Nice article on bury your past

It is time to bury your past

Advaita Shyam Sunder, Jan 4, 2014:

DUNES OF LIFE

History is just another story, and so is your past. You can interpret it in several ways. But you know it is unhealthy when you cling onto the bad parts with the “if only” attitude, reckons Advaita Shyam Sunder.
“When we go back into the past and rake up all the troubles we had, we end up reeling and staggering through life. Stability and peace of mind come by living in the moment.”- Pam Vredevelt
Today is the beautiful gift which is wrapped at the foot of your bed. But each morning encounters with its foe ‘the past’. The past is often something that holds us back from enjoying and fully relishing the present moment. It is like a cacophony in the everyday melodious music of your life. Clinging onto the past is detrimental to our mental health. Letting go of the past is imperative. But it is easier said than done.
Welcome the new day
Begin each day in a jolly way. Every new day is too valuable to be cumbered with the old balderdash. Once you finish a day, you better be done with it. You did all that you could. You might have committed a few blunders. You behaved in a silly manner where you weren't supposed to. Still, forget them as soon as you can. Don't let the novelty of the new day be overshadowed by the perturbations of bygone day. How about you greet everyday with open arms as anything new presents you with endless possibility? If you treat every new day as a once in a lifetime event, your life will be much more exciting and refreshing.Learn to breathe. Literally.

Nothing is worth breaking your head over. The past continuously torments you and doesn’t let you get on with the flow of life. All that incessant chatter inside your mind needs to stop. Meditation helps in calming your mind. Clarity sets in from composure and quiet. Knowing that meditation is tough for many as it needs too much concentration, start with few minutes. If you have troubling focusing on your breathing, any soft stress-free or transcendental meditation music can help you along.
Accept your history

Accepting your life the way it is gives you power. When you accept your past for whatever it gave you or taught you, it will stop having power to control you. When you deny, the past comes back again saying ‘you better face the fact’. In order to let go of the animosity, bitterness and anger associated with your past, you need to accept it. It helps you cope with all the burdens of the past. Once if you have been hurt, let it go. The moment you accept things the way they are, you control the mind than the other way round. Analyse your past

Analysing your past is not a problem. But when you feel stressed after a certain point, and you still do it anyway, that is when you have a big problem. It leads to self-destructive behaviour. Identifying the things or people that hurt you will help you to stay away from them. Thereby, anything that triggers memories of your past will be discarded from your life. That is good. But you must not dwell on it along the lines of “If only I had (or not)...”.
Re-align with yourself
Take a moment and write down your core values, life goals, and actions you are taking to pursue them. When you get an honest view about yourself, you will know whether you are progressing or regressing. Wherever you find that you are moving backwards, figure out what is holing you back. This way you will be able to get a more objective opinion about yourself. And this means you will solve your past problems yourself, without dwelling on it too much.
Find your unique expression
Indulge in an activity that soothes you, on a regular basis. It could be dancing. It could be exercising. It could even be baby-sitting. And if it is writing that feels like a therapy to you, you are really lucky! Because that way you could maintain a diary for all your daily happening. That way you will be able to record your past and you wouldn’t have to wrack your brains to analyse it. It will all be jotted down for you. And if you aren’t into writing, it is okay. Just make sure the activity is a stimulative one, preferably physically too.

Good one

Let life's colours fly

Rachna Chhabria, Jan 4, 2014:

Life has so many things that can bring a twinkle to your eyes and a smile to your lips. Rachna Chhabria recommends twelve to-dos that are sure to get you high on positivity throughout the year.
Another year has crept up on us, like so many years before it. Every year we postpone things with excuses ranging from “I don’t have the time, resources or the energy” to “I will do this when I retire or after my children are settled or when my finances are in a better shape”.

Things once put on the backburner seldom see the light of the day, because life and work play such a spoilsport. Let’s make positive use of the 365 days that are smiling at us invitingly.

Embrace physical change

Practically every one of us has secret desires that we have not succumbed to. Maybe a trendy haircut that you think you will be unable to pull off. Maybe a beard that we have been dying to grow or shave off. Perhaps a hair streaking that you have postponed forever. A tattoo that has you lusting after it or a nose or ear-piercing that has you dilly dallying. This year resolve to take that risk. Go for that change in your physical appearance. It will make you fall in love with your new self.
Read a book a month

In the hustle bustle of life, books get literally pushed back into the shelves, with the excuse of lack of time. This year make it a point to read at least a few classics that had garnered rave reviews during their time of publishing. Reading makes us explore the world in a way and meet new people in the book. The pages of a book take us on a wonderful journey of discovery. If classics are not your cup of tea, read a few inspirational books that are packed with positive energy. These books will change your perspective towards life and fill you with optimism.

Try a new hobby

Due to myriad reasons we put off learning a new hobby or skill and then it becomes too late to venture into that terrain. Fulfill that childhood dream that has been postponed forever. Eager to learn dancing, piano, classical singing, a new language, cooking, computer, yoga, painting, photography, or whatever it is that had captured your heart in its grip. Nothing like learning something new that brings back the colour into one’s monotonous life.

Watch a classic movie

Acquaint yourself with a classic movie. Watch a classic movie that had people of your parent’s generation in raptures. Rent out a DVD and subdue your senses as the old movies had less noise and more story, coupled with great acting. Get engrossed in real cinema for a change. For the older generation it’s the opposite. Watch a current movie that has your children enthralled. What they consider current classic. Perhaps it will have you rolling with laughter and you will get a sneak peek into what your children consider entertainment.
Give in to wanderlust
Our bucket list of places to visit in one’s lifetime is always overcrowded. Start checking the places by visiting the one nearest and most affordable. Nothing excites a human mind like a new place with its unique culture, monuments and people. Journeys can be both exciting and enriching.

Sample a new cuisine

Food monotony can suck the flavour from food and life. After all how long can you eat the same food day in and day out without losing the taste for it. Try out a new cuisine to tantalize and tickle your taste buds. Whether you enjoy it or not, it will at least end up giving you appreciation for your own cuisine. You can take this one step further and learn to cook a new cuisine.

