tried his hand in everything that involved risk be it being a spice dealer cloth merchant or a textile producer it was the neversaydie spirit in him that led him through allHe many now have become the most renowned businessman in the world but it wasn t all easy from him His teachings which were once his way to live his professional life have now become talisman to budding entrepreneurs These 16 inspiring quotes from his autobiography might help you to lead a successful and satisfying lifeIf you don t build your dream someone else will hire you to help them build theirsPeople in Reliance are our core strength and it is very important to bet on themWe must learn to trust For several centuries Indians have been brainwashed to distrust other Indians This saps national energy Distrust kills initiative Distrust compels people to maneuver and manipulate Trust and transparency stimulates entrepreneurshipA vision has to be within reach not in the air It has to be achievableI live the GitaThink big think fast and think ahead Ideas are no one s monopolyI believe that the success of Reliance cannot be attributed to the qualities and achievements of one individual or even a group of individuals but has to be viewed as a triumph of a process and a spirit that binds the entire Reliance family togetherGive your people the youth a proper environment Motivate them Extend them the support they need Each one of them has infinite source of energy They will deliverGrowth has no limit at Reliance I keep revising my vision Only when you dream it you can do itPursue your goals even in the face of difficulties and convert adversities into opportunitiesI have trusted people and they have put the trust in meFor those who dare to dream there is a whole world to win Dream and dareDon t give up courage is my convictionReliance s success is a reflection of India s capabilities the talent of her people and the potential of her entrepreneurs engineers managers and workersMy advice to the young entrepreneurs is not to accept defeat in the face of the odds and challenge negative forces with hope selfconfidence and conviction I believe that ambition and initiative will ultimately triumph The success of the young entrepreneur will be the key to India s transformation in the new millenniumIf you work with determination and with perfection success will follow

Slideshow By: Pallavi Thakur

14 reasons why marriages are not made in heaven

Pallavi Thakur

Marriages are made in heaven is an extremely famous quote but I could never agree with it Rather if some day I get to meet the person behind this highly fairytaleish belief I would get him arrested for felony No marriages aren t made in heaven rather they are made on earth and a lot of work goes into making them remotely earthly forget divine Here s why I believe that marriages are not made in heaven Lasting relationships regardless of whether the two people concerned are married or not are mainly based on a mix of genetics physical appearance and emotions The ones made in the heart rust with time the ones made in the mind lack intimacy the ones made in both heart and mind last Heaven comes nowhere in it Tend to believe that if you love someone that it should fix the relationship Love is not enough If loving someone were enough to make a relationship work most people wouldn t have the problems they do Love doesn t cancel out the problems and if you don t understand the type of behaviours that need to accompany love you ll be throwing your energy in all the wrong places Many seem to see marriage as a union in which both people have a hold on each other that strips away the other s freedom The truth is marriage does not mean the two of you are no longer free You are still two individual people who choose to share your lives together A lot of us think of marrying the one we love and imagine a life filled with endless romance passion and closeness that will automatically always be there While the love and passion can always be there it will not be automatic and this is an illusion we all have to forget about A healthy marriage filled with love passion and closeness is possible but not without work This one may seem obvious but a lot of people with incompatible views get married with hope that once they are married things will get better Nobody is exactly the same and that is not required in order to have a good relationship and marriage If a two successful people marry their egos may collide in a fight that just can t be won Who makes more money Who is in the press more Who gets more perks If only one of the partners is famous that can hurt more as the attention is always on the other which can t always feel good Adversity is inevitable The key is how you deal with it First acknowledge that your spouse has good intentions Second focus your discussions on the issue without withdrawing hurling insults or getting personal Most importantly be supportive when the chips are down Keep the romance alive Find happiness simply being in the presence of one another As the years go by build shared experiences and find ways to add spice to your life Never take the relationship for granted Find balance between work and family acknowledging that both contribute to your happiness and the strength of your relationship The most exciting part of a longstanding relationship is the growth that you achieve together building on the promise of your marriage vows into fuller more capable people joined through love and shared commitment Frequent namecalling threats eyerolling belittling mockery hostile teasing etc In whatever form gestures like these are poisonous to a relationship because they convey hate And it s virtually impossible to resolve a relationship problem when the other person is constantly getting the message that you hate them They accept each other without trying to change each other The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated as is Sometimes we try to be sculptors constantly carving out of our significant others the image of what we want them to be what we think we need love or desire Heated arguments are a waste Your partner doesn t have to be wrong for you to be right There are many roads to what s right And most of the time it just doesn t matter that much When you feel anger surging up and you want to yell that vulgar remark on the tip of your tongue just close your mouth and walk away Love is not just living your own life but also sharing it And this requires constant forgiveness It s making a million mistakes and turning them into learning experiences Love is patience optimism and sometimes it s a simple hug when there is nothing left to say It may sound harsh but not every couple was meant to be a couple And that s OK It s always better to be alone with dignity than in a relationship that constantly requires you to sacrifice your happiness and selfrespect So who was talking about heavenly interventions When I say Marriages are not made in heaven I mean that a good marriage requires work They require sacrifice and compromise True love in both dating relationships and marriages are not about being there when it s convenient these relationships are about being there when it s not The whole concept of dating is to test the waters try out different fish in the enormous ocean until you land on the right one Most people go into a relationship for adventure to see where it leads This is being dishonest with oneself To be in a relationship in the first place you need to understand and know why you are in it know all your reasons by heart lest you get disappointed If you fit together with your likes dislikes feelings responses etc etc whilst success still isnt guaranteed its far more likely So summarising marriages are not made in heaven theyre based on very earthly factors some of which are within our control others which arent

