Akanksha Sharma

Corona virus: Is it nature’s way to punish us?

Our world is suffering from epidemic like corona attack and global weather change. Corona disease (Covid-19) is affecting 182 countries and territories around the world. Daily lots and lots of people are getting affected by this virus, presenting a massive problem in front of the whole world. Isn’t all this is a result of man’s actions?

Every day, all over the world, numerous people reach their work of place consuming tonnes of fuel and electricity. We waste water, pollute river bodies, and generate gallons of waste and toxins.

We humans have always considered ourselves to be the best and on the top of the food chain, and it is our pride that led us to treat all other animals like barbarians. As a result, now the lowest organism of our food chain has made our lives miserable and forced us to question our living ways?

Do we need a disease like corona to learn habits of cleanliness? In hoard of development, we remained reckless towards nature.

We needed this quarantine. We needed some time to stop a bit. A time to stop running like machines. We needed to put everything on a halt for some time and reflect on our actions. It is still not too late. We still have hope.

Let’s correct our actions. Maybe corona is just a way of nature to warn us about bigger hardships ahead.

Is Ayurveda an answer to Corona virus?

In a Hindi writeup by Dr. Vikas Pandey titled ” Dunia ko raah dikhay Bharat”, he stated that -” There is no such ailment for which Ayurveda don’t have a cure.” (source: Jagran)

More than a mere system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a science of life (Ayur = life, Veda = science or knowledge). It offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay vital while realising their full human potential. Providing guidelines on ideal daily and seasonal routines, diet, behaviour and the proper use of our senses, Ayurveda reminds us that health is the balanced and dynamic integration between our environment, body, mind, and spirit.

Corona virus infection has become a social and economic threat due to its global impact.

According to Ayurveda, Corona virus disturbs equilibrium of Vata and Kapha dosha. Hence, it recommends pitta vardhak (stimulating pitta until it balances Kapha and Vata dosha) diet and lifestyle.

Ayurveda is one of the few systems of medicine developed in ancient times that is still widely practised in modern times. Ayurveda does not means incantation or magic spells, instead, it is one of the world’s oldest holistic systems.

Though allopathy is preferred more for treatment of corona patients, but Ayurveda can definitely be used as a preventive measure.

According to Ayurveda experts, eating a tablespoon of Chywanprash daily enhances immunity and it may help prevent the spread of the virus.

According to Yoga Guru Ramdev, giloy and tulsi are very much effective in fighting Covid-19. Also, amla, shilajit, and neem strengthen the immune system. He suggested yoga asanas such as Pranayam, deep breathing, kapalbhati and anulom vilom to boost immunity.

There is no need to panic because of the corona virus, but it is important to take effective measures to stay safe.

Ayurveda provides a number of methods to stay safe. Some of them are as follows,

1)Ayurvedic medicines

Draksharishta, Sitopaladi, Churna, Yashtimadhu with honey, Talisadi churna with honey, Khadiradi vati ( chewable tablets). All the above-mentioned medicines are prescribed by Ayurvedic experts.

2) Ayurveda therapy

A number of Ayurveda therapies can be performed to enhance your immunity, for example, Abhyanga ( oil massage all over the body which increases blood circulation), herbal steam, Nasya (cleans the nasal tract and sinuses), Niyama (maintain personal conducts as per guidelines).

Last but not the least, many Ayurvedic measures and home remedies can be easily followed by us to boost our immune system. According to the World Health Organization(WHO), frequently washing hands with water and soap or using alcohol-based sanitizer reduces the chances of corona infection. People should eat well-cooked food, avoid spitting in public, avoid close contact and seek medical care if they become sick.

How to stay busy during Corona virus attack

Due to the corona virus threat, the government has bestowed orders to shut down schools, colleges, cinema halls, shopping malls and gyms. People are asked to stay at home as much as possible and avoid crowded places.

It’s normal to feel trapped and bored. Here, are a few suggestions on how to keep yourself busy during the corona virus epidemic.