Get close to Mother Nature

Plant a tree or grow your own terrace garden. Life in cities separates us from mother nature in a big way. Space constraints makes plants a distant friend. For those of us living in apartments, a garden is a dream that we can never fulfill in this lifetime. But potted plants can satisfy our gardening dreams in a small way. Certain plants and vegetables thrive in pots which can sit in our balconies and fulfill our craving for nature. And watching what we have planted grow and blossom every single day, fills us with silent wonder.
Clean up your attics

Things that we don’t need or use can clog up our living space. Here, the great Indian storing mentality rears its monstrous head. None of us like to part with objects, clothes, or gadgets that we have not used for years. We store them in the hope that someday in future we will find some use for it. This is meaningless wishful thinking and it manifests itself in other areas of our lives too. It is time to unclutter and move on.
Get some “Me Time”
The twenty four hours in a day fly by the speed of lightning. Work, family, household chores, commuting and TV act like leeches and suck away the time. The ‘I’ gets subsumed in ‘everyone.’ Even fifteen minutes of “me time” (time reserved solely for oneself) can do wonders in one’s life. Call it meditation time, time for introspection, or time to plan the next day. Or it could be the time to just relax by listening to one’s favourite music or reading a few paragraphs from our perennial favourite book is something we all need. In this rat race we get to know a lot of things, but we forget to acquaint ourselves with our own self. The “me time” can be used for introspection: Why did I lose my temper? Why did that person’s comments hurt me? What is my body trying to tell me?

Maintain a diary

This one is a classic! If you don’t already maintain a diary, try it sometime. It is a great way of not just recording your life but also venting out stress. These days, most people are caught up in their own worlds and even your close ones might feel over-crowded if you get too emotionally dependant. A diary can come to your rescue like nothing else. Simply pouring your heart out into it can do wonders to you. Psst... Remember to hide it well.
Spend time with family
Earning a livelihood ensures that we have no time for anything else in life. Work keeps us busy to the extent that we forget our parents and children; one set is responsible for our presence on Earth and the other set is dependent on us. Before we realize it, our parents have left us for their ultimate journey and the children have flown the coop in search of careers, without us ever having spent quality time with them. Make it a ritual to spend time with both - one’s parents and children.
Support an NGO
Reaching out to the unfortunate and helping mitigate their suffering is a wonderful way to help society. There are a plethora of NGOs that do wonderful work. Supporting them in our own small way goes a long way in lighting up someone’s life. Do not think only along the lines of donating money. Instead, how about donating some time for volunteering for good causes? Adopt the policy of out with the old and in with the new. There are so many things that fill your heart with joy. Bring a twinkle in your eyes and a smile on your lips. Let this new year be the start of something beautiful…

Aricle on Nature

Gardens as gifts

Dec 27, 2013 :

This festive season, if you are wondering what to gift your dear ones, engage with nature and gift them a garden, suggests Sarah Thomas.Festivity is in the air with Christmas and New Year around the corner. There are sales everywhere, and you can’t help but notice the shopping spree. And it is always a task to choose what to give your loved ones because it has to be well-liked and surprise the person.

Now, have you considered gifting a living, fresh garden? Seems absurd, right? But no, people have done that in the past, and it has worked out better than they imagined.
“I wanted to give my nephew something he could have for life and something he could benefit from. I just did not know what that ‘something’ was until I came across Purna Organics. Mallesh, its CEO, gave me the idea of gifting a garden. I totally loved it,” says Veena Karlekar, an IT sector employee.

Purna Organics is an established company that pioneers in the concept of ‘garden gifting’ in India. Mallesh says that the concept of gifting plants or giving food has existed since ages. All he has done is improvise it and present it in a new manner. “All a customer has to do is provide us the size of the garden he wishes to have and specify what variety of vegetables he prefers. And we deliver it to her in a span of thirty days,” he says.

A plant requires an area of two square feet to grow. You could gift a garden that is just two square feet in size with one vegetable variety, and it would cost you Rs 1,000. You could also gift one that would have 12 varieties of vegetables for Rs 12,000. This, Mallesh specifies, is a modular garden.

He says that not everyone would have a large space to grow a garden, but with modular gardens that isn’t a problem at all. Nearly everyone has two square feet or more of an area to give for a garden. The cost too is meagre when compared to the gifts you would buy from shops. This is an investment worth making.

You aren’t just giving a gift, you are giving something that would constantly provide for your loved one, something he could use forever. Anything grown at home is a lot healthier than what you get in the markets.

“We provide ready-to-harvest gardens that would take nearly a month to raise, and hence, the customer needs to book the garden in advance. We also take up the responsibility of setting it up. It is transported with care in firm-bottomed boxes, so, there is nothing one has to worry about. In case you want a tomato plant then when we deliver a six to eight inches plant,” he adds.

The gifts are not restricted to vegetables. It can be customised. Exotic plants, edible herbs, an Italian herb garden and, if desired, flowers and ornamental plants too. Or a combination of these makes a great gift.

“Today, Purna Organics has many satisfied customers, which makes me feel elated,” says Mallesh. Sharing his experience, he says that once his customer surprised his wife with a vegetable garden on her birthday. “His wife was a garden lover, and she was on cloud nine when she saw it.” Mallesh points out that ‘garden gifting’ is merely an integration of the culture of growing into the art of gifting. This is a new concept that has been accepted well and appreciated. Anybody would love a touch of green in his/her house.

This festive season engage with nature and gift your dear ones a garden. It would be a surprise indeed, an unforgettable one. You would be doing Mother Earth a favour too. Add a little life into somebody’s life

Article On Nature

Nurturing seeds

Dec 27, 2013 :

If planning to grow a garden from scratch, A Dyuthi offers some useful tips. Read on to know how to get the best results when you’re growing plants from seeds.
Sweating profusely, he changed the location of his precious pots once more, frowning as the stubborn soil refused to show up some semblance of green! No sign of life despite the daily exercise! I was eager to unravel the mystery of the sulking seeds. Here’s what my research yielded.

Now, what’s actually involved in the germination process? A seed contains within it a plant’s beginnings. To help encourage its development to its full potential, you need to create the proper environment in terms of heat, light, air, water and growing medium. An error in any one of these aspects even will stifle the seed’s attempt to multiply its cells, supply food and break out of its seed coat to sprout out its root and start developing into a whole plant. So, let’s first identify the optimum growing conditions for germination to occur successfully.
Environ for growth

Whether you purchase seeds or collect them from your own garden or your friend’s, make sure they’re whole and healthy. Are they suitable for your garden’s or area’s conditions? Are they of species in season right then? Have you stored them for so long that they have lost the capability to germinate?

Once you’ve ascertained the quality of your seeds, choose proper growing containers. Use pots or plastic containers, but check whether there are enough drainage holes. Determine pot-size depending on the seed’s size. Place saucers/trays beneath each to prevent water from running down onto the floor.

Grow them indoors first and then move the pots outdoors when the plants start showing signs of resilience.

Select the right fertiliser if you’re using one. Higher nitrogen content is ideal for grass and foliage plants, while phosphorous and potassium are good for flowering and fruit-bearing plants. However, fertiliser isn’t indispensable.

