Chemical free, natural, economical – henna hair dye has been used in Asian cultures for centuries. Henna hair dye is a natural product and is the oldest existing hair dye. Henna has been in use since 3400 BC and is a great but simple method of coloring the hair. It is understood that Cleopatra used henna along with indigo to dye her long black tresses. Henna is mentioned in the bible (Song of Songs) as an adornment for the hair. Prophet Muhammad used henna to dye his hair and beard. Henna also works wonders as a conditioner. Little wonder that henna hair conditioner packs are very popular.

Henna – the natural hair dye

Henna is available in two shades:

Red: Red henna is natural and coats a red color on your hair

Black: Black henna is actually not henna, it is indigo. Indigo colors the hair black. Since it is a natural colorant it is teamed with henna and is used for coloring hair.

Red henna is mixed with black henna in various proportions to get colors of choice. Black henna mixed with little red henna produces a brownish tinge on the hair. Red henna with little black henna produces an auburn-red tinge on the hair. If you mix henna with red wine instead of water it lends a burgundy effect to the hair. To make the process simple, there are pre-mixed henna hair dye packs available in the market. Choose the right quality product to suit your hair type.

Applying henna to the hair

• Depending on your hair length, measure henna and put it in a mixing bowl. (100g – for short hair, 200g – collar length straight hair, 300g – shoulder length straight hair, 500g – waist length hair).
• Add water consistently and mix thoroughly, the consistency of the henna should be similar to that of cake batter. Ensure there are no lumps in the mixed paste.
• Add a few drops of lemon to this mixture; lemon will help the dye in the henna to release the stain effectively.
• Set the henna paste aside for two-three hours before using it. It is preferable to leave the henna paste stay overnight at room temperature.
• Comb your hair into sections.
• With the help of a plastic or rubber glove, scoop the paste with your hand and apply the paste right from the root of the hair until the end of the hair. Start henna application from the nape of you neck and work it upwards. You can use a hair brush too but applying with hands is more effective.
• Apply the henna thickly.
• After applying throughout your hair, cover your head with a shower cap.
• Let the henna stay in your hair for about three hours. Keep the pack warm as warmth brings out the best color. Henna acts effectively if you use a blow dryer to keep your pack warm.
• After three hours, wash your hair thoroughly and ensure all the henna remains are washed out.
• Shampoo your hair and apply a conditioner (this helps in removing the last bits of henna stuck to your hair), style your hair the way you wish.

Henna application tips

• Henna stains skin, clothes, and towels. Be careful while applying the paste.
• To find out how long the henna paste should stay in your hair to get the right hair color, take small strands of hair and apply the paste. Wash a strand after two hours check the coloring effect, wash another strand after three hours and check the coloring effect. This will help you decide on the number of hours you should leave the paste on your hair.
• While washing the henna paste, wash your hair thoroughly as dried henna is difficult to remove.
• If you are using a pre-mixed tube, just open the tube and apply the henna on your hair while following the instructions rightly. Stick on to the timing and the washing instructions perfectly.

Advantages of henna hair dye

• Henna gives your hair a glossy look
• Henna improves hair growth
• Henna makes your hair soft
• Henna makes hair healthy and strengthens it
• Henna improves body for any type of hair
• Henna lends your hair better texture and feel
• Henna dispels heat and cures neurosis
• Henna protects hair from sun damage by blocking UV rays, pollution and wind.
• People are rarely allergic to henna

Facts about henna hair dye

• Henna covers gray hair but not totally.
• Henna once applies fades away very slowly; it takes about six months for the tinge to leave your hair completely. You can re-apply henna once in four weeks to cover gray hair and condition your hair too.
• Henna highlights hair strands and does not lighten the hair color.
• You can choose henna depending on the shade you require for your hair.
• Color effect on the hair depends on the henna you have chosen, how long you keep the henna on your hair, hair history etc.

Henna can be mixed to suit your particular hair type. Popular henna mixings are:

• Henna is mixed with special essential oils to suit dry hair types.
• Henna mixed with eggs makes hair soft and also conditions the hair.
• Henna can be mixed with vinegar to condition the hair.

Henna hair conditioner

Henna is a natural conditioner for the hair. Henna improves body and brings life to limp hair. Dry or damaged hair can be re-vitalized using henna. Henna is well known as a wonderful hair conditioner. Try these henna hair conditioner packs and see the effect:

For dry hair: mix henna with milk, water, and 1-2 egg yolk. Apply once in a month, this pack will make your hair soft and manageable.

