Mint flavoured Saunf (Licorice-flavored anise seeds) can easily be made into a breath-freshening mouthwash or beverage. Boil several teaspoons of seeds in 3 cups of water for a few minutes, then strain and cool.

This can also be stored for future use.

Boil some dalchini (cinnamon) in a cup of water. Store it in a clean bottle in your bathroom. Use it as a mouthwash frequently. Very effective in ensuring no bad breath

Asthma can be a prolonged and harrowing experience. Here are a few tips on how you can proactively avoid Asthmatic attacks by being a little careful...

• Avoid milk, milk products as they cause phlegm and lead to congestion in the lungs.
  
• Avoid citrus fruits, sour fruits, cold foods, ice-creams and deep friend food.
  
• Take plenty of fruits and vegetables with a high fibre content – papaya, apples, watermelon.
  
• Avoid rice at dinner.
  
• Avoid smoke filled room. For someone with Asthma, smoke can trigger an attack, so avoid smoke if you can.
  
• Cold air can also trigger an attack or just make you feel uncomfortable, so if it is frigid outside stay indoors.

Anjeer (Figs) are known to give relief by draining the phlegm. Take 3-4 dry figs and wash them well with warm water. Soak overnight in a cup of water. Eat them first thing in the morning and also drink the water. Do this for at least 2 months. Good to keep asthma under control

Mix equal amounts of fresh adrak (ginger) juice, honey and anaar (pomegranate) juice. Take 1 tablespoon, 1-2 times a day. You can make in bulk (around 1 medium bottle) and store for usage over 3-4 days.

Note : Do not store in refrigerator

Boil 8-10 flakes of lasan (garlic) in ½ cup of milk. Drink this every night before going to bed. This gives excellent results especially in early stages of asthma.

Boil a handful of ajwain (carom seeds) in water and inhale the steam. This is preventive for asthma attacks, especially during winter

Mix 1 teaspoon honey with ½ teaspoon dalchini (cinnamon) powder and have at night before going bed. The warm properties of both honey and cinnamon will help prevent discomfort from asthma at night

A mixture of juice of tulsi (basil) leaves with lemon and adrak (ginger) will also help to cure pimples.

Rub slices of ripe tomato over the skin. Dry it for ½ an hour and wash off with lukewarm water. The astringent in the tomato is good to remove the excess oil from the skin

Take Multani mitti (Fuller's Earth), rose water and sandalwood paste. A paste made with equal proportions of these three ingredients when applied on the face for 15 to 20 minutes will rejuvenate acne prone oily skin.

Mix the juice of lauki (bottle gourd) and til ka tel (sesame oil) in the ratio 4:1 and heat till all the moisture has evaporated. Bottle and use over cracked skin. Goodbye cracked heels.

Grind equal amounts of neem leaves and haldi (turmeric). Apply on affected area. This will help cracked heels heal faster.

Massage your feet with castor oil every night, in winters for 2-3 minutes and then wear socks at night before you go to sleep. Not only will this help you sleep better at night, but will also keep your feet in tip top shape.

Mix equal quantities of glycerin and lemon juice. Apply every night before going to bed. This mixture can be made and stored in a glass bottle.