Archive for February 2011
Essential Plants for Hair Care
Aloe Vera
In cosmetics, Aloe Vera helps the hair and the skin replenish lost moisture, keeping it hydrated and smooth. It also contains vitamin A, C, E, B12 and other minerals that beneficial to skin moisturizing and toning. It is also known for soothing, cooling, and its anti-irritant property.
Gugo (Entada phaseoloides)
Helps to increase micro-circulation of blood in the scalp with anti-fungal & anti-bacterial properties.
Kalamansi
Kalamansi is a small citrus fruit that appears as cross between a lemon and lime. The juice of Kalamansi is known as a refrigerant, a remedy for coughs and for itches, a deodorant, and an antiphlogistic (reducing inflammation or fever; anti-inflammatory).
Lawat Leaves
Lawat leaf extracts are traditionally used in the Philippines in preventing hair loss, promoting hair growth and relieving itchiness and skin inflammations.
Green Papaya
The fruit is used in cosmetics for healthy skin complexion. It contains the enzyme papain,which has exfoliating properties when applied to the skin.
Virgin Coconut Oil (Cocus nuciferas)
Rich in vitamin E and is processed without the use of heat to preserve all the good cholesterol, enzymes and other inert substances that help in maintaining the skin’s natural beauty.
Carrot (Daucus carota sativa)
Rich in Beta-carotene and pro-vitamin A which is important in the maintenance of the skin and hair.
Licorice Extract
Contains glycyrrhetic acid which is known to be effective in reducing redness, swelling, itching, and skin discoloration.
In cosmetics, Aloe Vera helps the hair and the skin replenish lost moisture, keeping it hydrated and smooth. It also contains vitamin A, C, E, B12 and other minerals that beneficial to skin moisturizing and toning. It is also known for soothing, cooling, and its anti-irritant property.
Gugo (Entada phaseoloides)
Helps to increase micro-circulation of blood in the scalp with anti-fungal & anti-bacterial properties.
Kalamansi
Kalamansi is a small citrus fruit that appears as cross between a lemon and lime. The juice of Kalamansi is known as a refrigerant, a remedy for coughs and for itches, a deodorant, and an antiphlogistic (reducing inflammation or fever; anti-inflammatory).
Lawat Leaves
Lawat leaf extracts are traditionally used in the Philippines in preventing hair loss, promoting hair growth and relieving itchiness and skin inflammations.
Green Papaya
The fruit is used in cosmetics for healthy skin complexion. It contains the enzyme papain,which has exfoliating properties when applied to the skin.
Virgin Coconut Oil (Cocus nuciferas)
Rich in vitamin E and is processed without the use of heat to preserve all the good cholesterol, enzymes and other inert substances that help in maintaining the skin’s natural beauty.
Carrot (Daucus carota sativa)
Rich in Beta-carotene and pro-vitamin A which is important in the maintenance of the skin and hair.
Licorice Extract
Contains glycyrrhetic acid which is known to be effective in reducing redness, swelling, itching, and skin discoloration.
Hair Treatment
Natural herbs are proved panacea for all hair problems such as baldness, thinning of hair, hair-fall, dandruff, hair graying etc. People all over the world see the hair as an important part of our body. Different people have hair that differs in Colour, Length, Diameter and its distribution on the body.
Three types of hair grow on the human body :
- Lanugo Hair - Develops on an unborn baby. It begins to grow about three months after the baby’s conception. Normally, they are shed about four weeks before the baby is due to be born.
- Vellus Hair - They are short hair, only a centimeter or two, long and contain little or no pigment.
- Terminal Hairs - They are long hairs that grow on the head and in many people on the body, arms and legs too. They are produced by follicles with sebaceous glands.
- 2 table spoon of castor oil is mixed one table spoon of vinegar and one tea spoon of glycerin with one yellow of an egg. Cares fully mix all the mixture and apply it on the scalp. Rinse it off after half an hour.
Hair Treatment
- Comb your hair regularly to increases the blood circulation and massage scalp regularly to increase oil secretion.
- Use natural shampoo or soap to clean the hair.
- Use amla (Embilica officinalis), Shikakai (Acacia concinna) for washing the hair.
- Enhance oiling and massaging of scalp and leave for an hour before hair wash.
- Use coconut oil or mustard oil at least three times in a week.
- Use medicated oils like 'Amala oil' on the scalp and massage gently in the roots of the hair.
- Maintain a regular bowel movement everyday.
- Rinsing of hairs with Aloe vera gel mixed with the fresh lime juice is a good remedy.
