Category: Personal Care

Posted on by — Leave a comment

5 Benefits of Cinnamon for the Hair

Science reveals that Cinnamon is a real-lLife superhero for most the hair problems!

The aromatic, spicy-sweet, wood-scented cinnamon is an all-natural savior for hair problems. You can use it for hair growth and prevent hair thinning.

If you ever wondered does cinnamon improve hair growth? Can it treat dandruff and slow hair loss? You would be amazed to know that the answer is yes, cinnamon is a boon for hair.

ˇIs Cinnamon Good for Hair?

Cinnamon has been used in various home remedies for hair care, and while scientific research is limited, some believe it can potentially offer a few benefits:

  1. Scalp Health: Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties, which may help combat potential fungus or bacteria on the scalp.
  2. Stimulate Hair Growth: Some people use cinnamon as a treatment intended to stimulate hair growth, as it can cause a tingling sensation thought to draw more blood to the scalp, potentially promoting hair growth. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
  3. Lighten Hair Color: Some people use cinnamon along with honey as a natural lightener. This mixture is applied to the hair and left on for several hours under a shower cap. Although some people may see results, the effect is not the same for everyone and may not be as dramatic as chemical hair dyes.

However, it’s important to note that cinnamon can potentially cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals. It’s a good idea to perform a patch test before applying cinnamon to your scalp: mix a small amount with water, apply it to a small patch of skin, and wait 24 hours to see if there is any reaction.

Finally, while using natural ingredients like cinnamon can be a fun DIY beauty treatment, they are not substitutes for scientifically validated treatments for hair loss or other hair conditions. If you’re experiencing significant hair loss or scalp issues, it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist.

Cinnamon Benefits for Hair

While the scientific research on cinnamon’s benefits for hair health is limited, some people use cinnamon in their hair care routines based on the spice’s properties and anecdotal evidence. Here are some potential benefits:

  1. Scalp Health: Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that might help fight off scalp fungus or bacteria, potentially reducing dandruff or scalp infections.
  2. Stimulate Hair Growth: Cinnamon can stimulate blood circulation. Increased blood flow to the hair follicles could theoretically promote hair growth, but this has not been conclusively proven in scientific studies.
  3. Hair Lightening: Some people use cinnamon as a natural hair lightener. When combined with honey and conditioner, and left on the hair for several hours, it is believed to subtly lighten hair over time.
  4. May Help with Alopecia: A study published in Dermatology Practical & Conceptual in 2021 showed that a combination of topical cinnamon and rosemary oil improved hair regrowth in individuals with alopecia areata. However, this is a single study, and more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Remember, cinnamon can cause skin irritation, especially in those with sensitive skin, so it’s essential to do a patch test before using it on your scalp or hair. Also, while cinnamon might have some potential benefits for hair, it should not replace regular hair care practices or medically advised treatments for hair and scalp conditions. Always consult with a dermatologist for significant hair or scalp issues.

Cinnamon isn’t a flavorsome spice for your cuisines, but a wonder spice to stimulate hair growth and improve their thickness and texture.

Read on to know how beneficial cinnamon for the hair is:

1. Stimulates Hair Growth

Cinnamon contains procyanidin which stimulates hair follicles for faster growth. A study investigated procyanidin for its effect on hair growth. Several older studies also showed a relationship between procyanidin and faster hair growth. But, the procyanidin extract used in studies was taken from apple juice.

Cinnamon oil also helps increase hair length. A rat study found that cinnamon oil was effective in increasing hair length in male rats.

In fact, cinnamon oil is as much effective as minoxidil. What makes cinnamon equally potent is cinnamaldehyde. It is a compound that improves blood circulation and increases blood supply to hair follicles.

2. Reduces Hair Loss

Hair loss happens due to reduced blood flow and, so, nutrient supply to hair follicles. And the secret compound is cinnamaldehyde present in cinnamon. It dilates blood vessels for improves flow to the head and hair follicles.

Furthermore, the rat study mentioned above also confirmed its effect on blood circulation, leading to reduced hair fall.

