Health Benefits of Muskmelon (Kharbuja) Fruit

About Muskmelon/Cantaloupe/Kharbuja

Cantaloupe is commonly known as muskmelon and kharbuja especially in India however also famous as rock melon and sweet melon all over the world. It is found in many varieties, shapes and colors and belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family.

Benefits of Muskmelon (Cantaloupe / Kharbuja) Fruit

It was originated in the India, Iran and Africa whereas first cultivated in the Europe and then spread in various regions of the world. It is greatly found during summer season especially from April to August. It is a sweetest and amazing fruit having cooling effect on the body during whole summer season. Its high water, minerals and vitamins content are great source of nutrition required to nourish the health.

It is considered as the ideal summer fruit because of its high water, minerals and vitamins content which helps in balancing the fluid and electrolytes loss during summer season. It involves in managing body heat as well as helps in combating heat related health disorders because of its cooling effects. Some of the outstanding nutritional health benefits of the muskmelon are mentioned below:

Benefits of Muskmelon for Digestive System

Provides Relief from Constipation

• Its high water and dietary fibers content help people to get relief from the constipation and other digestive disorders if consumed regularly.

Provides Relief from Acidity

• This fruit is very good for the digestion provides relief from the acidity and stomach problems.

Stimulates Digestive Functioning

• It properly nourishes the digestive system, stimulates its functioning and helps in treating lack of appetite.

Regulates Bowel Movements

• It makes the bowel movement very smooth and easy thus helps in keeping proper digestion.

Provides Relief from Diarrhea

• It provides relief from the diarrhea if it is eaten by sprinkling the mixture of kali mirch, ginger powder, sendha namak and roasted powdered jeera.

Benefits of Muskmelon for Skin

Contains all Essential Nutrients

• It is naturally loaded with the high level of phytonutrients (alpha and beta-carotene), folates, folic acid, potassium, vitamins like C, E, K and A which are highly required nutrients to keep skin natural, soft, glowing, healthy and younger looking.
• Including it as a part of daily diet gives fast result for skin.

Maintains Skin Texture

• It contains a most essential element of the skin called collagen which helps in maintaining the natural skin integrity and texture. It also fastens the wound healing process as well as maintaining the skin firmness.

Removes all Spots

• It prevents from the rough and dry skin problems, removes black spots, blemishes and other scars.

Hydrates Skin

• It helps in maintaining skin hydrated and rejuvenating as it contains vitamins K, B and E.

Induce Skin Regeneration

• It helps in inducing skin regeneration process by inducing the collagen formation thus provides skin youthful glow and natural elasticity.

Benefits of Muskmelon for Women

Regulates Blood Flow during Menstruation

• Its high potassium level helps in excreting extra sodium in the body and maintains blood pressure to the normal level thus helps women during menstruation by reducing the heavy blood flow and clots formation.

Induce Breast Milk Production

• Regular consumption of the musk melon during lactation helps mothers by enhancing the sufficient breast milk production to properly feed their baby.

Benefits of Muskmelon for Weight Loss

Contains Low Calorie

• It is a very low calorie fruit having high amount of dietary fibers, water, minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients which acts as a great snack in between the meals.

Calms Down Hunger Pangs

• It calms down the hunger pangs in very healthy ways so it is great to have as a snack instead of eating unhealthy items.

Manages Weight

• It is a very good option for those greatly conscious towards their health and weight as it effectively helps in managing the weight without much effort.

Benefits of Muskmelon during Pregnancy

Rich in Folic Acid and Iron

• It is rich in folic acid and iron which are very essential for both mother and baby.

Prevents Baby from Birth Defects

• It keeps baby healthy and provides better environment for the proper growth and development by preventing baby from the birth defects.

Provides Reliefs from Morning Sickness

• It provides relief from the morning sickness during first trimester of pregnancy.

