hair tips

25 September 2010- Baldness or hair loss is a common problem with people these days. The exposure of hair to extreme pollution, harsh shampoos and hair products, tension etc. leads to the issue of hair loss. Ayurveda science offers certain natural treatments for promoting hair growth and rendering the hair with a new leash of life. Mentioned below are the ayurvedic Indian herbs which effectively help in hair regrowth. Take a look:

Bhringaraj

Bhringaraja or Eclipta Alba is supposedly the best herb identified in ayurvedic science for the prevention of balding and premature graying. It is one of the best natural herbs for hair regrowth. The entire plant as well as the seeds of bhringaraj carry immense medicinal value. It is in fact, quite useful both internally as well as externally. Apart from that, there is a black dye which is extracted from Eclipta alba and is used for hair dyeing and tattooing purposes. Traditionally, bhringaraj for hair was used by boiling its leaf juice in sesame and coconut oil to anoint the head which resulted in healthy black hair. Today, bhringaraj is used as a basic ingredient in various herbal shampoos promoting hair growth. One can also try the popular concoction of amla, bhringraj and brahmi oil for hair regrowth.

Amalaki

Amalaki or Embelica Officinalis is a proven hair supplement for hair regrowth. TheEmbelica Officinalis fruit better known as amla, is first sun dried and then boiled in coconut oil upto the point where the solid fruit part gets charred. After cooling, this solution is used for massaging hair which helps promoting hair growth and preventing pre-mature graying. In fact, amalaki for hair is so curative that the amla fruit soaked water can be used as a conditioner for hair. Just rinse them with this water and you will surely get a beautiful shiny mane.

Triphala

Triphala refers to a combined mixture of three different herbs namely Haritaki also known as Terminalia Chebula, Amalaki also known as Embelica Officinalis and Vibhitaki also known as Terminalia Bellirica. This mixture called triphala if taken orally everyday, can effectively help in preventing hair loss. Also, it can be used by mixing it well in hot oil and then massaging scalp with it. Since triphala for hair is very effective, herbal shampoos and hair packs using triphala as a whole or either of the Terminalia Bellirica,Terminalia Chebula and Embelica Officinalis herb can be used for treating the issue of hair loss. 

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aging skin

Premature aging skin is one of the challenges before those who want to keep their skin youthful for longer periods of their lives. People, especially women, take many anti aging measures for skin care so that they may delay the process of aging which is represented by loosened skin. Ayurveda has deeply addressed this issue of aging skin. It says that premature aging of the skin is caused due to the aggravation of vata dosha, which naturally increases with age. Dryness of skin is a predominant trait of a Vata dosha body type constitution. Even in other people, Vata causes dryness of the skin when it is vitiated due to seasonal influences. In fact, skin ages due to both- internal as well as external factors. Internal factors may be listed as inability of skin to retain moisture, low levels of elastin production, lesser production of new skin cells etc. External factors include lifestyle choices and surrounding environment such as smoking, prolonged exposure to sun or extreme cold, poor diet, stress, lack of exercise etc. Here are some herbal remedies for skin. They are, in fact, home remedies for skin tightening which include usage of common household materials found in kitchen as well as some common Indian herbs.