3. Treats Dandruff

Cinnamon has anti-fungal properties that combat dandruff-causing fungi. As per research, cinnamon fights Malassezia, the dandruff-causing fungus.

Moreover, cinnamon contains natural antioxidants ‘polyphenols’. Their anti-oxidative and antimicrobial properties help treat scalp infections.

4. Prevent Hair Damage & Treats Alopecia

The procyanidins in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These combat oxidative damage, inflammation, and irritation. The scalp-protective properties are also helpful in inducing the anagen phase (active hair growth). A study concluded that cinnamon helped in significant hair growth in men with alopecia.

5. Nourishes Scalp

A study showed cinnamon extract and ground cinnamon to have incredible exfoliating properties. So, cinnamon water or cinnamon DIYs help deep cleanse the scalp naturally. It removes dirt and debris that clogs your hair follicles and prevents hair growth. A healthier scalp helps in improving hair health, that is, improved texture and thickness.

Moreover, cinnamon improves circulation to the scalp. It helps provide the necessary nourishment to hair follicles.

Can I add Cinnamon to my Hair oil?

Yes, you can add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to 2-3 tablespoons of hair oil. Massage it into the scalp for increased blood flow to the scalp and a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles.

But make sure to do a patch test before using powdered cinnamon.

You can also add cinnamon oil to hair oil as it’s no less than an organic restorative drug.

How Do You Use Cinnamon on Your Scalp?

Applying cinnamon to the scalp can improve blood circulation and nourishes your hair follicles. There are several DIY cinnamon hair masks that you can apply to your scalp. Each mask is loaded with its benefits like hair growth, scalp cleansing, and dandruff removal.

Side Effects of using Cinnamon for the Hair

Sometimes, cinnamon oil or ground cinnamon can have certain side effects on the scalp. You may have an allergic reaction.

Thus, it’s recommended to do a patch test before use. Rub the DIY mask or oil to the inside of the elbow and wait for 1-2 days.

A few other rarely possible side effects of cinnamon are:

  1. Rash and redness
  2. Burning sensation
  3. Skin irritation (contact dermatitis)

To cut allergic reactions to cinnamon oil, its recommended to dilute it before use.

Final Verdict

Hair is the crown of our head, nobody likes damaged, dried, dull or weak hair. Cinnamon boosts blood circulation to hair causing fast growth. Along with that it also helps people exposed to chemotherapy or suffering from alopecia to witness their hair grow back.

—————————————- Also Check Out ————————————-

To know how Cinnamon can be used and to see some examples of food products that are made using it, Click here

For videos related to Health and Wellness, Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
Masala Monk – The Gourmet Store

Posted on by — 1 Comment

4 Benefits of Ginger for Healthy Lungs

Ginger for Lungs is no less than a Cleanser!

Ginger brings an aromatic punch of flavor to curries, rice, and savory Indian foods. Taken from the root of zingiber officinale, the spicy root can boost your lung health.

In fact, during COVID-19, ginger tea was one of the highly recommended herbs to steer clear of lungs with infection and inflammation.

That’s why your grandmom always suggests taking ginger tea when having a cold, cough, or flu.

The wonders of this amazing herb don’t end here, rather it has anti-cancerous and heart-protective properties.

Why Is It Important to Cleanse Your Lungs?

You may not consider eating lung-cleansing foods unless you experience a breathing problem, or you want to quit smoking. But, after the pandemic, we all understand the functional significance of the lungs—supplying oxygen and removing deadly carbon dioxide from the body.

On top of it, Dr. Melinda Ratini on WebMD suggests that we breathe at least 20 times a minute. Thus, for the proper functioning of the lungs, the airways must be free from blockages, swelling, or inflammations.

So, you must add foods to your diet that are good for lung health. In case you stopped smoking recently, a ginger detox drink will help you remove toxins from your lungs. Moreover, by including lung-healthy foods in your diet, you can prevent breathing issues and other respiratory diseases.