- Apply carrot puree for about 15 minutes to half an hour and then rinse of the hairs.
- To use mehendi paste as a conditioner. Oiling your hair before applying mehendi paste and leave it on only for an hour . Do not shampoo your hair after applying mehendi.
- If you want a bronze effect, add coffee powder to mehendi. You can also add oil to the mehendi paste.
- Use coconut milk during your shower, it will leave your hair moisturized and smelling like coconut.
- The diet should contain more green leafy vegetables, salads, milk, fruits and sprouts. Take more proteins, milk, buttermilk, yeast, wheat germ, soybean and vitamin A.
- Do regular physical exercise.
- A special Ayurvedic preparation made from Bhringraj (Eclipta elba), Amala, corals, iron and black sesame seeds is very useful and even stops the graying of hair.
- Hibiscus petals act as a natural, emollient hair conditioner. The powder of Hibiscus petals can be used in Ayurvedic hair washes.
- Applying overnight soaked fenugreek seed on hairs and leave it for one hour. Rinse of the hairs and then shampoo them with mild shampoo.
- Wash hair frequently with a mixture of 3-4 tbsp Bengal gram flour mixed with 1 cup curd to develop long and lustrous hair.
- To stop falling hair, mix lemon juice, onion juice and ginger juice in equal quantity and then massage gently in the hair.
- To give hair extra shine, when washing hair add to final rinse 1 or 2 tablespoons of vinegar.
- Oil your hair at least twice in a week. Hair oil gives the necessary nourishment along with the moisturizers to your hair.
- Dry Peels of lemon and oranges will maintain soft and silky hair and also removes dandruff from the scalp.
- A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is good to drink to induce hair growth. The juice of alfalfa mixed with that of carrot, and lettuce juice is also good to take.
- Daily application of coconut oil mixed with lime- juice on the hair is also beneficial. Applying juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also good.
- Washing the hair with a paste of cooked Urad dal (black beans) and fenugreek (methi) 2-3 times a week.
- A paste of licorice made by grinding it in milk can be applied in the bald patches. It induces hair growth. A paste of seeds of lemon and black pepper may also be applied on the bald patches.
- Cure for baldness, mix coconut , mustard and castor oil in equal quantities. Apply this on the scalp and massage gently at night once or twice a week. Leave overnight and wash in the morning with a mild shampoo. This is a very nutritious combination and is effective in the prevention of hair fall and growth of new hair.
Tag :
Hair Treatment
Natural Baldness Treatment
The main causes of hair loss:
- Physical stress: medical surgery, serious illness, rapid weight change.
- Emotional stress: death in family, mental disorder.
- Thyroid irregularity.
- Hormonal causes: high levels of testosterone
- Medications: excessive doses of vitamin A, hypertension medications.
Baldness, also known as alopecia, is hair loss, or absence of hair. Baldness is usually most noticeable on the scalp, but can occur anywhere on the body where hair grows. The condition is more common in men than in women.
Herbal remedies increase circulation, disinfect the scalp and stimulate hair growth. Good nutrition is very important that normal growth of your hair. There are certain vitamins that are directly related to the health of your scalp and hair. Here are a few of the most important vitamins you should taking.
Vitamin C: This is an important anti-Oxidant that you need for a healthy skin and naturally healthy hair. It should be about 60 mg of vitamin C per day. It can be found in citrus fruits, cantaloupe, tomatoes, peppers, green and vegetables.
Vitamin A: This is another antioxidant that helps produce tallow in your scalp. Tallow is an oil that your sebaceous glands produce to help your hair from drying out. A healthy scalp is a good Sebumreduktion. You can find vitamin A in fish liver oil, meat, milk, spinach, cheese, peaches and carrots. You should be approximately 5000 IU vitamin A day.
Biotin: This is an important vitaimin to prevent your hair from turning gray. It also helps to prevent hair loss occurs to you. They should be about 150-300 mcg Biotin of every day that you find in the whole grains, egg yolk, rice, and milk.
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Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo Biloba is a very popular herbal remedy that is thought to help with many problems, among them improving the circulation of blood to the brain and skin. The majority of herbalists who prescribe this for loss of hair do so believing that the increase of blood to the brain and skin delivers more nutrients to the hair follicles and so promotes hair re-growth.
Camellia sinesis (Green Tea):' Green tea is another popular herbal remedy as it is believed that the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase is inhibited by the catechins found in the green tea. Some herbalists claim that you will reduce the risk of male pattern type baldness if you drink several cups of green tea or take it in capsule form on a daily basis.
Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu or Fo-Ti): He Shou Wu is an ancient Chinese herb that has been used for centuries for hair loss and baldness. It is frequently available in both tea and capsule form and is one of the main ingredients found in many commercial remedies for the treatment of hair loss. It cleanses and boosts the nourishing power of the blood.
Pygeum africanum (Pygeum): Pygeum is taken from the bark of the evergreen tree and works in a very similar way to green tea. It has been used to treat problems with the prostrate for many years in China and can be taken in pill or capsule form.
Seranoa repens (Saw Palmetto): Saw palmetto is a very popular choice among with hair loss; this is due to the fact that it also has the ability to protect the prostrate. Not only does it encourage the hair to re-grow but it also slows down the loss of hair.
Urtica Diocia (Stinging Nettle): Stinging Nettle blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT; this is the main cause of hair loss in men. It can be bought in either pill or capsule form and is said to be more effective when used in combination with saw palmetto or pygeum.
Chinese angelica (Dong Quai): Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese herb that is used to stop hair loss and even regrow hair. It nourishes the digestive tract and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps the body breaks down and absorb nutrients, resulting in better health, clearer skin and healthier hair. Dong Gui contains phytoestrogens that reverse genetic hair loss by blocking androgen-receptor sites and reducing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone or DHT.
Panax ginseng: Ginseng's long list of benefits include improving blood circulation, increasing and regulating cellular metabolism, promoting protein synthesis and helping cells to assimilate vitamins and minerals. It is also known for its effect to normalize oily scalp and restore thick and healthy hair within weeks. Ginseng also helps to nourish and strengthen hair.
Home Remedies for Dandruff
Dandruff is a common scalp condition marked by white flakes on the scalp and itching. It appears to be caused by the yeast-like fungus, malassezia (or pityrosporum). Malassezia is normally found on the scalp, and if it grows unchecked (possibly due to hormone imbalances, stress, immune suppression, infrequent shampooing, illness, or increased oil production), there is mild inflammation that produces dead skin cells. The dead cells mix with oil and clump together, making them appear white and flaky.
Some Home Remedies for Dandruff are:
- Herbal shampoo
Herbal shampoo wash is advised at least four times a week. For this wash, do use less shampoo and completely rinse it well with water. Apply two tablespoons of vinegar on the scalp, half-an-hour before shampooing; and massage the vinegar lightly into the scalp. - Oil
Heat pure til oil or coconut oil. Allow it to stand for few hrs and then apply either of these oil on your scalp at night. Allow it to stand overnight. Next morning use vinegar as we discussed previously before shampooing. - Henna
Sometimes, you can treat your hair with Henna also to get fruitful results. This home remedy of dandruff is widely used among the dandruff sufferers. - Vinegar
A home remedy for dandruff is to mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and spritz it on to your hair and scalp, being careful to avoid the eye and ear area. Wrap your head in a towel. After 15 minutes to an hour, remove the towel and wash your hair. This is generally done once to twice a week. - Biotin
Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It is sold in supplement form and is also found naturally in foods. Food sources of biotin are egg yolk, liver, milk, soy, barley, brewer's yeast, and royal jelly. Biotin is also produced naturally by bacteria in the intestines. Eating raw egg whites and prolonged use of antibiotics are thought to be causes of biotin deficiency.
Chamomile Flowers for Hair Care
Flowers are very popular when it comes to herbal hair solutions. Chamomile flowers can be used in many types of shampoos and hair care products as they help with dandruff, an itchy scalp, or dry hair. It has well-known sedative and relaxing properties.
General problems of hair loss:
Dandruff, Graying of hair, loosing hair, brittle hair and slow growth of hair are some of the common hair problems that people complain about.
Dandruff, Graying of hair, loosing hair, brittle hair and slow growth of hair are some of the common hair problems that people complain about.
Though most of these problems are natural signs of aging or part of our genetic makeup, there are some simple preventative measures and home remedies that may help some of these hair complaints.
Hibiscus Flowers for Hair Care
Hibiscus (also known as rosemallow or jamaica) has many natural properties which have been valued through out the ages. One of its traditional uses is hair care.
This flower is used for curing dandruff. Hibiscus extracts are used in hair oils, shampoos, hair tonic and conditioners.
Many Ayurvedic hair oil formulations contain hibiscus. The crushed dried flowers are used as a hair dye as each hibiscus flower yields a natural dark purplish dye which may be used to colour premature grey hairs.
