Do you know what causes prostate cancer? Even more important, is there anything you can do to avoid it? The truth is that the cause is still unknown. There are certain risk factors that make it more likely. New research is also looking at our personal environment–where we work and live. Right now, your diet is the most important thing you can change to improve your odds. Let’s take a closer look at current thinking on what causes this type of cancer.

In this day of research and knowledge, it is hard to accept that the cause of this type of cancer remains unknown. In fact, all we really understand is the different risk factors that make cancer more likely. Age is a significant risk factor. As men age, they become more likely to develop prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is more likely in some ethnic groups. Heredity is another strong risk factor – if your family has a history of cancer prostate, you are more likely to develop it as well.

The latest research into what causes this type of cancer is taking a closer look at environmental factors. The idea is that prostate cancer may be linked to things that you encounter where you live or work. For example, farmers who are exposed to chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides seem to be more likely to develop prostate cancer. Miners are also exposed to various chemicals and substances that increase their risk for cancer.

Unfortunately, there’s not a lot you can do about your age, race or heritage. And you may have limited choices when it comes to the work you do or the area in which you live. Is there anything you can actually do to lower your risk of prostate cancer? As it turns out, making changes to your diet can improve your chances of staying prostate cancer free. Foods you should avoid or reduce include red meat, dairy products and any processed foods. What should you eat instead? Fruits, vegetables and any foods with antioxidants are excellent choices.

It is a problem that medical research will one day discover what causes this type of cancer. However, the answer remains a mystery for now. Being older and having a family history puts you at greater risk. Working in farming or mining is also a factor. But you can make a difference by making modifications to your daily diet. That should help you stay healthy until we have a better idea about what causes prostate cancer.

I think it’s safe to say that we all know obesity is a problem in this country. Sometimes we might be in denial about what an enormous problem it is, but once you pay attention and look around, you realize we have an epidemic on our hands. This is going to cripple our nation in terms of rising health care costs, inability to work, and general lack of joy and vitality in one’s life. It’s not just costly, it’s just sad.

The even scarier situation on the horizon is the thousands of kids who are now facing this terrible scenario at such a young age. Children are now being diagnosed with pre-diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This is often in direct correlation to their weight. It’s not just the older children either. Kids as young as 3 or 4 are seeing these elevated numbers on their lab results. The question is: what do we do about it?

I worked in WIC (Women, Infant, and Children) clinic for some time after graduating from grad school. My job was to counsel parents with their young children as well as high risk pregnant women about healthy nutrition. For some, this was the only time they would ever receive such one-on-one education. It was a rewarding experience. Unfortunately, we did often see young children climbing quickly on their growth charts. The system would flag these individuals and we would be reminded at each visit to discuss ways to reduce caloric intake. Often it was a recommendation to switch to lower fat milk, or cut down on portion sizes, or drink less juice. Sometimes these answers worked, and sometimes they didn’t. Honestly, we didn’t always know what the right solution was. The main goal was to somehow get through to these parents that something had to change. A simple directive such as “eat healthy” wasn’t going to cut it.

That is why this new study that recently came out caught my eye. It brought me back to those WIC days and made me think about how I would approach these clients differently if I had known a more direct and positive recommendation to make with known health outcomes. You see, people often forget that when you work in public health, the recommendations need to be simple and easy to remember. I am not saying people are dumb or don’t care, but they aren’t necessarily in my office out of their own will and volition. They have to be there, and so I have them captive for a few brief minutes. If we can convince them simply and firmly with solutions that will work, that is a take-home message they might employ.

So back to the study. The premise was to see if changes in the types of sugars being ingested, with no change in overall macronutrient or caloric composition of the diet, could affect basic biochemical markers on health. Some of the markers they looked at pre- and post-diet included fasting blood glucose levels, fasting insulin levels, cholesterol levels, and the liver enzymes AST and ALT.