And because ginger for lungs is one of the most effective and best lung cleansing food, let’s explore how it protects and cleanse lungs:

1. Treats BPD in Premature Infants

BPD (bronchopulmonary dysplasia) is a chronic lung disorder in premature babies, leading to long-term breathing issues. Ginger for the lungs reduces the symptoms of BPD.

A 2018 rat study published in the Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences conducted on rat pups exposed to inflammation and hyperoxia found ginger to reduce lung damage and protect lungs. The study further suggests ginger be an alternative option to treat BPD in premature infants.

2. Treats Cold

If you have a cold and flu-related infection, having ginger tea regularly can clear out the lungs. Ginger tea acts as a lung cleansing tea with anti-inflammatory properties. It works by speeding up the recovery process of respiratory infections and reducing the excess mucus clogging bronchial tubes.

Apart from treating lung infections, ginger also contains minerals and vitamins such as magnesium, beta-carotene, zinc, and potassium. Combined with antioxidants present in ginger, the root turns out to be a potent immunity booster shot for your body.

3. Cures Asthma

Ginger can significantly lower the symptoms of asthma. Research on the medicinal properties of ginger root revealed that it reduces the symptoms of asthma and other breathing ailments.

A few clinical trials on asthmatic mice and on bronchial smooth muscle cells found ginger to block out critical inflammatory pathways in asthmatic patients causing reduce inflammation and relaxing the smooth muscles of airways.

4. Prevents Lung Cancer

Ginger for the lungs not only helps in repairing lung damage but it also reduces the risk of lung cancer.

In earlier laboratory studies of Dr. Shengmin Sang, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Human Nutrition Research Program in Carolina, a compound ‘6-shogaol’ was isolated from dried ginger. It inhibited the growth of human cancer cells and caused cell death. The study is still ongoing, especially on the effect of shogaol on cancer cells.

Moreover, a few other clinical studies have found ginger’s anti-inflammatory effect to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the lungs.

How does Ginger tea help the lungs?

Ginger tea is a popular lung cleansing drink that has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Not only that, it helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

If you are preparing a ginger tea drink for smokers, we recommend preparing a tea containing turmeric, onion, and ginger. The trio helps remove nicotine from the lungs. Where ginger has anti-cancerous properties, onion has immune-boosting properties to treat lung infections. And turmeric is a good source of curcumin to cure inflammation and prevent lung cancer.

Final Verdict

Ginger, the wobbly root with pungent flavor, is full of beneficial properties for the lungs.

You can either have raw ginger for your lungs on an empty stomach for quick relief from respiratory issues or take a hot cup of ginger tea to relish its lung-cleansing benefits.

—————————————- Also Check Out ————————————-

To know how Ginger can be used and to see some examples of food products that are made using it, Click here

For videos related to Health and Wellness, Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
Masala Monk – The Gourmet Store

Posted on by — Leave a comment

4 Benefits of Coriander Seeds for Diabetes

Enhance flavors, relish the aroma, and garnish your BBQs and curries; the more the better. If you are a diabetic, coriander seeds for diabetes should be your new best friend.

Coriander or Cilantro whatever you may call it, comes from the Coriandrum sativum plant, a cousin of parsley, celery, and carrots.

Before unraveling the benefits, here’s a fun fact: Coriander is the dried powdered or seed variety of the plant, while Cilantro is the fresh leaves and stem part of the plant.

Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas does not produce adequate insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. So, you experience a spike in blood sugar levels. If it remains uncontrolled, it can lead to further fatal health conditions.

But your favorite aromatic spice coriander seeds can improve your diabetic health.

Nutritional Value of Coriander

Only 10 grams of coriander seeds or fresh cilantro can do wonders for your health. Fresh cilantro contains 92% water while coriander seeds contain 8.9% water. That’s why cilantro has a low mineral count per 10 grams.

Cilantro is full of vitamins (vitamins A, E, and K). Whereas coriander seeds for diabetes are rich in minerals (iron, magnesium, manganese, riboflavin, thiamine, and calcium). Making coriander seeds is helpful in managing diabetes.

