SAFFRON:

Saffron is the member of Iris family. It has been originated in the eastern Mediterranean region. Then in 8th century, Arabians bought this plant to Spain who discovered that the southern Spain were ideal for the growth of the saffron plants.
Saffron is the most precious and the most expensive spice in the world. The spice is made up of the stigmas of the saffron flower, which are actually dried up. Each saffron flower only contains three stigmas. For one kilogram of dried saffron, approximately 150000 flowers are needed. Saffron is specially used for its strong colouring power and its severe aroma.
Saffron is also having medicinal values. It is excellent for stomach ailment and it helps in digestion. Saffron even aids to boost up appetite. It also lessens pain in stomach, relieves tension and is used to treat measles. In the Indian traditional medicine, it is used for treating kidney and liver disorders and also diabetes. A tiny pinch of saffron in any recipe would create a special delicacy having exquisite flavor and colour.

Almond Oil for skin care:

In 1500BC, the women of ancient Egypt used almond oil mixed with Frankincense as anti-wrinkle cream. In 100AD, as a fertility charm, Romans gave almonds to the newly wed couples; and in 1840, Victorian women made cream and facial masks out of almond oil. (Ref: http://www.nzgirl.co.nz/articles/2767 ).

From the dried kernels of the almond tree, almond oils are extracted which are pale yellow in colour with a common nutty flavor. The characteristics of the oil are light, non greasy and it even helps to make any type of skin soft and soothing, without clogging the pores. This almond oil is excellent for both body and facial massage; thus helps to increase health and liveliness of the skin. Along with making the skin soft and soothing, almond oil works best as skin conditioner, helping the skin to build clear youthful looking complexion and also aids to relieve muscular aches and pains. Almond oil constitutes of high quantities of vitamin A and is a natural moisturizer, very valuable for dry, chapped hands and feet. In aromatherapy, almond oil is applied as base oil. Apart from using the almond oil as stated above, it can even be used in various Asian dishes, especially during garnishing desserts and decorating sweets.

Neem – The Miracle herb

Neem leaves are excellent for skin disorders, especially for pimples. But before we know anything else, we should have a clear conception about “pimples”.
Pimples occur when the follicles get obstructed. Sebum oil, which normally bleeds to the surface, gets blocked and bacteria begin to grow. Some pimples can finally lead to permanent scars. Although, acne cannot cause life threatening condition, but it can actually be depressing and upsetting. There are many products which help to cure pimples, but some may cause side effects, which can actually lead to a terrible situation. So, the best way to cure pimples is to go for natural cures.
Neem kills the bacteria, that cause acne, spots and pimples and reduces redness and inflammation. And neem oil works wonderful in reducing acne scars. Some of the ways in which neem can be used to treat pimples are as follows:
1. At first, wash the neem leaves and crush them. Then make a paste out of it and apply it onto the infected parts. Leave it for atleast an hour or so. This works wonderfully to dry up the pimples earlier.
2. Make a paste of neem powder, red sandalwood powder and curd in equal proportions. Then apply this mixture on to the affected area.
Neem is having the properties of antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. So, it is highly beneficial for skin treatment, but with the extra advantage of lofty fatty acid content.

References:
http://www.acne-advice.com/products/skin_care/spots.shtml
http://cgi.ebay.com/Neem-Tone-Herbal-Pimple-Face-Mask_W0QQitemZ190046771615QQihZ009QQcategoryZ21022QQcmdZViewItem
http://www.allayurveda.com/product_month_july2006.htm

Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera or the “burn plant” belongs to the lily family and it has a resemblance with cactus. There are around 240+ species of aloe vera which are found all around the world. Inside the leaf of aloe vera, there is a thin, clear, jelly-like material, which is highly effective for skin treatment. Around 99.5% of the aloe vera gel is water and the rest is amino acids, sugar, enzymes and minerals. It works wonder as a healing effect, especially for skin eruptions, allergies, burns, wounds and even in minor cuts. Aloe vera also guards our skin from exposure to ultra-violet radiation. Some of the benefits of aloe vera are listed below:

1. It helps to cure intestinal problems and even constipation and diarrhea.
2. It heals the skin if there are any cuts, burn or wounds.
3. It is even too healthy for mouth and gums.
4. It prevents aging of the skin.
5. It even moisturizes the skin.
Aloe vera if taken as a drink, then it is the most mineral packed nutritious and vitamin contained; having 75 nutrients.

The use of aloe vera can be traced all the way back to the ancient Egyptians. Aloe was held in such reverence in Egypt that it was considered to be the "Plant of Immortality". Drawings of the aloe plant have even been found inscribed in the tombs of pharaohs.

Aloe Vera (barbadensis miller) contains over 20 minerals, all of which are essential to the human body. Aloe Vera has Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E.