As for lighting, fluorescent bulbs are usually recommended since most seeds require only low level light. If you prefer natural light, then place the pots in indirect sunlight. Long hours of direct harsh rays will only kill the seeds. Keeping the pots on the window-sill will prompt the seedlings to tilt towards the sunlight, resulting in long and weak plants. Avoid using garden soil. It sometimes promotes fungus growth and diseases. Go for potting mix instead.

Now proceed with the sowing of seeds in the pots. You can use a pencil for making tiny trenches for the seeds to go in. Very small seeds can be scattered on the surface and lightly pressed down. Spread a light layer of soil over them.

Take utmost care while watering. Avoid splashing lots of water onto the pot. The soil should only be moist and not drip with water. Misting the soil with a spray-can is a wonderful method to achieve this result. Maintain moisture during germination by placing a clear plastic bag over the pot leaving at least one-inch space above the soil level. But, punch holes into the bag to let the seeds breathe. Don’t forget to remove the bag once the seedlings emerge.
Make more space

As the seedlings grow, they’ll require more space if you’ve planted them densely in one container. So, transplant them when the first true leaves appear. But, avoid hurting the roots. Handling them by the leaves and not their delicate stems will minimise injury to the seedlings. Don’t arrange the pots outdoors, leaving the poor little things to their own devices.

They can’t survive the sudden change in environment. Place the plants initially in a warm, protected area outdoors like the porch/portico for a few hours daily. Refrain from this process on windy or extremely cold days. Gradually increase the length of exposure time to the natural elements till the plants adapt to the changed conditions. When the plants appear firm and hard, move them to their designated locations.

A word of caution! Even a small mistake can prove to be costly. So, where are you most likely to go wrong? Forgetting to water the plants, or more commonly, being overcautious about preventing flooding, leading to dry, growing medium. Not all plant species can be subjected to the same level of heat and light. So, first determine the optimum levels for your particular seed type.

Also, be sure to use clean containers. Remove all debris from them and cleanse them thoroughly before use. Use deep containers for large seeds. But, never drive seeds too deep into the soil since this will render rising up to the soil-surface an impossible task. Remember, planting too many seeds in a single container will only choke them.
Next, is the ventilation good? And when you’re acclimatising the plants to the natural environment outdoors, don’t overdo it. For, extreme exposure can damage them! Plus, fetch them indoors at night.

Travelling

Treasures in our backyard

B V Prakash, Dec 31, 2013:

With the year 2013 drawing to a close, it is time to look at what 2014 promises you on the travel front. And if you are game, here are some pristine locales that comprise hills, lakes, beaches, wildlife and monuments that could be visited. The variety of sights would spice up your life and leave you with pleasant memories to cherish for a long time to come.Thodikana
A place that comprises a visit to an ancient temple amidst forests and an attractive waterfall is Thodikana. Situated between Madikeri (37 km) and Sulya (18 km) is a village called Aranthodu from where a drive of seven km into the forest brings you to Thodikana. The shrine of Mallikarjuna here, woven with stories from legends, and the Matsya theertha where the fish are protected, are worth seeing. A short walk into the jungle takes you to Devaragundi Falls. Madikeri is the place to find good hotels and food.

Devbagh

If it is your dream to lose yourself on an island, stroll along the shore, watch marine wildlife, birds and picture post card sunsets, Devbagh is the destination. Located across the sea from Karwar (520 km from Bangalore), the island serves as a lovely escapade from the buzz of the city. Here you can walk, swim, watch dolphins, white bellied sea eagles, crabs and other life forms. The adventurous can indulge in kayaking or riding the speed boat. Or you can just laze around in a peaceful atmosphere and come back rejuvenated. Jungle lodges & Resorts, among others, offer tailor-made trips.
Sigandur
Sagar, a busy town in Malnad, is a hub of interesting tourist destinations including temples. The highly revered shrine of Chowdeshwari at Sigandur is one of them. Here, not only is the temple interesting, but the approach to it is also a unique experience. One has to cross the lake of backwaters on a huge launch that even carries buses and vans, from Holebagilu to Kalasavalli, followed by a 10 km drive to the temple. The launch ride is the most exciting part. To visit Sigandur, one can stay at Sagar (40 km away) and make a day trip.
Nagara
At Nagara, a small town 86 km from Shimoga on Kollur Road, you come face to face with a 16th C fort that is in ruins now. As you take a stroll on the ramps and steps leading to bastions and a watch tower, you feel like walking into history. Twin ponds of the sisters and an old rusting cannon at the top are interesting sights. The Neelakanteshwara Temple nearby can also be visited. Staying in Shimoga, the fort can be visited in a day.
Kabini forest
If viewing and photographing wildlife is your cup of tea, then the place to be visited on priority is Nagarahole forest. With the Kabini backwaters providing a suitable backdrop of a scenic locale, the forest that abounds in a good number of wild denizens is pristine. The main activity here is driving through the forest in jeeps, morning and evening. Sighting carnivores like tigers and leopards is surely an exciting experience. The visit can be organised through the Forest department, or one of the resorts like JLR.
Kuppalli
Kuppalli is where the legendary poet Kuvempu lived. The house, called Kavimane, where the poet lived, is now converted into a museum. The artefacts, awards and other belongings of the poet, as also the antique photographs, are all worth taking a look at. The house, situated in a serene atmosphere with greenery all around, makes for a pleasant experience. A walk up the hill behind leads to Kavishaila, from where romantic sunsets can be watched. At 16 km from Thirthahalli on Koppa Road, Kuppalli can be easily visited in a day.
Shiroor
This is another obscure town on the Konkan highway along the Arabian Sea, which does not appear on the normal tourist itinerary. But close to the town and rather hidden away are a couple of stunning waterfalls and a quiet isolated beach. Situated a little further north of Baindoor in Udupi district, Shiroor can serve as a good base to explore these sights. The beach where a river also joins to add beauty is just a kilometre from the town. Toodalli, 7 km away, is the village reached by rickshaws from where a short walk takes you to the astoundingly beautiful Kosalli Falls. Dropping in several cascades over seven stages on a rugged rocky surface, this is one of the very tall waterfalls of the state. Chakatkal Falls is another enchanting waterfall nearby. A guide from the village has to be engaged. For stay and food, either Baindoor or Bhatkal would be suitable.
Honnavar
If you are looking for an eventful holiday studded with sights, it has to be Honnavar. Here you can visit the Colonel Hill monument, religious spots such as Ram Thirth, and walk along the beach to make a meaningful outing. Backwater cruising is another attraction. Honnavar has good options like Kamath’s for food and stay.
Kootagal
If arid, desert-like landscape with unique rock formations fascinate you, then you should be heading to Kootagal. Hardly 60 km from Bangalore off Ramanagara on Mysore Road, it can be easily reached via Shanubhoganahalli. A pair of rocks standing together symbolises the love story of a washerman and his wife who wished to turn into rocks. The temple of Thimmappaswamy and its surroundings with ponds add to the interest.

