home remedy

Ayurvedic Remedies for Hair Loss

There are certain problems that pester you so much that you finally tend to give up on them. Many skin and hair problems are such. For example, excessive hair fall is one issue that many have given up thinking about. This is basically because no chemicals or combinations of modern treatments have shown to actually work!

That is chiefly the reason why more and more people around the world are now turning to the ancient Indian ayurveda for various health issues. Especially for nagging problems, where conventional medicine with its chemical formulations, often does not give a comprehensive cure, the much safer option of ayurveda is proving to be the ray of hope for many.

For those struggling with the frustrating problem of hair fall, ayurveda has a wholesome approach to the issue.

Undertanding the ayurvedic approach

Ayurveda believes that the bodily constitution of an individual and the genetic traits affect the quality of hair and initiation of hair loss. The most common causes of hair fall, found among women, are nutritional deficiencies and hormonal problems. Sometimes, hair loss can also occur due to a chronic illness or taking strong medications, like steroids.

Ayurveda seeks to cure hair loss in a more holistic manner. The therapy is based on addressing the causes behind hair loss directly. So, metabolic disturbances among various biochemicals, including hormones, which lead to hair loss, are corrected.

Pitta body type and its dietary soothers

According to ayurvedic texts, individuals with the Pitta body type often experience more hair fall. According to this science, these people are of moderate body size, short-tempered, irritable and aggressive. Pitta elements in the circulation are aggravated by wrong dietary and lifestyle choices. Therefore, excessive consumption of hot, sour, salty and spicy foods, along with excessive intake of beverages like tea and coffee, fuel the Pitta. This in turn contributes towards hair loss, according to the principles of ayurveda. A Pitta constitution means a robust digestive system, often leading to overating. This can lead to indigestion and acidity, generating a lot of bodily heat, which needs to be controlled.

Consuming meat and alcohol can also induce hair loss among some people. The intake of greasy, oily and fried foods that are heat-generating, acidic and tend to aggravate the Pitta, should be avoided. Thus, ayurveda healers recommend including cooling foods like asparagus, mint (pudina), coriander (dhaniya) leaves, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, bitter gourd (karela), green leafy vegetables, pineapple, cherries, yogurt and warm milk. Ice cold drinks should be avoided for healthier and better digestion.

Cleaning, massaging of the scalp

Hair should not be cleaned with chemical formulations like commercially available shampoos. Ayurveda recommends using natural cleansers like Indian gooseberry (amla) and shikakai for washing hair. This should be supported with regular massaging of the scalp with natural oils like coconut oil and amla oil.  Read Also: http://www.texilaconnect.com/health-benefits-of-natural-wonders-amla/

Sometimes, ayurveda health practioners even recommend medicated oils to be mixed with your regular coconut oil. This includes oils like kunthala and neelibhringadi oil. These oils help to strengthen the roots of the hair, preventing further hair loss. Massaging with warm ayurvedic oils helps to boost the blood circulation to the scalp, which stimulates hair growth in dormant hair follicles.

Cleansing the body from within

Ayurveda practioners recommend that bowel movement should be regular to ensure that toxins are not retained within the body. These toxins are responsible for aggravating hair loss. Thus, bowel cleansers are commonly recommended. Among these, triphala is the most recommended of all ayurvedic herbs. In case you suffer from chronic constipation, it should be discussed in detail with the health professional.

Some easy solutions

Apart from those that experts suggest, there are some more easy and safe solutions that ayurveda recommends for those suffering from hair fall:

  • Apply a paste of coriander leaves to alleviate itchiness and dryness of the scalp.
  • Use a paste of fenugreek (methi) seeds and cooked, green gram on the scalp two times a week.
  • Soak methi seeds in coconut oil, and keep in a glass container, in sunlight. Allow the concoction to gain potency over a period of five days. Then apply it directly to the scalp.
  • For stimulating hair growth, drink a combination of spinach, carrot and lettuce juice.
  • Exercise regularly for balancing the bodily constitution.

Source: yahoo life style

4 beauty benefits of baking soda

Did you know that baking soda, a commonly used kitchen ingredient can also double-up as a beauty ingredient? It can come in handy as a deodorant, detox bath and more. Here’s how to use it effectively.

Baking Soda as deodarant

Run out of body spray? Quickly go to your kitchen and get some baking soda. It will help eliminate underarm wetness. Rub your armpits with a combination of one-eighth of a teaspoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of water and you are good to go.