1) Netflix and chill

When feeling bored, switch to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu or YouTube and binge-watch a series or a movie. Relax your mind and take your stress off from everyday work. Use these breaks to utilise your own personal time!

2) Read Some Books

A good book never fails you! When you’re bored at home, it exemplifies a great option to read some books. These books can be of any genre- classical reads, comics, thriller or just a casual fashion magazine.

3) Build A Hobby

In present times, when every person is hell-bent busy, it is rare to see people pursuing their hobby. It can be stamp collecting, painting, singing or playing some instrument – a hobby relaxes your mind and helps to improve a person’s sense of identity.

4) Yoga, Meditation and Exercise

Don’t allow yourself to get caught in the trauma and fear raised by corona virus all around. Instead, make your lifestyle healthy by giving more time to your body. You can exercise lightly at home or opt for yoga.

Yoga and meditation will help to fight with anxiety caused due to corona virus, whereas regular meditation is very calming.

5) Take a Beauty Break

Take out some time for yourself. Plan a fun night stay at home with your girlfriends. Engage yourself in manicures, pedicures, home facials and hair care.

Using home products and home methods enhances your beauty in a natural way. So, stop staying bored, it’s your beauty break!

I hope these ways will help you stay creative even at home. Stay healthy and take precautions to avoid corona virus.

Books for beginners.

Reading English novels is not everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you are a beginner. There are a large number of books in market to start with, plus they are humongous and brainstormer.

If you are a beginner and want to start reading some good English novels, here I’ve provided some books apt for newcomers. They are easy reading and fun.

1) The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This book is famous for its simple reading and yet very wise hidden significance. The plot follows the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy, who believes that a certain recurring dream he has been having a prophecy of some kind.

The book reveals his journey, where he meets an old king who tells him of personal legends.

“And when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”.

2) The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

This book showcases the events and incidences from the perspective of Anne Frank while she was in hiding for two years with her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

This book provides a vivid and poignant glimpse into the world of a young Jewish girl living in Nazi-occupied Holland.

“In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.”

3) Life is what you make of it by Preeti Shenoy

This book deals with Bipolar Disorder which is gradually gaining awareness in India but continues to be treated as taboo in most households.

Ankita Sharma, as its protagonist is a sweet, smart and ambitious girl born into a conservative middle-class family. This novel tries to dispel awareness about mental illness and cure.

A must-read for beginners.

4) Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand

This book is a classic which sketches the life of people of lower castes in pre-independence times. Bakha, a young man, proud and attractive, but is looked upon down and inferior because of his caste and work.

This novel describes a day in the life of Bakha, sweeper and toilet cleaner.

“Posh keep away, posh, sweeper coming, posh, posh, sweeper coming, posh, posh, sweeper coming!”

5) The Painter Of Signs by R K Narayan

For Raman the sign painter, life is a familiar and satisfying routine. He is a simple man in his rational ways, who lives with his conservative aunt and is proud of his creative labor. However, his life and ideologies change when he meets Daisy, an independent young social worker.

This novel presents a clash between tradition and modernity.

Homemade face packs for beautiful skin this summer.

Face packs are used to nourish and hydrate the skin and enhance its glow and radiance. They reduce pigmentation, scars, blackheads and help to reduce oiliness.

Market packaged face packs are very common these days, in various prices and packaging. However, women over centuries in India were very particular about their skin and beauty. The ingredients and skincare commodities used by them are still effective.

Also, when it comes to skincare, it is best to go back to nature.

Here, is a list of five homemade face packs for every skin type. Do give them a try this summer.

1) Honey

Honey is known for its beneficial qualities to health and beauty.

Mix two tablespoons of honey with one tablespoon of gram flour ( besan) and apply the thick paste evenly to your face. Let it dry for fifteen minutes and then rinse with cold water.

This face pack helps to get brighter and healthier skin. This face pack can be used two-three times a week.

