Beautyandkitchen

It is a cooking blog where I share recipes of home-cooked food and some beauty regimens which are super easy to follow and nice too.

[beautyandkitchen]

BAKING SODA USES

BAKING SODA USES

Baking Soda(NAHCO3) is a magical ingredient found in your kitchen. This magical ingredient can be used in multifarious ways for your daily beauty regimen as well as cooking. Over here, I am listing a few uses of baking soda which you can try at your home and let me know the feedback.

Baking Soda Uses for Beauty:

Uses for skin:

Advantages:

Skin, being the largest organ of our body need special care. It is very important to take care of and maintain our skin. There are many substances with which we take care of our skin and baking soda is one of them. It is easily available in our kitchen and it's pretty cheap.

Uses For Face:

Acne:

We can use baking soda for treating acne. Excess oil secretion blocks our pores and thus causes acne. Applying baking soda paste can reduce acne inflammation. However, a tiny amount is required in this and it can be used as a spot treatment.

Exfoliant:

I sometimes use baking soda as a mild exfoliant for my skin. It helps to cleanse the skin and remove dead cells. For this, I prefer to mix half a teaspoon of the baking soda along with yoghurt.

I make a paste and then apply it to the face and neck area and leave it for about 10 minutes. I do not apply this paste to the eye area as it is very sensitive. After the stipulated time, I wash it off with lukewarm water. I use this scrub once every 10 or 12 days.

Pigmentation:

I have found it to be helpful in reducing pigmentation on the skin.   I mix half a teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and two teaspoons of yoghurt and apply it to the skin for reducing blemishes. This face pack should not be used daily.

 Infections:

I use this paste of one teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of water to cure inflammation from bug bites like mosquitoes. This paste helps in reducing inflammation as well as irritation on the skin. I use this paste as a spot treatment.

Sometimes it can be used to cure fungal infections of the skin also. But I recommend consulting a dermatologist before using this.

 Underarms:

In order to lighten your dark underarms, you can use this pack twice a week.

Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with half a teaspoon of lime juice and two teaspoons of turmeric powder. Make a paste of that powder and apply it to your underarms and keep it for about 15 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water and apply coconut oil as a moisturiser. You will notice a noticeable change in the pigmentation and it will reduce. But you have to be consistent in using this.

Teeth:

Mix it with salt and sometimes brush your teeth, This will help in cleaning the brightening your teeth. You can do this once a week and this method is effective in treating gum problems also.

 Hair:

You can use baking soda mixed with water to clean your scalp once or twice a month. This helps to clean the residue on your scalp. Never overdo this. If you use it every day as a cleaner to clean your scalp or as a substitute for shampoo, then you might have a very dry and flaky scalp. This will cause severe problems and will eventually lead to dandruff. You should be careful and use it once, maximum twice to clean the scalp.

Disadvantages:

Baking soda has got alkaline properties.

Regular usage can cause excessive dryness of the skin.

I have seen that if I use it daily, it strips the skin of its natural oils, making it irritated, dry and flaky.

Baking soda should not be used on sensitive skin or the skin of babies and infants. It can cause skin infection and other reactions. And moreover, baby skin is very soft and delicate. Do not use it.

I always recommend doing a patch test before using any products on the skin. This avoids unnecessary issues.

Please be careful if it enters the eye. It can cause serious effects like redness and swelling.

Who should Avoid:

Baking soda has a tendency to get absorbed in the skin and so please avoid using it if you are having majorly infected skin if you are lactating, pregnant or if you are suffering from any major disease.

Baking Soda uses for Kitchen:

Uses as a Cleaning agent:

The first and foremost thing that comes to my mind regarding this topic is how effective baking soda is to clean the kitchen. Be it utensils, oven, drainage holes, tiles etc. It acts as an excellent cleaning agent. Because of its alkaline nature, it acts as a cleaner and helps in removing difficult stains like coffee, tea, oils and dirt.

I wash the chopping board with it because it cleans it beautifully and it removes the smell also.

Which Surfaces To Avoid:

However please refrain from using this in the case of marble countertops or any other things made of marble and aluminium utensils as this might cause chemical reactions.

I avoid cleaning glass surfaces and ceramic cookware also as it might cause abrasion.

Uses in Cooking:

It gives a very soft and nice texture to fritters or pakoras, cakes, and dhokla.

I recommend using it in very small amounts in foods. Do not use it in a very high amount as it can cause health problems like hyperkalemia. Please be cautious regarding the amount.

Conclusion:

Bicarbonate of soda is very easily available and pocket friendly. It is used in various ways in our homes for treating skin-related problems, baking and cleaning. It is a great cleaning agent as well as it can be used for various health remedies regarding acid influx (because it is alkaline), treating mild infections and swelling of the skin.