• • Massage face with clarified butter (ghee), almond oil or coconut oil before going to bed. An oil massage is the best remedy for dry skin. Almond and coconut oil are best Ayurvedic remedies for aging skin as they improve complexions, reduce fine lines and wrinkles apart from curing crow's feet. For better absorption, anti-aging oil massages should be done at night.
• • Ghee or clarified butter contains vitamin E, beta-carotene, and antioxidants that prevent cell damage and fight free radicals. Rub ghee all over your body to get it absorbed in the skin. The best way to get benefits of ghee is to include it in your daily diet. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of ghee while cooking vegetables, dals etc.
• • Apply fresh Aloe Vera juice to the skin. If you can't get fresh aloe vera, get aloe vera gel from health care shops.
• • There are many benefits of honey, one being its anti aging property. Take 1/2 tablespoon of honey and mix it with 1-2 tablespoon of rose water. Apply this mixture on face, neck, and other dry skin area. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes. Now wash it off with tepid water. Honey moisturizes and soothes dry skin. This mixture will clean your skin and tone it to give you a glowing complexion with wrinkle free skin.
• • Take one teaspoon each of egg yolk and honey, and 1-2 teaspoon milk powder. Mix them well to make a smooth paste. Apply this paste on face, neck and other dry skin area. Leave it for 10-15 minutes and then wash with cold water.
• • Mix one egg yolk, 1 teaspoon each of honey, olive oil and vitamin E oil to make an anti aging lotion to be used as moisturizing facial mask. Apply it to face and other areas and leave for 15 minutes. Then wash it off with lukewarm water.
• • Avoid too much of sun exposure as it is one of the main causes of wrinkles. Use umbrella, scarves or any other protective cover when going out in sun.
• • Quit smoking Cigarette smoke ages skin by releasing an enzyme that breaks down elastin and collagen- vital components of skin.
• • Get adequate sleep. Sleeping position is also important. Try to sleep on your back, as it prevents wrinkle formation. Sleeping on sides may cause wrinkles on chin and cheek and sleeping with face-down will result in furrowed brow.
• • Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. They have anti-oxidants that help fight damage caused by free radicals. They keep skin younger and radiant.
• • Drink lots of water during the day to provide optimum supply of moisture to the skin.
• • Do not over-wash your face. Washing face too often removes skin off its natural barrier oils and moisture that protect against wrinkles.
• • Basil herb or Ocimum Sanctum (tulsi) has effective anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties. Follow the traditional Ayurvedic method of boiling fresh tulsi leaves and water until the water reduces to half. Then drink the resulting water. The other ayurvedic way of having basil leaves is to eat the crushed herb when it cools.
• • Switch to green tea. Green tea has anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, and healing effects on skin which helps in skin rejuvenation.

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Causes of Acne to Occur

Who doesn't wants to have clear and beautiful skin? but almost all of us experience acne at some or the other time in our lives. Acne outburst on any part of the body, be it your face, neck or back, is always irritating. So, it is always advisable to get acne treatment at the initial stages of the outburst and keep the acne at bay.

Causes of Acne to Occur
Always remember that when something is wrong with the internal organs of the body, the complaint regarding their malfunctioning is exhibited through the skin. The digestive organs only react to what we have given to them. It has been revealed that the combination of rich carbohydrates and protein in large amounts, forces the toxins to the surface of the skin and form acne and pimples, which later on leaves acne scars. So, if you think that applying a lotion will do, it will not, some of them will disappear but host of other pimples are readying themselves for the attack on the surface of the skin, they may however change the strategy and appear on other parts of the body.

If you have been struggling with breakouts and still finding new ways to cure pimples then you need to follow a complete skin care regimen that actually works at preventing acne from taking over your face. A reliable daily acne skin care regimen with natural acne remedies followed on a regular basis is the best way to treat acne prone skin.

To treat acne prone skin your acne skin care regimen should have:

• Moisturizers are the best ways to prevent your skin from drying out. But to cure pimples use the one which is not oily, made for sensitive skin. It will be more beneficial if you get one that has salicylic acid along with glycolic acid for more protection against acne all through the day.
  
• Salicylic acid - helps reduce the shedding of cells lining the follicles of the oil glands. Also opens the pores and cleanses the skin having dirt and bacteria.
  
• Astringents and Toners, use them for cleaning with glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids because they are great for toning the face and helps to fade away acne scars. These acids actually can reduce the pore size, and help avoid ingrown hairs. They also helps in exfoliating your skin
  
• SD Alcohol 40 if used on regular basis, will remove excess oil and sebum which will keep your face from looking shiny.
  
• Avoid wearing skin tight clothes, they are known to cause body acne by trapping sweat.
  
• Use make up brand which does not clog the pores.
  
• Use a sun-blocker by wearing a hat.
  
• Dry your face carefully after washing, do not apply pressure.

So, try these tips and include them in your daily regimen, but it will be better if you consult your condition with a dermatologist.

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