2) Turmeric

Many market-based beauty products claim themselves to have properties of turmeric. Forget fairness creams and opt for this face pack.

Prepare a paste by mixing one tablespoon of organic turmeric powder with one tablespoon of honey, warm it up a little and apply it to your skin. Allow it to dry and wash it off after fifteen minutes with plain cold water.

This face pack will help in removing tan marks and blemishes and will give a warm glow. If you’ve dry skin, adding a few drops of glycerine will increase its moisturising capacity significantly.

This face pack can be used one to two times a week.

3)Sandalwood

Sandalwood has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to curb the growth of s.aureus ( bacteria that causes acne and pimples) and inhibits pigmentation related to ageing and UV exposure.

Mix 2-3 drops of sandalwood oil with one teaspoon of carrier oil ( jojoba oil or sweet almond oil). Add a teaspoon of honey. Blend it well and apply the face pack. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes and then wash it off.

This face pack helps in getting clear skin and can be used 2-3 times a week.

4) Milk

Milk or raw milk- act as a beautifying agent. No doubt, the queens used to have milk baths!

Take one teaspoon gram flour(besan), 2teaspoon milk and half teaspoon of turmeric powder. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and apply the paste evenly all over your face. Massage gently and let it dry. Wash it off with normal cold water.

This herbal face pack can fade blemishes by exfoliating your skin and removing dead skin cells. Besan and turmeric work together to reduce tanning and make your skin bright, while the lactic acid in milk keeps it soft.

This face pack can be used once a week.

5) Fullers Earth (multani mitti)

Multani mitti is rich in magnesium chloride and helps in reducing acne scars. It is known for its healing properties and keeps the skin clean.

Mix two teaspoon of fuller’s earth with one teaspoon of turmeric powder and half a teaspoon of sandalwood powder. Make a smooth paste with lemon juice. Apply this face pack on your face and keep it until it dries off. Wash it with cold water.

These were the five homemade face packs. Try them this summer. Do let me know in the comment section which one tops your list and if you would like to share some.

Tips for safe and healthy holi

Holi is the festival of love and colours that marks the triumph of superior over immoral. This year Holi is going to be celebrated on 9 March and 10 March in India. Here are some tips for safe Holi for you and your family.

Holi is popularly known as the Indian “festival of spring”, ” the festival of colours” and “the festival of love”. This festival signifies the victory of good over evil.

Traditionally, Holi colours were made from plants and herbs. But nowadays, these colours are filled with chemicals, industrial dyes and other toxic substances. Ergo, they’re not good for skin and cause rashes, irritation, itching, eczema, abrasion, discolouration, etc.

Stay safe this year by keeping these tips in mind to enjoy a safe Holi.

1) Your skin is important. Apply a generous amount of moisturiser or coconut oil on the body parts that are not covered before stepping out of your house. Coconut Oil prevents damage to your skin and hairs.

2) Keep yourself and your kids at a safe distance from bonfire.

3) Buy natural colours from the market. Or you can make colours at home from marigold flowers, turmeric and other plants.

4) Try to avoid bright colours such as green, red, purple and black since they are more likely to contain harmful ingredients.

5) Wear sunglasses. Protect your eyes from dirt and colours. Do not wear contact lenses. If by any chance colours enter the eyes, rinse them with cold water immediately.

6) If you’re prone to Asthama or any other respiratory problems, try to stay indoors.

7) Avoid using harsh shampoo and soaps to get rid of colours from your body. Apply a soothing body lotion with no fragrance or aloe vera gel to avoid irritation.

7) Keep your pets away from Holi colours. Do not throw colours on random stray animals. It is extremely harmful to them and is cruel.

8) Try to avoid water balloons and wet Holi this year. Since it is easier for Coronavirus to transmit through wet particles.

9) Last but not the least stay hydrated. Water prevents harmful substances to get absorbed in your body and helps in getting rid of extra toxins.

Wishing you and your family a very colourful, safe and healthy Holi.