The study design was this. They took a group of kids, ages 6-18, with high BMI, and at least one other co-morbidity (hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, impaired fasting blood glucose, hyperinsulinemia, elevated alanine aminotransferase, or severe acanthosis negricans) and evaluated their typical macronutrient and caloric intake. The goal was to keep this, along with their weight, stable throughout the study.

Fasting blood samples and an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test were administered on day 1 of the study. Afterwards, they were to start on a diet of foods provided solely by the clinic. These foods matched, as stated before, their precise macronutrient intake. The only change was swapping out added sugars, mainly fructose, and substituting other types of carbs from things like bagels, cereal, fruit, pasta and bread. Total dietary sugar and fructose was reduced to 10% and 4% of total calories, respectively. Would this be enough to see any changes in overall health?

As I am sure you can guess, there was a significant impact. Not in 3 months, not in 1 month – but in 10 short days. That was why this study so quickly caught my attention. If this is true, as I assume it likely is (hopefully follow up studies will continue to confirm this), this is an immediate and easy take home message we can give to parents and to older kids themselves. Reduce added sugars, eat other types of carbs instead (with colorful handouts included, of course), and see improvement in your risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Additionally I found it interesting that the researchers had a hard time keeping the study participant’s weights perfectly stable, namely they did lose a small percentage of weight overall, which the researchers noted may have skewed the final results ever so slightly. You have to wonder in a real world setting then, with implementing the diet but not being told they had to so closely control for identical macronutrient intake, if weight loss would not be a natural byproduct of simply altering the types of carbs one consumes.

I won’t dive into all the precise numerical findings here, but do feel free to peruse them and the entire study yourself via the link provided at the beginning of this article. It is worth the read.

I think the take home message is this. The types of carbs we consume do matter, and they definitely matter in our young children. We have got to get the added sugars out of our diets. I am not saying bagels and cereal are the answer, but we cannot ignore what a problem refined sugar has become in our diets and especially in the foods and products promoted to our youth. For those of us in public health, we can use this study as a clear example of a simple, tangible way to make a difference in someone’s health. You may not solve every problem, but you might empower a client to get on the path to better health.

A large number of plastic containers and bags are used on a daily basis. Plastic waste is one of the biggest causes for increased water and soil pollution. Plastic recycling offers one of the best solutions to the increased plastic waste in the environment. Plastic recycling is the process of breaking down used scrap and waste plastics to recover usable material for the manufacturing industry. Plastic comprises of a large number of resins and complex chemical structures that are melted down to create new fibers.

Plastic recycling is a complex procedure. Plastic recycling industries can face a large number of unique challenges. One of the key principles to be followed while recycling plastic is that different types of plastics cannot be mixed before recycling. Plastics of different polymer structures and resin composition are identified by using standard codes on the basis of their melting and crushing capacity. Plastic materials identified under a particular code can be mixed and recycled with other plastics of the same code. Plastic materials consist of a few dyes, fillers, and additives, which are not easily recyclable.

The obstacles of recycling plastic can be overcome by using an elaborate monomer recycling process wherein the polymer undergoes an inverse polymer reaction of what was used to manufacture it. The end product of this procedure is a mix of chemicals that form the original polymer, which is further purified and synthesized to form a new polymer of the same type. Another solution to the problem is the use of a thermal de-polymerization process, which involves conversion of assorted polymers into petroleum. The procedure accepts the mixing of any type of polymer.

Plastic recycling can be used to recycle plastic container of different types. Plastic containers such as milk bottles, soapboxes, and juice and water bottles are recycled on a common basis. Grocery sacks and plastic bags are some of the other plastic products that can be recycled.

A plethora of websites on the Internet provides detailed information about recycling plastic along with its benefits.

Snoring is something that we all do sometimes, and this even includes the family pets. Snoring is an occasional occurrence that may happen during all ages and stages of life. When it comes to the percentage of children that regularly snore, it has been found that approximately 10% to 12% of kids snore nightly. For women that habitually snore, the average percentage is 24%, and for men, the percentage is approximately 40%. It has also been discovered that the chances of becoming a habitual snorer increases with age, but after the age of 70 for both women and men, regular snoring is less likely for snoring to happen.

