Winter is here and I totally love this time of the year! Lovely warm clothes, warm food and Christmas! Winter fun also brings along various undesirable health, skin and hair problems. In winter many of us face the dry skin and hair problem. In the winter the moisture in the skin goes down and skin/hair becomes dry. Winter can also alter immunity and cause cold and cough. Here are the top natural remedies to keep you going this winter season and not interrupt your winter fun!
YOGURT AND BUTTERMILK FOR DULL SKIN
Take equal amount of yogurt and buttermilk. Mix them well and apply all over your body. Keep it for 20 minutes and then wash off with water. Yogurt is rich in Zinc and other useful enzymes. Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which has a mild peeling property and hence it helps to clear dry and dull skin in winter. Consuming this daily will also prevent chills and fever associated with cold weather.
GARLIC AND TULSI FOR STUFFY NOSE
During winter months, keep raw garlic on hand to speed recovery from illness. Mince one clove or raw garlic and drink with water when you feel an illness coming on and repeat this every few hours until the illness is gone. Tulsi makes a delicious tea and helps with stuffy nose; look for it in packaged form or brew your own with loose tulsi. Tulsi tea recipe.
GINGER FOR SORE THROAT
A cup of tea made with ginger (Zingiber officinale) can help ease congestion and warm the body, which helps your system fight infection. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a good sore-throat remedy, too.
How to use: Simmer fresh or dried ginger for 20 minutes; strain and add a touch of honey and a squeeze of lemon, if desired. Incorporate ginger into stir-fries and soups. Ginger helps with sore throat, it helps loosen mucus thus clearing your throat.
OLIVE OIL FOR DRY HAIR
Olive oil is rich in natural anti-oxidants, Vitamin E and K. Egg yolk nourishes the skin and hair from within. Using this mask twice a week during winters helps you to get a glowing skin and healthy soft hair.
How to use: Take 2 egg yolks and mix them with (2 drops for face and 2 tablespoons for hair) of olive oil. Whip them together to get a stable mixture. Apply it on your face and hair. Keep it for 20 minutes. Wash off with water/shampoo.
THYME FOR COLD
Loaded with antibacterial compounds, fresh or dried thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a cold-season powerhouse.
How to use: Use fresh or dried thyme in stews and soups. To make a steam, pour near-boiling water into a pot. Add a pinch of fresh or dried thyme, turn off heat, and create a tent by draping a towel over your head and the pot. Breathe in steam for five minutes.
EUCALYPTUS FOR CONGESTION
With antibacterial and expectorant properties, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) can loosen congestion and help you breathe easier.
How to use: Pour near-boiling water into a pot. Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil, turn off heat, and drape a towel over your head and the pot. Inhale the steam for few minutes. Safety note: Do not use essential oils internally.
COCONUT OIL FOR DRY LIPS
Coconut oil makes the skin and lips softer and provides moisture to the skin naturally. It is rich in fatty acids and prevents moisture loss. During the winter months, apply coconut oil on your face and lips at night before going to bed.
HONEY FOR COUGH
Raw honey is an antimicrobial agent and antioxidant. It boosts immunity and suppresses coughs. Homemade Cough syrup >>
COCONUT MILK FOR DRY SKIN
Coconut milk is a wonderful moisturizer for the skin. Using it will reduce skin dryness and make your skin softer. Massage coconut milk on your face and body gently and rinse off with water. Homemade coconut milk body wash.