Slideshow By: Pallavi Thakur

Must read 30 Challenges for 30 Days of Growth

Pallavi Thakur

It s like the old saying How do you eat an elephant One bite at a time The same philosophy holds true for making changes in your life It is suggested that with a little willpower it takes roughly 30 days for a person to form a new habit As with mastering anything new the act of starting and getting beyond the preliminary stage is 80 of the battle This is why it s important to make small positive changes every day for at least 30 daysIn this blog you will find 30 challenges to be accomplished over the course of 30 days If carried out diligently each of them has the potential to create a new positive habit in your life And no you don t have to attempt all at once Pick 2 to 5 and commit the next 30 days wholeheartedly to complete the challenge Then once you feel comfortable with these habits challenge yourself with a few more the following month Typically when I ask someone How are you they reply I m fine or I m okay But one lazy Monday afternoon last month a new colleague of mine replied Oh I am fabulous It made me smile The difference was simply his attitude and his choice of words He wasn t necessarily any better off than anyone else but he seemed twenty times happier Spend the next 30 days using words that encourage a smile Variety truly is the spice of life You can see or do something a million times but you can only see or do it for the first time once As a result first time experiences often leave reflective marks in our minds for the rest of our lives Make an effort to try something new every day for the next 30 days It can be a whole new activity or just a small experience such as talking to a stranger In life you get what you put in When you make a positive impact in someone else s life you also make a positive impact in your own life Do something that s greater than you something that helps someone else be happy or suffer less It will be an extremely rewarding experience Selfreliance is a vital key to living a healthy productive life To be selfreliant one must master a basic set of skills more or less making them a jack of all trades Contrary to what you may have learned in school a jack of all trades is far more equipped to deal with life than a specialized master of only one And besides learning new skills is fun We all have natural strengths and talents that can dramatically help those around us What comes easy for you is no doubt challenging for others We tend to take these gifts for granted often hardly noticing what we have to offer and thus we rarely share them with others Inner happiness and zeal come from using these inherent gifts on a routine basis For the next 30 days devote some time each day to sharing your talents and expertise Take part in something you passionately believe in Some people take an active role in their city council some find refuge in religious faith some join social clubs supporting causes they believe in and others find passion in their hobbies In each case the psychological outcome is the same They engage themselves in something they strongly believe in This engagement brings happiness and meaning into their lives Being nice to someone you dislike doesn t mean you re fake It means you re mature enough to control your emotions Treat everyone with kindness and respect even those who are rude to you not because they re nice but because you are Do this for 30 days and I guarantee you ll see the rudeness around you dissipate The real winners in life cultivate optimism They have the ability to manufacture their own happiness and drive No matter what the situation the successful diva is the chick who will always find a way to put an optimistic spin on it She knows failure only as an opportunity to grow and learn a new lesson from life People who think optimistically see the world as a place packed with endless opportunities especially in trying times It s important to remember that everything is a life lesson Everyone you meet everything you encounter etc They re all part of the learning experience we call life Never forget to acknowledge the lesson especially when things don t go your way It only means something better is out there waiting And the lesson you just learned is the first step toward it Over the next 30 days keep a written log of all the lessons life taught you Every single thing you ve gone through in life every high every low and everything in between it has led you to this moment right now Ask yourself this How much of life are you actually living If you re like most people the answer is likely Not enough The key is to concentrate on a little less on doing and a little more on being Remember right now is the only moment guaranteed to you Spend the next 30 days living in the now for real We have so much clutter surrounding us at any given moment at the office in our cars in our homes and we ve become so accustomed to it that we no longer notice how it affects us If you start cleaning up some of this external clutter a lot of internal clutter will disappear as well Choose one needless item each and every day and get rid of it Creation is a process like none other Putting to use your innovative faculties and constructing something with your own two hands will leave you with an indescribable sense of wholeness There is no substitute for it If you can find something you love and create something related to it it will make all the difference in your life If you haven t created something in a while just for the sake of creating do so Take the next 30 days and let your creativity run wild With all the seemingly innocent white lies that trickle out of us this is way harder than it sounds But you can do it Stop deceiving yourself and others speak from the heart speak the whole truth Get up 30 minutes earlier than usual so you don t have to rush around like a mad man That 30 minutes will help you avoid speeding tickets tardiness and other unnecessary headaches Give it a legitimate try for 30 days straight and see how it impacts your life Do you eat too much fast food Do you play too many video games Do you argue with your siblings You know some of your bad habits Pick 3 and quit doing them for 30 days Period Entertain yourself with realworld experiences Great memories are the product of interesting life experiences So turn off the television or the computer if that s how you watch your TV programs and get outdoors Interact with the world appreciate nature take notice of the simple pleasures life has to offer and just watch as life unfolds in front of you Break your goal down into bitesized pieces and focus on achieving each one piece at a time It really is all about taking baby steps and taking the first step is often the hardest Spend an hour every day for the next 30 days working toward something you ve always wanted to accomplish Take a small dream and make it a reality With the Web s endless stream of informative easytoskim textual snippets and collaborative written works people are spending more and more time reading online Nevertheless the Web cannot replace the authoritative wisdom from certain classic books that have delivered profound ideas around the globe for generations Books open doors in your mind and in your life Read an online book list and find a good book to grab at the library today Sometimes all you need is a little pep talk For the next 30 days before you eat breakfast or leave the house watch a motivational video or read something quotation blog post short story etc that inspires you Watch a funny video clip on YouTube read your favorite comic strip or find a good joke online A good chuckle stimulates the mind and can give you a renewed level on energy The best time for this laugh is during the lull in the midafternoon when you need it most This challenge depends on your individual circumstance If you are a heavy user of alcohol or a particular drug it is not recommended that you quit cold turkey You need to see a physician and ease off of the substance slowly But if you are a casual user quit right now for 30 days Your health is your life Don t let it go Eat right exercise and get an annual physical checkup With a strategy of continuous small steps into uncomfortable territory we are often able to sidestep the biggest barrier to positive change Fear The best way to defeat fear is to stare it down Connect to your fear feel it in your body realize it and steadily address it Greet it by name if you have to Welcome fear Spend an hour every day for the next 30 day s addressing a fear that is holding you back Cooking is fun challenges your mind and if done correctly provides vital nutrients to your body WinWinWin Prepare one new healthy recipe every day for the next 30 days For the next 30 days spend 10 minutes every evening pondering the small successes that occurred during the course of the day This process of positive reflection will remind you of all the tiny blessings in your life and help you to celebrate your personal growth People are interesting creatures and no two people are exactly alike Interacting with different people will open your mind to fascinating ideas and perspectives So for the next 30 days strike up a conversation daily with someone you rarely speak to or someone you ve never met before Find out what makes them tick Live well below your means Don t buy stuff you don t need Sleep on big purchases Create a budget and savings plan and stick to them For the next 30 days pay for things in cash and micromanage every penny you make and spend Keep people in your life who truly love you motivate you encourage you enhance you and make you happy If you know people who do none of these things let them go and make room for new positive relationships Over the next 30 days if relevant to your situation gradually let go of one person in your life who has been continuously hurting you and holding you back Sometimes good relationships end abruptly because of big egos and arguments based on isolated incidents If there s someone in your life who truly deserves another chance give it to them If you need to apologize too do it Over the next 30 days give your story together a new chapter For 30 days bring a camera with you wherever you go Do your best to take one photograph that represents a standout experience from each day Then before you go to bed each night write one paragraph in a notebook or journal that highlights your day Many moons from now these old photos and journal entries will ignite your recollection of interesting memories you would have otherwise forgotten