For oily and normal hair: Add lemon, eggs, and water in the henna and apply. You can use this pack twice a month.

Henna hair conditioner recipe

Henna – to suit your hair length
Egg – 1
Coffee powder – 1tbsp
Red label tea (any type) – 1 tbsp
Curd – 1 tbsp

Preparation and use

• Boil coffee and tea powder together in 11/2 cup water and allow it to cool.
• Use an iron skillet to mix all the ingredients.
• Leave it aside overnight.
• Apply the paste on hair and leave it for 2-3 hours and wash well with lukewarm water.
• That night massage olive oil on the hair.
• Shampoo the next day.

Most people eat to lose weight, get healthy and build muscle. There are some people, however, who snack correctly in order to enhance their productivity. The following is a list of 20 foods you can eat to improve your eye-sight, improve your performance, energize your brain and keep your day on track.

1. Avocados. These keep you from bloating up after a big lunch and are tasty either on their own, with sugar or salt on top, or with your salad.
2. Almonds. Great for brainpower.
3. Raisins. Want more energy? Grab a pack of raisins. They are high in energy and antioxidants, and low in fat and calories.
4. Figs. They help maintain high energy levels while keeping your appetite far away. Whether you find fresh figs or a pack of dried fruit, enjoy its natural sweetness.
5. Olives. These are anti-inflammatory and they reduce symptoms to arthritis, asthma and menopause.
6. Walnuts. These are full of omega 3 fatty acids to help you think more clearly and keep you focused. Excellent source of protein, but be sure to chew well.
7. Carrots. I love carrots and have at least six carrots in a big glass of juice every morning. They are also good for other times too. Snacking on one cup of chopped carrots will give you six times your recommended daily value of Vitamin A. They improve eyesight, especially in the dark.
8. Strawberries. As with carrots and flaxseeds, strawberries surprisingly aid in better eye sight. Eating strawberries has also been linked to preventing cancer.
9. Flaxseeds. If you’ve been working hard all day, have some flaxseeds. They are great for your eyes to stop them feeling a little dried out, and allowing you to feel fresh even after a hard day.
10. Water. Nothing beats water, the healthiest drink on the planet. It speeds up your metabolism, makes you feel fuller instead of eating junk and keeps you hydrated.
11. Sunflower seeds. A popular way to beat fatigue. Chew properly as it can take some time.
12. Papaya. The colorful fruit helps protect you against the potential damages of secondhand smoke, rheumatoid arthritis, and even the common cold.
13. Pear. Usually only available during the pear season and when they come out, I always get them. They taste good, they’re cool in the mouth and they are hypo-allergenic.
14. Green tea. So this is probably one of the trendiest tea’s out there, but it’s also very healthy for your body. They are full of antioxidants and strengthens your immune system.
15. Ginger. Great for beating nausea and stomach gas. Have it as ginger tea, ginger in your stomach or as low fat ginger cookies. Also helps ease stomach tummy muscles.
16. Peppermint. If you have a stomach bug or just need to perk up a bit, have a peppermint drink. It’s a great muscle relaxant and helps you clean up your nasal passages and breathe easily.
17. Watermelon. There is nothing like cool, red sweet watermelon that gives you great energy and nutrients without any calories. It’s a great energy booster.
18. Low fat yoghurt. Yoghurt is refreshing and cool when you put it in your mouth so it’s a great, tasteful wake up call for your mind.
19. Dark chocolate. Having one small bar a day will satisfy your cravings for sweets and give you a load of antioxidants.
20. Raspberries. These beautiful fruits are a great source of antioxidants which are great to neutralize your free radicals which can affect your cells.

There you have it, 20 ways to enhance productivity. What do you snack on in between work that increases your quality of work? Please share…

Amla is a gift of nature to mankind. It is an indispensable part of the Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine. Amla has amazing remedial qualities. In Sanskrit, it is called amalaki or dhartriphala. It belongs to the family Euphorbiecae and its scientific name is Emblica officinalis.

There are two varieties of amla – cultivated (gramya) and wild (vanya). The wild amla is small, hard and has lots of fiber while the cultivated amla is big, smooth and juicy. The fruit of the amla tree possess medicinal value. It is basically sour but at times it is sweet and pungent also.

Composition of amla:

The amla fruit contains more than 80% of water. It also has protein, carbohydrate, fibre, minerals and vitamins. It also contains Gallic acid which is a potent polyphenol.