With so much to offer, lets dive into the benefits of coriander seeds for diabetes:

1. Delivers Anti-Hyperglycemic Compounds

Coriander seeds for diabetes are most effective in lowering blood sugar levels. As per a study published in The British Journal of Nutrition¸, coriander seed extracts have several compounds that are anti-hyperglycemic in effect. These compounds are discharged into the bloodstream and mimic insulin to control your blood sugar levels.

Several animal studies also suggest that coriander seeds lower blood sugar by increasing enzyme activity helping in the removal of sugar from the blood.

2. Controls Insulin Release

Coriander seeds aid in managing insulin activity and keeping blood sugar levels within limits. A rat study published in the US National Library of Medicine found that coriander seeds managed the release of insulin from pancreatic beta-cells in diabetic rats induced with streptozotocin.

Moreover, the ethanol found in coriander seeds for diabetes is effective in lowering glucose serum. It’s well-known for boosting insulin production from beta-cells of the pancreas. This is helpful for diabetics suffering from type-2 diabetes with minimal insulin production.

3. Similar Effect as Diabetic Medicine

A few lab studies have found coriander seeds for diabetes to be as effective as diabetic medicines. A study conducted on obese and diabetic rats found that a single dose (20mg/kg) of coriander seed extract lowered blood sugar in 6 hours as much as diabetic medicine glibenclamide does.

A similar study on rats found coriander seeds to lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin production compared to the controlled group.

4. Improve Digestion

Coriander seeds are being used for ages for their digestive benefits. Coriander seeds have potent antioxidant properties and are rich in dietary fiber that aid in better bowel movement. Thus, with improved digestion, you will experience balanced blood sugar levels.

How Coriander Seeds Help Control Diabetes?

Apart from the benefits listed, there’s still more to coriander seeds for diabetes. A diabetic diet only consists of foods with a most of 55 glycemic indexes (GI). The reason is that foods with a low GI are digested and absorbed easily compared to high GI foods. Where coriander seeds only have a GI of 33.

Furthermore, coriander seeds are full of fiber. Thus, it gives you a feeling of fullness for longer preventing binge eating—a common reason for sugar spikes. For type-2 diabetes patients, this helps them manage weight.

How to Use Coriander Seeds to Control Diabetes?

To extract the most benefits, the best practice is to soak 10g of coriander seeds in 2-liter water overnight. Drink the water on an empty stomach to keep your diabetes in check the entire day. You can continue to drink the water throughout the day.

Final Verdict

The use of coriander seeds for diabetes can prevent excess sugar spikes. It works as an inexpensive anti-diabetic drug to keep you from overeating and manage your blood glucose levels. Moreover, regular intake of coriander seeds also reduces the risk of cardiac diseases, prediabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Head to your pantry and prepare the magic potion now.

—————————————- Also Check Out ————————————-

To know how Coriander Seeds can be used and to see some examples of food products that are made using it, Click here

For videos related to Health and Wellness, Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
Masala Monk – The Gourmet Store

Posted on by — 2 Comments

5 ways to use Fenugreek Seeds for Weight Loss

Fenugreek aka Methi is a fool-proof way to step into your weight loss journey

Weight loss is no cakewalk. Calling it a herculean task wouldn’t be wrong either, especially if it’s obesity-related to diabetes, or undue weight gain due to PCOS. And, when the cravings are haunting you every day.

You may end up feeling frustrated, left out, or calling those sexy hour-glass bodies make-belief bodies.

We feel you.

And, for you, we found an amazing weight loss ‘natural pacer’, that is, fenugreek seeds for weight loss. Yes, the notorious seeds in your pantry.

Methi or fenugreek is a panacea for diabetics too. The magic lies in its fiber-packed constituents that slow down the process or carb-absorption. Moreover, it has vital amino acids that help in managing blood glucose levels.

Cutting it short, let’s understand how fenugreek seeds for weight loss are a game changer.

