Essential oils may be the centuries-old remedy for hair loss and stimulating new hair growth.

July 25, 2012 12:21 am /

For centuries, men and women have dealt with hair loss. Hair loss can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from hormones and stress to chemical damage. One of the early solutions for dealing with hair loss in many cultures was using herbs and oils. In 1999, a team of researchers from the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Scotland demonstrated that essential oils can treat hair loss in some people.
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Hair Loss Study

In 1999, Scottish dermatologist Dr. Isabelle C. Hay and a team of researchers from the Department of Dermatology at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary studied the effect of essential oils on 86 patients who suffered from hair loss caused by alopecia areata. The double-blind, controlled study took place over a seven month active period with follow-ups at three and seven months after the treatment.

Researchers divided the 86 patients into two groups – active and control. Over a seven-month period, the active group massaged an essential oil recipe onto their scalps daily for two minutes. The control group used the carrier oils jojoba and grapeseed for their daily scalp massages.

At the end of the study, 19 of the 43 patients in the active group demonstrated significant improved hair growth while only six of the 41 patients in the control group showed some slight improvement. One man in the active group grew a full head of hair after being completely bald. Dr. Hay and the research team found that essential oils can safely treat hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

The Aberdeen Royal Infirmary study used the following essential oil recipe:

atlas cedarwood essential oil – 2 drops
thyme essential oil – 2 drops
rosemary essential oil – 3 drops
lavender essential oil – 3 drops
jojoba carrier oil – ½ teaspoon
grapeseed carrier oil – 4 teaspoons

Use a small glass oil dispenser jar. Mix the carrier oils, jojoba and grapeseed first. Add the essential oils one at a time and then place the lid on the jar. Shake the oils together to mix the recipe.

Essential Oils that Treat Hair Loss

Other studies have identified a number of essential oils that can potentially stimulate hair growth in hair loss patients. Some of the essential oils include:

lavender
arnica
rosemary
bay
lemon
Roman chamomile
basil
grapefruit

Lavender and rosemary are always considered hair growth essential oils. A 1998 Archives of Dermatology study found that rosemary essential oil can stimulate hair growth.

How to Use Essential Oils for Hair Loss

There are many ways to apply essential oil recipes for hair loss to scalps. Here are some tips on how to apply essential oils to the scalp:

Always mix essential oils with a carrier oil, such as jojoba. Undiluted essential oils are too harsh on skin.
Apply the essential oil recipe to the scalp when the hair is dry for the best distribution.
Pour a small amount of the oil mixture into a bowl and dip fingers into the bowl to wet fingers with oil during the scalp massage. Dip fingers into the bowl as needed to cover the scalp area.
Massage oil into the entire scalp at once or work on small section at a time. Dip fingers into the oil mixture at the beginning of each section.

The studies provide hope for people searching for possible hair loss treatments. It may not be the solution for everyone but it may help some individuals.

Article source :http://suite101.com/article/treat-hair-loss-with-essential-oils-a225827

Posted in: Beauty tips, Hair care, Uncategorized / Tagged: , ,

Sesame Oil for Hair

July 15, 2012 10:56 pm /

A hectic lifestyle along with pollution and altered dietary habits, adversely affect our hair and skin. Most of us make an effort to ensure that we follow a basic skin care regime with dedication, but when it comes to hair, we just get plain lazy, which is probably because fixing bad hair is expensive and time-consuming. This is where this wonder oil comes in handy, as not only is it extremely effective for hair, but it has long-lasting benefits too.

The use of sesame as a culinary condiment and oil dates back to 1600 BC. Botanically, sesame is known as Sesamum indicum, and the oil is extracted from a flowering plant Sesamum, whose seed pods are cultivated for its edible seeds. Oil is extracted using different methods, wherein the extraction process mostly depends upon the region where the seeds are cultivated and harvested.

Benefits of Sesame Oil

This highly nourishing hair oil has immense healing properties. Its use has been extensively mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic text for over thousands of years. Listed below are some of the benefits of sesame oil for hair care.