Slideshow By: Pallavi Thakur

Ayurveda secrets that can dramatically improve your health

Pallavi Thakur

The Ayurvedic system of medication is based on many centuries of experience in medical practice handed down through generations Ayurvedic medicine originated in the early civilizations of India some 3 0005 000 years ago making Ayurvedic medicine the oldest surviving healing system in the world Read on to know how to benefit from Ayurveda in your busy everyday life The word Ayurveda is formed by the combination of two words Ayu meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge Life according to Ayurveda is a combination of senses mind body and soul Ayurveda is not only limited to body or physical symptoms but also gives a comprehensive knowledge about spiritual mental and social health Thus Ayurveda is a qualitative holistic science of health and longevity a philosophy and system of healing the whole person body and mind According to Ayurveda all matters are thought to be composed of five basic elements known as the Panchamahabhuthas Earth Prithvi Water Jala Fire Tejas Wind Vayu and Space AkashaThese elements interact and exists in combination in which one or more elements dominate The human body is composed of derivatives of these five basic elements in the form of doshas tissues dhatus and waste products malas Tridosha or the Three Humours are categorized into Vata Pitta and Kapha Vata governs movement Pitta is concerned with functions of heat metabolism and energy production and Kapha governs physical structure and fluid balance Thus in Ayurveda disease is viewed as a state of imbalance in one or more of these doshas and the treatments aims to establish the balance in these three fundamental qualities Tibetans use a simple daily test to know when they have a tendency towards a derangement of Vata Pitta or Kapha They collect their urine in a clear transparent jar first thing in the morning Then they check the urine s appearance to determine if they have an excess of air Vata bile Pitta or phlegm Kapha in their bodies at that moment Simple If the urine looks watery almost transparent there is an excess of air in their bodies Vata If the urine has a strong yellow or brownish appearance fire Pitta is predominant in their bodies at that moment If the urine looks very pale and foaming there is a predominance of phlegm Kapha in their bodiesAyurveda offers many ways to heal and restore your natural balance and energy A targeted diet to pacify your specific deranged dosha is one of them Take a look at some generic principles It is highly recommended that you consider a good doctor whenever you feel something is not right with your body Vata is cold and dry So have hot drinks like ginger tea or chamomile tea Center your diet around broths cheese warm not cold as long as you are not lactose intolerant carrots onions cooked spinach garlic and spices Avoid cold foods such as salads because raw salads increase the air in your body and ice cream Generally speaking avoid cold foods raw foods and dry foods Eat warm oily moist foods instead Realize that Pitta is hot So balance it with cold light foods such as cool water salads yoghurt and cooling herbs Avoid meat and alcohol Also avoid sour salty fried and spicy foods Boring diet Not necessarily since Pitta people can enjoy oatmeal or pancakes for breakfast salads for lunch and rice dishes and pasta for dinner Realize that Kapha is heavy cold and humid So balance it with dry light foods spices vegetables and salads Avoid sweet and salty foods Also avoid dairy foods because they are heavy and produce mucus in your body fried foods and frozen foods Wheat is not good for Kapha But you can enjoy muesli without wheat for breakfast and drink apple juice instead of cold milk You can also enjoy salads but with very little oilbased dressing for lunch Most of us struggle to maintain a good balance in life when it comes to family health and work We tend to prioritize one over the other creating a rift that leaves us disheveled and unbalanced While unhealthy lifestyles can lead to an array of problems like acidity indigestion stress and other lifestylerelated illnesses Ayurveda can help create harmony between the body mind and spirit Read some simple tips based on the Ayurveda principles Cinnamon is considered to be the ancient healing spice that not only enhances the flavor of any dish but also has numerous health benefits seen in Ayurvedic medicine It is a soothing Ayurvedic spice that regulates blood sugar which caffeine throws off The spice also soothes the nervous system Massaging oil into your body brings immediate benefits it not only improves the texture of your skin and brings a healthy glow but improves your sleep and reduces vata dosha in your system Allowing vata dosha to accumulate can lead to mental agitation Vata dosha has qualities that are rough dry light mobile and