Benefits of Muskmelon for Heart

Reduces Risk of Heart Diseases

• It prevents from the risk of stroke and heart diseases as it contains an anticoagulant compound called adenosine which has ability to stop the blood clot formation.

Regulates Blood Pressure

• It contain high potassium and no cholesterol thus helps in regulating the blood pressure under control and very helpful for the normal heart functioning.

Prevents from Hardening of Arteries

• It prevents from the arteriosclerosis means hardening of the arteries and reduces the risk of heart attacks.

Benefits of Muskmelon for Cancer Prevention

Prevents from Cancer

• It reduces the risk of cancer as it contains antioxidant flavonoids and carotenoids which are anti-cancerous in nature and inhibits the growth of cancerous cells.

Prevents from Ageing

• It safeguards the body against harmful effects of free radicals thus prevents from early ageing and various cancers like colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, uterus cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and etc.

Benefits of Muskmelon for Diabetes

Regularizes Blood Sugar Level

• It prevents from the diabetic nephropathy (damage of the kidney cells due to high blood sugar level) as it is a fruit of low glycemic index and contains simple sugar (fructose and glucose) thus safe for people suffering from diabetes.

Benefits of Muskmelon for Hair

Promotes Hair Growth

• It is the richest source of vital nutrients and essential minerals which helps in maintaining the growth of hair and health of scalp.

Prevents from Hair Loss

• It prevents from the hair fall and hair loss by promoting proper hair growth if consumed regularly.

Nourishes Hair Scalp

• It acts as a good hair conditioner in the hot season if hair scalp is massaged properly with muskmelon pulp and then wash.

Other Health Benefits of Muskmelon

Provides Relief from Heartburn and Kidney Problems

• Its high water and minerals content provides natural cooling and soothing effects thus provides relieve from the heartburn and kidney problems.

Reduces Risk of Kidney Diseases

• It is highly diuretic in nature which keeps kidneys safe by keeping it away from the kidney diseases if it is taken once in the morning regularly.

Prevents from Stone Formation and Bone Loss

• It reduces the risk of kidney stones formation as well as prevents from the age related bone loss.

Makes Immune System Strong

• It is the rich source of vitamin C which acts as a powerful antioxidant agent and provides body a disease fighting ability by enhancing the immunity level.

Prevents from UTI

• It prevents from the urinary tract infections, ulcers and etc problems.

Boosts Body Energy

• It is a very good energy booster because of the B group vitamins availability.

Induces Better Sleep

• It has mild laxative property which provides relief from the tiredness by promoting proper sleep.

Protects from Eye Problems

• Vitamin A found in it nourishes the nerve tissues of the eyes thus prevents from the age related macular degeneration, loss of vision, cataracts and etc.

Maintains Electrolyte Balance

• It helps in maintaining the proper nervous system functioning by regulating proper electrolyte balance in the extracellular fluid. It helps in reducing water retention in the body thus prevents from being edematous.

Reduces Stress Level

• It is a mild anti depressant thus provides relief from stress by stimulating the proper brain functioning.

Prevents from Infections

• It makes defense mechanism of the body stronger to check the foreign bodies attack thus prevents from various infections.

Helps in Various Problems

• It reduces the bad cholesterol level in the blood, stimulates weight loss, cures infections, ulcer, constipation, skin disorders, acidity, and nervous system disorders.
• It makes body strong and healthy by preventing from the sciatica, arthritis, bone diseases, urinary diseases and various skin diseases.

Purifies Blood

• It helps in removing internal problems by purifying the blood and making the joints healthy and strong.

Keeps Brain Healthy and Improves Memory Power

• It helps in keeping the brain healthy and strong by improving brain power and preventing from the stress, depression, sleeping disorders, summer heat and other brain problems.

Rehydrates Body

• It prevents from the heat stroke during whole summer season by keeping the body cool and rehydrate.

Improves Liver Health

• It keeps liver healthy by regularizing its functioning and removing swelling problems if it is consumed regularly.

