Wellness

Top 10 Herbs to grow at home

Herbs can be used in anything. The kitchen isn’t complete without herbs, they carry distinct flavours to dishes, apart from a few herbs that are used for antiseptic purposes and to lower blood pressure. It is important to grow some medicinal herbs like tulsi, sage, and other herbs as well. Here is a list of some useful herbs to grow in your home backyard.

Tulsi:

Tulsi is an auspicious plant that is also known for its medicinal properties. A widely used herb in Indian cuisine that can be found in almost any garden is also known as Holy basil. Some of the medicinal benefits include aiding in blood sugar control due to its anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties and treating mental health issues and depression. Tulsi is a summer plant and requires it to be grown in sunny locations.

2. Turmeric: Turmeric is also called the Golden Spice. It is India’s most anti-inflammatory herb, which has numerous medicinal and biological properties. Turmeric can increase the antioxidant capacity in the body, and it increases the enzymes and protects your body from free radicals. Turmeric is an excellent healing agent for skin diseases, digestive problems, arthritis, pains, and wounds.

3. Cinnamon- Cinnamon is a metabolism powerhouse. It increases metabolism, lowers cholesterol, and is good for people suffering from Type-2 diabetes. It is important to understand that cinnamon trees are native to tropical regions, and they grow wonderfully as outdoor plants. It takes utmost patience and care to grow cinnamon trees as they have a slow moderate growth rate.

4. Sage: Sage, a member of the mint family, has numerous health benefits. It can be used to improve memory as well as other mental functions. It also improves oral health and lowers bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Sage can be grown from stem cuttings and young plants from a garden centre. It takes at least three weeks for the seeds to sprout.

5. Parsley: Parsley is a green leafy herb and is used as a garnish in food. Parsley is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins like A, C, and K. It prevents blood clotting and increases bone mineral density, and also lowers blood sugar levels in the body. Growing parsley takes quite some time as it is a slow-growing plant.

6. Rosemary: Rosemary is a fragrant and potent mint family herb. Rosemary herb has numerous skin benefits and is high in vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as calcium and iron. It boosts the immune system and improves blood circulation. Rosemary can be grown directly in pots, in the ground, or raised garden beds from stem cuttings at home.

7. Lemon Grass: Lemon Grass is widely used in tea, soups, and seafood. All you have to do is place the lemon grass stalks in a jar in a sunny spot to grow. Lemongrass helps in preventing the growth of some bacteria and yeast. It also helps to relieve pain, swelling, and fever and also improves levels of sugar in the blood.

8. Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is one of the most common plants found in every garden that helps treat burns and soothes dry skin. It has many healthy plant compounds and has antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties, which accelerate wound healing, reduce dental plaque, improves skin, and prevent wrinkles.

9. Oregano: Oregano is a medicinal herb and is widely used in pizza, pasta, and salad. It works wonderfully on respiratory and urinary disorders and treats skin problems like acne and dandruff. Oregano contains anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which relieve pain and improves gut health. This plant loves the sun, so ensure that it is grown under direct sunlight.

10. Cumin- Cumin also called Zeera, is a dried herb with antioxidant, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. Cumin helps in keeping your skin tight and moist for young and healthy skin. It also helps in proper digestion, and diabetes and improves blood cholesterol. This plant requires long care, and the seeds take four weeks to sprout.

Conclusion: These are a few herbs to grow in your home. Growing herbs can also be a cost-saving measure as you can add these herbs to your dishes to keep you and your family healthy. Most of the herbs need to be watered once or twice a day and make sure that they get good sunlight.

August 24, 2022

Morning Rituals Win the Morning Win The Day

Modern lifestyles are often dominated by work, causing us to overlook essential routines that form the foundation of a healthy life. In the constant hustle whether driven by work pleasure or pressure we tend to neglect the growing importance of our well-being. As MANOGNA REDDY reminds us, taking control of our mornings is the first step toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Enough of the hustle it’s time to prioritise yourself. Mornings offer the perfect opportunity to engage in rituals that energise and ground you for the day ahead. Begin your day with intention, and you’ll start to see meaningful and lasting changes. Do Not Snooze Waking up early grants you precious time to focus on personal health, wellness, and hygiene often the first things we sideline on a busy day. Hitting the snooze button may offer a few extra minutes of rest, but it often steals away time, leaving behind guilt and a rushed start. Embracing an early start not only adds structure to your day but also brings a sense of clarity and control that sets the tone for everything that follows. Hydrate Begin your day with a hot glass of water. This as a practice flushes out toxins from our body and helps aid digestion. You may also add lemon, ginger, or tulsi leaves depending on what suits your body best. Hydrating first thing in the morning awakens your internal system and gives a fresh kickstart to your metabolism. Exercise Give your body the movement it deserves. You don’t need a full gym session just 10 to 20 minutes of stretching, yoga, or a brisk walk can work wonders. Exercise not only strengthens your muscles but also refreshes your mind and uplifts your mood. It also helps you stay disciplined and keeps laziness at bay throughout