The human hair is made up of approximately 85% complex protein called Keratin, the balance consists of water, lipids and melanin pigments with trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, copper, iron. phosphorus, silicone etc. There is nothing as attractive as a thick head of hair which glows with natural health. To maintain this we need good hair care regimen that involves the following:
- Hair cleansing which involves removal of accumulated sebum, scalp debris and residues of hair grooming preparations. This should ideally be done on alternate days.
- Hair conditioning which involves making good the natural deficiencies of sebum and repairing the hair cuticle. This makes hair smooth, soft, shining and elastic.
- Scalp stimulation which involves in providing nutrients and hormonal support to hair by massaging the scalp and nourishing it.
The common problem faced is hair loss which can occur due to one or more of the following reasons:
- Dandruff
- Harsh shampoos which have a strong chemical base
- Pollutants in the air
- Hair colours, perming and straightening lotions
- Heredity
- Physical weakness and lack of proper nutrition
- Stress
A very simple traditional recipe is to cook some red hibiscus flowers on low fire in coconut or sesame oil and let it cool. This oil is then massaged into the hair. Red Hibiscus or Jabakusum as it is known in Hindi, is known for its hair growth related properties. Care should be taken to rinse the oil out with very mild shampoo otherwise it will nullify the good effect of the oil.
In case some people do not like to oil their hair, the hibiscus flowers can be made into pulp in the mixer and applied to the hair for thirty minutes and then rinsed out with water.
The benefits of Hibiscus treatment:
- Prevents hair loss
- Enhances growth of hair
- Discourages split ends
- Thickens hair
- Prevents premature greying of hair
Hair Loss Problem and Natural Tips for Healthy Hair
Balding or receding hairlines, double crown, cowlicks and the unusual pattern of hair growth are the common problems associated with the hair growth. There may be various reasons for these problems. Every day, every one looses some hair. Our body then replaces it with some new strands as part of the many renewal processes that are built into our body systems.
As we all age, 'the reappearance of new hair' event gradually slows down. This observable fact is more evident in men than women, whose 'male-pattern baldness is genetically determined and can begin as early as age 20. For women, hair normally thins after age 50, and considerable hair loss before that age is very rare.
Receding hair lines may occur due to change in the level of hormones, lack of proper diet, growing age, improper health and stress. Cowlick is a hair growth problem that is usually found in the hairline that is situated in the front. This type of hair growth problem is genetic. The hair may open or lift due to the growth of hair follicles in different directions. In case of double crown, there may be a great difficulty in styling the hair. The greatest problem occurs when hair are cut short in an excessive manner, thus sticking up.
The common problem faced is hair loss which can occur due to one or more of the following reasons:
- Dandruff
- Harsh shampoos which have a strong chemical base
- Pollutants in the air
- Hair colours, perming and straightening lotions
- Heredity
- Physical weakness and lack of proper nutrition
- Stress
Natural Tips for Healthy Hair
For Dandruff
- Massage the Scalp with pure coconut oil. This will also help for growth of hair.
- Apply the warm mixture of olive oil, lemon juice and coconut oil. Do a steam -towel- wrap for 15 minutes and wash the hair with a shampoo.
- Apply coconut oil which has been boiled with small onions. Wash it off with a mixture of green gram powder and water drained from cooked (boiled) rice.
- Apply a mixture of almond oil and gooseberry juice with finger tips on the scalp.
- Mix Shikakai powder with the water drained from the cooked rice and wash the hair with it.
- Apply a paste of fenugreek and mustard to the scalp.
- Crush the leaves of five petal hibiscus flower and take the juice. Wash the hair with this juice.
- Heat the oil with a little camphor. Apply the oil in the scalp and massage for 10 minutes. After 30 minutes wash the hair with a herbal shampoo. Do the steam -towel- wrap for 15 minutes.
For Healthy and Shiny hair
- It is better to apply castor oil for a healthy growth of hair.
- Wash hair with tea once in a week.
- Deep condition with curd, beer and egg.
- Apply besan in the hair and wash it with water drained from the cooked rice.
- Apply the mixture of an egg white, 2 spoon of castor oil, 1 spoon glycerin, in the scalp and hair. Wash it after some time.
- Soak a handful of gooseberry in a cup of milk for two hours. Make it as a paste and apply in the hair.
- Massage hair with warm coconut oil an hour before washing. Let it soak. Cover your head with a hot towel and wash your hair after an hour or so.
- Boil a few hibiscus flowers in coconut oil. Filter and use this hair oil to control hair loss and thinning.
