Home remedies and repurpose old things

Natural remedies are all the rage these days, and rightly so! They were, after all, used by our ancestors throughout past generations, long before quick-fix pharmaceuticals came to be. So, whenever possible, I tend to resort to natural remedies, particularly when having to fight off a cough. The common cough can be quite an annoyance, often accompanied by other side effects such as chest pain and exhaustion.  So, how can you quell a cough without resorting to over-the-counter medicine? Here are some of my favorite natural remedies that have helped relieve a nagging cough.  1. Create your own cough syrup Studies show that honey is an effective remedy in treating coughs and sore throats. A teaspoonful should suffice, or for a stronger remedy, combine some honey with coconut oil and lemon juice. Though not recommended nowadays, our grandmothers often combined a shot of bourbon with honey before bedtime, to soothe a cough. 2. Sip on Thyme tea     Thyme is an ...

 We all have a medicine cabinet in our house which is stuffed to the brim with solutions for headaches to nausea. But despite the quick and easy solution these medicines give us, we recommend taking them wisely and not too often because they may be harmful in the long run. Sometimes all we have to do is think out of the box, in this case outside the medicine cabinet, and discover a wide range of unconventional grandma’s remedies, such as the 10 “drugs” below, that’ll surprise you even more once you find out how well they work. 1. Lemon for earaches  Earaches can be a nuisance that can sometimes even affect our daily routine and prevent us from doing what needs to be done. In order to quickly relieve the pain and to disinfect the ears from the various pollutants that have accumulated inside it, squeeze lemon, dip a cotton round in it and use it to gently clean the ear canal. Lemons work as an excellent natural remedy for bacterial ear infections, due to the presen...

What is a Tilak? The Tilak is a sacred mark made on the forehead using kumkum, sandalwood paste, or sacred ash. It is worn during rituals, daily prayers, and temple visits, with different shapes and meanings based on region, deity, and occasion. This traditional practice continues to symbolise devotion and spiritual focus. Spiritual Significance of the Tilak The Tilak is placed on the Ajna Chakra, the energy centre between the eyebrows, known as the third eye. This chakra governs inner wisdom and intuition. Applying Tilak on this point is believed to activate spiritual insight and create a deeper connection with one’s inner self and divine goals.    Tilak as Devotion to the Divine Applying a Tilak is a symbolic act of devotion to deities like Lord Shiva, Vishnu, or Durga. It is a visible mark of spiritual surrender, reverence, and commitment to the divine. Different sects use specific Tilaks to show their faith and connect deeply with their chosen deity.   A...

 Over 90% of women experience some form of discomfort before and during their period, be it fatigue, cramps, bloating, or mood swings. And for most women, a period arrives every month. Think about the days of discomfort and life adjustment this necessitates? Yoga can actually reduce the discomforts of a period, if you go about it the right way. Vinay Siddaiah, a certified yoga teacher , shares some yoga do’s and don’ts.   Follow a gentle practice During menstruation, the body and mind are both stressed, either from the process itself or the accompanying discomfort. Be kind to your body and don’t push it too hard. Try these asanas Baddha konasana (Bound Angle pose) This opens up the pelvis region, easing cramps. Forward bends Once you’re comfortably in baddha konasana, gently lean forward keeping your spine straight. Don’t force yourself but lean forward a few millimetres with each exhale. This helps rele...

Cornstarch is one of those mysterious items you have in your pantry. It only costs a dollar, so you probably bought it at least one time and now you're unsure what it’s good for. Well, in case you're out of ideas, I'm going to show you why this cheap item is actually one of the best materials to have around the house, and how it can make your life much easier. In the Kitchen   1. Thicken sauces   A touch of cornstarch can help thicken sauces, soups and stews. It's a healthy gluten-free option for deliciously thick food. Add half a tablespoon per cup of liquid, and whisk in a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, which can be added to hot liquid.    2. Fluff eggs  Add a sprinkle of cornstarch to eggs before you whip them. This helps the eggs become fluffier.      Laundry tricks 3. Remove leather stains  Get rid of any spilled oil or grease on your favorite leather jacket by sprinkling cornstarch over the stained section. Let i...

Vacuum cleaners are essential for keeping our homes spick and span. However, this amazing appliance can do much more than keep your floors and windows free of dirt and crumbs. A modern vacuum cleaner is, in fact, remarkably versatile, and the things that can be done with it will surprise you. 1. Cut down on indoor allergens  You can considerably reduce the number of allergens in your house by simply using your vacuum cleaner on the windowsills. These are the areas that attract the most pollen, bacteria, dirt, and other allergens, as air frequently passes through them. Make use of the dust brush attachment and keep your home healthy and allergen-free. Most modern vacuum machines have HEPA filters, and they will do a solid job of sucking out all the allergens hiding in the corners of your windows. While you are at it, don’t forget to vacuum the couch and pillows, too. 2. Control fleas and insects   What if we told you vacuuming can also help you get rid of insects? A...