For those individuals that are young, middle-aged or even those that are up in years and are obese or even just somewhat overweight are much more likely to habitually snore. The main reason for this is because the extra fat around the neck puts much more pressure and fat upon the breathing passageways of the back of the throat. Another increased cause for snoring is due to the obstruction of the nasal passages. Snoring is also known to increase during pregnancy, due to the extra weight gain that happens. This is definitely true toward the end of the pregnancy.

Even though snoring has now been discovered to run throughout family lines, not every family member will be doomed to snore. Along with snoring being sometimes inherited, there are also many other factors that are outside unnatural contributors. Some of the worst outer contributing causes of snoring are cigarette smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, the use of muscle relaxants and other types of sedative drugs, and even some types of over the counter medications. It is best to stop all drinking of alcoholic beverages and all smoking. If there are needed medications that tend to cause the snoring, your doctor can interchange certain medications for others that will not contributing to the snoring in many cases.

When it comes to foods, there are occasional problems with eating large heavy foods late in the evening before bedtime that will cause snoring and even milk and dairy products are known to cause extra mucus in the throat that will cause snoring issues throughout the night. To figure out if these are the contributing factors, you must test the theory out by changing your eating habits for a good two weeks. This can be done by eating earlier and lighters dinners and by cutting out dairy foods and milk during the evening times.

There are now many anti-snoring remedies such as Asonor nose drops and methods that you will surely find one to best end the snoring in your home. There are such anti-snoring options like positional therapy, oral appliances and over-the-counter anti-snoring remedies that are all good at ending most people’s snoring problems. It is all a matter of finding the best fitting one just for you or the snorer in your life. It is best to start trying out various anti snoring methods and then decide which one is the best anti-snoring cure that will help stop the nightly snoring.

Many people experience heartburn and acid reflux from time to time. This happens when acid from the stomach washes back into the esophagus. When this tendency to have heartburn becomes chronic, and your doctor finds signs of erosion in the esophagus, this is an indicator of GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be very useful in addressing GERD and chronic cases of heartburn.

Chronic digestive upset and heartburn are often a result of poor diet, stress, and nervous tension. Acupuncture is very soothing and balancing to the nervous system. Specific meridian systems that are treated are the Liver, Stomach, and Spleen-Pancreas. Points connected to these organs and meridians are used to calm down the production of acid and to make the digestive system function more efficiently. Points that are stress-relieving are also included to address and to heal the nervous system.

Commonly used acupuncture points for treatment of heartburn and acid indigestion are Ren 12, Liver 3, Liver 14, and Pericardium 6. These points can relieve the stress and the sensation of stuffiness that are associated with GERD.

In terms of Chinese medicine, chronic heartburn is frequently a result of the Liver overacting on the Spleen and Stomach, which can produce Heat (acidity and inflammation). One commonly used formula for this disharmony is Free and Easy Wanderer Plus (Jia Wei Xiao Yao San). This remedy has the potential to relieve digestive discomfort while also addressing anxiety, stress, and nervous tension. It is a very commonly used remedy and it can address a whole host of complaints at once, if the formula is indicated based on a person’s tongue and pulse.

Another good remedy for acid indigestion and heartburn is homeopathic nux vomica 200c. Homeopathy works well in conjunction with acupuncture and herbs, for those who are open to it.

If you have chronic heartburn, it is also important to take a look at your diet and lifestyle. Really rich, fatty foods that are difficult to digest can aggravate the condition. In Chinese medicine, we also suggest reducing your intake of milk and dairy products. While milk may temporarily relieve symptoms of heartburn, in the long run we believe dairy products clog the digestive system, and cause more problems than they solve. Drinking coffee or an excessive amount of alcohol can also aggravate GERD. Spicy food can also be a problem for people who tend to have a great deal of heartburn.