cool so an application of warm oil works as an antidote to all these qualities The best time to oil yourself is in the morning before bathing or showering Life isn t that bad when you look at it life has lots of surprises some don t make us so happy however learning from each incident will be the right thing to do Look at the beautiful things you have rather than seeing the negative sides Try to keep your mind clear of emotions such as anger jealousy depression greed hatred sadness etc Due to keeping an irregular schedule eating inappropriate food and dealing with the general stress of everyday life something called ama accumulates in your body Ama translates as undigested food juice and it floats around your bloodstream looking for places to lodge and start the disease process The qualities of ama are heaviness cold dampness and dullness hot water with its opposite properties helps to allay the production of ama in the digestive system Boil water for ten minutes decant into a flask to keep it warm and sip it about every half an hour throughout the day You can put a couple of slices of ginger in it to improve the effect Check your tongue throughout the day and you ll see it getting cleaner meaning that it s pink and doesn t have any coating on it Drink warm water with lemon first thing in the morning The acidic qualities of lemon encourage regularity which is crucial in keeping your digestive track free of toxic buildup Ayurveda likes to keep things moving through the channels of the body Lemons also hold vitamins and minerals that help release toxins in the digestive tract Squeeze the juice of 12 a lemon into a cup of warm water Ayurveda teaches us that we can learn a lot about our bodies by noticing the characteristics of our tongue A body with healthy organs and a clear digestive tract will show up a pretty pink tongue A body with clogged organs or undigested food will reflect in a tongue with a layer of fuzz If your tongue has any of the latter qualities you know that there are toxins lingering in your body Scrape off these toxins from your tongue There a many different recipes for green smoothies out there but Ayurveda encourage a seasonal diet and ingredients that balance out the qualities already occurring in nature Getting a little wet or sometimes getting drenched is not uncommon when you are outdoors However dont let your skin remain wet for a long time It is important to keep your skin folds and feet dry and clean at all times Damp skin is a breeding ground for fungal infections Don t make your diet solely raw Eating small salad as a side dish is ok however the food itself should be warm seasoned with spices to aid digestion Drinking large amounts of liquids during meals will only dilute the digestive acids which will result in poor digestion and assimilation Drinking sips of warm ginger water will be ok It is advised by ayurvedic physicians not to watch TV for a long time at night and to avoid any type of mental stress during this time It is also advised to go to bed before 10 pm and there should be at least 3 hours of gap between your meal and the time you go to bed Ayurveda recommends that lunch be the largest meal of the day since that is the time the digestive agni is working at its maximum potency As the sun goes down so does our agni Dinner should be lighter than lunch and should ideally be eaten before 800 pm Latenight meals interfere with sleep and after 1000 pm the body is working to burn off toxins and continue to digest food from the day This traditional Ayurvedic yogurt drink not only tastes great but also balances the doshas and increases digestion It is best to drink a Lassi after lunch or in late afternoon Do not drink it in the evening A mango lassi adds the additional benefits contained in the wondrous mango fruit known as The King of Fruits in Ayurveda as it is a potent energizer and also works to balance all the doshas In the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda Ghee is known to enhance the pure satvic quality of food It is very beneficial for Vata and Pitta doshas as it is an effective digestive aide Cow s milk is considered to contain the essence of all the plants it eats and Ghee is the pure essence of this milk According to Ayurvedic texts ghee is good for the brain increasing intelligence and memory while it enhances the aura softens organs cools the body builds rasa internal bodily fluids increases immunity and builds Ojas the essence of all bodily tissues A good night s rest is beneficial for maintaining youthful skin Remember to avoid stimulating activities during the night time as it won t allow you to sleep such as working being on the computer watching television and even eating Best to have your last meal at least two hours before sleeping so you can digest and sleep If you find it hard to fall asleep try to sleep before 10 pm as this is the kapha time of night