BENEFITS OF MUSKMELON JUICE

Prevents from Digestive Disorders

• It is a natural diuretic and laxative in nature thus prevents from many problems like lack of appetite, infections, acidity, constipation, ulcer, weakness and etc.

Enhances Sexual Desire

• It is a natural aphrodisiac which enhances sexual desire among men and cures erectile dysfunction.

Beneficial with Mishri and Lemon Juice

• Drinking musk melon juice by mixing with powdered mishri and lemon juice prevents from the stone formation, constipation, urinary tract infections and various digestive system disorders.

BENEFITS OF MUSKMELON SEEDS

Treats Intestinal Worms Problem

• Eating muskmelon seeds provides help to get rid of intestinal worms and regulates proper digestion. It also helps in curing cough, indigestion, fever and etc.

Provides Relief from Stress

• It helps in relieving from the mind tension if paste of the musk melon seeds is applied to the forehead for some time.
• Drinking juice (sarbat) of the musk melon seeds by mixing it properly also keeps mind stress free and cool.

Home Remedies for Itchy Scalp

Do you often have to scratch your itchy scalp? This can be embarrassing in public, and cause a lot of discomfort and even hair loss. Some of the most common causes are dandruff, dry scalp, sebaceous cysts, excessive anxiety, poor hair care, fungus and viral infections, and poor diet.

There are many ways you can treat an itchy scalp without spending a lot of money. You can use some common kitchen ingredients to treat itchy scalp.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for an itchy scalp.

1. TEA TREE OIL

Tea tree oil, with its powerful natural antifungal, anti-inflammation and antibacterial properties, can be used to treat itchy scalp. You can use tea tree oil in various ways, for instance:

• You can add 10 to 20 drops of tea tree oil to one-half cup of baby shampoo and use it daily until the condition of your scalp improves.
• Another option is to dilute two or three drops of tea tree oil in one tablespoon of vegetable oil and massage the mixture onto your scalp. With regular use, this remedy will heal a dry, itchy scalp within a week or two.

2. LEMON JUICE

Lemon juice will help treat an itchy and dry scalp because of its antiseptic properties. It is particularly useful when dealing with dandruff.

• You can simply apply fresh lemon juice thoroughly on the scalp. Leave it on for five minutes and then shampoo your hair. If you do not have dandruff, dilute the lemon juice in water.
• Alternately, you can mix lemon juice with yogurt and apply it on your scalp for a few minutes before washing your hair with a mild shampoo. Repeat at least daily until itchiness and dryness disappears.

3. BAKING SODA

Another readily available ingredient that can relieve an itchy scalp is baking soda. It helps relieve itching by exfoliating the scalp and controlling dandruff caused by overactive fungi.

• Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it directly onto your scalp. For best results, rub some olive oil on your scalp before applying the baking soda paste.
• Allow it to soak into your scalp for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse well with water.

4. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple cider vinegar has powerful anti-inflammation properties that help kill the yeast and virus that can cause itchy scalp. Also, apple cider vinegar balances the pH levels of the scalp, which may help relieve itching and dryness.

• Rinse your hair and scalp with water and allow it to dry.
• Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Apply this mixture directly onto your scalp with the help of cotton balls. Spray it on your scalp.
• After few minutes, shampoo with normal water.

Follow this remedy once or twice a week.

5. ALOE VERA

Aloe vera gel contains moisturizing properties, which may relieve excessive dryness and itching. If fresh aloe vera gel is not available, you can purchase the gel.

• Spread some fresh aloe vera gel onto your scalp using your fingers.
• Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

6. COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil creates a barrier that helps keep skin moisturized and hence it is an effective way to treat an itchy scalp.

• Rub a little coconut oil onto the scalp after washing your hair your scalp when it is clean. Leave it on for at least half an hour and then wash it out with a perfume-free shampoo. Follow this simple remedy three times a week.
• Another option is to gently heat coconut oil so that it melts, add it to your shampoo before washing your hair.

