He gives to taste.... BY RUMI

Do not despair
if the Beloved pushes you away.
If He pushes you away today
it’s only so He can draw you back tomorrow.

If He closes the door on your face,
don’t leave, wait!
you’ll soon be by His side.

If He bars every passage,
don’t lose hope!
He’s about to show you
a secret way that nobody knows.

A butcher cuts off a sheep’s head for food, 
not just to throw away.
When the sheep no longer has breath
the butcher fills it
with his own breath.
O what life
God’s breath will bring to you!

But the likeness ends here
For God’s bounty is much greater than the butcher’s.
God’s blows don’t bring death but eternal life.
He gives the wealth of Solomon to a single ant.
He gives the treasure of both worlds to all who ask.

He gives and gives
yet does not startle a single heart.
I've traveled to all ends of the earth
and have not found anyone like Him.

Who can match Him?
Who can hold a candle to His glory?
Silence already!
He gives us the wine to taste,
not to talk about. . . .

He gives to taste. 
He gives to taste. 
He gives to taste.

RUMI

 
Stop the words now.
Open the window in the center of your chest,
and let the spirits fly in and out.

~ Rumi

SUFI QUOTES

Real generosity is an unfailing sign of spirituality.

~ Hazrat Inayat Khan

THE GREAT RUMI

I am so small I can barely be seen.
How can this great love be inside me?
Look at your eyes. They are small,
But they see enormous things.

~ Rumi — with Kyonie Franssie.

Sufi Quotes

Sufi Quotes

Love in Sufism

Love becomes perfect only when it transcends itself --Becoming One with its object Producing Unity of Being.

~ Hakim Jami

Amazing Health & Beauty Benefits Of Brinjal / Eggplant

The nutritious eggplant, also called brinjal or aubergine & (Baingan in Urdu) hails from the nightshade family of fruits and vegetables that includes potatoes, peppers and tomatoes. Botanically, the brinjal is a fruit, not a vegetable and the brinjal plant grows just like tomatoes as vines. For its utility in the kitchen or rather, for cooking purposes, it is considered a vegetable. Just as other colourful veggies, this vegetable too has a host of health benefits. We answer the question of is brinjal good for health in this article!

Eggplants/ Brinjal Health Benefits:

Below listed are the benefits of brinjal for health.

1. Helps keeping diabetes in control:

The eggplants are a very rich source of fibre and low soluble carbohydrates. Thus they are highly beneficial for regulation of blood sugar levels and also to control the absorption of glucose. This makes them the best option for people suffering from type 2 diabetes. 

2. Helpful to the heart:

The cholesterol levels are brought down to a great extent by the eggplant. It also helps stabilize the level of blood pressure. All this in turn lowers the risk of heart diseases. The body is also kept well hydrated thanks to the potassium content present in this vegetable. This ensures that there is no retention of fluids which prevents coronary heart diseases.

3. Helpful to the brain:

Eggplant contains Phytonutrients which keep the cell membranes protected from any kind of damage and facilitates the message transfer from one part to another, thus preserving the memory function.

4. Helps create iron in the human body:

We all require iron for proper functioning in our day to day life. However, too much of iron in the body is not a good sign. The content of nasunin that is present in eggplant helps remove excess iron from the body. This brings down the risk of getting heart attacks as it damages the existence of the free radicals in one’s system.

5. Facilitates weight loss:

Eggplant is considered to be high in water content yet low in calorie count. This feature makes it very ideal as a healthy diet for people who want to reduce weight. The spongy texture of the vegetable is what facilitates these characteristics, hence one must consume in its natural form as much as possible.

6. Helps in digestion:

The digestive system is kept healthy and safe because of the good content of fibre in brinjals. This prevents constipation as well. The risk of colon cancer is also eliminated.

7. Keeps chronic diseases at bay:

Eggplant reduces the chance of cardio vascular diseases and strokes.

8. Helps quit smoking:

Eggplant has small amount of nicotine which helps those who want to gradually quit smoking.

9. Anti bacterial properties:

The eggplant has good amounts of vitamin C which make it an effective anti-viral and anti- bacterial source.