Usually, with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, people see a significant and satisfactory improvement in their tendency to have heartburn and acid indigestion within four to six weekly sessions.

What are the signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer?

There are several common and some distinct signs that are seen when breast cancer develops.

The signs and symptoms of cancer include:

• Lump in breasts
• Change in size/shape/appearance of breast
• Change/new dimple on breast skin
• Recently inverted nipple
• Peeling/flaking of skin around nipple (areola)
• Redness over breast skin

The cause for the development of cancer is yet unknown however, when the cancer affects the breast it results in abnormal development of breast tissue cells. The cancer-affected cells in the breast begin to multiply faster and uncontrolled which then begin to form lumps (tumorous growths). The cancer is also known to spread (metastasize) to the other surrounding tissue and organs, including the lymph nodes.

Breast cancer is mostly seen beginning in the tissue cells of the milk-producing ducts (also known as invasive ductal carcinoma) or it may begin in the lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) as well as any other part of the breast.

How is Breast Cancer diagnosed?

It is treated successfully when it is diagnosed sooner and treated accordingly. These are some of the best and most common diagnosis tests for detecting breast cancer:

Breast examination – This is a physical examination of the breasts that lets the doctor check the breast tissue for lumps. The doctor will check the breasts and the lymph nodes in the armpit for abnormalities.

Mammogram – This is an x-ray imaging test for the breasts. These are very useful in seeing any abnormal growth in the breast tissue.

Ultrasound – Ultrasound test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed of the internal structure within the breast. This test will effectively highlight any type of abnormal lump or mass in the breast.

Biopsy – The surgeon will use minimally invasive surgical method to remove a small portion of the suspected cancerous tissue from within the breast. This breast tissue sample is then sent to a pathology laboratory for detailed analysis.

Breast MRI – The breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic imaging test. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create a significantly detailed cross-sectional image of the breast tissue. A contrast dye is often injected before the breast MRI to help highlight any abnormality in the breast tissue.

These tests help in diagnosing cancer. If breast cancer is found in a person, then the doctor will advise one of these tests to stage the breast cancer:

• Blood test – A CBC (complete blood count) test is most useful in determining the stage of breast cancer.
• Advanced mammogram
• Breast MRI
• Breast CT (computerized tomography) scan
• Breast PET (positron emission tomography) scan

The staging process helps the doctor to determine the extent of growth of the breast cancer and this in turn helps to determine the best-suited breast cancer treatment for the particular case.

How is Breast Cancer treated?

There are various different methods for treatment of cancer. The type of treatment mainly depends on several factors, such as the stage of the cancer, its size, are of affecting along with the patient’s age, overall heath level, etc which the doctor will consider.

These are the various types of the cancer treatments:

Surgery

Surgical removal of breast cancer is one of the most common and effective treatment methods. In this, there are sub-types of surgical processes that are performed, including:

• Lumpectomy – This is a selective cancer surgery treatment for smaller sized breast tumors. The surgeon will use a wide local excision method to remove the cancerous tissue as well as a small margin from the surrounding healthy tissue as well to prevent chances of the cancer from recurring.
• Mastectomy – This is one of the major surgeries for cancers. It involves removing the entire mammary gland tissue, including the lobules, fatty tissue, milk ducts, nipple, areola as well as some portion of the skin.
• Sentinel node biopsy – This surgical treatment of mammary gland is helpful in determining if the cancer has spread to the surrounding lymph nodes. The surgeon will remove a few of the closest-situated lymph nodes near the breast to check for cancerous cells or drainage from the tumor.
• Axillary lymph node dissection – In case the surgeon finds cancer cells in the sentinel lymph nodes the additional lymph nodes near the armpit might also need to be removed surgically.
• Contra lateral prophylactic mastectomy – This surgery involves removing both the breast tissues completely even if the cancer is found to be affecting one of the breasts. This is done to prevent the risk of the cancer recurring in the affected breast and the cancer from spreading to the other healthy breast tissue.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, is a breast cancer treatment method involving the use of high-energy x-rays (or protons) to target and destroy the cancer cells in the breast tissue. Radiotherapy can be done as an external procedure or the surgeon might use minimally invasive surgical method to insert a small radioactive device into the breast (brachytherapy) for closer access in giving an effective radiation dose to the cancerous breast tissue cells.