  1. If you desire dark lustrous hair, then massage your scalp and hair regularly with sesame oil.
  2. It is highly nourishing and excellent for dry scalp treatment. Massaging helps in controlling dryness and flakiness, thus, preventing hair loss.
  3. A regular warm oil massage increases penetration of oil in the scalp, resulting in enhanced blood circulation, thereby promoting hair growth.
  4. Chemically treated hair that gets damaged over time, regains its lost luster as the oil’s deep penetrating properties nourish the hair from within.
  5. It is also known as a natural healing oil, as it is full of antibacterial properties. It helps clear scalp infection, especially fungal.
  6. It helps in strengthening hair shafts and roots by nourishing them.
  7. Not only does this oil strengthen your hair, it also promotes new hair growth.
  8. Split ends and hair prone to breakage and brittleness leading to excessive hair loss benefits from its replenishing and rejuvenating qualities.
  9. Rough hair can be softened and made more manageable by conditioning.
  10. Stress is considered as a major factor that results in hair fall, and sesame oil’s cooling properties help alleviate stress when massaged in scalp, and on neck and shoulders.
  11. Rich sesame oil protects hair from the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays, thus, proving to be a natural sunscreen for hair. Not only does it protect hair from the sun, it also saves them from damaging effects of pollution.
  12. It is known for its hair darkening qualities. Hence, it is very useful for those who suffer from pre-mature hair graying or who have plenty of gray hair.
  13. This oil can be combined with another carrier oil, like almond oil or olive oil, while massaging hair and scalp to reap combined benefits of both the oils.

How to Apply Sesame Oil on Hair and Scalp

To garner best results, warm sesame oil, apply it all over the scalp, and massage in a circular motion using fingertips. After massaging, wrap the scalp and hair with a soaked and squeezed hot water towel, for around half an hour. Leave the oil on overnight and shampoo the next morning.

Note: Place a towel over your pillow while sleeping to avoid staining of the linen with the oil.

Sesame oil is not only beneficial for hair, but one can use it for skin too. Regular use of this oil, as a part of your hair care routine will ensure that you reap all its benefits for years to come. Well then, let’s not wait anymore for getting beautiful, lustrous hair!

Article source http://www.buzzle.com/articles/sesame-oil-for-hair.html

Posted in: Ayurveda, Hair care / Tagged: , , , ,

Hair Loss and Copper water

June 29, 2012 10:17 am /

Hair loss is a symptom and not disease itself. While allopathy touches the hair loss superficially, ayurveda considers it in depth. Hence the evolution of several hair oils, natural shampoos. While modern 21st century woman cuts her hair short like men, long, smooth and lustrous hair was an asset in beauty and personality, especially in oriental lifestyle, as seen by ancient history depicted in temples, pictures, idols. More than beauty, author feels that hair are given to us by god, as natural antennae for collecting cosmic energy emitted by universe. If the chakras are active, one can see dark plenty hair on the parts the body, where chakras are located. A well known example is Ramdev Maharaj, whom you can watch on T.V. in India, twice a day or on website divyayoga.com. The hair also indicates the hormonal status.

There can be many reasons for hair loss, other than hormonal changes. Fatigue, shortness of breath, simultaneous weight loss and colorless face indicate the possibility of anemia as the most likely reason.

Anemia means reduced Hemoglobin in the body. Hemoglobin is made up of certain proteins and Iron. It is carrier of oxygen to all our blood cells. We need oxygen to produce the energy and loss of Hemoglobin reduces the energy produced, resulting in the fatigue. If the anemia is treated, hair loss automatically gets treated. There are three primary reasons for anemia:

1. Inadequate production of RBC cells due to reduced nutrition, hormone unbalance or other diseases

2. Destruction of Hemoglobin carrying cells due to genetic disorders

3. Loss of blood through Menses, accidents etc.

Women become the victim of anemia mostly due to third reason. Even slight reduction in Hemoglobin causes thinning of hair, drying of hair, reduction in the dark shade ( the natural color of hair). While assessing the Hemoglobin quantity requires a costly blood test, ayurvedists examine it simply by color of the face, color of the nails when a finger is pressed. Hands and feet are very informative areas of the body which contain the information on state of the body, and also contain thousands of acupuncture points for whole body.

Our body requires copper as a catalyst for hydrogen oxidation, development of Melanin (the compound which gives natural color to hair) and also for releasing the iron extracted out of the old RBC cells accumulated in liver. Other than dates, raisins, copper water, copper is available in various foods such as mushrooms, grains, cereals, fruits having tough skins. Mushrooms contain a significant amount of copper.