Skin Benefits of Eggplant:

10. Flawless skin:

Eggplants are very rich in minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber. This helps keep the system clean from within which reflects in the form of a flawless skin outside.

11. Glowing skin:

Eggplants have a good amount of water content. This helps in keeping your body and skin well hydrated. The minerals and vitamins also help give a clear and smooth tone.

12. Soft and supple skin:

The water content found in eggplants help keep your skin soft and supple.

13. Anti-aging:

The skin of eggplants have a lot of anthocyanins. These antioxidants act as anti-ageing agents.

14. Prevents skin cancer:

A particular antioxidant found in eggplant helps prevent skin cancer.

Hair Benefits of Eggplant:

15. Strong hair:

The water content of eggplants nourish your hair roots from within. This in turn helps keep your hair stronger.

16. Hydrated scalp:

Eggplants come with a good amount of minerals and vitamins which give nourishment to your scalp and keep it healthy. Hence it keeps scalp-related problems at bay.

17. Hair growth:

Eggplants come with enzymes which help stimulate the follicles of your hair. This generates good hair growth and makes your hair healthier.

18. Hair texture:

People with rough and dry hair should eat more eggplants. It helps give a healthy shine to your hair while improving its overall texture.

Amazing Benefits Of Lauki (Gourd - Bottle) Juice For Health

Lauki(Gourd - Bottle), which is also known by a variety of other names like bottle gourd, calabash gourd, doodhi and ghiya, is a staple item as far as Indian cuisine is concerned. It is a vegetable with pale, smooth and waxy green surface and white spongy pulp. The juice of lauki is consumed by thousands of people because they believe that it would benefit their health in many ways.

Why Lauki (Gourd - Bottle) Juice:

As lauki (Gourd - Bottle) contains almost 96% of water, it is perfect for juice extraction. It is readily available in the market and is affordable too! Moreover, extracting the juice from lauki is not at all difficult. Lauki juice is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B, sodium, iron and potassium. It has low fat and cholesterol level. As a result, this anti-oxidant drink is quite popular among health conscious individuals.

Did you know that every cup of lauki juice that you drink contains 26 mg of Vitamin C? Vitamin C, which is an active antioxidant, protects the cells from being damaged. It also prevents DNA oxidation. Moreover, it boosts the production of collagen. Zinc, which is an essential mineral, is amply present in lauki juice. In fact, with every cup of bottle gourd juice that you drink, you supply your body with about 1.8 mg of zinc. Zinc is helpful in maintaining healthy functioning of cells and regulation of hormones in the body.

Top 8 Health Benefits Of Lauki (Gourd - Bottle) Juice:

Among the several benefits that you can derive from the juice of bottle gourd, here are the top 8 reasons for which you may wish to incorporate it in your regular diet chart:

1. Promotes Weight Loss:

Bottle gourd juice is popular among those who want to lose weight. All you need to do is peel the skin of a fresh lauki(Gourd - Bottle), cut it into little pieces, put it in a juicer and prepare the juice. Have this juice regularly to reduce your weight. As this juice is loaded with vitamins, potassium and iron, it is extremely nutritious. Moreover, this juice is believed to curb your appetite if you can manage to drink it in the morning in empty stomach.

2. Helps Digestion And Treats Constipation:

Bottle gourd contains not only soluble fiber, but also insoluble fiber along with high water content. Lauki juice is beneficial for improving the digestive system. Drinking lauki juice is known to treat constipation effectively. It also helps in treating problems related to digestive system like acidity and flatulence.

3. Provides Cooling Effect:

Since lauki juice is rich in water content, it provides a cooling to the body, which help to replenish the water lost in the form of sweat. It is an absolute must-have during summers!

4. Treats Urinary Problems:

Since it is diuretic in nature, lauki juice flushes out the excess water content from the body. Lauki juice becomes even more effective when a spoon of lime juice is added to it before consumption.

5. Treats Sleeping Disorders:

If you are suffering from insomnia, try mixing sesame oil with lauki juice. It is known to help you sleep better.