Mastikatte

A nondescript town close to Thirthahalli, Mastikatte, at about 100 km from Shimoga, has a couple of stunningly beautiful reservoirs. Called Chakra and Savehaklu, these dams are located at 20 and 10 km respectively. With permission from KPCC, a guide and a vehicle, you can lose yourself in tranquil surroundings here. Hulikal and Baale Bare Ghat are also nearby and can be combined with Mastikatte. For stay and food, Thirthahalli or Shimoga are suitable.

 

Herbs

Know your herbs

Know your herbs

Page 1 of 4

Find out which herbs you need to plant in your garden this monsoon.

Coriander leaves: Fresh coriander juice cleanses the urinary system and helps detoxify the body. It aids digestion when added to food.
Tip: While cooking with coriander, don't throw away the flavour-packed root. It can be used to lend aroma to tea.
Basil: Water-brewed basil or basil tea help relieve nausea. Basil is used for digestive disorders.
Tip: For long-term storage, pack dry basil leaves in layers in glass jars. Place a pinch of salt between each layer. When full, pour oil on top and seal tightly.

 

Holy basil (tulsi): It's a powerful adaptogen; it helps the body and mind adapt to stress.
Tip: Having an indoor tulsi plant can protect the whole family from cough, cold and viral infection. (Both basil and tulsi are members of the mint family)
Aloe vera: It soothes and rejuvenates skin, aids digestion, stimulates bowel action and boosts overall immune function.
Tip: Once you see a new aloe vera shoot pop up, it's time to move your plant to a bigger pot.
Thyme: Brewed with tea, thyme energises the whole system.
Tip: Excellent for treating physical and mental exhaustion, anxiety and depression.
Wheatgrass: A powerful antioxidant which helps protect against cancer and pre-mature aging, wheatgrass improves digestion and helps balance blood sugar. No wonder it is called 'liquid gold'.
Tip: Chewing fresh wheatgrass and spitting out the residual fibre is known to help better absorb the nutrients contained in it.
Herb care
It's best to consume herbs in plant form, absolutely fresh and organic (without the use of pesticides or chemicals). When you are starting to grow herbs, it seems easier to pick off a few big leaves around the bottom of the plant, and let the tender little ones at the top grow out. Wrong. Leave those large tough ones at the bottom. They are the solar panels that power your herb's growth. Although many herbs, such as thyme, sage, rosemary and oregano are Mediterranean in origin, most grow as well in the shade as under the sun. Parsley and coriander, however, fare better in a shady spot. The best way to keep herbs fresh for a long period of time is to keep their roots firmly planted in the soil, where they will be nourished and happy for several months. You can also store them in the freezer, especially those herbs that have high water content.

(Inputs from holistic nutritionists Priya Dhammi-Sharma and Mitalee Doshi)

Caught and framed

Sanjay Austa, March 3, 2013:

Picture perfect

Photojournalist Steve McCurry, best known for his photograph, ‘Afghan Girl’, never fails to invoke awe in the viewer through his astounding images. Sanjay Austa engages the ace photographer in a tête-à-tête.

His photograph of Sharbat Gula, the ‘Afghan Girl’, is probably the most recognisable photograph in history. But when celebrated photographer Steve McCurry is pushed to pick a favourite, he picks the picture of the dust storm moment he captured in rural Rajasthan in 1983.

In fact, his photographic journey across the world started with India, when, as a young freelancer in 1978, he made his first trans-atlantic trip here from the US, armed with a suitcase full of Kodachrome.

The story of how he intended it to be a six-week excursion and how it turned into a two-year sojourn is well known. From then on, McCurry has been a New Yorker in absentia, travelling almost eight months of the year. In a photography career spanning almost four decades, he has made more than 85 trips to India, but his fascination with the subcontinent remains undiminished.

In India recently for the Kumbh Mela and a talk, he cannot stop gushing about the life and energy he finds here.

McCurry made his reputation on his haunting close-ups, but he is equally adept at depicting the drama and energy of a street scene. He has demonstrated his skill in both photographing India. His solemn photograph of the boy smeared in Holi colours, or the poignant portrait of a mother with a child, begging at a traffic signal, exemplify the close-ups.

While the photo of the boy, captured in mid air, as he runs around a bend in a Jodhpur bylane with red hand-prints on the blue walls working as leading lines, or the two men balanced precariously on rocks in the foreground of a gushing waterfall in Goa — of his photographs for his book on monsoon — demonstrate his expertise in street photography.

Spontaneous creativity

McCurry says he never thinks whether it is going to be a portrait or a street scene, “It’s better to be curious and let things unfold and not try to be frantic and look for great pictures. It may be better just to relax and let it flow, as opposed to looking around. It almost seems too much like work,” he says.

But, is it easier to photograph in the chaos and crumble of developing nations like India and Pakistan than in the sanitised neighbourhoods of New York or London — places which the maverick Magnum photographer Bruce Gilden called the real “war zones” because in other places “people don’t care what you are photographing. Here (New York side walk), people do care. It’s like a war zone,”
McCurry, however, has an unabashed fascination for Asia.

Africa comes a distant second. His images from these developing countries has invoked awe in the viewer, showered a kind of benediction on the subjects, and contributed immensely to our knowledge of some of the lesser known cultures from these parts.

“I think you should just photograph what interests you. I don’t think we should feel compelled or required to do this or that. There are millions of places in the world. And they don’t interest me,” he says. He points out at the vanishing cultures around the world and the need to document them before they disappear.

“Let’s take the nomads in India. It’s a way of life that has evolved over thousands of years. It’s a whole way of life and it’s disappearing right before our eyes. It will be another generation or two and end of story. I think it’s important to have some memory of that and look back and think,” he says.

The last film

One of the things that did disappear right before our eyes was the grand old Kodachrome film — the preferred film of all top photographers. It took a final bow to the onslaught of the digital era and shut shop in 2011. And to chronicle its last glory for posterity and nostalgia was McCurry who requested Kodak to give him the last roll off its production line in Rochester, New York.

Armed with this last roll and its 36 frames, he shot around the world. In India, besides his street portraits of ascetics, Rajasthani women, passersby, he shot Amitabh Bachchan, Shekhar Kapur, Nandita Das and Aamir Khan in Mumbai. But it was Aishwarya Rai he really wanted to photograph.