Slideshow By: Anup Amora

With these 9 foods you can surely lose weight in 30 days

Anup Amora

Even if you re exercising and eating a wellbalanced diet unbalanced hormones can sabotage your goal to lose weight No penny for your thoughts here but yes you ve definitely being going on the wrong roadYou body s hormones help control everything from your metabolism to your body s fat storage Hormonedisrupting chemicals may be hiding in your household cleaners laundry detergent shampoo and even your air freshenersTo keep your hormones balanced stay healthy and help your body lose fat add these 9 hormonebalancing foods to your diet So now the question is how will it work in 30 days If you religiously involve these foods in your diet then things can work your wayNuts also contain betasitosterol which is great for weight management Almonds contain protein fiber and are known to slow the absorption of carbohydrates in the body Studies have found that walnuts are also a good source of the hormone melatonin which helps promote a more restful sleepCinnamon has the ability to speed up the metabolism and stabilize blood sugar levels which can help with weight loss It also has antiinflammatory and antibacterial properties that help keep your body healthy In fact it s the cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon that naturally helps balance the body s hormones Add some cinnamon to your oatmeal or sprinkle some on an apple and enjoy a healthy snackStudies have shown that green tea extract increases metabolism and helps the body burn fat It provides a boost of energy while blocking the release of the stress hormone cortisol which helps fight the accumulation of belly fatAdding turmeric to your meals will do more than just spice things up Turmeric naturally reduces inflammation pain and swelling in the body It also helps to balance your hormones and keep your immune system in tiptop shapeYou might love it or hate it but broccoli contains high amounts of phytochemicals called indoles which play a large role in estrogen metabolism Indoles work to convert estrogen into a safer form for the body to metabolize which reduces the risk of estrogenlinked cancer including breast cancer and prostate cancerPomegranates have amazing anticancer antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties that help keep the body healthy and fight off disease They also provide the same estrogens that the female ovaries produce estradiol estrone and estriol Adding pomegranates to your diet can help reduce mood swings while helping your body combat breast cancer and heart diseaseBerries are rich in antioxidants that work to keep the body healthy Goji berries are naturally high in iron and they produce antiinflammatory and antibacterial effects They also contain an antioxidant known as selenium which aids in the health of your liver and immune system as well as your thyroid an important tool in weight lossAvocados contain a substance known as betasitosterol which works wonders for weight loss Betasitosterol has been shown to significantly lower blood cholesterol levels balance cortisol levels and decrease inflammation in the bodyApples contain a flavonoid known as quercetin which works as a natural antioxidant and antihistamine in the body Researchers have found that quercetin increases endurance and boosts aerobic capacity making apples a great addition to a weightmanagement diet