6. Replenishes Loss Of Water Content:

If you are suffering from health issues like profuse sweating, fatigue or diarrhea, then drinking a glass of lauki juice would prove to be extremely good for you. Lauki juice naturally helps to replace the water content lost and at the same time, controls extreme thirst, which is common among diabetic patients. It revitalizes you by replenishing the loss of water.

7. Keeps The Heart Healthy:

Drinking bottle gourd juice helps you to keep the heart healthy by regulating the blood pressure.

8. Reduces Inflammation Of Liver:

Ayurveda recommends drinking lauki juice for reducing inflammation of the liver.

Lauki (Gourd - Bottle) Juice Recipe:

Drinking the juice of lauki has amazing bnefits. But if do not like the flavor and taste of raw bottle gourd, here is a lauki juice recipe that you may like to try:

• Take a small lauki, about 250 or 300 grams in weight.
• Wash the lauki thoroughly to do away with any surface impurity.
• Peel the lauki and cut it into small pieces. If possible, taste a small piece to find out if the bottle gourd tastes bitter.
• Add five or six mint leaves.
• Add a bit of water and put it in the blender.
• Once it is done, add a spoon of cumin powder, two spoons of black pepper powder and salt to taste. Stir well and add a few ice cubes.

Just follow this recipe and you too will become a fan of lauki juice!

Beauty Benefits Of Lauki (Gourd - Bottle)Juice:

Did you know that drinking bottle gourd juice regularly in the morning can be helpful in preventing baldness and premature graying of hair? Not only that, drinking bottle gourd juice is known to give a healthy glow to your skin and prevent pimples and acnes by promoting inner health. Lauki juice can be extremely good for your skin and your hair in the following ways:

9. To Prevent Untimely Graying Of Hair:

If you regularly drink lauki (Gourd - Bottle)  juice early in the morning, chances are that you would not get premature grey hair.

10. To Get Smooth And Beautiful Skin:

Since lauki juice internally cleanses your system, it helps to promote good skin by keeping pimples away and by balancing the secretion of oil.

Skin Benefits of Apricots

Apricots are excellent sources of B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C and lycopene which make them beneficial for your skin.

Heals Damaged Skin:

Apricot oil is obtained from the dried seeds of the fruit. Its skin softening effects can be attributed to its high content of vitamin C. This oil can treat a variety of skin conditions without making your skin oily. It is an excellent moisturizer for hair, face and hands and can cure damaged skin without undesirable side effects.

Reduces Wrinkles:

A scrub prepared from apricot kernels helps in getting rid of the old, dead skin cells on the surface of your skin and enables new skin cells to re-grow. This exfoliating action helps in getting rid of fine lines and small wrinkles by eliminating the damaged surface cells from the skin.

Maintains Skin Elasticity:

Apricot oil helps in maintaining skin clarity, suppleness and elasticity. It can be used with other fruit oils as facial mask to soften your skin. It is often used in aromatherapy massage due to its revitalizing and nourishing effects on the skin. Being very mild natural oil, it is used in baby products.

Removes Blackheads:

Apricot scrub deep cleanses the skin by removing dead skin cells and blackheads as well as unclogging pores. Thus, it keeps the skin smooth and radiant by stimulating fresh cell growth.

Treatment of Skin Disorders:

Being rich in vitamins C and A, apricot oil is great for sensitive skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties are effective for treatment of skin disorders like dermatitis and eczema. Apricot oil in combination with other essential oils has a soothing effect on skin disorders. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using it to avoid any adverse side effects. The flesh of apricots is beneficial in clearing acne. You can blend the leaves of apricot in a blender to get its juice. Applying it topically helps to get rid of itching caused by sunburn, eczema and scabies.

Removes Blemishes:

Apricot oil has proven to be useful in keeping pre-mature signs of ageing at bay. Apricot facial masks can be effective in eliminating skin blemishes without any side effects whatsoever.

Skin Moisturizer:

Apricot oil is great for dry, irritated skin because of its high content of essential fatty acids and vitamin A. Its moisturizing properties keep your skin cells hydrated and counteract any drying effects associated with exfoliating your skin, thus providing you with a healthier and softer skin surface.