This is often used in combination with a surgical breast cancer treatment in case the surgery is not able to remove the entire cancerous tissue.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer involves using a combination of specially designed medicinal drugs that are aimed to destroy the cancerous cells in the breast. This treatment method is also used before treating a large sized breast tumor. The medicinal drugs are effective in reducing the size of the large cancerous tumor in the breast which can then be safely removed using surgical methods.

There are plenty of foods you should never give your dog. Some foods aren’t even that good for people, but dogs always seem to want what we’re eating. And how can you resist that little begging face? You know, the one that practically says “pleeeeaaaasssse.” But, before you give in to that K-9 companion of yours, take a look at this list and make sure you never give your dog any of these foods.

1. Chocolate. It’s toxic to dogs and tops the list of foods you should never give your dog. Baking chocolate is the worst and white chocolate is the least harmful, but please avoid giving any to your dog no matter how much he begs!

2. Grapes and raisins. These can cause kidney failure. You would think that these little morsels would be okay and even fun for your dog to eat, especially grapes because they roll around and your dog can chase them, but they can also be very deadly.

3. Onions are very bad for a dog’s digestive system, especially in large quantities, so please avoid them in any amount.

4. Bones. They are probably a dog’s favorite thing to eat, which is why this is the most surprising of all the foods you should never give your dog. They can chew, chew, chew and then bury them and dig them up for later. But the truth is, bones can splinter and become lodged in your dog’s intestines or even puncture them. Dogs can also choke on bone fragments. And it’s not just chicken bones. This is true of any bones.

5. Milk and milk-based products. An enzyme called lactose is needed to digest them, but dog’s don’t have enough of it. Even though dogs love ice cream, it’s a no-no for them.

6. Sugary and processed foods. Yeah, people eat a lot of that stuff. That’s why so many humans are obese and the weight loss industry is so lucrative. Dogs don’t digest these foods very well, so stick to healthy, nutritious, whole foods (it’s good advice for people too!).

7. Artificial sweeteners and artificial fats are harmful to dogs. In fact, they don’t really need any flavor enhancers to enjoy their food. They are happy with cooked foods just the way they are.

8. Any spicy foods or rich foods can harm your dog’s stomach. And like number 7 above, your dog does not need any spices or seasonings on his food to encourage him to gobble it up!

9. And here’s the last of the foods you should never give your dog. This one is hard because so many people do it. Instead of throwing food out that is going bad, many dog owners give it to their dog. Somehow it’s believed that dogs can tolerate this better than people. The fact is, you’re putting your dog’s health at risk by giving him food that should be thrown out.

Remember these important guidelines whenever you are considering sharing your table scraps or snacks with your dog. Fortunately, there are many people foods that are good and healthy for dogs. In fact, there are many dog food and treat recipes you can make with them. Just be sure the foods you should never give your dog, which are listed above, are not in any of them.

The story of soy and how went it from a relatively obscure, seldom eaten food to a mainstream $6.6 billion a year industry and growing is a curious one.

In 1913 soy was listed in the USDA’s handbook not as a food but as an industrial by-product. Originally planted in the US extensively in order to extract the soybean oil — which eventually replaced the far healthier tropical oils — the by-product of the process was a massive amount of soy protein.

You’d think that the (already existent) knowledge that soy was not fit food for animals would have led someone to conclude that the same held true for humans. But the temptation to turn a massive problem into a massive opportunity won out.

Through brilliant marketing, intense lobbying with the FDA, and a smear campaign against tropical oils, the soy industry has been highly effective at portraying soy as an ideal protein and an excellent way to lower cholesterol; reduce menopause symptoms; and protect against heart disease. Nothing could be further from the truth.