Slideshow By: Radhika Ravi Rajan

Everything you wanted to know about Good Friday and Easter

Radhika Ravi Rajan

Good Friday is a Christian tradition to mark the day of crucification of Jesus whom they believe to be the Son of God as well as his Messiah or messenger Jesus was arrested tried and sentenced by Pontius Pilate to be executed on a cross Jesus was arrested following the famous Last Supper with the Twelve Apostles then flogged and mocked by Roman soldiers for being the King of Jews Collectively known as the Passion of Christ the suffering and death of Jesus by crucifixion represent the central theme of Christian theology including the doctrines of salvation and atonement Christians also believe his suffering was foretold in the Hebrew Bible in Psalm 22 and songs of the suffering servant of IsaiahThe term Good Friday may be derived from God Friday in the same way that the word goodbye is derived from God Be With Ye The good about Good Friday is that the barrier of sin was broken by Jesus dying on the cross and coming back from the deadOn a Friday also called Black Friday Jesus was arrested and tried in a mock trial He was then handed over to the Roman soldiers to be beaten and flogged with whips A crown of long sharp thorns was thrust upon his head Then he was forced to carry his own cross to a place on top of Skull Hill on the outskirts of the city There he was nailed to the cross A sign pinned above him read The King of the Jews According to the Bible Jesus was nailed to the cross at 9 AM By 12 PM as his suffering intensified the skies darkened even though it was just noontime At 3 PM when Jesus died the darkness left the sky All these miracles added to the faith of his followers that Jesus was no ordinary mortalSome Christians go without food on Good Friday This helps them remember the sacrifice Jesus made for them on the day of crucifixion Others take part in a procession by carrying a cross through the streets Many churches hold a special service a prayer in the afternoon and a communion service in the evening In some churches statues are covered with a cloth to symbolise a time of mourningThe AngloSaxon name for Good Friday was Long Friday due to the long fast lasting an entire day imposed upon this day Like every festival of faith Good Friday too comes with its share of rituals and superstitions Here are some 1 A child born on Good Friday and baptised on Easter Sunday has the gift of healing 2 Many fishermen do not set out for fishing on Good Friday regarding it as inauspicious 3 Bread or cakes baked on this day will not go mouldy 4 Eggs laid on Good Friday will never go bad 5 The planting of crops is not advised on Good Friday as an old belief warns against any iron entering the ground 6 Having a haircut on Good Friday will prevent toothaches for the the rest of the year It is traditional to eat hot cross buns on Good Friday The cross icing on top of the buns symbolises and reminds Christians of the cross that Jesus was killed uponThe buns were traditionally eaten at breakfast time hot from the oven A popular old song goes Hot cross buns Hot cross buns One a penny Two a penny Hot cross buns There are unique superstitions associated with hot cross buns First of all they are supposed to have magical powers so people eat them and even wear them Secondly there is a belief that a hot cross bun baked on Good Friday remains fresh for an entire year Thirdly that hardened hot cross buns protect a house from fire Sailors of yore took hot cross buns to sea to prevent shipwrecks Two days after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday The day has huge significance for followers of the Christian faith as it was on Easter Sunday that Jesus came back to life proving that he was indeed the Son of God it represents the victory of good over evil Pagan traditions give us the English word Easter which comes from the word Eostre The AngloSaxon word for April was Eostremonath or the month of openings However it should be remembered that Christians celebrated the resurrection of Christ long before the word Easter was used and the word they used for the celebration was Pascha which is derived from and linked to the Jewish festival of Passover No wonder in many European languages the name Easter comes from the word Passover as in Pascha in Greek and Latin Pasqua in Italian Paques in French and Pascua in SpanishOn Easter Sunday Christians gather together for a sunrise service Some Christians take part in an Easter vigil lighting a new fire outside the church early Sunday morning The Paschal candle decorated with studs to celebrate Christs wounds may be lit from the fire and carried into the church where it is used to light the candles of the