- Do a 'steam-towel-wrap' once in a while, if your cuticles are damaged, as this steaming opens out the pores and absorbs the oil.
- Mix a little vinegar in warm water and rinse your hair with this solution. This will add bounce to dull and lifeless hair.
- Soak 1 teaspoon fenugreek in curd and keep it for a night. Have it in the next morning.
- Boil coconut oil with the juices of curry leaves, basil, hibiscus flower and gooseberry. Apply on hair, keep it for sometime and rinse.
- Egg white and curd is a good conditioner for hair.
- Take a cup of coconut and mustard oils. Soak half a cup of curry leaves in the oil mixture and keep it for a night. Next morning, heat on a slow fire till the curry leaves turn crisp. Remove from heat and add two to three camphor balls. Allow oil to cool and then strain. Apply oil to hair roots using cotton wool along the parting and massage in circular movements. Leave the oil overnight and shampoo the next morning. Repeat twice a week.
- Add a lemon peel to a 'shikakai' and 'amla' mixture while washing your hair.
For Graying
- Take a little Mehandi , an egg, juice of half a lemon, one table spoon of instant coffee powder. Mix it together and apply on the hair. Wash it after 45 minutes.
- Boil one cup of dried gooseberry with 4 cups of water. Add a pinch of sugar in it. Keep boiling till the quantity of the liquid reduces to one cup. Mix 2 cups of Mehendi, an egg, juice of a lemon and the gooseberry solution and apply on hair. Wash the hair after two hours.
Benefits of Banana for Hair
There are a number of benefits of bananas. The benefits are not just limited to health but also extend up to beauty treatments as well. It is an effective beauty treatment for skin as well as hair.
Bananas are great for your hair and scalp. They improve manageability and shine while moisturizing your skin and helping to prevent and control dandruff.
Banana is rich in:
- Potassium,
- Natural oils,
- Carbohydrates and
- Vitamins.
These help in softening the hair and protects the hair's natural elasticity preventing split ends and breakage. Bananas when used for hair has a number of benefits such as it creates manageability, shine, growth and controls dandruff. These are simply the best for hair and the scalp.
Bananas enhance the strength, endurance and shine of the hair and can be referred to as the banana food. Most of the banana hair products are available only at expensive spas and salons. However, you can make your own banana hair conditioner or mask. Just like a facial mask enhances the glow of your face immediately, a hair mask also improves your hair dramatically. Bananas are full of vitamins and is a number one ingredient for strengthening and volumizing the hair. It helps in repairing dry and sun-damaged hair.
The damages of hair that are caused to the hair by exposure to the dirt, pollution and other environmental toxins can be treated with the banana mask. Banana helps in protecting the hair from further damage. The vitamin B helps in the prevention of split ends.
The type of hair that is suitable for this treatment are dry hair, dyed hair and for hair after perm. It also serves as an excellent treatment for addressing the problem of dandruff and is helpful in retaining moisture on your scalp. However, if you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in the pack then it is best to avoid using it.
Bananas contain minerals and other nutrients that promote hair recovery and rehabilitation. Banana mask is perfectly suited for dry, dyed hair and for hair after the perm.
Hair loss of women and Aloe vera can helps to protect hair loss
Hair loss in women is very common. There are many causes behind women’s hair loss, including physical or emotional stress, surgery, chemical treatments and more, but there are also a variety of women hair loss treatment options to try if you are a sufferer.
- If your hair loss is caused by a deficiency, changing your diet or taking a multi vitamin and mineral supplement might be a helpful women hair loss treatment option.
- If your hair loss is caused by anemia, you should add plenty of iron-rich food to your diet, such as brazil nuts, broccoli and red meat.
- Vitamin B6 is important if you are a hair loss sufferer, as are iron and zinc. Protein-rich foods and amino acids can fight hair loss.
- Low copper levels can cause hair loss but too much copper can be toxic so you should speak to a healthcare professional before taking supplements.
- Vitamin B5, folic acid, silica, biotin and paraminobenzoic acid are believed to maintain the colour and thickness of the hair.
Aloe vera can help with hair loss. This plant contains 75 nutrients, 18 amino acids and 12 kinds of vitamins. Indians and Native Americans have used aloe vera for centuries to fight hair loss. Aloe vera balances the scalp’s pH and cleans the pores. It can be beneficial for alopecia sufferers because it is a natural anti-inflammatory. Stinging nettles and saw palmetto are other hair loss supplements you can try.