Rich Source of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important for human beings. It is necessary for the synthesis of the inter cellular cement “collagen”. Collagen is responsible for keeping the cells of the body together. 100 Gms of amla contains – 700 mg Vitamin C. If amla is dried in the shade then much of the vitamin C is retained. To get the maximum out of amla it should be taken raw with very little salt.

Amla & Common Ailments:

1. Constipation causes infrequent stool, anal and perianal pain and abdominal discomfort. This persistent straining during the defecation leads to bleeding piles (hemorrhoids). Amla being rich in fibre regulates the bowel action and keeps constipation at bay. Juice of amla taken with 250 mg of giloy extract provides an effective remedy for hemorrhoids.

2. If your blood cholesterol troubles you then take amla. The vitamin C in amla helps in dilating the blood vessels and thereby lowering the blood pressure.

Grind dried amla into a fine powder and mix it with sugar candy (mishri). Store this mixture in a glass bottle and take one teaspoon of this mixture every day empty stomach. This will help maintain the cholesterol level.

3. Amla has anti diabetic quality. Make a mixture of equal quantity of amla, jamun and bitter gourd powder. Take one teaspoonful of this mixture once or twice a day. This mixture is also useful in treating conjunctivitis and glucoma

4. In case of acidity take 1 gram of dry amla powder with a little sugar in milk or water twice a day.

5. 1 tablespoon of paste of amla leaves, mixed with honey is an effective treatment for diarrhea.

6. For promoting hair growth and prevent premature graying of hair one can use amla rich oils and shampoos. For a quick home remedy soak amla powder in water for a week. Then use it wash hair. This preparation is a 3 in 1 shampoo, conditioner and hair dye. Learn more about how to get shiny hair.

7. Amla is helps in restoring Vitamin C level in elderly, diabetic patients, hypertensive and women using oestrogen contraceptives.

8. Deficiency of Vitamin C makes a person lethargic, susceptible to infections, rheumatic pains and intestinal disorders. Consuming amla removes this lethargic feeling and makes one vibrant and upbeat.

9. According to a research low vitamin C levels puts a person at risk of developing gallbladder disorders. Taking amla saves one from gallbladder infections.

10. In children low vitamin C levels leads to disturbed growth and fragile disorders. For a person with low vitamin C level healing of wounds and fractures is a slow process. For quick healing, one must consume amla.

11. Amla is also a cure for scurvy. Dry amla powder mixed with an equal quantity of sugar taken in doses of one teaspoon thrice a day with milk provides enough vitamin C to beat scurvy.

12. Amla also works wonder with pregnant and lactating mothers.

13. It also reduces the incidence of cancer of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract.

14. It provides protection against pollution.

15. Amla is nature’s best antioxidant. Food rich in antioxidants combat free radicals naturally and without any side effects.

When amla is in season it should be consumed in chutneys and pickles. And when not in season it can be taken in the form of murabba.

Triphala

Triphala is the best formulation of amla. It is a household name in India. As the name suggests it is a combination of 3 herbs – amla, harad (chebulic myroblan) and beheda (belleric myroblan). Triphala is prepared by mixing the powder of these three herbs together.

It should be taken in the morning with honey. During day time it should be taken with warm water and at bedtime with warm milk. Average dose should be 2 – gm.

Chimatamusic.com is a good audio site, especially for telugu people. Here you can find melodies of 70’s and 80’s. This site is well organized with user friendly categories. You can listen to the songs of particular hero or hero-in or movie. You can also search for your desired song. You can also pick the songs by name of the music director.My favorite music directors are k.v.mahadevan and K.viswanath. There is a big list of old melodies composed by K.V.mahadevan. I frequently visit this site to get relax. Apart from telugu songs there are also some Hindi melodies are there. I liked this site very much. This is a good site for those who wants to taste the sweetness of old melodies of telugu.

The Indian saree is one of the most versatile garments. Available in a number of varieties, the saree can be tied in a number of styles. Different regions of India specialize in the production of different varieties of sarees. Similarly, people from different regions adopt different styles of tying the saree. Normally, a saree has a length of 5 to 6 yards; however, certain styles of draping a saree require that its length be 9 yards. Indian sarees are available in a number of materials such as cotton, silk and polyester or a mixture of these materials. This article aims at giving a brief account of the different types of Indian sarees and the different styles of draping the saree.