“I would have traded all those guys for her — Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Nandita Das, all. Just give me her. Unfortunately, she was in Sri Lanka and I was on a very tight schedule,” he says.

One of the other areas he left his unique mark on was an unchartered territory for him — the Pirelli calendar. The calendar which traditionally had fashion models in the buff and employed top fashion photographers of the world, turned a new leaf on its 40th anniversary by roping in photojournalist McCurry. He not only broke the hallowed tradition by shooting full-clothed women — one of them pregnant — but chose women who were contributing to social service in some way.

The calendar (2013) was very well received indeed, and is touted as one of the best Pirelli calendars of all times.

As McCurry explains, “I think you want pictures that are effortless and without a lot of fanfare around the technique. I think that’s where you want to strive. If a picture has insight into the human nature and condition, I think it’s going to be honest.”

After the interview, there is the daunting task of photographing the famous photographer. But McCurry is as comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind it. He positions his body three quarters to the camera. Brings one leg in front of the other. Shifts his weight to his back leg. Buries one hand in his pocket while the other probes his ear, his chin and his button. And you know you have

In sync with your growing teen

Tanuja Sodhi, May 4, 2013, DHNS:

TEENCARE

So, you think you are the busiest parent in the entire cosmos; more organized than the archetypal ant at work; a paragon of efficiency when it comes to being both - a provider and a caretaker at the same time. And yet, utterly clueless about how to deal with a brash and a difficult teenager back home? Time to hit the ‘pause’ button of your life really hard! Put on your thinking cap and rack your brains. If still baffled, ask yourself, “Do I spend enough time with my teen?” Crack goes the puzzle as you get your answer - “Probably not!”

In this day and age, working parents are slaving away at the office at the expense of spending quality time with their children. The increasingly busy lifestyles of both parents and teens can be a challenge for spending quality time together. We as parents need to develop skills that are significantly different and arguably more complex than they were three decades ago. The reality is that teenagers today are torn between asserting themselves as adults and being children who still need reassurance, as they are very vulnerable (although they may pretend otherwise).

If you are not sensible enough to reach out to them, nurture, and reassure them, it is likely that they will pull away from you and try to meet their needs elsewhere, which could make them more vulnerable to pressure from peers. This often leads to bad associations and complicated situations that could dramatically affect the entire family. Thus, the reasons for bonding with your teenager are greater than just finding an enjoyable way to spend time together. Modern day parents must make extra efforts to stay connected with their teenagers. By breaking out of the child-parent communication mold sometimes, you would be modeling healthy interactions for your teen's future relationships with colleagues, friends, and family.

Communication breakdown has been cited as a major cause of parent-teen conflict over the years. So, let the child talk freely with you with no fear of judgment. If they don't want to talk, that's fine too. When they really want to share their thoughts, they will come to you.

Let us step back a little to see where it all begins. As soon as the umbilical cord between the mother and her baby is cut at birth, the physical attachment to the mother may cease but the psychological and emotional attachment begins. And this provides a foundation for our young ones to thrive. A firm bond between mother and child affects reactions later in life. It reflects how well children do in school, how they build relationships with friends and how well they react to stressful situations.

Studies have found that children who have formed a strong bond with their parents are sociable and gregarious. Those children lacking a secure bond are more likely to be antisocial, withdrawn, hostile, and aggressive. Spending quality time with the teen helps parents and teens stay connected and can drastically improve teen behavioral issues.

Why scour far and wide for a worthy example to substantiate the case in point? Let me dissert my own case. While in a full-time employment when my son was a toddler, our inability to devote quality time to him made him an archetypal asocial child. He hated anyone and everyone who dared to come close enough to strike a conversation with his parents. He would go to the extent of displaying physical aggression to keep people off limits from his ‘nonpareil’ mom and dad. He understandably was a highly insecure child who craved our time and attention which was scarce and sporadic at best. It was only after I quit my full-time vocation and became a hands-on mother that he gradually transformed from a recluse to a more affable child. While I worked from home there on, to undo what could have been the most costly mistake of my life, deluging him with all my time and attention, he grew into a gregarious and convivial teen as I see him today. He is the undisputed ‘jokesmith’ of his class by his own admission, and I certainly am not complaining!
It is an accepted fact that bonding develops through interaction. If scouting for ideas, you could choose from the following list or devise your own innovative ways of spending quality time with your teens:

* Reading with your child
* Playing a board game
* Watching movies together
* Listening to favourite music together
* Laughing at silly things on YouTube together
* Visiting a coffee shop together
* Taking post dinner walks
* Going for a drive together
* Go shopping at their favourite mall
* Having them help you at home with cleaning, re-arranging the house, etc.
* Cooking with your teenager or teaching to cook favourite dish
* Renting movies and staying up late on weekends
* Volunteering for a noble cause with your teenager or just randomly going on a food distribution spree.
* Listening intently to what your child has to say about the life issues she/he may be facing. Inquiring about their hopes, wishes, interests, passions and aspirations
* Connecting over family dinner every night, which can be a great time to ask questions about your child's day without interruption.

There are myriad possibilities for doing fun things together. Although teens may not know how to express their appreciation, they won't forget the special times, especially the one-on-one times that you spend with them.

Teenagers, by nature, are driven to separate themselves from their parents and become individual, autonomous beings. They are no longer children yet not accepted as adults, their hormones are exploding, they're trying desperately to figure out who they are, what they believe and what their capabilities are. Though they are seeking independence, most teens are not emotionally ready to cut themselves off from a family that they love. At such a juncture, spending one-on-one time with teens-in-turmoil will not only have a profoundly positive effect on their behavior but also help you develop an unbreakable and deep-rooted bond with them.

A crucial afterthought: no matter how busy you may be or how wound up with chores, always remember to hug your children every day, preferably just as they are leaving for school and at the end of the day to let them know that you love them deeply.

Fighting dandruff head on

Dr Pranjal Shamsher, May 4, 2013, DHNS :

Headstart

Are those white, itchy flakes of skin stopping you from wearing your favourite black top? It could be dandruff and though it’s not a serious condition, we know it can be embarrassing. And yes, dandruff is a chronic condition, but it is quite harmless. Dandruff occurs when your scalp is either oily or very dry and characterized by itching, producing white flakes on your scalp. This is one condition which is found in people of all ages. There are three types of dandruff which might attack your scalp for different reasons. And each of these conditions has to be treated differently.

Fungal dandruff
There are times you may mistake dandruff for dry scalp and shampoo less frequently. However, what is shocking is that this just worsens the condition. There is a fungus called malassezia which lives in our scalp and the most common cause of dandruff is the overgrowth of this fungus. So, when you stop washing your hair as frequently as you should, your hair becomes greasy, the fungus feeds on this and dandruff grows.

