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India Today
14 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
7 sattvic ingredients to naturally reduce body heat and boost summer wellness
As temperatures soar, managing internal body heat becomes essential to maintain energy, calmness, and overall well-being. In Ayurveda and yogic tradition, a Sattvic diet promotes clarity, balance, and inner peace. This diet emphasizes pure, fresh, and cooling foods that nourish both the body and mind. If you're looking to stay cool the natural way, here are 7 Sattvic ingredients that can help reduce body heat effectively this COCONUT WATER – NATURE'S ELECTROLYTE BALANCERCoconut water is revered in Ayurveda for its cooling and hydrating properties. Rich in natural electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, it helps regulate body temperature and replenish fluids lost through sweat. It's also light on digestion and ideal for reducing pitta dosha, which governs heat in the Drink fresh coconut water daily, preferably in the morning or early afternoon, for best results.2. ALOE VERA – A NATURAL COOLANT FOR BODY AND SKIN Aloe vera is not just for your skin—it's a cooling superfood. Its gel contains anti-inflammatory compounds and acts as a body coolant from within. It soothes the digestive system and can lower internal heat caused by spicy foods or external Mix 1–2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel in a glass of water or juice and consume it on an empty stomach.3. FENNEL SEEDS – A SOOTHING DIGESTIVE WITH COOLING EFFECTSadvertisementFennel seeds (saunf) are traditionally used in Sattvic cuisine to support digestion while cooling the body. They contain compounds that reduce heat and calm the stomach, making them perfect after Soak a teaspoon of fennel seeds in water overnight and drink the water in the morning.4. CUCUMBER – A HYDRATING AND DETOXIFYING VEGGIECucumber is about 95% water, making it one of the most hydrating and cooling foods you can eat. It flushes out toxins, soothes inflammation, and helps maintain body temperature. Its high silica content also promotes glowing Add cucumber slices to your salads or infuse them in water with mint for a refreshing summer drink.5. SABJA SEEDS (BASIL SEEDS) – NATURAL BODY COOLANTSabja seeds are a lesser-known yet powerful Sattvic ingredient for cooling. They are rich in fiber and antioxidants and help reduce body heat, relieve acidity, and aid in digestion. Once soaked in water, they swell into a jelly-like texture and can be added to drinks and Soak 1 teaspoon of sabja seeds in water for 10 minutes and add to lemon juice or coconut milk.6. AMLA (INDIAN GOOSEBERRY) – THE COOLING IMMUNITY BOOSTERAmla is a potent source of Vitamin C and has a natural cooling effect on the body. It balances the pitta dosha, detoxifies the system, and strengthens immunity. Amla also promotes skin and hair health, which can suffer during hot Consume fresh amla juice in the morning or add powdered amla to smoothies or warm water.7. MINT (PUDINA) – REFRESHING HERB FOR INSTANT COOLINGMint is a staple in summer Ayurvedic remedies. Its menthol content provides an instant cooling sensation, helps soothe the stomach, and supports digestion. It's a great addition to both drinks and Blend fresh mint leaves into chutneys, add to your buttermilk (chaas), or infuse in water for a cooling Sattvic ingredients into your summer routine can do more than just beat the heat—it can bring mental clarity, digestive comfort, and emotional balance. These natural coolants not only keep your body temperature in check but also align your diet with Ayurvedic principles for holistic hydrated, eat light, and let these Sattvic superfoods help you thrive through the summer—calm, cool, and energised.