Another variety of anemia is mostly noted in the age group above forty, as a result of deficiency of B12 vitamin and Folic acid. The deficiency of a chemical responsible for absorption of this vitamin causes this anemia. This vitamin is needed to produce more blood cells in bone marrow. This anemia shows similar symptoms. IN addition, bleeding through nose, loss of weight and appetite, thinning of hair, drying and/or hardening of hair can occur. In several cases, hair loss was reduced to negligible quantity by change of diet, and ayurvedic medicines directed at building up of Blood iron; e.g. Loha Bhasma, Saptamrut Loha, Kantloha Bhasma, Navayas Loha, Punarnava Mandur, Tapyadi Loha etc. Which of these should be used depends upon the specific case by case and one should consult the ayurvedic consultant nearest to him. Most of these are quite expensive medicines.

In general, most of the diseases cause reduction of blood iron, and drinking of copper water, soaked dates/raisins can be a general recommendation.

Dr Shirish Bhate

Posted in: Beauty tips, Hair care / Tagged: , , ,

Dark Circles Removal – Insider Secrets to Remove Dark Circles and Facial Wrinkles

June 19, 2012 11:11 am /

Dark circles look very ugly. They are basically dark bags under the eyes caused due to many reasons from stress to pollution and lack of sleep and improper diet.This is one of the most common eye problems which can be seen in every second individual. But it is much more common with females. The reasons are many but if you take proper care and follow the following steps you can surely get rid of them soon:

Wrinkles are again a problem with many people and are clearly visible as dark circles are. These two are the main things that can make our face look unattractive.

Here are some tips to get rid off dark circles and facial wrinkles.

· Gently massage warm coconut and castor oil on the problematic areas.

· Cucumber treatment- Apply thin pieces of cucumber on your eyes and leave on for 15 minutes. This is a very powerful remedy to remove dark circles.

· For curing facial wrinkles and dark eye bags you must take proper diet full of vitamins. Include salads and pulses in the diet.

· Dips refrigerated tea bags in cold water and place them on eyes for 20 minutes. Very effective in removing dark skin under the eyes.

· Use anti wrinkle and dark circle creams every night before going to bed.

· Apply juice of green apples and pine apples on your face everyday for half an hour. This will cure your face cracks and fine lines.

· Mix juice of lemon and tomato and apply all around your eyes.

· Make a paste of sugarcane juice and turmeric and apply all over the wrinkles.

· Apply egg white to the skin under the eyes. Note that this remedy is not for curing dark circles, but for facial wrinkles.

· Drink loads and loads of water, at least 8-12 glasses everyday.

· You may consult a dermatologist if the situation does not get better by all the above mentioned secrets.

Article Source: Dark Circles Removal – Insider Secrets to Remove Dark Circles and Facial Wrinkles

Posted in: Beauty tips / Tagged: , ,

How to Deal With Stress in 7 Seconds – Works Every Time!

June 10, 2012 10:17 am /

Smile!

Before you read any further, just do this simple exercise. Close your eyes, smile (1 sec), take a slow deep breath (3 sec) and exhale slowly (3 sec).

How did you feel? Good isn’t it?

Stress is Inside Not Outside

Majority of the people believe that stress is due to outside situations and something which is not within their control. While it’s true that stress is the result of outside situations and circumstances, it is how YOU react to a situation that causes stress.

Have you observed how different people react differently to the same situations? That should clear things for you. I won’t go into much detail. The only thing that’s important for you to realize is that stress is within and not out.

Smile – the Miracle Cure to Deal with Stress

When you smile the face muscles relax and stimulates a part of the brain that relaxes and makes us happy. And the best part is that you can fake it! A faked smile has almost similar effects as a real smile. You just witnessed it at the beginning of this article.

Another benefit of smile is that it is contagious. When you smile at someone, it is almost impossible for a person seeing you not to smile. And when someone smiles back at you, you feel even better.

Heck! You can actually do that to yourself! Just watch yourself in the mirror and smile. See the magic it creates in you.

I know it may be a bit difficult initially for you to smile back at yourself. You are not used to it. But just do it. Just a couple of times and then you’ll start loving it.

Do it often

You need not wait for stress to strike you for you to smile. Just make it a point every now and then to repeat the above exercise. Once you do that, your smile quotient will increase and you’ll reclaim your lost sense of humor. You’ll then find yourself laughing at things which you previously would not have. Life will be joy and situations that used to stress you will no longer bother you.

Author : Vishal P. Rao

Posted in: Health care, Uncategorized

Sperm counts continue to plummet, say researchers

June 1, 2012 10:02 am /

Environmental pollution, plastic chemicals, pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides, unhealthy diets, radiation-emitting technologies — these and many other factors are contributing to an epidemic decline in sperm counts among modern men, say researchers. According to reports, an estimated eight million US couples now have fertility problems, and about half of these cases involve men with poor sperm quality.