Types of sarees produced in India

The following are the major types of sarees that are produced in the different regions of India:

Pochampally sarees: The famous Pochampally sarees are woven in the small cluster of villages around Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh. This cluster includes the villages of Pochampally, Koyalagudam, Puttapakka, Elanki and Chautupal. The tradition of weaving these sarees in these villages has been passed on from one generation to another. These sarees are usually woven from pure silk. The silk used in these sarees is brought from Bangalore while the jari or the golden thread is brought from Surat. Motifs such as elephants, flowers, parrots and diamonds are traditionally used in these sarees. The weavers are, however, developing new designs, keeping in view the changing trends and the preferences of the customers.

Ikat sarees: These sarees are woven in Orissa. They are very much similar to the Pochampally sarees of Andhra Pradesh.

Patola sarees: The famous Patola sarees are manufactured in Patan in Gujarat. They are also very much similar in design to the Pochampally sarees.

Garhwal sarees: The town of Garhwal near Hyderabad is famous for the production of Garhwal sarees. These sarees are known for their attractive borders, which are woven using silk threads. The sarees are usually woven from pure cotton, silk or a combination of cotton and silk. These sarees are also called ‘Kupadam’ and ‘Kumbam’ sarees.

Venkatagiri sarees: The Venkatagiri sarees woven in the state of Andhra Pradesh are quite popular. These sarees are usually made of cotton. Traditional motifs such as flowers, animals and birds are woven into these sarees using a combination of silk thread and cotton thread.

Chikan sarees: Chikan embroidered sarees produced in Lucknow are very famous all over India and even internationally. In this type of embroidery that is commonly known as Chikankari, different effects can be created using different types of thread and stitches. Initially, Chikan embroidery was done using white thread on muslin cloth that is opaque. However, in modern times, Chikankari is done using threads of different colors. Synthetic fabrics are also being used. Keeping in view the latest fashion trends, sequins and other decorative items are being used in Chikan sarees to give them a trendy look.

Paithani sarees: The Paithani saree is a saree woven in silk in the Paithan region in Maharashtra. These sarees usually have a plain or spotted body and a heavy golden border and pallu. Sometimes threads of two different colors are used in weaving the saree to create a special effect. Paithani sarees are generally available in traditional colors such as red, green, sky blue, magenta, purple, yellow and pink. The silk thread used in the production of these sarees is brought in from Bangalore.

Kota sarees: Kota sarees are sarees which are produced in Kota, Rajasthan. These sarees are also called ‘Kota Doria’. Initially, these sarees used to be produced in pure cotton, but now they are also prepared using synthetic yarn. The unique feature of a Kota saree is the checks formed in the saree while weaving. These checks are formed either using golden thread or ordinary thread. Usually, these sarees are manufactured in bright colors such as orange, yellow, red, blue, purple and green.

Calcutti sarees: Calcutta specializes in the production of pure cotton sarees. These sarees, popularly called Calcutti sarees, are famous all over India and even in other markets.

Bandhni sarees: Bandhni sarees are sarees that are produced mainly in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. They are also called ‘Bandhej’ sarees. These sarees are produced using the art of ‘tie and dye’. Bandhej work is generally undertaken on silk and cotton cloth. Mostly, natural and bright colors are used in these sarees. Tie and dye is carried out to form different patterns. The ‘Gharchola’ is a type of tie and dye saree produced in Gujarat and Rajasthan. This saree is traditionally used as a wedding saree.

Kanchipuram sarees: The Kanchipuram saree is a pure silk saree produced in the temple town of Kanchipuram in South India. The silk used in these sarees is manufactured in Karnataka, while the golden thread or jari used is brought from Surat. The best known patterns in Kanchipuram sarees are ‘Mayilkann’ (peacock’s eye), ‘Kuyilkann’ (nightingale’s eye), ‘Rudraksham’ (Rudraksha beads) and ‘Gopuram’ (temples). The designs in these sarees are generally inspired by nature and by the temples in the region. In an original Kanchipuram saree, the saree and the pallu are woven separately and are then stitched together.

Maheshwari sarees: The Maheshwari sarees are one of the types of sarees that are popular all over India and even internationally. These sarees were originally designed for the family and friends of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, who ruled Indore in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The designs in these sarees were originally inspired by the designs on the walls of the Fort of Maheshwar. However, the patterns and colors used in these sarees are changing nowadays, keeping in view the changing trends.

Chanderi sarees: Chanderi sarees are produced in a small town called Chanderi in the state of Madhya Pradesh. They are woven using a combination of silk and cotton threads. These sarees usually have a thick golden border. The designs used in these sarees are based on hunting scenes, trees, men, women, birds, fruits, flowers and heavenly bodies. Generally, subtle colors are used in these sarees. Sometimes these sarees have golden buttis or golden checks all over the body.