It seems ironic that soy is so accepted as a health food when Dr. Kaayla Daniel, the author of the most comprehensive book written on this soy deception — “The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America’s Favorite Health Food” states, “thousands of studies link soy to malnutrition, digestive distress, immune-system breakdown, thyroid dysfunction, cognitive decline, reproductive disorders and infertility- – even cancer and heart disease.”

After reviewing decades of studies on the health benefits of soy, The Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association found little to no evidence substantiating the above claims — that soy-based foods lower cholesterol, or limit menopausal related symptoms – or that, additionally, soy helps prevents prostate, breast, or uterine cancers.

So, is soy safe? Consider the following — soy contains some potentially harmful components including:

o antinutrients, which contain inhibitors that deter enzymes needed for protein digestion,

o hemaglutinins which cause red blood cells to clump

o goitrogens which can lead to depressed thyroid function

o phytates which prevent the absorption of minerals

o phytoestrogens which block the hormone estrogen

o aluminum

o and toxic levels of manganese, a trace element that we actually need daily in minute quantities, but excess exposure to which can adversely affect the nervous system

And if that isn’t sufficient to give you pause — most soybeans are genetically modified and contaminated with high amounts of pesticides.

Two-thirds of processed foods contain some type of soy, so you may be consuming it and not even know it. Learn how to read food labels, and watch out for soy protein isolate; soybean oil; soy protein concentrate; texturized vegetable protein; and hydrolyzed vegetable protein in the ingredients.

What about soy milk dangers? While soy milk is nothing more than the waste product of the tofu-making process, it continues to increase in popularity as more consumers drink it in place of milk. Did you know that drinking even two glasses of soy milk daily for one month has enough phytoestrogens to alter a woman’s menstrual cycle?

Furthermore, tofu is not ‘natural,’ but a highly processed form of soybean curd, and it has all of the health risks associated with other highly processed soy food, including potential risks to the brain.

If soy is fermented and non-GM (genetically modified,) soy can be a healthy addition to your diet. Fermented soy products include tempeh, miso, natto and soy sauce or tamari.

Quite frankly, the words “soy” and “health” do not seem to belong in the same phrase –. you would be doing yourself a huge health favor by eliminating all soy from your diet completely.

So I got pregnant with no family or friends with kids to give me any tips, and never had any close contact with pregnancy or babies.

What should I eat to help my baby develop healthy and strong?

I was clueless and went to obstetrician with so many questions that I didn’t know where to start… The nurse gave me a list of nutrients I needed to have, other than taking the super vitamins, and I thought: “I have to be eating all day to follow this!” Plus I was nauseous and exhausted. How can you ask a pregnant to eat all that? Insane! And I realized I had to figure out a diet on my own.

Throughout my entire pregnancy, I could not smell chicken, meat, fish and any greasy stuff from miles. Can you imagine eating it? Noo way!

I know that in the morning your body is starving for nutrients and that’s when it will absorb them the best, so making sure my first meal was the healthiest the possible, seemed like the smart thing to do… It gave me energy for the rest of the day and satisfaction to know I was doing the best to help my baby grow.

I took advantage of the fact that I craved fruits like crazy, to start off the day with a super fresh and natural smoothie and I also figured out a way to add protein to my diet. I bought pretty much every different fruit I could find at the store and also protein powder (like EAS 100% Whey Protein with vanilla flavor or any other with a berry flavor) to add to the examples of fresh fruit smoothies below:

– Orange juice /Mellon (good with berry flavor protein)

– Orange juice /papaya/apple (you can add a tbsp of oats)

– Orange juice /papaya/apple/banana (you can add a tbsp of oats)

– Orange juice /pineapple (good with berry flavor protein)

– Milk/strawberries (fresh or frozen)

– Milk/strawberries/banana (you can add a tbsp of oats)

– Milk/banana/oats

– Milk/avocado/sugar or honey

Add 1 or 2 scoops of protein powder and you may also add honey to sweeten them slightly, but most won’t need it as the fruits are sweet enough.