Fenugreek seeds are well-known weight loss agents for their incredible benefits:

  1. Increases metabolic rate
  2. Promotes satiety
  3. Burn belly fat faster
  4. Improves digestive health
  5. Controls diabetes and blood pressure

A study found that fenugreek extract was given to healthy, obese participants who ended up consuming less dietary fat. However, no difference in weight was observed during the 6-week study.

The study confirms that fenugreek tea or water cannot help you lose weight magically. Rather, it can supplement your weight loss diet + workout by helping you stick to your new eating habits, improving digestion and metabolism-which quicken weight loss process.

Another study showed that participants with diabetes who eat fenugreek seeds for weight loss can see visible results within days.

How do Fenugreek Seeds for Weight Loss work?

Fenugreek is a potent natural weight loss seed that contains galactomannan, a water-soluble heteropolysaccharide. It works by curbing your appetite while making you feel fuller for longer. And this makes following your diet easier.

Fenugreek seeds are packed with fibers (75% water-soluble fibers) that ease constipation and boost the metabolism of your body. It leads to quicker fat burn in the belly and adipose tissues.

Above all, the fenugreek seeds do not contain any unhealthy carbs. It only contains adequate traces of a few healthy carbs instead. Thus, it surely makes a true weight loss drink.

Moreover, by preventing calorie intake and higher metabolic rate, weight loss is a sure-fire outcome.

Additionally, the seeds have numerous health benefits, including controlled blood pressure and sugar levels.

The fact is fenugreek seeds are the healthiest and most natural way to lose weight. All those expensive weight loss teas and medicines focus on the same aspect: curb your appetite and quicken metabolic rate. Then, why not pick a natural alternative?

The cherry on top? Fenugreek seeds for weight loss are a good source of minerals and vitamins such as calcium, potassium, folate, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin A.

So, next time you are planning on weight loss, start with fenugreek seeds to help you eat less and metabolize faster.

Here are fun ways you can have your daily dose of fenugreek seeds:

1. Fenugreek Tea:

Add a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds or powder in hot water. Let it boil for 10 minutes. Strain in a cup. Add in powdered cinnamon, lemon juice, ginger juice, and honey to taste. The vitality will keep you going the entire day without feeling tired. You can drink fenugreek tea a maximum of thrice a day.

Quick Tip: You can get fenugreek tea bags to brew a quick cup anytime and anywhere. The add-ons are optional.

2. Fenugreek Water

Soak a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Strain the water and drink it on an empty stomach.

3. Boil Fenugreek Seeds

Add a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds to boiling water. Cook it for 4-5 minutes. Let it cool and have your detox drink. You can have it twice a day.

4. Fenugreek and Honey

You can also add a spoonful of honey to fenugreek water. Honey prevents inflammation and strengthens the immune system. You can also take soaked seeds mixed with honey on empty stomach.

5. Soaked Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreeks seeds for weight loss work by strengthening the digestive system. To utilize its maximum antioxidants, it’s best to soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and chew them first thing in the morning.

Final Verdict

Fenugreek seeds for weight loss work similar to expensive weight loss teas and medicines. Simply stick to your weight loss routine and amp it up with fenugreek seeds to witness faster weight loss results.

—————————————- Also Check Out ————————————-

To know how Fenugreek seeds can be used and to see some examples of food products that are made using it, Click here

For videos related to Health and Wellness, Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
Masala Monk – The Gourmet Store

Posted on by — 3 Comments

8 Unbelievable Health Benefits of Rhododendron

The petals are natural painkillers. One of the best examples of this is the amazing health benefits of the rhododendron flower.

The national flower of Nepal and the state flower of Himachal Pradesh in India, the flower is not only an attraction in springtime but a natural cure for diarrhea, inflammations, headaches, and bacterial and fungal infections.

According to WHO (2000), about 65% of the global population utilizes the medicinal properties of the plant for treatment and up to 80% of the Indian population uses it for curing several diseases.

Rhododendron flowers

Traditionally, rhododendron flowers are used to make dried powders, pastes, pickles, and chutneys (dips mixed with mint leaves, salt, and anardana).