Improves Skin Tone:

Apricot scrubs can help in improving your skin tone by exfoliating the damaged skin cells. Thus, they prevent pigmentation to reveal the newer and lighter skin cells beneath.

Hair Benefits of Apricot:

The wide array of nutrients in apricots makes them beneficial for hair. Apricot oil can be used for this purpose for maintaining hair health. Some of the benefits of apricots for hair are given below.

Great Conditioner:

Apricot oil is packed with oleic and linoleic acids which can do wonders for your hair. Its high content of vitamins A and E makes it great for hydration and conditioning. This oil can be added to your shampoo or conditioner for extra softness as it has moisturizing effects when added to wet or dry hair. It is also used as treatment oil before chemical treatments.

Treatment of Scalp Problems:

Apricot oil contains vitamins A and E which support skin health and repair. Thus, it is a great home remedy for problems like dry scalp, psoriasis, dandruff and eczema. This oil restores moisture to dry or flaky scalp or dull and dry hair.

Promotes Hair Growth:

The vitamin E in apricot oil supports healthy hair growth and prevents hair loss. This vitamin in combination with fatty acids acts as a preservative by preventing damage by free radicals.

Amazing Black Plum / Jamun Health Benefits

Black Plum:

Jamun, popularly known as the black plum is a fruit loaded with several nutrients and has many health benefits. Glucose and fructose are the major sugars found in this summer fruit, it is also laden with minerals and has fewer calories as compared to other fruits.

It is also known as Jamun or Jambul. Worldwide, it is known by names like Java Plum, Black Plum, Indian blackberry, Portuguese Plum etc.

Nutritional values:

It is a good source of calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, phosphorous, sodium & Vitamin-C.

Medicinal values:

• It is digestive and activates the liver and spleen.
• It is a good remedy for urinary diseases, diabetes, diarrhea & dysentery.
• Regulates heartbeat.
• Purifies blood, cures anemia and stops skin eruptions.
• Relieves throat infections and other respiratory diseases.
• It breaks renal stones.
• It is also helpful in dental & gum infections, bleeding piles, vomiting,

It has various medicinal properties some of which are listed below:

-Jamun’s anti-diabetic properties helps in the conversion of starch or sugar into energy.

-It is a rich source of iron and hence helps in the purification of blood.

-It is a good source of vitamin A and C hence it is quite beneficial for the eye and skin health.

-It acts as a coolant and so is beneficial for treating digestive disorders.

-It works wonders in treating acne and oily skin as it has astringent properties too.

Uses Of Jamun In Disease

The following are some of the health benefits of jambul.

Jambul is very good to treat Gout. Boil the bark well in water till the water thickens. Cool and apply this watery paste on the affected part to relieve pain and inflammation.

In Diabetes, drink jamun juice and mango juice mixed in equal quantities.

To remove body weakness, treat anaemia, increase memory and remove sexual weakness, take 1 tsp each of jamun juice, honey and amla juice everyday in the morning.

Eating jamuns stimulates the liver and relieves bladder problems.

To increase appetite and treat constipation take vinegar made of raw jamun fruits with equal quantity of water, twice a day.

To treat stomatitis and mouth and teeth problems apply jamun juice and also drink it.

For treating pimples, grind the dry seeds. Add some cow’s milk and apply on the pimples while going to bed at night. Wash in the morning. Continue for a few days.

For diarrhoea, mix a little rock salt in jamun juice and drink.

For Acidity, eat jamuns with black salt and roasted cumin seed powder.

To maintain a healthy voice and relieve hoarseness, gargle with a concoction of jamun seeds boiled in water for some time and cooled.

For those suffering from renal stones, eating powdered jamun seeds with yoghurt helps.

for children suffering from bedwetting, give the child 1/2 tsp powdered jamun seeds with water 2 times a day for some days to stop this habit.

Jamun stimulates the melanin making cells and thus helps in curing leucoderma.

Risk of heart attacks can be reduced by eating jambul regularly as it prevents hardening of the arteries.