Regarding the amount of intake in food, you should be careful and limit the amount. Or else it will create health issues like kidney-related problems and heart-related issues.

But overall, I would say baking soda is a great option as it is cheap and readily available and is very effective in doing its job.

[beautyandkitchen]

[beautyandkitchen]

DALIA UPMA

[caption id="attachment_469" align="alignnone" width="300"]📷 MY DALIA UPMA[/caption]

Dalia Upma

Dalia Upma recipe is ideal for breakfast. This is a balanced recipe and gives you the correct amount of energy and nutrition to kick-start your day. Upma is a staple dish for breakfast in India. It is healthy and filling and rich in fibre and low in calories. Upma, in India, is traditionally cooked with semolina. But nowadays, there are many variations available. One of them is dalia upma.

What is Dalia?

Dalia is made up of grains of whole wheat. It is an excellent alternative to refined carbohydrates. The husk in the dalia makes it super rich in fibre. Dishes made with dalia are ideal for weight loss and is a great choice for people searching for alternative carbohydrate types.

Ingredients of Dalia Upma:

Dalia-2 cups

Carrots-1 chopped

Cauliflower- 6 -7 small sized florets.

Capsicum-Half, chopped

Sweet corn

Green Peas

Green Chilli-1(optional)

Lime-One wedge

Onion-2 chopped

Salt-To taste

Oil/ Ghee for cooking

Tadka or tempering ingredients of Dalia Upma:

Asafoetida or Hing- Half Teaspoon

Dry Red Chilli-1 whole

Peanuts- A handful

Curry Leaves-A handful

Ginger- Half an inch, finely chopped

Mustard Seed- Half teaspoon

Cumin Seeds- Half teaspoon

Turmeric-A pinch

For garnishing-

Coriander-Finely chopped

Process:

Boil the dalia with a pinch of turmeric on a pressure cooker with one whistle. Strain the dalia with a strainer and keep it aside.

Take all the vegetables(apart from ginger, green chilli, lemon and onion) and steam them for about 2 minutes. After steaming, put them in ice-cold water to stop the cooking process.

Tempering process-

On a wok, add vegetable oil. I have used rice bran oil for this. I have added 2 teaspoons of oil.

As soon as the oil heats up, add mustard seed and cumin seeds and wait for the oil to get flavoured.

Now, add the dry red chilli and asafoetida or hing.

Add curry leaves and green chilli.

You should add the ginger after this.

The oil is flavoured and now the rest of the cooking will be done.

Cooking Method-

Once the ginger turns slightly golden brown, add the peanuts and onions.

Saute them all together until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

The peanuts should not burn.

Add the steamed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.

You have to add salt and mix it well.

Add the cooked dalia and mix it with the vegetables.

After closing the flame, add the juice of the lemon and mix it.

Lastly, garnish the upma with chopped coriander.

📷

How to serve Dalia Upma:

The dish is served for breakfast. You can serve the dish alone or with coconut chutney. This dish is easy to cook and it takes about  15 to 20 minutes time from assembling, preparing, chopping and cooking and is served hot. I hope you will enjoy this simple yet tasty recipe as much as I do.

[beautyandkitchen]

[beautyandkitchen]

PABDA FISH RECIPE

 PABDA FISH RECIPE OR PABDA MACHER JHOL RECIPE

Well, Bengalis and their love affair for fish is legendary and the Pabda Fish recipe or Pabda Macher Jhol is one of the favourites. Fish is called mach and a light curry is called jhol in Bengali.  Most of the Bengalis are fish lovers and the process of cooking fish here in Bengal is different from the rest of the country.

There are many varieties of fishes available with freshwater fishes dominating the scenario. Pabda is also known as Butterfish or butter catfish. Over here a very simple curry using Pabda fish called Pabda fish curry or Pabda macher jhol (light curry in Bengali) is shared.

INGREDIENTS FOR PABDA FISH RECIPE OR PABDA MACHER JHOL RECIPE:

📷

Pabda fish or pabda mach

Yoghurt- 3 tablespoon

Ginger paste or grated ginger

Turmeric Powder- Half teaspoon(for curry) and 2 Half tablespoon for marinating the fish.