For vegetables, instead of drinking bottled V8 or anything similar, I made the following for every night (for before, during, or after dinner):

Orange juice /carrots/tomato/fresh parsley (you can add a couple of broccoli florets and/or celery)

These smoothies not only are good for your health and your baby’s but will help you keep your skin nice and tight, with less chances of stretch marks. Your skin and hair will thank you.

Make sure you take your vitamins and snack on granola/yogurt and milk/cereal. Be beautiful and healthy and have the most amazing experience giving birth, as mine was!

In spite of its easy availability and cost-effectiveness, the virtues of rose water are often underplayed. Rose Water holds an important place in aromatherapy and spa-treatment but it can have many more uses if given a place on the dresser or the kitchen!

The aroma of rose water stimulates our sensations and relaxes the mind. It is one scent which never goes “out of fashion” because it is essentially the scent of nature. The Egyptians were the first to discover the versatile uses of rose water. Essential rose oil is said to have aphrodisiac effects and it was used by none other than the timeless beauty Cleopatra to seduce her lover Anthony. She bathed in a tub brimming with ass’s milk and rose petals to lend that infamous glow to her skin. While in modern times, we may not be able to indulge in such luxuries, we can certainly accommodate this magical elixir in our health and beauty regime.

In Indian culture, rose water is used on all auspicious occasions and on alters because of its cleansing properties and soothing aroma. It is widely used in Indian and Mediterranean cuisines, especially in sweets and desserts owing to its reputation as a digestive agent. Many exotic desserts like the Arabic Muhallabia, the Greek Pastries and the Indian Rasgulla are all enhanced with the delicate flavor of rose water. Although it may take an acquired taste, rose water can be used to flavor common everyday consumables like milk, cereal, fruit-juices, and custards (let your imagine take over…).

Preserved rose petals are widely used in the Indian “Pan”- a betel leaf stuffed with natural mouth fresheners and flavorings to be served after meals to aid digestion. A rash of rose water in lemonade can work wonders for a disturbed gastric system and can also be used as a refreshing summer drink. Rose water is also a natural anti-inflammatory tonic and can be applied as a topical treatment for sunburns and allergic skin. A few capfuls of rose water in bathwater work as well as aromatherapy and leave you smelling fresh and feeling rejuvenated.

Rose Water can be mixed with home-made and powdered face packs to tone the skin and clear it of blemishes. Even by itself, it makes for a great natural toner- especially when refrigerated and dabbed over the face in hot summers. It can be used in combination with different ingredients for different skin types:

For oily/acne prone skin: Mix rose water with some fuller’s earth and few drops of lemon juice for a deep-pore cleansing treatment. Leave it on till it dries and wash off with cold water.

For Dry Skin: Mix together rose water, milk and honey with some oatmeal to form a paste and use it as a nourishing face pack.

For sensitive skin: If you find your skin rough and itchy even after using the most expensive products, try moisturizing it with a mixture of rose water and glycerin in equal proportions. It soothes the skin and clears blemishes too!

For Normal Skin: Add rose water to any fruit based pack with some honey for a natural glow.

The effects and goodness of Rose water are enhanced only when it is unadulterated. In all right, the genuine product ought to be pure and undiluted, not containing any preservatives, additives or synthetic ingredients. To get rose water in its purest form, it may also be made at home, though it is a tad time consuming and tedious. Boil rose petals in a container and distill the vapor in a clean, sterilized bottle. Make sure the roses used are organically grown without ant pesticide or chemical fertilizers as these will ultimately end up on your face and stomach.

The Rose has forever been a symbol of beauty and exotica. What could be better than being able to absorb its goodness without owning a rose garden and in the comfort of your home? Rose water is one of the few products which are effective, versatile and don’t burn a hole in your pocket. Keep a bottle handy and enjoy its natural and holistic value. Sooth your senses with the aroma of roses and lose yourself in their blissful element.