Baking soda detox bath
You don’t always need scented candles and bath salts for a relaxing bath. Add a cup of baking soda and one-fourth cup of baby oil to your bath and relax. It has anti-fungal properties which will keep infections at bay and its cleansing action will help further. The addition of baby oil will leave your skin feeling soft.

Cuticle care with baking soda

Hand and nail care often gets neglected but they do most of our everyday tasks. Scrubbing dry, cracked cuticles with a paste made out of equal amounts of baking soda and warm water will help exfoliate dead skin cells and soften your hands.

Baking soda as an acne solution

Acne appears when the sebaceous glands work overtime and the pores get clogged leading to the formation of pimples. An inexpensive way to make the acne disappear faster is by mixing baking soda with a little bit of water and applying it on the acne until the pimple dries.

Source: Health

Honey Could Be The Next Antibiotic:

From sea bacteria to veterinary pain medications, scientists have been looking everywhere for a solution to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. But a new study finds that the solution may be right inside their kitchen cabinets. Honey, which has already shown some promise in treating wounds, may also be useful for fighting infections.

In a way, it makes sense. If honey can help treat wounds and prevent infection on the outside, then it could probably fight infections on the inside too. “The unique property of honey lies in its ability to fight infection on multiple levels, making it more difficult for bacteria to develop resistance,” said study leader Dr. Susan M. Meschwitz,. Her findings were presented recently at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Council.

Honey commits a multi-pronged attack on bacteria, as it uses hydrogen peroxide, acidity, osmotic effect, high sugar concentration, and polyphenols to kill bacterial cells. Together, these antibacterial properties make it difficult for the bacteria to adapt. Osmotic effect works particularly well due to honey’s high sugar concentration, which sucks water out of the bacterial cells, dehydrating them, and leading to death.

Honey also inhibits a bacterial cell’s ability to communicate with other bacterial cells, known as quorum sensing. This renders them unable to form communities, and therefore unable to attack in large numbers, where they would normally be stronger. Meanwhile, polyphenols, or antioxidants, such as caffeic acid, p-coumaric, and ellagic acid contain antimicrobial properties. “We have separated and identified the various antioxidant polyphenol compounds,” Meschwitz said in the release. “In our antibacterial studies, we have been testing honey’s activity against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.”

Bacterial resistance, Meschwitz says, occurs when bacteria adapt to the antibiotics that are supposed to inhibit their growth processes. As their DNA adapts, they become immune to the antibiotic’s effect, and therefore become even more dangerous. It has been said that if we continue using antibiotics unsparingly, previously eradicated diseases will come back and wreak havoc. In an effort to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, which occurs in doctor’s offices as well as industrial farms, both the health care community and the nation’s regulators have been taking action, and calling for reduced use.

source: Medical daily

 

Get rid of unwanted facial hair — naturally!

Facial hair – especially hair on the upper lip – can be very embarrassing. On a daily basis a number of women search for that one elusive method to get rid of unwanted hair permanently, but all the methods of depilation present today have a number of side effects and not to mention can be quite painful. So if you are looking to get rid of that annoying hair, here is a simple and painless natural remedy for you – Kuppaimeni leaves.

Kuppaimeni leaves also known as the Indian Nettle is a great way to get rid of unwanted hair. The leaves are anthelmintic, expectorant, emetic, anodyne, hypnotic, antimicrobial , antiparasitic and wound healing properties, this leaf is also the perfect remedy for unwanted hair. The leaf has properties that permeate the skin and gradually thins the hair that grows out, causing them to fall out. Eventually this hair stops growing leading to a hair free upper lip

Here is how you can get rid of the unwanted hair:

Take a few leaves of the plant, wash them well and grind them. Now, add a teaspoon of fresh turmeric (kasturi manjal) to the mix. Mix this well and apply the paste on the area where you would like to get rid of hair, leave it on for a few hours and wash it off later. This tip is best done just before you go to bed, where you can remove the pack the next morning.

Remember that this remedy works over time and you must continue to apply the paste everyday for it to completely get rid of all the hair.

Where you can find kuppaimeni leaves:

The plant is easy to buy and maintain. A number of herbal plant sellers are available who can deliver the plant right to your doorstep. If you cannot find the fresh leaves, powdered leaves are also available at natural medicine stores.