India Today
7 days ago
- Health
- India Today
DIY hair fall solutions you need this monsoon — No salon needed
The monsoon season may bring cool breezes and a break from the summer heat, but for your hair, it can be a nightmare. High humidity, acidic rainwater, and fungal scalp infections can weaken hair roots and cause significant hair fall. If you're noticing more strands on your pillow or in the shower drain, you're not alone — and it's not a DIY-friendly guide with natural, effective remedies you can try at home to combat hair fall during the rainy MONSOON CAUSES HAIR FALLMonsoon create the perfect storm for hair problems. The humidity increases sweat and oil production on the scalp, leading to dandruff and fungal growth. Rainwater, often acidic and polluted, can strip natural oils and irritate hair roots. All of this weakens follicles, resulting in breakage and hair fall.1. OIL MASSAGE WITH ONION OR ROSEMARY OIL Massaging your scalp stimulates blood circulation and strengthens the roots. Use onion oil (rich in sulfur) or rosemary oil (clinically proven to support hair growth). Warm the oil slightly and massage gently into the scalp for 10–15 minutes. Leave it on for an hour before TIP: Mix 1 tbsp castor oil + 1 tbsp coconut oil + 1 tbsp onion juice for a power-packed hair tonic.2. ALOE VERA GEL SCALP MASKadvertisementAloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal agent, perfect for soothing a humid, itchy scalp. It helps balance pH levels and reduces to use:Extract fresh aloe gel and apply it directly to the scalp. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash off with a mild shampoo.3. FENUGREEK (METHI) SEED HAIR PACKFenugreek is rich in protein and nicotinic acid, which strengthen the hair shaft and prevent METHOD:Soak 2 tbsp methi seeds overnight. Grind into a paste and mix with curd or aloe vera gel. Apply to scalp and hair for 30–40 minutes, then rinse.4. GREEN TEA RINSE FOR SCALP DETOXGreen tea is rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation and stimulate hair to use:Brew 2 green tea bags in hot water. Cool and use as a final rinse after shampooing to reduce hair fall and refresh your scalp.5. NEEM WATER OR NEEM OIL TREATMENTNeem fights fungal infections and reduces dandruff, which is a major cause of hair fall in to use:Boil neem leaves in water, cool, and rinse your scalp with it once a week. Alternatively, mix a few drops of neem oil with coconut oil and massage into the scalp.6. HOMEMADE HAIR MASK WITH CURD AND HONEYadvertisementCurd provides protein and moisture, while honey adds shine and has antibacterial hair mask recipeMix 2 tbsp curd + 1 tsp honey + 1 tsp olive oil. Apply from roots to ends. Leave for 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly.7. STAY HYDRATED AND EAT HAIR-FRIENDLY FOODSNo DIY works unless supported by a good diet. These include protein-rich foods (eggs, lentils, spinach), biotin (nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes), and zinc-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, whole grains). Hydration is key — drink at least 2 liters of water hair fall can be frustrating, but with the right DIY treatments and consistent care, you can protect your strands and boost hair health naturally. These easy, affordable, and chemical-free solutions help restore your hair's strength from root to tip — no salon visit required.
India Today
23-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
7 sattvic ingredients to naturally reduce body heat and stay cool this summer
As temperatures soar, managing internal body heat becomes essential to maintaining energy, calmness, and overall well-being. In Ayurveda and yogic tradition, a Sattvic diet promotes clarity, balance, and inner peace. This diet emphasises pure, fresh, and cooling foods that nourish both the body and mind. If you're looking to stay cool the natural way, here are 7 Sattvic ingredients that can help reduce body heat effectively this COCONUT WATER – NATURE'S ELECTROLYTE BALANCERCoconut water is revered in Ayurveda for its cooling and hydrating properties. Rich in natural electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, it helps regulate body temperature and replenish fluids lost through sweat. It's also light on digestion and ideal for reducing pitta dosha, which governs heat in the Drink fresh coconut water daily, preferably in the morning or early afternoon, for best results.2. ALOE VERA – A NATURAL COOLANT FOR BODY AND SKIN Aloe vera is not just for your skin—it's a cooling superfood. Its gel contains anti-inflammatory compounds and acts as a body coolant from within. It soothes the digestive system and can lower internal heat caused by spicy foods or external Mix 1–2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel in a glass of water or juice and consume it on an empty stomach.3. FENNEL SEEDS – A SOOTHING DIGESTIVE WITH COOLING EFFECTSadvertisementFennel seeds (saunf) are traditionally used in Sattvic cuisine to support digestion while cooling the body. They contain compounds that reduce heat and calm the stomach, making them perfect after Soak a teaspoon of fennel seeds in water overnight and drink the water in the morning.4. CUCUMBER – A HYDRATING AND DETOXIFYING VEGGIECucumber is about 95% water, making it one of the most hydrating and cooling foods you can eat. It flushes out toxins, soothes inflammation, and helps maintain body temperature. Its high silica content also promotes glowing Add cucumber slices to your salads or infuse them in water with mint for a refreshing summer drink.5. SABJA SEEDS (BASIL SEEDS) – NATURAL BODY COOLANTSabja seeds are a lesser-known yet powerful Sattvic ingredient for cooling. They are rich in fiber and antioxidants and help reduce body heat, relieve acidity, and aid in digestion. Once soaked in water, they swell into a jelly-like texture and can be added to drinks and Soak 1 teaspoon of sabja seeds in water for 10 minutes and add to lemon juice or coconut milk.6. AMLA (INDIAN GOOSEBERRY) – THE COOLING IMMUNITY BOOSTERAmla is a potent source of vitamin C and has a natural cooling effect on the body. It balances the pitta dosha, detoxifies the system, and strengthens immunity. Amla also promotes skin and hair health, which can suffer during hot Consume fresh amla juice in the morning or add powdered amla to smoothies or warm water.7. MINT (PUDINA) – REFRESHING HERB FOR INSTANT COOLINGMint is a staple in summer Ayurvedic remedies. Its menthol content provides an instant cooling sensation, helps soothe the stomach, and supports digestion. It's a great addition to both drinks and Blend fresh mint leaves into chutneys, add to your buttermilk (chaas), or infuse in water for a cooling Sattvic ingredients into your summer routine can do more than just beat the heat—it can bring mental clarity, digestive comfort, and emotional balance. These natural coolants not only keep your body temperature in check but also align your diet with Ayurvedic principles for holistic hydrated, eat light, and let these Sattvic superfoods help you thrive through the summer—calm, cool, and energised.