7. BANANAS

If you like to eat bananas, you will be happy to know that it can also be used to treat an itchy scalp. Bananas will treat your itchy scalp while also conditioning your hair. The nourishing and moisturizing properties in bananas will also reduce flakes, dandruff and inflammation.

• Simply mash two bananas and mix them together with one ripe avocado.
• Apply this mixture to your scalp (and your hair if you want).
• Allow it to sit for half an hour and then rinse thoroughly.

8. SESAME SEED OIL

Sesame oil is highly nourishing, healing and lubricating, making it an effective treatment for a dry scalp and give you relief from itchiness.

• Heat some sesame oil to warm it slightly.
• Massage your scalp with the warm oil before going to bed each night. For best results, massage the scalp with your fingertips for at least 10 minutes, wrap your head in a hot towel and leave it on for about 10 minutes before going to bed. When this oil remains on the scalp all night, it provides optimum moisturizing.
• Shampoo and rinse your scalp and hair thoroughly in the morning. Continue this treatment as long as necessary.

9. WITCH HAZEL

Witch Hazel is a natural astringent that can help relieve itchy scalp. This herb is beneficial when you have an itchy scalp due to hair coloring and daily blow drying.

• Mix one part witch hazel with two parts water.
• Pour the mixture onto your scalp and massage thoroughly. Let it sit for a few minutes.
• Wash and rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly.

10. JOJOBA OIL

Jojoba oil is a great natural moisturizing treatment to relieve a dry and itchy scalp. The molecular structure of jojoba oil is closest to that of our own natural oil or sebum, which makes it a very effective rejuvenating and hydrating treatment.

• Massage a small amount of jojoba oil onto your scalp for a few minutes before going to bed. Leave it on overnight.
• In the morning, wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

Repeat this remedy once a week.

For best results with any of these remedies, follow them without fail for some time to completely treat the problem.

Home Remedies for Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, which can be acute or chronic. The appendix is a small protrusion of the colon, located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.

Appendicitis mostly affects people between the ages of 10 and 30. Moreover, it is more common in men than women. Every year, in the United States, more than 250,000 people opt for surgery to remove their appendix due to appendicitis.

Inflammation of the appendix occurs due to a partial or complete obstruction in the appendixresulting from an accumulation of fecal matter. Other causes are an enlarged lymphoid follicles, intestinal worms, trauma and tumors.

Some common symptoms of appendicitis are pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, inability to pass gas, abdominal swelling and low-grade fever.

Untreated appendicitis can rupture and become fatal. Hence, proper diagnosis and timely treatment prescribed by your doctor is important. The standard treatment is surgically removing the appendix.

In addition, you can use some home remedies to help ease some of the symptoms of appendicitis butdo not solely rely on these remedies.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for appendicitis.

1. CASTOR OIL

Castor oil is an effective home remedy for appendicitis. A castor oil pack can help relieve the blockage and reduce inflammation, and castor oil taken orally helps treat constipation and improves bowel movements.

1. Prepare a castor oil pack by folding a large flannel cloth into layers and pouring 2 tablespoons of castor oil on it.
2. Lie down on an old towel and put the flannel cloth on your abdomen.
3. Repeat this remedy 3 times a week for 2 to 3 months.

2. GARLIC

Garlic has anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential that aids in the treatment of appendicitis. It helps reduce the inflammation as well as pain.

• Eat 2 to 3 raw garlic cloves on an empty stomach daily. You can also use garlic in your cooking.
• Another option is to take garlic capsules, but only after consulting a doctor.

3. GINGER

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger also helps treat appendicitis. It can reduce pain and inflammation, while also helping relieve the common symptoms of vomiting and nausea.

• Drink ginger tea 2 or 3 times daily. To prepare ginger tea, simmer 1 teaspoon of grated ginger or ginger slices in a cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Massage your lower abdomen with ginger oil a few times daily.
• You can also take ginger capsules, but only after consulting your doctor.