Wellness

Ayurveda Silence and Stars: A Journey Back to Self at Santani

They say just five minutes in nature can start healing your body. At SANTANI WELLNESS Resort, Kandy, it takes even less. Tucked away in the lush hills of Sri Lanka, four hours from Colombo, this isn’t just a resort it’s a sanctuary where modern stress is gently undone by ancient wisdom. When I was invited to review Santani, I was simply expecting a luxurious break. What I received was a transformation of body, mind, and rhythm. Join SINDURI VUPPALA on her journey into one of the world’s most conscious wellness destinations. When the invitation arrived in my inbox to review Santani Wellness Resort, I paused. The name itself intrigued me. Santani a Sanskrit word meaning “in harmony with” immediately hinted at something deeper than just another luxury spa retreat. As a journalist constantly on the move, my mind cluttered with deadlines and devices, the promise of “balance” sounded too good to be true. I needed it more than I realised. Getting to Santani isn’t a spontaneous affair. It’s a four-hour drive from Colombo airport, winding through misty hills and sleepy villages. But every mile feels like a slow unravelling of the stress that city life knots into your body. As we drove up the final stretch, literally skimming the edge of a mountain range, I rolled down the window and inhaled deeply my first real breath in weeks. The view: endless, green, alive. I didn’t know it yet, but I was already beginning to heal. We were welcomed not with cold towels or champagne flutes, but with something far rarer genuine silence. No music. No chatter. Just the soft murmur of wind through the trees and the gentle bow of a staff member who led us directly to lunch. The chef greeted us personally. “Tell me what your body feels

Wellness

Rice as Medicine: Choosing the Right Grain for Your Health Needs

Rice isn’t just a staple food—it’s a healing grain that’s been part of Indian diets for centuries. Different varieties offer different nutrients and health benefits, making it possible to tailor your rice intake to combat specific diseases and nutritional deficiencies. Hashtag magazine tells you how different Indian rice types support various health conditions: 1. For Diabetes Best Rice: Black Rice, Brown Rice, Red Rice, Sona Masoori (semi-polished) Why? Tip: Avoid highly polished white rice. Pair with pulses or vegetables for a balanced meal. 2. For Heart Health Best Rice: Red Rice, Brown Rice, Matta (Kerala Red Rice) Why? Tip: Use these for regular meals instead of white rice to protect your heart long-term. 3. For Iron Deficiency / Anemia Best Rice: Black Rice, Red Rice, Bamboo Rice Why? Tip: Cook with jaggery or dark leafy greens for added iron absorption. 4. For Bone Strength & Joint Health Best Rice: Matta Rice, Bamboo Rice Why? Tip: Serve as a porridge (kanji) with ghee for enhanced benefits. 5. For Weight Management / Obesity Best Rice: Brown Rice, Sona Masoori, Red Rice Why? Tip: Try portion control with hand-pounded rice + salads and protein for effective weight loss. 6. For Digestive Health Best Rice: Gobindobhog, Indrayani, Kalajeera Rice (Baby Basmati) Why? Tip: Use these for curd rice or lightly spiced khichdi. 7. For Antioxidant Boost / Anti-Ageing Best Rice: Black Rice, Red Rice, Wild Rice (where available) Why? Tip: Great for beauty diets and detox routines. 8. For Pregnancy & Lactation Support Best Rice: Parboiled Rice, Gobindobhog, Kalajeera Rice Why? Tip: Make porridge with these during third trimester and postnatal period. 9. For Mental Well-Being & Sleep Best Rice: Kalajeera Rice, Indrayani Rice Why? Tip: Light evening meals using these rice types can aid better sleep and relaxation. 10. For Protein Deficiency (Supportive) Best Rice: Bamboo Rice, Brown Rice (paired with dals/legumes) Why? Tip: Always combine rice with dals or fermented foods for

Wellness

Increased Hair Fall in Summer and How to Control It

The sun is out and vacations are planned, but there’s one summer guest we never invite—excessive hair fall. If you’ve noticed more strands on your pillow, in the shower drain, or on your hairbrush during the hotter months, you’re not alone. Summer brings with it a slew of hair woes thanks to rising temperatures, increased sweating, and exposure to heat and humidity. The good news? It’s preventable and treatable with the right care, Hashtag magazine gives you a lowdown… Why Does Hair Fall Increase in Summer? 1. Sweaty Scalp and Oil Buildup:Excessive sweating clogs pores on the scalp, weakening hair roots and leading to hair fall. 2. UV Ray Exposure:The sun’s UV rays can damage the scalp, weaken the hair shaft, and cause dryness and brittleness. 3. Dehydration:Your hair needs moisture to stay healthy. If you’re not drinking enough water, your strands can turn weak and break easily. 4. Pool Chlorine and Salt Water:Frequent dips in the pool or sea? Chlorine and salt strip hair of its natural oils, leaving it dull and vulnerable to breakage. 5. Change in Diet and Routine:Holiday binging, skipping meals, irregular sleep patterns, or high stress levels can also cause hair to shed more. How to Control Hair Fall in Summer 1. Keep Your Scalp Clean and Sweat-Free 2. Hydrate Inside Out 3. Cover Up When Out in the Sun 4. Avoid Over-Styling and Heat Tools 5. Oil Massage Once a Week 6. Use a Hair Mask 7. Eat Hair-Loving Foods 8. Avoid Tight Hairstyles 9. Use Satin Pillowcases When to Seek Help If your hair fall is sudden, or excessive, or you notice bald spots or thinning, it’s wise to consult a dermatologist or trichologist. Summer hair fall is common, but sometimes it could be masking underlying issues like hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems, or