worshippers The Easter Eucharist is a particularly joyful service It is a popular time for baptisms and renewal of baptism vows An AngloSaxon legend relates to the Easter bunny and eggs It talks of how the Saxon goddess Eostre found a wounded bird and transformed it into a hare so that it could survive the winter The hare found it could lay eggs so it decorated these each Spring and left them as an offering to the goddessNow that we know how Easter came to be connected with eggs let us explore the ande ka funda The first eggs given at Easter were eggs of birds These eggs were painted in bright colours to give them the look of a gift Even today Easter eggs normally made of chocolate are painted or decorated Around 80 million chocolate eggs are eaten around Easter in the UK After the lean months of winter and the fasting weeks of Lent food at Easter comes as a special treat Easter like Christmas is associated with a special menu The Simnel cake is a rich fruitcake covered with a thick layer of almond paste or marzipan A layer of marzipan is also traditionally baked into the middle of the cake sprinkled with currants and flat Easter biscuits Eleven balls of marzipan are placed around the top to represent the eleven true disciples of Jesus Easter biscuits contain spices currants and lemon rind The traditional Easter pudding is custard tart Boiled eggs are traditionally served at breakfast after which Easter cards and gifts are exchanged Here is the recipe to bake Simnel cake Begin by toasting almonds to give them extra crunch and flavour Spread them out on a baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven for 810 minutes Remove the almonds and when cool chop them roughly Next unwrap the marzipan cut the block into two halves rewrap one of them for use later and chop the remaining half into inch 1 cm cubes Toss them in 1 tablespoon of the flour from the cake Now for the cake Take your largest mixing bowl sift the flour baking powder and spice in then simply place all the ingredients except the marzipan icing sugar icing redcurrant jelly and egg yolk into the bowl Then take an electric hand whisk or a wooden spoon and give everything a good mix Finally gently fold in the squares of marzipan and any remaining flour Bake for 2 3 hours at the lower temperature of gas mark 2 300 F 150 C After the cake is done you may decorate it with eleven balls of marzipanSift the white bread flour and salt into a large mixing bowl Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbsStir in the spices 1tsp ground cinnamon 1tsp ground mixed spice and 14tsp grated nutmeg 50 g unrefined sugar dried fruit candied peel and yeast Make a well in the centre In another bowl beat the milk and eggs together and pour into the flour Mix well then pour onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 mins until smooth and elastic Place in an oiled bowl cover with clingfilm and leave in a warm place for about 45 mins to rise Divide into 14 pieces and shape into buns Place well apart on greased baking sheets cover loosely with clingfilm and leave in a warm place until it doubles in size Cut a cross in the top of each bun with a sharp knife Mix flour to pour into the the crosses Bake for 1520 mins at 200 C400 F Meanwhile heat the ingredients for the glaze in a small pan and simmer for 2 minutes until syrupyThere are a lot of sporting traditions associated with Easter celebrations in England Egg rolling is one such popular sport where hardboiled eggs are rolled down a hill Some say the egg rolling represents the rolling of the stone from the tomb of Jesus Another game that is played on Easter is the playing of a game with eggs known as jarping It is a bit like playing conkers with players tapping the eggs of their opponents until one breaks The winner goes through to the next round until there is only one egg left unbroken The Easter bunny is known for delivering sweet treats to young children so it is no surprise that Easter baskets often feature a chocolate bunny besides the customary candies and sweets In Brazil which has the famous Christ statue there a tradition of beating up Judas the apostle who betrayed Christ People make straw men representing Judas hang them on the streets then destroy them In Sweden Easter resembles Halloween Children dress up as witches with a broom and go around local houses asking for sweets In the Philippines Easter involves little girls dressed as angelsI wish to conclude this blog by saying that let us take time to reflect on the huge message of this holy weekend The message is that death represented by Good Friday is not the end The spirit is eternal as represented by Easter Sunday when Jesus rose from the dead and gave mankind hope