Source: Health

Home remedies for bad breath

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be avoided. Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath, as bacteria that builds up on the back of your tongue or in between your teeth is the main culprit. Bad breath can be caused by foods, smoking, dry mouth, medical conditions, gum disease, and sinus conditions. No wonder dental hygiene is such big business.

If your halitosis hangs on for more than 24 hours without an obvious cause, call your dentist or doctor, says Roger P. Levin, D.D.S. It can be a sign of gum disease, gastrointestinal problems, sinus infection, bronchitis, or even more serious diseases, such as diabetes, liver or kidney failure, and cancer. Bad breath can also be a sign of dehydration or zinc deficiency.

Spices
Other herbs and spices in your kitchen are natural breath enhancers. Carry a tiny plastic bag of cloves, fennel, or anise seeds to chew after odorous meals.

Brush your tongue
“Most people overlook their tongues,” says Dr. Shapira. “Your tongue is covered with little hairlike projections, which under a microscope look like a forest of mushrooms. Under the caps of the ‘mushrooms,’ there’s room to harbor plaque and some of the things we eat. That causes bad breath.”

His advice? While brushing, gently sweep the top of your tongue, too, so that you don’t leave food and bacteria behind to breed bad breath.

Even when you can’t brush, you can rinse. Take a sip of water after meals, swish it around, and wash the smell of food from your mouth, says Jerry F. Taintor, D.D.S.

Eat your parsley
Parsley adds more than green to your lunch plate; it’s also a breath-saver, because it contains chlorophyll, a known breath deodorizer. So pick up that sprig garnishing your plate and chew it thoroughly. Or toss a few handfuls (even add some watercress to the mix) in a juicer. Sip the juice anytime you need to refresh your breath.

Ease up on cheese
Camembert, Roquefort, and blue cheese are called strong for good reason—they get a hold on your breath and don’t let go. Other dairy products may have the same effect

Avoid beverages
Coffee, beer, wine, and whiskey are at the top of the list of liquid offenders. Each leaves a residue that can attach to the plaque in your mouth and infiltrate your digestive system. Each breath you take spews traces back into the air.

Source: nbc news

Home Remedies for Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are a very common problem and can range in severity from a cosmetic issue to a painful problem. Taking proper precautions right away can prevent cracks from getting deeper and causing bleeding and pain. Some of the causes of cracked heels are dry air, lack of moisture, improper foot care, an unhealthy diet and wearing the wrong types of shoes.

There are several home remedies for cracked heels that you can try to resolve the problem. Here are the top 10 remedies for cracked heels.

1. Vegetable Oil
A variety of vegetable oils can be used to treat and prevent cracked heels. Olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil or any other hydrogenated vegetable oil will work. For best results, use this remedy before going to bed to allow ample time for the oil to fully penetrate your skin.

First scrub your feet with a pumice stone and wash them thoroughly. Apply the vegetable oil liberally on your heels and soles.
Put on a pair of clean socks and leave them on overnight while you sleep. In the morning, your heels will be noticeably softer.
Repeat this for a few days until the cracks in your heels are gone completely.

2. Rice Flour
Exfoliating the skin on your feet and heels will help remove dead skin from the dryness and cracking. Rice flour can be used as an homemade exfoliating scrub.

To make the scrub, mix a handful of ground rice with a few tablespoons of honey and apple cider vinegar. Stir it until it becomes a thick paste. If the cracking on your heels is extremely bad, add a tablespoon of olive oil or sweet almond oil.
Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes and then gently scrub them with the rice flour paste.

3. Indian Lilac
Indian lilac, also known as margosa leaves or neem, contains fungicidal properties that are very effective in treating cracked heels.

Crush a handful of Indian lilac leaves to make a fine paste and add three teaspoons of turmeric powder. Mix it well.
Apply the paste on the cracks and leave it on for half an hour.
Wash your feet with warm water and dry them with a clean cloth.

4. Lemon
The acidic property in lemons can be very effective in reducing rough skin that can lead to cracking.

Apply lemon juice directly on the rough skin. Alternatively, you can soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes in warm water with lemon juice added to it. Avoid using very hot water, which can cause your feet to dry out more
Wash your feet using a pumice stone and soap, and pat your feet dry with a towel.

5. Rosewater and Glycerin
The combination of glycerin and rose water makes an effective home treatment for cracked heels. Glycerin softens the skin, which is why it is widely used in cosmetics. Rose water adds vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E as well as antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Just mix equal amounts of glycerin and rose water thoroughly and rub it on your heels and feet daily before going to bed at night.