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis is a more severe form of dandruff which causes greasy bran-like scales. This type of dandruff is almost always accompanied by skin inflammation that will affect your forehead, eyebrows, the lines of your cheeks, the skin around your nose and even your armpits. The good news for those of you suffering from seborrhoeic dermatitis is that direct sunlight improves this condition and relieves its symptoms.

Scalp PsoriasisAnother common skin disorder that produces raised, thick, silvery scaly patches on the scalp is called the Scalp Psoriasis. It sometimes even spreads beyond the scalp to your forehead, behind the ears and back of the neck. Though very similar to dandruff, scalp psoriasis is much harder to treat.

This condition is not contagious. However, experts opine that scalp psoriasis could be a result of an abnormality of the immune system which makes the skin cell to grow very quickly, resulting in building up of patches. If scalp psoriasis runs in your family, you are more likely to be affected by it.

Causes Though the exact cause for dandruff-triggering conditions is not known, extremely oily scalp, hormonal imbalances, extreme stress, heart problems are often said to be the causes. In some cases, even the chemicals used in the hair care treatment is said to trigger dandruff.

Difference between seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis Since both scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis are common conditions that affect the scalp, it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between the two. In addition, even some of the signs and symptoms such are itchy, scaly scalp are same. However, here are few differences which your doctor might be able to tell: scales of scalp psoriasis are thicker and drier in appearance when compared to the scales of seborrheic dermatitis.

Scalp psoriasis affects not just your scalp but other areas of your body like elbows, knees, hands, feet or even your nails.

Signs and symptoms of Scalp Psoriasis

Your skin will have red patches with silvery white scales

These silvery white scales may be attached to your hair shaft

The patches or the thick crust on the scalp will bleed when you try removing them

These red patches might extend beyond your hairline

You will notice itching and soreness

Prevention of Scalp Psoriasis

Though complete cure of scalp psoriasis is not possible, you can take a few steps to ensure that the condition does not worsen.

Wash your hair daily

Avoid sunburn as psoriasis may develop on the injured skin.

Comb and brush your hair regularly. This can help prevent psoriasis on the scalp.

However, make sure you don’t brush too hard as scratching can cause irritation.

Signs and symptoms of Seborrheic dermatitis

You will notice red, oily skin covered with greasy white or yellow scales

In this case, the patches or the thick crust can be removed easily and there will be no bleeding

These patches are usually confined to the hairline

In Seborrhoeic dermatitis, itching might be severe

Prevention of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
While it might be difficult to completely get rid of dandruff, you can definitely contain it.

Shampoo your hair regularly

Learn to manage stress as stress can trigger dandruff or exacerbate existing symptoms

Stay away from hair sprays and styling agents as they make your scalp oily leading to dandruff.

"Our Plant Needs Lovers''

"Our Plant Needs Lovers''

Environmental educator DAVID ORR tells POONAM JAIN that to protect Earth, our planet needs lovers of every shape and form

Real Education Is Mastery Of Oneself

Education will not save us — but education of a certain kind might just save the world. Therefore, the goal of education is not mastery of subject matter, but of oneself.

Do Not Dominate Nature

Lesson Number One, according to Orr, is: Do not dominate nature.To drive home this point, Orr helped create a 20,000-acre greenbelt at Oberlin University in Ohio, near Cleveland. Here, he promotes sustainable agriculture.“

The Oberlin Project launched in 2009 as a joint initiative with the City of Oberlin includes five very practical objectives as a part of a unified system. We want to build an example of a sustainable

economy powered by renewable energy in the heart of the US, and move an entire city to becoming ‘carbon positive,” summarises Orr.

Learn Mindfulness And Compassion

With the Oberlin Project, Orr endeavours to change minds. “I want students to grow in a state of mindfulness. I want them to see patterns and want them to have the courage to be compassionate.” He borrows from the philosophy of the river

of life; we have responsibility towards our ancestors from the past and our future generations to come.

We Are All Interconnected

Orr says, “This idea is ancient and is part of every organised religion. We have obligations to the generations past as well as to our grandchildren and theirs…we live in a seamless relation of obligation and opportunity that is both a constraint on what we do and what we would want to do. But let’s not forget that we are all

interconnected in this web of life.”

Managing Earth A Huge Task

According to Orr, lesson number two is: Even with enough technology and knowledge, we will never be capable of managing Earth. “Managing the planet has a nice ring to it. It appeals to our fascination with digital readouts, computers, buttons and dials. But the complexity of Earth and its life systems can never be safely managed,” elaborates Orr.

Education Limits Your Potential

He says that it is a common myth that educational certificates offer people upward mobility and success. “On the contrary, people become unfit for anything except in displaying an elaborate and completely artificial charade,” he opines.

New Definition of Success

Our planet doesn’t need successful people, but it does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of every shape and form. It needs people who live well in places they call home.“It needs people of moral courage willing to join the fight to make the world habitable and humane. And these needs have little to do with success as our culture has defined it,” says Orr, indicating that we need new paradigms to judge what we consider successful.

 

Good one must read

The spiral of silence

Shefali Tripathi Mehta, May 26, 2013, DHNS:

Home truth

When we see unfairness around us, our reaction is mostly to remain silent. The courage that is required to speak up in such situations is wanting. The negativity and the fear of confrontation force us to forfeit our rights and silence our voice of gumption. But, isn’t it about time we stood up for ourselves, and for others, wonders Shefali Tripathi MehtaAnew series of TV commercials that show the house-help being asked by the family to join them at the dining table for a meal, and a waiter being offered a cold drink by the customers he is serving, seem to have struck a chord with us. It asserts, ‘Hawa badlegi’, the winds of change are imminent.

So, who will bring the change? Any change, not just to have the house-help sit on the sofa with us, but the transformation of the innumerable situations which make us feel cheated, defeated, wronged because these are wrought out of some bias, unfairness, unreasonableness, or simply, unthinking, unsympathetic attitudes?

Big and little heartaches, injustices of life dot our days. Initially, when we are exposed to the vagaries of living in a world with others and the skewed balance of right and wrong, most of us try to take things on, improve, and make a difference. Gradually, as our attempts are thwarted, the ‘what can I do?’ helplessness that dismays at first goes on to become a way of life, a convenient refrain.

When we see a vehicle that is speeding, erratically driven, or the driver talking on mobile phone, we fume but do nothing about it. If the vehicle hits someone, kills someone, we are outraged. Bangalore hasn’t forgotten the 2006 accident involving a Volvo bus that ploughed into a bus shelter killing two and injuring 20. Yet, today, it is not uncommon to see Volvo bus drivers deep in conversation on their mobile phones while driving the enormous, speedy buses through our delinquent traffic. Why don’t the passengers object?