Coriander Powder- Half tablespoon

Cumin Powder-Half tablespoon

Red Chilli Powder- Half teaspoon

Bay leaf-2 pcs

Nigella seeds or kalo jeera r black cumin seeds- Few

Green Chilli- 4 to 5 (slightly slit)

Mustard Oil(For frying the fish and making the curry or jhol)

Salt-To taste

Sugar-Half teaspoon

Coriander Leaves(For garnishing)

For the entire recipe, please visit https://www.beautyandkitchen.in

[beautyandkitchen]

Brightening face mask Http://www.beautyandkitchen.in (at Kolkata) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLhngEWBERZ/?igshid=mw6jzeutdsye

[beautyandkitchen]

USAGE OF HAIR INVERSION TECHNIQUE FOR HAIR GROWTH

Receding hairlines and very low rate of hair growth is a problem that most of us face in our lives and although there are many ways to increase hair growth among which hair inversion technique for hair growth is an interesting concept. It is a well-known fact that as age increases, the hair growth rate decreases. First, we need to analyse the structure and stages of growth of hair. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin. Structure of Hair: Hair has three layers: Medulla- It is the innermost layer but not found mostly. Cortex-It is the second most layer and it contains melanin. Cuticle- Cuticle is the outermost layer of hair. Phases of Hair Growth: Anagen- The first, as well as the longest phase of hair growth, is the Anagen phase. It may last from3 to 7 years maximum. In this phase, the hair grows from the roots and grows long. Most of our scalp hair stays in the Anagen phase. Catagen- It is the second phase of hair growth immediately starting after the Anagen phase. it may last from 10- 12 days depending on the nature of hair. The size of the hair follicles reduce and the hair starts to lose its strength. Hair does not fall in this phase but it starts to weaken. Telogen- It is the third phase and it lasts up to 90 days or so. Hair growth stops but the hair does not fall. Exogen-It is merely an extension of the Telogen phase. During this phase, loosing up to 100 hair s per day is seen as normal. New hair follicles start to appear. As we can see, most of our scalp hair stays in the Anagen phase. But as we grow older, the Anagen phase also slows down and the growth rate is also affected. Some people suffer from alopecia, baldness, excessive hair fall and other hair related diseases. The key point is to nourish our hair follicles so that the growth rate does not stagnate and increase to a great extent also. There are several methods to nourish the hair follicles and one of them is the hair inversion technique for hair growth. It is believed that if you hang the hair down, then a huge blood rush happens inside the brain which reaches the hair scalp and the hair follicles get nourished by that blood flow which leads to increase in the growth rate by a few inches per month. Method to do hair inversion technique for Hair Growth: Take a few drops of essential oils( any oil like rosemary, lavender etc) and mix it with either coconut/olive/almond oil. Rub the oil between your palms to warm it up. Sit on a chair with an erect posture. Lower your head with your hair facing downwards and reach up till your knee. The hair should be combed without any knots and should not be tied up. Massage your scalp with the oil mixture for a maximum of 10 minutes. The oil should be massaged on the scalp in a circular motion in a very gentle manner. Do not pull your hair while messaging or increase the speed of the message. It helps the hair to tangle less and thus prevents hair breakage. Please be careful if you have long nails. Do not use the nail tip for the message. Always use your fingertips for messaging. After messaging your hair, lift it up very slowly. Do not lift your head in a hurried motion as sometimes it can cause dizziness or other problems. Who Should Avoid: Although this is a fairly easy method for hair growth, there are certain people who should absolutely avoid this technique. They are People with high blood pressure Pregnant women People suffering from chronic back pain, spondylosis People who suffer from dizziness and nausea In yoga also there are certain asanas like shirshasana and the dog pose which practise hair inversion. They are also good for overall hair growth. Hair inversion technique for hair growth is an effective way but it needs to be practised with a little caution. While doing the process, if there is even the slightest discomfort, discontinue it immediately. Otherwise, this is a safe method and can be done once daily. Results: Overall, hair health depends on diet, exercise and external nourishments provided for the hair. The diet should consis

[beautyandkitchen]

BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING

BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING

There are many benefits of dry brushing the skin on our body. The skin, being the largest organ of our body is exposed to environmental harshness the most. We need to take care of it as we take care of our other body parts. Regular exfoliation with the help of a dry brush helps in many ways which are discussed in the blog.

You should have a comprehensive idea of the skin structure and it is discussed below:

Our skin has 3 layers:

Epidermis- The outermost layer of the skin is called the epidermis. The pigment, called melanocyte which is responsible for our skin colour and tone is located on the epidermis.

Dermis- The second most layer of our skin is called the dermis. It consists of hair follicles, sweat glands and tissues.

Hypodermis: The third layer of our skin is called the hypodermis. It is the deepest part of our skin and it consists majorly of fat and connective tissues.

Due to several factors like environmental pollution, excessive sweating, bacterial infection etc, our skin suffers a lot. So we need to take into consideration the benefits of dry brushing to prevent some of the diseases.

Reasons for Dry-brushing:

There are several factors which need to be taken into account before we ask the question"Why dry brushing is so important"? Some of the reasons are listed below:

You will be achieving smooth skin.

Getting rid of ingrown hair.

To get rid of dry skin cells.

In order to have a good lymphatic flow.

Toxin elimination.

Increasing blood flow and circulation.

