Ayurvedic Herbs For Promoting Hair Growth

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 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. The Embelica 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 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, Embelica Officinalis herb can be used for treating the issue of hair loss.

Skin Care Regimen for Acne Prone Skin

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.

Some common Hair Problems:

Some common Hair Problems:

Dandruff

Dry skin flaking off the scalp and itchiness is referred to as dandruff. The aggravation of Vata generally causes this dryness.

Home Remedies for Dandruff

• • Add 1 teaspoon of camphor to half a cup of coconut or . Store it in glass container. Dosage: Massage this oil into the scalp before bed.
• • Mix 1 teaspoon of castor, mustard and coconut oil each and massage into the scalp.
• • Mix one part of lemon juice with two parts of coconut oil. Massage into the roots of the hair regularly.

Dosage: Wash with warm water after three to four hours or leave overnight.

Hair Loss / Balding

when the amount of hair lost grows higher than the normal hair fall that takes place due to the change in environment, increasing age or growth of new hairs, it is referred to as hair loss problem that needs special care. Improper or poor diet, exposure to a lot of chemicals or cosmetics, hormonal imbalance, stress, mental tension are some causes of hair loss.

Home Remedies For Hair Loss

• • Massage the scalp gently with coconut or almond oil daily for 10 to 15 minutes.
• • Boil neem leaves in water. Cool, strain and rinse hair with it.
• • Increase green leafy vegetables, salads, milk, fruits and sprouts in the diet. Take more proteins, milk, buttermilk, yeast, wheat germ, soya beans, whole grains and nuts.

Premature Graying of Hair

Graying of hair is a natural process that happens with increasing age, but if the hair starts graying before the age of 35, it is termed as premature graying that occurs due to the aggravation of Pitta dosha. Excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, meat, fried, oily, greasy, spicy, sour, and acidic foods increases pitta and leads to graying prematurely.

Home Remedies for Premature Graying of Hairs

• • Apply a paste made from 2-Tsp. henna powder, 1-tsp. curd, 1-tsp. fenugreek seed powder, 1 tbsp. coffee, 2-tbsp. mint juice and 2-tbsp. basil juice. Apply this paste to the hair for two hours. For a darker color, leave this paste in for 3 to 4 hours. Wash hair with any natural shampoo.
• • Grate some fresh ginger. Mix with honey and place it in a jar. Eat 1 tea spoon everyday.

Itchy Scalp

Aggravation of Pitta dosha, stress, allergic reaction to shampoo, air conditioning, pollution and central heating lead to an itchy and red scalp, with tiny pimples or sores, dull and dry hair.

Home Remedies for Itchy Scalp

• • Add 1 teaspoon of camphor to half a cup of coconut oil and store it in glass container.

Dosage: Massage this oil into the scalp before bed.

Grind some jasmine roots with lime juice. Wash the hair and scalp with it. The causes for these hair conditions are as follows:

• • Excess of Pitta dosha in the body is the chief cause of hair problems.
• • Excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, meats and excessive smoking.
• • Eating too much fried, oily, greasy, spicy, sour and acidic foods.
• • Intake of too many chemical medicines, low blood circulation, anemia, general weakness after disease, stress, anxiety and mental tension.
• • Chronic diseases like typhoid fever, presence of dandruff or lice and hormonal imbalance.

Hair Treatment

• • 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.
• • Use coconut oil or mustard oil at least three times in a week.
• • Use medicated oils like 'Mahabhringraj oil', 'Amala oil' and 'Arnica oil'. Put oil on the scalp and massage gently in the roots of the hair.
• • Maintain a regular bowel movement everyday.
• • 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.
• • Rub the scalp vigorously after washing the hair. It increases the blood circulation, and activates the sebaceous glands.
• • 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.

The structure of hair is like the scales on the skin

The structure of hair is like the scales on the skin of a fish that has overlapping scales around a central core called the cortical. Smoother overlapping more shiny and smooth the hair looks. This also leads to easy combing while a tangled or roughed-up structure makes the hair look rough and dull.

Diet and lifestyle are two major factors that influence the health of the hair. Poor diet, illness and deficiencies of any particular vitamin and mineral affects the quality of hair and problems like , hair, graying etc. spoil the hair.

In an individual the condition of the hair is a reflection of the complete him. If the person is not healthy then the health of the hair will be deplorable.

Example: If a person has vata constitution, the hairs are dark, dry, coarse, wiry or frizzy and tend to tangle easily, are prone to dullness, split ends and dandruff. The constitution comprising of Pitta has hair that is light brown, blonde or red and tend to grow gray or thin prematurely and are fine and silky with a tendency to become oily. Hairs are thick, wavy and shiny if the composition is of kapha.

Regularly cleaning and brushing the hair is very important. When the hairs are brushed, oil-producing glands in the scalp get stimulated. This natural oil makes the hair glossy and healthy. To give extra shine to the hair, after washing rinse the hair with some lemon juice mixed in a cup of warm water.

Styling Tricks for Thinning Hair

If you suffer from hair loss, you can tweak your hair care routine to make the most of the hair you've got. Follow these simple tips to add volume and minimize further breakage.