Blinding biases

We look for ‘someone we know’ in government offices, police department or any other agency that we need to ‘deal’ with; on being harassed or cheated, we do not report for fear of consequences, of a backlash. We conform to the ‘take it or leave’ attitude of those in control everywhere. Little children get abused in school buses and in schools, yet we do not report suspicious or unacceptable events or behaviour because we are afraid of the school’s disapproval or action against us. The same obsequious attitude persists in our other dealings — schools and colleges impose arbitrary rules, demand ‘development charges’ without receipt; packed malls and film theatres that make a few hundred on each ticket keep air conditioning switched off; clerks in offices are ‘not on their seat’ for hours while we wait; the courier reaches us in 10 days; some post never reaches us; the grocery store does not add the ‘free’ item; overcrowded ticketing, billing counters have one working among the several unmanned; and railways, the lifeline of the millions, grows out of bounds for them as shoddy technology in the name of progress takes over reservations, and touts find loopholes to sell tickets to those who can buy at a premium.
A person, apparently of limited means, travelling in an airplane, was treated contemptuously by the cabin attendant who kept asking him rudely what his problem (illness) was, insisting on speaking in English, a language clearly the passenger did not understand. The gentleman and his escort were travelling for treatment to a big city and only dire necessity could have compelled them to take a flight. The crew’s duty is to serve the passengers and not judge who deserves their attention or contempt. But bigotry and biases make people shame their position repeatedly. The person who needed the most care onboard was ignored and humiliated, and men in business suits, completely capable of wearing their own jackets, were graciously helped into them.

What were the other travellers, I included, doing? Watching it all, feeling the anger, the shame, the indignation, and yet keeping quiet? After I registered a complaint and was assured of necessary action, the incident came up on social media, people were disgusted, shared similar experiences and offered recourse, including never patronising the airline again. But social media is only a likeness of the real world. It is easy to vent on online forums. The courage that is required to speak up in real situations is wanting.
The negativity, and the fear of confrontation, of not finding support from others, or simply of what onlookers may dismiss as ‘making a scene’, stops us from putting ourselves into confrontational situations, forfeit our rights and silence our voice of gumption.

Apathetic system

Early this April, in a small town in Uttar Pradesh, four sisters aged between 20 and 30 years were returning home in the evening after invigilating a school exam when two men on a motorcycle sprayed acid on them with a Holi pichkari. One girl, severely injured, lost an eye, and the others suffered burns in the brazen attack, which was someone’s idea of fun, perhaps? Another young girl lost an eye and lies critically burnt after an acid attack on her just as she arrived in Mumbai to join the Army.

We, especially women, are told to fear and not take on hooligans, jealous exes and eve-teasers who may resort to revenge and who always seem to get away without punishment. Criminals, perverts, thieves and petty wrongdoers are a part of the society we live in. But for them to take control, to go about audaciously committing crimes and not be punished, adds to the despondency of the man on the street.

We have seen people losing lives over trifles. We have witnessed the ordeal the families of Sabrina Lal, Aman Kachru and Nitish Katara went through to get justice for their loved ones. But for each one that got justice, distressingly delayed even, there are hundreds that didn’t — Sanjana Singh of Bangalore, who died when a wall that was found to be of poor quality, constructed with no inspection and supervision, collapsed on her; or Kshama Chopra Shetye of Gurgaon who, along with her unborn baby, was crushed under the wheels of a rashly-driven BMW. We know how difficult the path to redress is. The fight is not just against the criminals, but against a system that seems to harass the victim.

Our judiciary, law, government, police cannot ensure that our rights will always be safeguarded. We know how money, status and power prevail over our rights. We have seen how those that have harmed and killed whistle blowers and RTI activists have not been brought to book. Manjunath Shanmugam and Satyendra Dubey were brazenly killed for trying to stop corrupt practices.

When in 1990, Ruchika Girhotra, 14, of Haryana, molested by the Inspector General of Police, SPS Rathore, made a complaint, she, her family and friends, were so harassed by the police that she committed suicide. It took almost 20 years before Rathore was pronounced guilty and given a diminutive sentence. Ruchika’s friend and eyewitness, Aradhana Prakash, did not buckle under the threats and fought for justice for her friend till the case was closed two decades later. But she is among the brave hearts that show exemplary, extraordinary courage. Normally, life demands less from us. By conceding our right to speak up against little wrongs like when cable TV, water supply, auto rickshaw unions act like mafia and render our rights ineffective, we encourage wrongdoers and set a vicious cycle of crime into motion.

A Mumbai housing society where people have been living and paying property and corporation taxes for 23 years has been declared unauthorised and is facing the threat of demolition. While the defaulting builders have absconded, the residents face an uncertain future. In the meanwhile, there are a hundred other illegal structures that are allowed construction so money can be made. How do we bear such skewed forms of legality?
Speak up, speak out

“Some things you must always be unable to bear. Some things you must never stop refusing to bear. Injustice and outrage and dishonour and shame. No matter how young you are or how old you have got... Just refuse to bear them.” (William Faulkner)
V S Sunder, who has raised his voice against the inflexibility and insensitivity with which people with disabilities are treated, recounts incident after incident of blatant disregard of their rights. Why should a person on wheelchair have to stand up for security check at the airport? Why should not the companion be allowed to accompany them? Why must the person be physically lifted to a seat somewhere in the middle of the aircraft? Why must all the questions be directed to their escort?

When a queue breaker comes barging in to get served first, we have the option to remind them politely; demand they come in line; or fume and do nothing about it. A person who has the audacity to break queue, will most likely not be affected by any of this and nothing will be achieved. If, however, the person at the counter refuses to take the order of the queue breaker, would anyone break the queue in the first place? Those in authority, those in charge, must act with fairness, always.

Humiliation and a sense of wrong made Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Aung San Suu Kyi and Nelson Mandela fight injustice. When Rosa Parks was asked if she had not given her bus seat to a white because she was tired, she said, “No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”

As Bangalore grapples with a population explosion that has its limited resources stretched to seams, we face acute problems of garbage disposal, water shortage, dumping of sewage water into lakes and contamination of water pipelines, chaotic traffic, missing pavements, indiscriminate tree cutting leading to loss of the green cover and rise in temperatures; superfluous, shoddily made, bumpy flyovers, the usefulness of which shall never be questioned; the buses that move and stop arbitrarily jamming traffic; the underpasses that have, despite protests, been dug and then abandoned following PILs, rendering the roads unusable; randomly constructed medians with no storm water outlets leading to flooding of roads after a 10-minute shower, we do nothing more than sigh.