6. Paraffin Wax
If the condition of the cracks on your heels is really bad and causing a lot of pain, a paraffin wax treatment can provide quick relief.

Mix paraffin wax with mustard oil or coconut oil and heat it until the wax melts thoroughly. Allow the mixture to come to room temperature before applying it on your feet.
For best results, apply the mixture before going to bed and wash it off in the morning.

7. Banana
Ripe bananas are one of the cheapest home remedies for cracked and dry heels.

Mash one ripe banana into a smooth paste. Clean your feet thoroughly and apply the banana paste on your feet.
Let it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes so that your skin can absorb the natural nourishment. Wash your feet gently with some warm water and then soak your feet in cold water for some time.
Do this daily for a few weeks to restore soft and smooth heels.

8. Honey
Honey has moisturizing and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent treatment for both dry and cracked heels.

Stir one cup of honey into half a bucket of warm water.
Soak your feet in the water for 15 to 20 minutes.
Scrub your feet gently.

9. Warm Salt Water
If you have cracked heels, it’s important to take extra care to keep your heels well moisturized.

Pamper your feet by soaking them in warm, salty water for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Then put your feet in cold water, which will help improve blood circulation to your feet and relieve pain.
Pat your feet dry and apply some foot cream or petroleum jelly to lock in the moisture. For best results, put on a pair of socks to prevent the added moisture from evaporating.

10. Petroleum Jelly
You can use petroleum jelly on dry, rough skin to prevent cracked heels and leave your feet soft and well moisturized.

You must scrub the dead hard dead skin around your feet regularly and then apply some petroleum jelly covering the entire heel area.
After applying petroleum jelly you must cover your feet with socks so that the petroleum jelly can get soaksed into the skin properly. This will prevent your heels from getting cracks and make it soft and well moisturized.

For best results, try to follow this cracked heel remedy daily before going to bed.
At the first sign of cracked heels, try these natural treatments to restore soft and smooth skin on your heels. Keep your body well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and follow a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids.

Source: top 10 home remedies

4 ways tulsi or basil can help enhance your beauty

Tulsi or basil is one plant you are sure to find in most Indian homes. Considered a herb with several medicinal and healing properties, tulsi leaves are added to dishes or even eaten raw for its numerous benefits. What you perhaps may not know are its beauty secrets. The plant can come in handy when it comes to dealing with everyday beauty woes like pimples, dandruff, etc. Here are some basil packs you can try making for better hair and skin.

Dandruff no more

Tulsi (basil) is known since eons for its healing properties. If you have dandruff, make this paste. Take a few tulsi leaves, make a paste of them and then mix this paste in amla powder. Apply this paste for around 30 minutes on your scalp and then wash your hair thoroughly. You will see that this remedy works wonders. Use it regularly for better results.Try other home remedies to get rid of dandruff.

Say goodbye to pimples

Still grown in many households, tulsi is god’s gift to skin. A simple paste made of basil and neem leaves can help drive those pimples away and nourish the skin. Grind the leaves together and then add a little lime juice. You can even add a few drops of honey if your skin is dry. Mix well and apply on the pimple. Leave it till it dries off and then wash with water. You can beat acne with the help of this mega guide.

Another pack you can make is a paste of saffron (kesar) and tulsi leaves by grinding the two. Its anti-bacterial properties will help reduce the infection. Apply it on the acne and blemish and leave it to dry before washing it off with water. But you will need regular application for the acne to disappear. Read more about the health benefits of Tulsi.

Get the itch out of your scalp

The constant urge to scratch your scalp to get rid of the itch can be embarrassing especially if you are in a public place. Tulsi’s fighting action can come in handy to help with this problem. Grind some tulsi leaves and in a pot, add about half cup of coconut oil and the ground leaves. Heat on a low flame. Once they give out fumes, add methi seeds till they pop. Now cool and strain the liquid and apply on the scalp. This will give you relief from an itchy scalp. You can even use sesame oil instead of coconut.

Whiten your pearly whites

Your teeth can add a lot to your smile and due to the food we eat and oral hygiene habits, they can have a layer of yellow on them. A natural way to bring back the white shine in them is by using tulsi. Simply rub some dried, powdered basil leaves every night. You can also make a paste by adding some orange peel with it. Tulsi will not just whiten but also prevent bleeding gums.

Source: skin care tips