4. FENUGREEK SEEDS

Fenugreek seeds are effective in the treatment of appendicitis. These seeds prevent the accumulation of intestinal waste and excess mucus, thus reducing the possibility of the problem becoming severe. They also help reduce pain.

• Add 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds to 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and have this decoction when lukewarm once daily.
• Include fenugreek seeds in your cooking to control pain and inflammation.

5. LEMON

Lemon is also very beneficial in treating appendicitis. The natural citrus juice in lemon helps relieve pain and prevent indigestion and constipation. In addition, the vitamin C in lemon boosts the immune systemto prevent infection.

1. Extract fresh juice from 1 lemon.
2. Mix it with an equal quantity of raw honey.
3. Take this mixture a few times a day.
4. Repeat daily for a few weeks.

6. BASIL

If the appendicitis patient has a low-grade fever, basil is an effective herb for bringing down their temperature. Moreover, basil is a good remedy for indigestion and intestinal gas.

• To reduce a fever, boil a handful of basil leaves and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger in 1 cup of water until the solution is reduced by half. Strain and add a little honey. Drink this tea 2 times a day for a couple of days.
• To get rid of intestinal gas, mix 5 crushed basil leaves, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt and a little black pepper powder in 2 to 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt. Consume it twice daily.
• You can also have 3 to 4 raw basil leaves daily to help control appendicitis symptoms.

7. MINT

Mint is another effective home remedy for appendicitis. It can help treat intestinal gas as well as vomiting and nausea. Mint also helps relieve pain due to appendicitis.

• Make mint tea by adding 1 tablespoon of fresh mint leaves to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and add some raw honey. Drink this tea 2 or 3 times daily for a few weeks.
• To combat nausea and vomiting, simply chew some fresh mint leaves.

8. GINSENG

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginseng is also very effective in reducing inflammation and pain associated with appendicitis.

1. Add 6 to 8 thin slices of ginseng to 3 cups of boiling water.
2. Simmer for 15 minutes on low heat.
3. Strain, add a little raw honey and let it cool.
4. Drink this ginseng tea twice daily for a few months.

9. EAT FIBER-RICH FOODS

Constipation may contribute to inflammation of the appendix, so eating a fiber-rich diet is highly recommended. Moreover, according to a 2000 study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, low fiber intake could play an important role in the development of appendicitis.

Eat high-fiber foods like beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, beetroots, carrots, broccoli, peas, brown rice, prunes, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and other fresh fruits green leafy vegetables.

You can also opt for fiber supplements, but only after consulting a doctor.

10. INCREASE FLUID INTAKE

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also helpful in treating appendicitis. Adequate intake of water prevents constipation and promotes regular bowel movements. In addition, water helps flush toxins out of your body.

Warm water is good for the health of patients suffering from appendicitis. As the amount of water required by the body differs from person to person, drink water whenever you are thirsty. Along with water, drink juices prepared from fresh fruits and vegetables. If possible, cut back on solid food and drink more fluids for a few days.

Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages as both cause dehydration and can make your condition worse.

Additional Tips

• Add a pinch of salt to a glass of buttermilk and drink it 2 or 3 times a day.
• Take all possible measures to avoid constipation as it may worsen the condition.
• Follow a well-balanced diet that is full of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables.
• Avoid foods like dairy products, meats and refined sugar products.
• Vitamin B, C and E supplements are also helpful in the treatment of appendicitis. Before taking any supplements, consult a doctor.
• Avoid strenuous activity as it can put pressure on your abdomen and worsen your condition. Do not take part in any sports for a few weeks.
• To minimize pain, support your abdomen by placing your hand over it when you sneeze, cough or laugh.
• Move around slowly and do not work in a hurry.
• Rest when you are tired and get an ample amount of sleep each night.