By Dr. Jessica Wu

I was examining one of my patients the other day, when I noticed dark spots on her forehead that looked like they might be skin cancer. However, when I took a closer look, I realized that they were particles of spray-on hair. Not wanting to embarrass her, I tactfully recommended that we do an evaluation to rule out any underlying medical cause for her thinning hair, and I suggested ways for her to make the most of what she had:

• Get the right hairstyle. Too much length can weigh down your hair and make it look thinner and flatter, so be sure to regularly trim any split ends, and have your hairstylist add layers for more volume.
• Avoid tight ponytails, braids, and headbands. Hair accessories that constantly tug on your hair can end up pulling it out at the roots. This is especially common around the hairline.
• Cut back on processing. Color, chemical straightening, and chemical curling weaken hair shafts and can cause hair to break off. Stretch out your visits for such procedures as much as possible.
• Limit heat styling. Blow-drying can literally boil the water in your hair, causing “bubbles” to form and the hair shafts to weaken. Your best bet is to gently towel dry your hair first, then use the lowest setting on your hair dryer that will get the job done.
• Use volumizing products — but sparingly. Volumizing shampoos, conditioners, and other styling products can help give your hair a lift by coating the strands to make them appear thicker. Use these products sparingly, though, so they don’t weigh down your hair and make your scalp more visible. Use as little conditioner, gel, or spray as possible, and try to apply these products only to the ends of your hair.

Hair Shaft Damage Causes Thinning Hair

Has thinning hair become a problem? The shafts of your hair may be damaged. Here's what causes hair shaft damage, and what you can do about it.

Your hair is thinning fast and you don’t know why. It could be that the shafts of your hair have been damaged. Here’s what you need to know about how hair shaft damage causes thinning hair, and how to fix the problem fast.

What is a hair shaft?
The hair shaft is the portion of your hair that projects from your scalp. It is nonliving and cannot replace or replenish itself. Your hair shaft is made up of three parts: cuticle, cortex, and medulla.

The medulla is the innermost part of the hair shaft. It is responsible for the core strength of the hair. The cortex surrounds the medulla and is protected by the cuticle, which is composed of six to eight layers of flattened cells that overlap each other from root to the tip. A normal cuticle has a smooth surface that allows light to penetrate to the cortex. But this smooth surface is vulnerable to damage from weather and chemical treatments. When it's damaged, the cuticle is not able to provide enough protection to the cortex, which leaves the cortex exposed to heat and pollution, among other harmful conditions, and ultimately causes damaged and thinning hair.

How does the hair shaft become damaged in the first place?
Because the hair shaft is largely exposed to the elements (wind, dry climate, sun, chlorine, humidity) and is affected by cosmetics and hair treatments (gels, dyes, hot irons, chemical treatments, coloring), it can be damaged in many ways. Here's the bottom line, though: The most typical causes of hair damage are the frequent use of chemical treatments (permanents or relaxers) and the improper use of styling equipment (hair dryers, hot irons, curling rods, and so forth).

What can I do?
Because the hair shaft is generally damaged by excessive grooming, fussing, styling, coloring, processing, heating, and other harmful treatments, you need to stop abusing your hair. Here's how:

• Minimize or eliminate the use of hair-styling treatments that involve harsh chemicals.
• Give up your blow-dryer, curling iron, straightening iron, hot rollers, and other harsh grooming tools, and let your hair dry naturally.
• Keep hair healthy with regular trims and deep-conditioning treatments.
• Avoid excessive exposure to the sun's UV rays, chlorine, salt water, and intense climates.
• Use only natural, gentle hair care products — the fewer additives, the better.
• Avoid pulling and knotting hair into tightly wound styles that pull on the hair shaft.

You can’t reverse hair shaft damage or thicken the hair that has thinned, but you can stop the damage in its tracks and keep your remaining hair thicker longer.

Easy Ways to Treat Thinning Hair

There are many ways to care for thinning hair and to prevent hair from thinning even more. Find out what you should do.

Hair can thin as we age — sometimes in one area, sometimes all over. Fine hair is also more likely to become thin. may be a result of harsh chemical treatments, certain medications, poor nutrition, or excessive stress. Thin hair may simply run in your family. There are many things you can do to cover up the appearance of thinning hair and prevent hair from thinning even more. Try these tips.

• Wash your hair when it’s dirty. This may sound obvious, but it’s important to realize that fine, thinning hair gets dirty faster, so people with thinning hair need to shampoo more frequently that others. But be gentle — fine hair breaks more easily when washed, so avoid hard scrubbing and very hot water.
• Use a volume-building shampoo and conditioner.
• Comb and brush your hair gently, and only when necessary.
• If your hair is thinning in only one area, you can easily cover it up with a different hairstyle. Talk to your hair stylist about helping you create a new look. Color can help add body and volume to hair and make it look rich and lush. New styles can hide thin hair spots. Be bold — if your hair is straight, go curly; if it’s long, try short. Curly and short hair styles help mask the appearance of thinning hair, giving the illusion of a thicker, fuller look.
• Color and highlights on the thicker parts of your hair can draw attention away from the thin areas. Emphasize the hair you have, and the thinner areas will become less noticeable.
• Get a but make sure it’s a gentle body wave, as tighter waves can damage thinning hair. Be sure to go to a top-quality salon and talk to your stylist about choosing a product with as few harsh chemicals as possible.
• Women with long hair that’s beginning to thin might consider hair extensions.
• Put your Be sure to eat iron-rich protein every day, as this is important for building strong keratin, the outer layer of the scalp. Some good iron- and protein-rich food choices are spinach, eggs, soy, and lean meats. Other essential nutrients for strong hair include omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and nuts, and biotin, found in liver, eggs, and soy products.
• Massage your wet hair weekly with olive oil. Leave in overnight and wash out in the morning. While this may not stop hair from thinning, it makes hair shiny and healthy, creating the illusion of thicker hair.
• If you’re taking any medications for other conditions, talk to your doctor to find out whether they might be causing or contributing to your thinning hair. He or she might recommend alternatives, or supplements to reduce hair thinning.
• Inquire about prescription and nonprescription medications specifically designed to treat thinning hair.

By following these simple hair care steps, you can better manage your thin hair and keep it from thinning even further.