The bellicose & the nosy parkers

Our anger and frustration with a system we cannot change surfaces in undesirable ways — road rage and unnecessary fights with fellow citizens. We live in an atmosphere of distrust, believing everyone is out to cheat and harm us. On an evening out, as we parked into an empty slot, two vociferous women with children came charging and began to fight because apparently we had parked where they were planning to. Since our action was unintentional and without malice, we waited while they vented. I wondered about those women starting off an outing with so much anger. What were the children accompanying them thinking and assimilating? Couldn’t they, if they felt wronged in the situation, have dealt with it with less acridity? Had they approached us with a ‘we had wanted to park here, could you park elsewhere?’ I doubt we would have refused.

Keerti, a friend who will go out of her way to ask after and help others, often wonders if people think of her as intrusive. Asking your neighbours unnecessary personal details is intrusive, being alert is not. If, for example, neighbours had been a little vigilant, would those poor kids who had been holed up in a Jaipur house, have gone unnoticed? Nearly 50 children, aged between 5 and 17, were kept in two illegal children’s homes in a residential colony for months with little food and in pathetic living conditions and no one noticed?

A burgeoning population of upwardly mobile, disposable-income-equipped middle class that can buy its safety and security, peace and distance, is increasingly seeking an easy way out, creating an insulated world for itself. If we can’t deal with apathetic agencies, we hire agents to get jobs done; if we can’t send our kids in unsafe school buses, we send them in chauffeur-driven cars; if we can’t send them to colleges for fear of ragging, we send them abroad or to the five-star institutions that offer mineral water and airconditioned hostels; if roads are unwalkable, we step out in cars. This disengagement with society leads to more blatant abuse of our rights. We continue to pay taxes towards infrastructure, public security, services like roads, streetlights, garbage collection, health services, preservation of monuments, emergency and disaster relief, but cannot be bothered by the sordid state of these.
Winds of change
In Bangalore, illegal dumping of construction material into Bellandur Lake at night was reported by irate residents and was stopped. But the audacity with which people do and get away with wrong because they are rarely punished, and because of the powerful that back them, stops us from making the effort and risk courting danger.

But how can we dream of change if we continue to keep silent? Change is not made without inconvenience. Complaining from the margins will not do. Social change does not require superheroes. We can each aim for a ripple effect — help one person and it helps their family, the community, and person by person, we help the world; set one thing right; or fight for that one cause that moves us. Each one of us has the power to make some impact.

As the American biologist E O Wilson famously said, “We are drowning in information while starving for wisdom. The world henceforth will be run by synthesisers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely.” Information is key — to be aware of our own and other people’s rights, and to know what to do when — how to administer first aid, help accident victims, who to inform in case of an accident, fallen electric wires, cutting of trees, garbage or debris being dumped, kids employed, or when house-help is ill-treated. Why let the wrong prevail? Why not speak up for what is right, always and every time?

Health

True or false?

Evening primrose oil soothes eczema
The facts: It may not exactly be a household name, but evening primrose, a bright yellow plant native to North America, has a large following in the alternative medicine world.

The seeds of the plant contain essential fatty acids, which are used to make an oil that has a variety of uses as a dietary supplement and folk remedy. Its most popular use may be for eczema, the skin condition that affects as many as one in five people. Widely marketed and easy to find, primrose oil contains gamma linoleic acid, which is thought to help reduce skin inflammation without the side effects of other treatments.

But a large new study suggests that people using evening primrose oil for eczema may want to save their money instead.

In the study, a review of evidence published in The Cochrane Library, researchers looked at data from 27 studies involving either evening primrose oil and a similar supplement, borage oil, which is also rich in gamma linoleic acid. The studies, which included about 1,600 adults and children, compared the supplements to placebo.

The researchers did not find that taking either supplement allayed eczema any more than taking dummy pills. But they did find a potential risk. Evening primrose oil can have anticoagulant effects that increase the risk of bleeding, something that is especially dangerous for people already taking blood-thinning drugs like warfarin.

The bottom line: Evening primrose and borage oils are widely used remedies for eczema, but according to research, they provide no benefits.

Health

Herbal remedies from mint leaves

Richa Hegde, May 4, 2013, DHNS :

Known for its own subtle flavour and aroma, mint is one of the oldest and most popular herbs grown around the globe and is used in a variety of cuisines.

Mint leaves are rich in minerals and vitamins. They contain calcium, phosphorus, Iron, good amount of Vitamin C, D and E and small amount of Vitamin B Complex.

It is a perennial herb. Its fragrant smelling aroma is transmitted by its fresh green leaves and oil. Mint has a number of medicinal properties and numerous vital benefits –
Mint leaves eliminate toxins from the body and when included in the diet on a regular basis, eliminates bacteria and fungus from the body.

The aroma of fresh mint is very effective in relieving respiratory congestion. It can also help to overcome cough.
The strong, sharp flavor and scent of mint is used for common cold.

Mint Oil is used as an environment friendly insecticide for its ability to kill common pests like wasps, hornets, ants and cockroaches.

It is a stimulant. It restores the normal tone of tissues as a tonic.

Mental fatigue, stress, depressive states and headaches can be ameliorated if mint oil is applied over the temples and backhead.

Consumption of mint leaves balances vata and kapha.

Drinking herbal mint tea reduces irritated bowel syndromes. Mint tea is also a strong diuretic and is used as an anti-pruritic, especially in insect bite treatments.

Crushed mint leaves helps in teeth whitening if used twice a week.

A refreshing mint scent is a powerful medicine to treat nausea.

Mint leaves are used in teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies and ice-creams.

Mint acts as a cooling sensation to the skin and helps in dealing with skin irritations such as acne, heat bumps and burns. Powder of mint leaves, when applied on face regularly, can do magic to lighten acne scars very naturally.

Mint leaves are also used as a main component in aromatherapy.

During summer, preparing sherbet and chutneys with mint leaves, helps to relieve problems associated with gas.

Mint essential oil and menthol are extensively used as flavorings in breath fresheners, drinks, antiseptic mouth washes, toothpaste, chewing gum, room fresheners, shampoos and mint chocolates.

The antifungal properties associated with mint helps in curing asthma and other allergic conditions.

Mint juice is a good appetizer. It soothes the digestive track in stomach ache.
It acts as an expectorant. Promotes the oral ejection of mucus by spitting.
Mint is found to be effective in the treatment of gall bladder disorders, vomiting, menstrual cramps, bleeding diseases, and diarrhea.