Benefits  of  Dry Brushing:

A dry brush has got coarse bristles made up of natural fibres. The coarseness of the bristles helps in exfoliation.  In order to remove dead skin cells, exfoliation of the body is essential.

Slow and circular rubbing motion of the brush ensures a good blood flow in the area.

The toxins are flushed out of the body during dry brushing because it helps to open up the pores and the toxins are flushed out of the sweat glands.

Our lymphatic system is essential to ward off infections. So, a dry brush helps to stimulate that system and ensures that the flow is unobstructed.

The dead skin cells sometimes tend to block the hair follicles and that is a cause of ingrown hair. Dry brushing helps to prevent that.

Method of Dry brushing:

You should be dry brushing your body with a brush which is made up of coarse natural fibre bristle.

The body should be dry or else this technique will not be effective enough.

Start with a circular motion and concentrate on each and every body part, except your face and neck.

You should apply firm pressure but it should not be aggressive enough to scar the skin. You should be careful about that.

You should keep a damp towel and wipe off after dry brushing.

Apply a good layer of moisturiser. This step is important. Do not ignore this step.

A moisturiser penetrates better inside your skin if applied on slightly damp skin.

Results:

If you practise dry brushing twice a week regularly, you will not suffer from strawberry skin, ingrown hairs, dry flaky skin. Your skin will be a lot more smooth and glowing. Uneven patches will be removed gradually and the skin will be healthy.

[beautyandkitchen]

Beleive. It changes everything. https://www.instagram.com/p/CLJAMyPBPYg/?igshid=yq7s64q82lht

[beautyandkitchen]

[beautyandkitchen]

How to make a protein hair mask

HOW TO MAKE A  PROTEIN HAIR MASK

Just as our body needs food for proper functioning, similarly our hair needs to be taken care of in order to get a lustrous mane. The protein hair mask gives the hair the right amount of nutrition to the hair roots and gives healthy hair. Regular usage of this protein hair mask results in strong roots and also thickening of hair volume.

INGREDIENTS OF THE PROTEIN HAIR MASK

EGG- Egg consists of egg yolk which contains biotin, sulphur, folate, vitamin A. It contains essential fats and protein and lecithin in egg yolk provides moisture to the hair and thus prevents hair from breakage. Egg also helps in frizz control and gets rid of the dryness of hair. Essential protein in egg whites contains all the essential amino acids which provide nourishment to the hair roots. Keratin is the essential protein of the hair shaft. So applying an egg topically on your hairs helps in moisturizing, smoothening, strengthening the hair roots, and also helps to contain the frizz and provides a shiny and bouncy texture.

YOGURT- Yogurt has essential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in controlling dandruff. Thus it helps in promoting scalp health. Dandruff is one of the main causes of hair fall and scalp infections. Yogurt is a natural ingredient to fight dandruff. Biotin in yogurt helps in hair growth also. This is used to soften the hair strands in order to reduce dryness and make them more manageable.

BLACK CASTOR SEED OIL-  Black castor oil is derived from roasting the castor seed beans and then extracting the oil from them. This oil is also known as Jamaican black castor seed oil. Ricinoleic acid, an essential fatty acid found in this oil helps in promoting hair health.

FENUGREEK PASTE- Fenugreek is a magical ingredient that can be used in multifarious ways. One such way is to use fenugreek paste or powder for your hair. Fenugreek contains folic acid, vitamin A, minerals like potassium and iron. Lecithin is also present in fenugreek seeds which helps in proving moisture to the hair. It thus helps in reducing hair fall and promotes healthy shiny and bouncy hair.

METHOD OF MAKING THE PROTEIN HAIR MASK:

QUANTITY OF THE INGREDIENTS:

Egg- One whole egg 

Yogurt- 3 tablespoon(Add more depending on the length of the hair)

Fenugreek Paste- 1 teaspoon

 Black Castor Seed Oil- 1 teaspoon

METHODOLOGY:

Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight.Mix all the ingredients and ensure no lump is there in the mixture.Do a patch test for all the ingredients before using the mask.

APPLICATION OF THE PROTEIN HAIR MASK

On a clean scalp, apply the protein hair mask.

Ensure the mask is getting applied on the scalp mainly and the length of the hair as well. Leave the pack for 20 minutes and then wash off with a mild shampoo.

Apply the scalp minimum once a week for a minimum of 3 months to see good results.

You will see a visible change in the first application of the mask because the hair will become shiny and less frizzy and manageable.

Breakage due to tangling will be reduced and with a continued application of this protein hair pack, hair roots will become strong and healthy.

It will eventually promote the growth of new hair and will also help in controlling alopecia in a natural way.

. RESULTS

With a continued application and intake of good food, results will be evident.

https://beautyandkitchen.in/