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    Post-Diwali detox: Say no to coffee, yes to organic food, green tea

    Synopsis

    As fun as it is, the festive season can really play havoc with our health. Here's what you need to do.

    Shahnaz Husain

    CEO, Shahnaz Herbals Inc.

    Shahnaz Husain is the CEO of Shahnaz Herbals Inc. A prominent skin-care expert, she has helped put I...Show more »

    As fun as it is, the festive season can really play havoc with our health. Late nights, lack of sleep, binge eating, increased pollution, and the changing weather tends to take a toll on our skin.

    Tired and puffy eyes, dehydrated skin, bad hair days are all signs that it's time to detox:

    Give up coffee. Switch to green tea.

    Green tea is known to have many health benefits. It is also helps in losing weight by increasing fat oxidation and eliminating excess levels of water from the body.

    Also, make sure to drink a lot of water. Juice of a lemon with a glass of warm water every morning helps flush the system.

    You can also add spices to tea, like ginger (adrak), cardamom (elaichi), cinnamon (dalchini) and pepper. Ginger is known as 'a universal remedy' because it has so many benefits. Ginger boiled in water can be had as ginger tea. Ginger tea is advised after meals for digestion. It also reduces inflammation. Chamomile tea is available as tea-bags. It helps to induce relaxation and calms the nerves.

    Bath Salts

    Image article boday


    There is nothing better than a warm bath to make you feel better. Bath salts can help remove fatigue and induce relaxation.

    You can also add 5 drops of an essential oil to pure olive oil and then mix it to the bath water along with salt. Cinnamon oil relieves fatigue and muscular tension, while lavender induces relaxation. Rose oil is said to have a calming effect on the mind.

    Keep It Natural

    Excess fluid around eyes can be a result of alcohol and binge eating during parties. According to skin specialists, gently tapping the skin around eyes with the finger tips can sometimes help the collected fluid to drain away. Work from the inner eye and go towards the temples.

    You can also apply grated potatoes or potato juice around the eyes to reduce the puffiness. Alternatively, used tea bags also help. Steep tea bags in hot water and let them cool, and use as eye pads.

    Image article boday

    (Image: Thinkstock)

    Natural ingredients like honey, aloe vera, cucumber and rose water help to tone the skin, moisturise it and relieve skin fatigue. These may applied on the skin and washed off with plain water after 20 minutes.

    For oily, combination and acne-prone skin, add 10 drops of sandalwood essential oil to 100 ml of rose water, to make a protective and refreshing skin tonic. Wipe the face with it, using cotton wool.

    Include raw, natural foods and fresh fruit and vegetable juices in your diet. Not only do they detoxify the system by promoting the elimination of wastes, but also bring about a sense of well being and vitality.

    Yoga

    Image article boday

    (Image: Thinkstock)

    Take up yoga. The asanas help to strengthen the body, make it flexible, supple and youthful. They are combined with breathing exercises, thus purifying the organ systems and inducing relaxation of both body and mind. It also helps to reduce stress.

    Pamper Yourself

    Last, but not the least, you can go for a deep tissue massage. Not only will it help relax the body after all the festivities, it also helps release toxins.
    (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)

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