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Fenugreek ( Methi / Vendhayam / Menthulu) is an annual herb, however, the leaves can be grown throughout the year. Just smear the seeds on the soil and sprinkle water on them. Within a week you will have lush green fenugreek herb ready to be eaten as a salad.

It contains protein, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorous iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. There are several alkaloids found in fenugreek, which are beneficially converted in the body to work as anti-diabetic and anti-rheumatic agents.

Regular consumption of fenugreek in the form of sprouts or salads of the leaves would keep the whole system healthy and thoroughly clean. It has properties that heal ulcers of the mouth, throat, stomach, and the intestines.

Fenugreek helps cleanse the body of its various congested toxins. You can consume fenugreek seeds by soaking a teaspoon of them overnight in water. In the morning eat the softened fenugreek and drink the water.

The seeds can be powdered and a teaspoon of powder can be mixed with curd or yoghurt and taken. Fenugreek seeds could also be sprouted and eaten, fresh and raw along with salads. The leaves can also be eaten fresh in salads. You may consume the seeds or the leaves in any way you wish and you will benefit.   

• Unused or expired Ointments tubes need not be thrown away. You can use the ointment to grease creaky, squeaky hinges of doors and windows.
• If your silver jewellery( without stones) turns black, place them in a saucepan or vessel, add some water and slices of a cut potato and boil it for 10 minutes, you will notice that the jewellery has regained its shine.
• Breadcrumbs will stick better to meat or fish if you chill them for 20 minutes before frying.
• Keep a record of everything that you purchase and review it every month. If you discover that you have not used most of the things that you have purchased, you can resist impulse purchases the next month.

Curtains :

Curtains are the unsung heroes of the home furnishing world. They protect us from the summer sun and the winter cold and the strong winds and dust etc.

Most of us do not realize that they play an integral part of the home’s airflow system, filtering out the dust from the air that blows in and out of our windows. We owe it to our curtains also for giving us clean and dust-free air to breathe.

So, please remember to take care of them regularly. Dust your curtains once a month. And try and wash them or dry clean them once in 2 months, depending on their fabric. This is to enable them to allow clean air to pass through our windows.

For your skin and body :

When natural sunlight hits the skin it triggers the body’s production of vitamin D. Vitamin D is also known as “the sunshine vitamin.” It is a crucial ingredient for overall health; protects against inflammation, lowers high blood pressure, helps muscles, improves brain function and may even protect against cancer.

Weak bones, lack of calcium and various skin and hair issues are triggered by Vitamin D deficiency. Morning sunlight especially before 8.00 a.m has a lots of health benefits.

Start your day with a little bit of sunshine and utilise what nature provides.

For good eyesight :

This is my own life experience and how I was benefited. I had problem with my eyesight as a kid and had to wear spectacles and go to school. Felt embarrassed wearing them, cause children used to make fun. Came home one day and cried and told my mother I don’t like to wear the spectacles to school, she suggested the following exercise, which I followed without fail and till date after all these years it has still helped me.

Morning when I woke up, she had asked me to sit outside in the yard, facing the early morning sunlight i.e. before 8.00 am and do the following :

Close eyes and keep doing breathing exercise for 5 minutes and relax, then open eyes and look at nature, greenery, plants around for 5 minutes. Then again close eyes and keep doing breathing exercise and 5 minutes, then open eyes and look at nature, greenery, plants around for 5 minutes. Duration of this exercise was 20 minutes. I had done this for few months and till date I do not have to wear spectacles. Thanks to my mother for her suggestion.

I have been sharing this to all those whom I have come across who have problems with the power in one or both eyes. Try this exercise and ensure that you eat healthy foods too.

• A good source of sugar, fibre, antioxidants, proteins, vitamins and minerals makes it a popular drink providing energy, hydration, and endurance.
• It helps restore any electrolyte imbalances caused by diarrhea, vomiting and after exercising.
• It has antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties.
• It is used to replace lost fluids in cases of influenza, typhoid, malaria, and dissolves kidney stones.
• Some women have severe pain during their monthly periods, this pain can be reduced by consuming a glass of tender coconut water.