Baluchari saree: The famous Baluchari sarees are produced in Baluchar in West Bengal. These sarees are made of figured silk, with designs brocaded on them. Typically, motifs of large flowers and shrubs are used in these sarees. Sometimes Indian mythological scenes are also patterned on these sarees.

Tanchoi sarees: Tanchoi sarees are produced in Surat in the state of Gujarat. Figures of birds, trees and flowers are commonly used in these sarees. Sometimes, the pallu is richly decorated with large figures of peacocks, flower baskets and hunting scenes. These sarees are made from a special fabric called Tanchoi, which is woven using a distinctive technique. This technique is a combination of the Indian and Chinese styles of weaving.

Ilkal sarees: The Ilkal saree is woven in the town Ilkal in Karnataka. Kasuti embroidery is done on these sarees, which is a special form of embroidery done in Karnataka. This type of embroidery is highly intricate. The typical embroidery patterns used in Ilkal sarees are chariots, lotuses, elephants, lamps, conch shells, palanquins, etc. This type of embroidery is done without knots so that both the sides of the fabric look the same. Ilkal sarees measure 9 yards in length. The end regions of the pallu are cut in different shapes. The colors that are traditionally used in these sarees are pomegranate red, parrot green and peacock blue. Bridal wear Ilkal sarees are made in a special color which is called ‘Giri Kumkum’ in that region. The red-colored pallu is a distinguishing feature of Ilkal sarees.

Jamdani sarees: Jamdani sarees are woven in Bangladesh. These sarees are made from a special type of cloth called Jamdani. This cloth is woven using a special technique, which is a combination of Bengali and Middle Eastern weaving techniques. In these sarees, patterns are woven using the same colored thread as the base cloth. Sometimes, gold and silver threads are also used for weaving patterns.

Mysore silk sarees: Mysore silk sarees are sarees that are made from a special type of silk that is produced in Mysore, Karnataka. These sarees are very light in weight and have a unique shine to them. In spite of being delicate, these sarees are highly durable. Mysore silk is one of the purest forms of silk.

Banarasi silk sarees: The silk sarees produced in Banaras, popularly known as Banarasi silk sarees, are famous the world over. In the city of Banaras, four types of sarees are mainly produced, i.e. pure silk sarees, the Shattir saree, the georgette saree and the organza saree. The pure silk Banarasi saree is the most famous of these. Sometimes, pure gold and silver threads are made use of in these sarees.

Mangalgiri sarees: Mangalgiri is a town located near Vijaywada in Andhra Pradesh. This town is famous for its sarees, which are popularly known as Mangalgiri sarees. Usually, these sarees have a golden border and are made from pure cotton. Mangalgiri is also famous for its cotton dress materials.

This post provides links to descriptions of activities, reports, news and events, as well as contacts and cooperating partners in the various WHO programmes and offices working on this topic. Also shown are links to related web sites and topics.MeSH scope note: The concept covering the physical and mental conditions of women.

RELATED SITES

- Gender, women and health
- Family and community health
- Gender and Women’s Health (African Region)
- Gender and health (Region of the Americas)
- Women’s health (South-East Asian Region)
- Women’s health (European Region)
- Women in health and development (Eastern Mediterranean Region)
- Women’s health (Western Pacific Region)

FACT SHEETS

- Emergency contraception

PUBLICATIONS

- WHO Multi-country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence against Women
- Publications: gender, women and health

RELATED LINKS

- Emergencies: women’s health
- Women and physical activity
- Gender sensitive interventions (Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, TDR)
- Gender and women’s mental health
- Women and tobacco
- Tuberculosis and gender

Tips to take care of your Sarees – Making them last forever with beautiful look every day.

1. The best way to wash a Saree is the tried and tested traditional way.
2. Do not use soap for the first 3 washes, use only plain water.
3. For Silk Saree, wash the border, pallue and body separately in the beginning.
4. For subsequent washes, use good quality mild detergent and clean quickly.
5. Do not bundle and keep wet for a long time.
6. The Saree should be dried immediately.
7. Avoid washing Saree with any inferior quality material (or) bright colours.
8. Avoid the use of chemicals – these may damage your Silk and end up reducing its life considerably.
9. In case of stains, use cold water immediately.
10. For hard stains better go for dry clean.
11. Use medium iron only.
12. Saree should be stored in a cold dry place.
13. Unfold your Silk Sarees and change the folding every three months.
14. We recommend stitching of Saree fall for Embroidery Sarees.
15. Soft handling should be practiced in order to keep the Sarees fresh and free from wrinkle.