To stop vomiting drink jamun juice.

For boils and other skin disorders apply some jamun seeds mixed with a little oil on the affected area.

Benefits of Lemon Water for Hair :

15. Lemon water has long been known as an amazing natural hair care solution. It can make your hair stronger by keeping the roots or follicles healthy. It also works as a natural stimulant for your hair and promotes its growth.

16. The antioxidants present in lemon are extremely favorable for your scalp. Hence, drinking lemon water in a regular manner is useful for treating dry scalp and dandruff permanently.

17. People with oily hair can also be benefited by lemon water. It is capable of decreasing the secretion of sebaceous glands present in your scalp, thereby preventing the hair follicles from getting clogged.

Benefits of Lemon Water for Skin :

12. Lemon is full of natural antioxidants. It can effectively combat damaging free radicals and remove them completely from your body. Being a good source of vitamin C, the fruit also repairs the damaged skin cells as well as helps you get rid of fine lines, blemishes, wrinkles, deep furrows etc. Hence, lemon water is considered as a great anti-aging solution.

13. Apart from free radicals, lemon water also purges toxic materials from your blood and keeps the skin clear and radiant. Vitamin C of lemon plays a key role in rejuvenating the facial skin internally so that you do not ever develop age spots and can stay young forever.

14. Regular intake of fresh lemon water can cure acne, blackheads and all such skin infections easily. You need to drink it on an empty stomach in the morning. The astringent properties of the mixture are also important for fading out facial scars.

Benefits of Lemon Water for Health:

1. Lemon water is rich in vitamin C, which is a great immunity booster for your body. It fights against the attacks of viruses and bacteria effectively. As a result, you don’t get prone to frequent illness.

2. The amount of potassium present in lemon is also quite high. This mineral is helpful in stimulating the functions of the entire Central Nervous System (CNS). It also keeps free radicals under check, boosts the formation of blood cells, regulates blood pressure and so forth. In brief, lemon water can protect you from a number of potential physical disorders and keep you energized.

3. Even though lemons are citrus fruits, they have an amazing capacity of balancing the pH levels of your body. You would be surprised to know that drinking lemon water regularly is one of the best ways to neutralize the body by reducing the acidity and making it alkaline.

4. Lemons are extremely beneficial for the cardiovascular system. The antioxidants present in these fruits can curb down the adverse effects of toxins as well as harmful free radicals on your heart and blood vessels. Moreover, the potassium content of lemons keeps all cardiac problems at bay by diminishing mental stress and relaxing the heart muscles. Therefore, including the magic potion of lemon water in your regular diet is certainly a wonderful choice for you.

5. Start your day with fresh lemon water in order to cure all your respiratory diseases. From mild bronchial issues to acute disorders like asthma, everything can be healed with this concoction.

6. Being a natural diuretic, lemons can increase the rate of urination, which is highly important for maintaining the health of your renal system. As lemon water promotes the elimination of toxins and other waste materials from the internal system, you can easily stay away from rheumatoid arthritis.

7. Lemon water is an outstanding remedy for indigestion. Just squeeze a few lemons in a glass full of warm water and drink it every day. This way, you can get rid of stomach ache, bloating, abdominal cramps etc. It boosts the secretion of your digestive juices, which makes the digestion smoother. Therefore, curing other related diseases like diarrhea, constipation etc. becomes much easier.

8. If you want to stay healthy, you have to keep your internal system clean and pure. Being a detoxifier, lemon water can purify your blood and take care of the overall health.

9. Fresh lemon water is a true bliss for obese people. It burns fat fast and keeps the appetite under control. Using warm water instead of cold one is really good for this purpose. You can also add a teaspoonful of honey to this concoction for getting the best results. Lemon water for weight loss is one of the most common and effective remedies you can hear off.

10. A daily habit of lemon water results in increased perspiration, which is helpful in healing fever or influenza. Bacterial infections in throat like tonsillitis, sore throat etc. can also be treated with it.

11. Lemon water assists you in taking care of your oral health. Whether you want to stop bleeding from your gum or get rid of bad breath, lemon water can be the perfect solution for you.