A mine of phytochemicals, the health benefits of Rhododendron are due to its antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, especially the Rhododendron honey.

Depending on the season you might get your hands on a drink made from this legendary stock, it’s mostly made in small batches and is available for a limited time only. To know more about it, please Click Here.

For ages, the homeopathic medicine system use rhododendron flowers and leaves to make medicines to cure various diseases. To know what wonders it does to your body, read on:

1. A Natural Pain Killer

Applying the leave paste of the rhododendron tree on the forehead cures the headaches. On top of that, the paste is used as a poultice on wounds and inflamed skin due to its potent astringent properties.

And juice extract from the flowers of the tree helps relieve stomach aches. Animal studies found that rhododendron extracts pacify stimuli of pain in rats.

2. Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Numerous homeopathic and Ayurveda medicines utilize rhododendron petals and leave them to cure inflammations, especially gout, arthritis, and bronchitis.

Packed with phytochemicals such as saponin, flavonoid, tannins, and more, the plant extract soothes inflammation immediately.

Moreover, rhododendron flowers contain two anti-inflammatory chemicals ‘Quercetin’ and ‘Rutin’. Where quercetin provides effective relief from inflammation in the kidney, prostate and urinary bladder and Rutin treats mouth ulcers, gastrointestinal tract infections, and osteoarthritis.

3. Heart-Healthy Petals

The juice of rhododendron flowers lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Its antioxidant properties reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Quercetin is highly effective in treating hypertension, atherosclerosis, and other factors leading to heart ailments. Whereas Rutin prevents the formation of blood clots increasing the chances of a heart attack.

Know more about Rhododendron Chutney (Buransh)

4. Anti-Diabetic Properties

Rhododendron’s petals contain an antioxidant ‘hyper in’ that inhibits action of various glucose enzymes, causing a drop in blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

In an animal study on rats with diabetes mellitus, Rhododendron honey effectively helped in lowering blood glucose and lipid levels.

In fact, rhododendron honey (also known as wild, mad, and toxic honey) is being used since ancient times to treat several disorders. However, beware that it’s may be toxic because an excess of this honey can cause vertigo and arterial hypotension.

5. Antimicrobial Properties

Rhododendrons contain bioactive steroids and phytochemicals that have antimicrobial properties. Lab studies of the flowers concluded their effectiveness against different strains of bacteria.

Moreover, it contains two powerful flavonoids ‘Quercetin’ and ‘P-coumaric’ that maintain healthy gut flora against the foreign microbial activity.

6. Boosts Immunity

Locals consume rhododendron petals as it strengthens their immune response preventing allergic responses due to changes in weather. They experience a lower risk of asthma, allergies, hives, and hay fever, thanks again to Quercetin.

Moreover, if you mix these dried leaves with tobacco and inhale the smoke, it helps cure respiratory diseases naturally.

Blooming Rhododendron
Processing Rhododendron petals
Petals
Benefits of Rhododendron flowers

7. Liver-Healthy

Used in Ayurveda medicine as a liver tonic, it reduces the risk of liver damage. The hepatoprotective properties of rhododendron flowers comes from Quercetin and other phytochemicals which have powerful antioxidant properties.

Have a look at Rhododendron Squash (Buransh ka Sharbat)

8. Prevents Cancer

Quercetin and Rutin in rhododendron prevent oxidative damage to normal cells that leads to mutation and then cancer. Moreover, these antioxidants also inhibit the growth of existing cancer cells and, ultimately, lower the risk of cancer.

Final Verdict

The ayurvedic medicine system has been using rhododendron flowers since ancient times to make medicine. But nowadays, several studies are being done proving the benefits of these seasonal flowers that are not just a treat for the eyes but for the body too.

They make amazing Chutnies out of it in the Himalayas, one of the variants made from fresh batches every year is listed on Masala Monk’s store, availability might vary on stock, to check the current status, Click Here.

Interested in a drink made out of Rhodo – Click Here.