Are you down with the flu?

fighting illness

What do we do when we catch a cold on the day of the big work presentation? How do we deal with the after-effects of viral fever on our face? What can we do about the tired, puffy eyes?

Illness can wreak havoc with our looks, cause dehydration and lead to chapped lips, redness of the eyes and dry skin. These are the times when we need to take care of ourselves and help the body recover with ease. Here are some home remedies for common ailments to help you look better than you feel.

Nothing works better than a hot bath when you’re feeling sick. If you have a bathtub at home, mix two tablespoons of salt crystals (epsom, baking soda, borax or common salt) and five drops of essential oil (cinnamon, lavender, rose, geranium, neroli or eucalyptus) mixed with pure olive oil to hot water.

For best results, soak in the bath for about 20 minutes and then wash yourself with clean, warm water. Cinnamon oil relieves fatigue and muscular tension, while lavender induces relaxation. Rose oil is said to have a calming effect on the mind. However, essential oils should not be used separately.

Excess fluid around the eyes leads to puffiness that no amount of make-up can conceal. Gently tap the skin around the eyes with your finger tips to make the collected fluid drain away. Start from the inner eye and move towards the temples.

Soaked cotton wool pads in chilled rose water and press them on your under-eye region for 10 to 15 minutes. It’s a good idea to lie down in a comfortable position while you do this. The fragrance of rose brings you a feeling of well-being.

Grated potatoes or potato juice, when applied around the eyes, also help reduce puffiness. As do tea bags. Steep them in hot water, cool and use as eye pads.

In urban areas, air pollution is on the rise due to which respiratory ailments are aggravated. Improve your immunity by taking a nutritious and balanced diet. Have citrus fruits and seasonal vegetables every day. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.

Add spices like cardamom, cinnamon and pepper to your tea.
Ginger tea, taken after meals, aids digestion and cures cough and cold.

Garlic can be eaten raw or added to cooked food for its antibacterial properties.

Take nuts – like walnuts, almonds and peanuts – in measured quantities. They contain vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids and are better taken unsalted.

Honey is known to give warmth to the body and provide relief from
cold and cough. It contains less calories than sugar. However, if you have diabetes or any other disease, you should consult your doctor before taking honey.

In these times of high pollution and prevalence of communicable diseases, it is imperative to maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and use a hand sanitiser before meals.
Over all, have a positive attitude. It really goes a long way to make you look and feel better.

(The author is a beauty expert)