Slideshow By: Pallavi Thakur

19 Miraculous Medicinal Plants from Ancient India

Pallavi Thakur

The Indian systems of medicine have been a part of the culture and tradition of India down the centuries The Sushruta Samhita attributed to Sushruta in the 6th century BC describes 700 medicinal plants Rather Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats are among the 18 crucial regions of biodiversity in the world However many of these magical plants are found not on the Himalayas but in your kitchen garden Take a look Ocimum Sanctum Linn Laminaceae is a plant worshipped for its medicinal values since time immemorial The juice of the leaves is used in catarrh and bronchitis and applied to the skin in ringwork and other cutaneous diseases An infusion of the leaves is given to children in gastric disorders A decoction of the root is given as disphoretic in malarial fever It drives away mosquitoes Curcuma Longa Llinn is a perennial herb native of Southern Asia and cultivated throughout India It is considered a boon in cases of diarrhoea and intermittent fevers in disorders of blood in affections of liver and jaundice It is externally applied in pains and bruises and internally administered in disorders of the blood Haridra can grow at all places ranging from sea level to an altitude of 1 220 meters but is very sensitive to atmospheric temperature Apocynaceae is probably one of the important contributions of ancient Indian medicine The alkaloid present in the roots of this plant has been proved to be an effective remedy against hypertension Ayurvedic texts also describe its sedative and hypnotic actions It has been effectively tried in cases of high blood pressure insanity and schizophrenia Barbadensis Mill Liliaceae is a native of North Africa and found in semiwild state in all parts of India from the dry westward valleys of Himalayas upto Kanyakumari The leaf juice is used in dyspepsia burns colic hyperadenosis hepatopathy splenopathy skin disease constipation vitiated condition of vata and pitta abdominal tumours dropsy carbuncies sciatica lumbago and flatulence Guggulu or Commiphora wightii is an armed shrub or small tree found in the arid and semiarid zones of India particularly Rajasthan The oleo gum resin from its stem constitutes an important therapeutic agent used in the treatment of various categories of ailments like neurological conditions leprosy skin diseases heart ailments cerebro vascular diseases and hypertension Brahmi or Bacopa monnieri is a herb that spreads on ground having fleshy stems and leaves It is found in moist or wet places in all parts of India Brahmi is useful for treating the diseases of the brain and to improve memory power Brahmiformulations are prescribed in rheumatism mental disorders constipation and bronchitis Amla or Emblica officinallis is a medium sized deciduous tree found throughout India It yields a globose pale yellow fruit known for its varied medicinal properties It is regarded as a digestive carminative laxative antipyretic and tonic It is prescribed in colics jaundice hemorrhages flatulence and many other disorders This plant grows to around 6 feet tall under proper care and is easily propagated from cuttings seeds and root division Since it is a member of the nightshade family only experienced healers should use this plant It is used to treat very serious disorders like tuberculosis and leprosy the pain of rheumatism and lesser disorders like fatigue and swelling Convalescents often take it to restore their strength and healthy people use it to improve their immune systems as an antioxidant and even as an aphrodisiac The common name is Arjun Its botanical name is Terminalia arjuna Every part of the tree has useful medicinal properties Arjun holds a reputed position in both Ayurvedic and Yunani Systems of medicine According to Ayurveda it is alexiteric styptic tonic anthelmintic and useful in fractures ulcers heart diseases biliousness urinary discharges asthma tumors leucoderma anaemia excessive perspiration etc Turmeric also called haldi is a very important Indian spice Though the flowers are yellow turmeric itself comes from the boiled and dried roots of the plant They yield a yellow powder used for curing cough and cold sore muscles eye ailments and fever Turmeric is rarely used alone healers often mix it with milk butter dairy curd or aloe before application or ingestion to make a thick yellow paste The Ceylon hydrolea grows annually in humid moist areas of India These small brilliantly blue flowers have five petals each Their color is so bright that they are easily spotted from a distance though their stems and foliage are not as showy as the flowers themselves The leaves contain antiseptic properties according to Flowers of India Healers mash the leaves into a pulp and use them as cleansing poultices on ulcers Though bright the flowers have no discernable medicinal properties The leaves twigs berries and blossoms of the neem tree can be used in making antiseptic toothpastes mouthwashes and poultices It has micro bacterialfighting agents that prevent tooth and gum disease When neem oil is applied as an astringent to boils sores and scrapes it helps in speeding up the healing process When massaged into the muscles the antiseptic properties of neem oil can help the body relieve itself of toxins The neem plant is often used for its antifungal properties It can be applied to athletes foot jock itch and other fungi that attack the human body One of the worlds oldest plants there are many varieties of ferns but if youre lucky enough to spy the soft delicate lady fern grab some and roll it up between your palms into a rough mash The juices released will quickly ease stinging nettle burns and can also ease minor cuts stings and burns fresh salt water also works in a pinch for bee stings Bracken fern are similar to lady fern and will work as well The rougher glossier stiff sword fern and deer fern wont be as effective though Did you know blackberries have useful healing properties Of course theyre loaded in antioxidants and vitamins but the leaves and roots have value too The leaves and root can be used as an effective treatment against dysentery and diarrhea as well as serving usefulness as an antiinflammatory and astringent Ideal for treating cuts and inflammation in the mouth It grows in almost any type of soil condition It has no problem with nutritionally poor very acidic or very alkaline soils just as long as it s moist Well known as a remedy for skin problems the deeporange flowered pot marigold variety is applied externally to bites stings sprains wounds sore eyes varicose veins Internally it is used to treat fevers and chronic infections Applying the crushed stems of the pot marigold to corns and warts will soon have them easily removable With a sweet crisp fruity and herbaceous fragrance has long been used medicinally as a remedy for problems regarding the digestive system It has a soothing and calming effect in the area of aromatherapy used to end stress and aid in sleep The entire herb is used to treat common aches like toothache earache shoulder pain and neuralgia Peppermint is sometimes regarded as the world s oldest medicine with archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as ten thousand years ago Pepeprmint are naturally high in manganese vitamin A and vitamin C Crushed leaves rubbed on the skin help soothe and relax the muscles Infused peppermint leaves are used to reduce irritable bower syndrome against upset stomachs inhibit bacterial growth treat fevers flatulence spastic colon Fenugreek seeds are nourishing and taken to encourage weight gain take note anorexics inhibit cancer of the liver lower blood cholesterol levels treat inflammation and ulcers of the stomach and intestines drain off sweat ducts for body building for late onset diabetes poor digestion insufficient lactation painful menstruation labor pains freshen bad breath restore a dull sense of taste Aloe a popular houseplant has a long history as a multipurpose folk remedy Commonly known as Aloe vera the plant can be snapped off and placed on cuts and burns for immediate relief It contains over 20 minerals all of which are essential to the human body Aloe Vera has Vitamins A B1 B2 B6 B12 C and E In India Aloe vera is believed to help in sustaining youth due to its positive effects on the skin Hence it is called ghee kunvar or ghee kumaari