Agriland
11-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Rotating floor technology key to reducing pig house emissions
By Chris McCullough With around one billion pigs worldwide, the pork sector produces significant quantities of emissions per year that are now under government scrutiny with targets for reduction. Due to the intensity of their production system, pigs emit significant levels of ammonia and greenhouse gases (GHGs) in their faeces and urine, which builds up in the barns. With pork being the most consumed meat in the world, accounting for over 36% of total meat eaten, more pig housing is being erected to satisfy demand, but that also means increased emissions as collateral damage. However, one company in Sweden has been examining that trend and has designed the ultimate technology to help reduce emissions in the form of housing modules with rotating floors. Pig house emissions Aptly named Moving Floor, the company was founded and is owned by two sisters, namely Peg Soderberg and Katja Lindvall, with Peg as the CEO. Moving Floor was founded and is owned by two sisters, Peg Soderberg (left) and Katja Lindvall The company is based on the Swedish island of Gotland and has developed housing modules, initially for calves and now pigs, with a continual moving floor that effectively cleans itself by scraping away the manure and urine. The conveyor belt rotating floor is powered by air compression requiring eight bars to operate at previously set time intervals. The company says this system can reduce ammonia emissions in the pig barn by up to 85%, compared to normal pig housing. Overhead bedding robots run on a rail system distributing straw and sawdust when required The module weighs 1,200kg, measures 5.4m X 2.4m, covering an area of 11.6m², and is 1.6m high. It is a wooden structure covered in stainless steel with an average energy consumption of under 100kWh/pig/year. Demo barn As part of a EU-funded project, Moving Floor hosts demo barns with its technology built in on a farm outside Vasteras owned by Tobias Pettersson producing 8,000 fattening pigs per year. Peg Soderberg said: 'Moving Floor has renovated parts of the farm and operates our technology in four barns there; one farrowing unit holding 12 sows, one nursery unit and two finisher units. 'In these barns we run the automatically cleaned floors as well as our automatic bedding machines, and we are digitally measuring ammonia emissions every 15 minutes.' The Moving Floor modules can be fitted into existing barns or new barns With the floor rotating the pig faeces is removed within two hours of a pig defecating. With the faeces removed, the overhead bedding robot can deliver straw or sawdust, as programmed to do so. Moving Floor is operating a number of different trials in the barns to see how effective the technology really is. Peg added: 'We are taking measurements according to the VERA protocol meaning ammonia, dust and smell. Also, we are piloting a composting drum for manure handling with the idea of closing the loop of nitrogen as much as possible. 'Since we have a rapid removal of faeces from the barn we can minimise ammonia emissions in the barn, preserve the nutrients in the manure and strive for an energy efficient process of the manure into a chemically stable organic fertiliser that can be spread in the fields. 'We have ear-marked and taken more than 17,000 pictures of the pigs, following them from birth to slaughter. The pictures are annotated by Prof. Mate Zoric at SVA, State Veterinary Institute, and scored based on conditions of hooves, knees and belly,' she added. SVA is also involved in analysing sickness and antibiotics consumption. An analysis of climate impact will be completed by the IVL, Swedish Institute of Environment. 'We are already seeing indications of lower emissions of ammonia, pointing at reaching the target of only 1.1kg per finisher place per year,' Peg continued. The pig pens are kept clean and dry, improving animal welfare and growth rates 'Concentration of ammonia in the barns span from 2-5ppm generally, which from an animal welfare perspective is a good thing.' Animal welfare The Moving Floor modules can improve animal welfare in terms of providing solid floors that can support the use of bedding and enrichment materials. Also, the stocking density can be varied, without it affecting the cleanliness of the floors. The company says all of this can play a major part in the stopping of tail docking, and providing a system more in line with consumer demands and expectations. The Moving Floor system can be installed either in new barns or in older established units. Animals kept in clean and hygienic conditions have a better chance of performance in terms of feed conversion and daily growth rates. As the floor rotates, it scrapes away the faeces and urine, keeping the pens clean Compared to scraping concrete floors manually, the labour saving with the rotating floor modules is significant, and also for the distribution of bedding. Moving Floor says its goal is to provide automatic cleaning for barns and make this become a new industry standard. Peg added: 'We hope that Moving Floor can play a part in a quick transitioning of European farms towards becoming more sustainable and animal welfare-orientated. Moving Floor has installed its technology on a commercial pig farm in Sweden for demonstration purposes 'Looking ahead, we are working on a smart system to run the floors according to ammonia emissions. Basically, we set the allowed level of ammonia emissions on the specific farm and let the system run and optimise automatically based on algorithms. 'This will also make it possible for the farms to generate reports that can be sent to controlling bodies, for compliance with ammonia regulations.' Moving Floor says the average payback of its system is three years. The company has already fitted units across Europe and China, and is talking to potential customers in other regions.
India Today
03-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Natural remedies to lighten dark elbows and knees using DIY methods
Dark elbows and knees can make many people feel self-conscious, especially when wearing sleeveless tops or shorts. This skin discoloration usually occurs due to friction, lack of exfoliation, sun exposure, and neglect in moisturising. Fortunately, simple DIY remedies use natural ingredients that can help lighten and soften these areas over DO ELBOWS AND KNEES GET DARK?Before jumping into the solutions, it's important to understand the causesadvertisementBuildup of dead skin cells Friction from clothing or cleaningLack of oil glands in these areasHyperpigmentation from sun exposureDryness and lack of moistureConsistent care and patience are key. Let's dive into some effective, natural remedies!1. LEMON AND BAKING SODA SCRUBWhat you need: 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon baking sodaHow to use: Cut the lemon in half, sprinkle baking soda on it, and rub directly on dark areas for 2–3 it sit for 10 minutes before washing it works: Lemon's vitamin C bleaches and brightens skin; baking soda exfoliates.2. ALOE VERA GEL AND TURMERICWhat you need: Fresh aloe vera gel, a pinch of turmericHow to use: Mix and apply on elbows and knees. Leave for 15–20 minutes before it works: Aloe soothes and hydrates; turmeric reduces pigmentation.3. SUGAR AND OLIVE OIL SCRUBadvertisementWhat you need: 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon olive oilHow to use: Mix into a scrub and gently massage onto the area for 5 minutes. Wash with warm it works: Sugar removes dead cells; olive oil nourishes and softens skin.4. POTATO JUICEWhat you need: 1 potatoHow to use: Grate or juice the potato and apply to dark areas daily. Leave for 15 it works: Potatoes contain enzymes and vitamin C that naturally bleach the skin.5. COCONUT OIL MASSAGEWhat you need: Virgin coconut oilHow to use: Massage daily after showering. For extra benefit, add a few drops of lemon it works: Coconut oil moisturises deeply and contains vitamin E for skin repair.6. CUCUMBER RUBWhat you need: Fresh cucumber slicesHow to use: Rub slices on elbows and knees for 5–10 minutes it works: Cucumber cools, hydrates, and gradually reduces pigmentation.7. ORANGE PEEL POWDER AND HONEYWhat you need: 1 tablespoon orange peel powder, 1 tablespoon honeyHow to use: Make a paste, apply, leave for 15 minutes, and it works: Orange peel is rich in vitamin C; honey moisturises and brightens.8. TURMERIC AND MILK PASTEWhat you need: A pinch of turmeric, 2 tablespoons of milkadvertisementHow to use: Apply the paste, let sit for 20 minutes, then it works: Combats dark patches and hydrates deeply.9. OATMEAL AND YOGURT SCRUBWhat you need: 1 tablespoon oatmeal, 2 tablespoons yogurtHow to use: Mix and massage in circular motions. Wash after 10 it works: Oatmeal exfoliates gently, and yogurt brightens.10. RICE FLOUR AND CURD PACKWhat you need: 1 tablespoon rice flour, 2 tablespoons curdHow to use: Apply and scrub gently. Let it sit 10–15 minutes before it works: Rice flour helps with skin renewal; curd FOR BEST RESULTSExfoliate regularly (2–3 times a week)Moisturise daily, especially after bathingAvoid harsh soaps that dry out the skinProtect from the sun with SPF or covering clothesStay hydrated for overall skin healthDark elbows and knees don't have to be permanent. With a little dedication and these easy DIY remedies, you can achieve smoother, even-toned skin right at information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results may vary depending on skin type and individual conditions. Always do a patch test before trying any DIY remedy. If you experience irritation or have any existing skin concerns, please consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional. advertisement