Today’s men have much lower sperm counts than men did just 50 years ago. Before the days of agricultural chemicals, fluoride in water, and mobile phones, exposure to sperm-damaging elements and conditions was limited, hence the reason why men of old had better sperm quality than men today do. A steady increase in hormone-disrupting chemicals and other damaging factors continues to wreak havoc on male fertility, and the epidemic is only worsening.

Last year, a five-year study found that bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical widely used in many plastic products, is responsible for destroying sperm . Another study presented at the 2006 conference of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine found that common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant drugs can literally bring a man’s sperm count to zero.

Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio found that regular cell phone use leads to a significant decline in sperm count . And a recent study out of the University Hospital San Cecilio, Granda, Spain, found that common pesticides used on food crops lead to poor quality and lowered sperm counts .

Obesity, eating junk food and drinking sodas, using a laptop on your lap, and even taking too many hot baths can also destroy sperm .

So clearly it is important for men who care at all about their fertility to take note of the environmental, lifestyle, and dietary factors that negatively affect sperm quality, and seek out ways to avoid them. It is also crucial for men to take the offense and fight back against the tide of sperm destruction by pursuing the right kinds of nutrition to help boost sperm quality.

Article source: http://www.naturalnews.com/032031_sperm_counts_radiation.html

Posted in: Men Health / Tagged: ,

COCONUT OIL AND HEART DISEASE

May 26, 2012 8:19 am /

By Bruce Fife, N.D.

Scientists have recently discovered a powerful new weapon against heart disease. As surprising as it may seem, this new weapon is coconut oil. Yes, ordinary coconut oil. Eating coconut oil on a regular basis can reduce your chances of suffering a heart attack!

Coconut oil is composed of a group of unique fat molecules known as medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). Although they are technically classified as saturated fats, this fat can actually protect you from getting a heart attack or suffering a stroke.

Although coconut oil is predominately a saturated fat, it does not have a negative effect on cholesterol. Natural, nonhydrogenated coconut oil tends to increase HDL cholesterol and improve the cholesterol profile. HDL is the good cholesterol that helps protect against heart disease. Total blood cholesterol, which includes both HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol, is a very inaccurate indicator of heart disease risk. A much more accurate way to judge heart disease risk is to separate the two types of cholesterol. Therefore, the ratio of the bad to good cholesterol (LDL/HDL) is universally recognized as a far more accurate indicator of heart disease risk. Because of coconut oil’s tendency to increase HDL, the cholesterol ratio improves and thus decreases risk of heart disease.

People who traditionally consume large quantities of coconut oil as part of their ordinary diet have a very low incidence of heart disease and have normal blood cholesterol levels. This has been well supported by numerous population studies. The research shows that those people who consume large quantities of coconut oil have remarkably good cardiovascular health.

Read complete article at http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/article10132.htm

Posted in: Ayurveda, Health care, Herbs and uses / Tagged: , ,

Ghee and cholesterol

May 24, 2012 9:19 am /

Indian country cow Ghee reduces cholesterol, does not build it. This is an experience on several Cardio-Vascular-Disease (CVD) patients.One of them very recently completed 21 km Marathon non-stop in Mumbai, in a slow jogging mood and is now considering going to Himalayan Treks. Cow ghee is also used in Cancer Camps, where all types of secondary cancer patients are being treated by PanchGavya medicines.

Of course the ability of ghee in reducing cholesterol may differ depending on the type of cow and her diet. In some Goushalas experiments are in progress to study correlation between cow diet and resulting PanchGavya medicines. Different cow breeds have slightly different properties.

In ayurveda, several medicines are prepared by boiling butter along with fresh herbs/herbal powders/extracts since ghee squeezes out all the medicinal properties of herbs, almost equivalent to taking the fresh juice of the herb. Arjun Ghruta is the well known heart toner made in ghee, to cite an example. At least fifty other come to the mind.

Ghee dose should typically be 1-2 tsp in every meal, unless directed otherwise.

Dr. Shirish Bhate
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ayurvedaonline/message/1573

Posted in: Ayurveda / Tagged: , ,

Male Infertility – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

May 18, 2012 1:41 am /

To be fertile, a man must be able to deliver an adequate quantity of normal sperm to a woman’s  reproductive system, and sperm must be able to fertilize the egg. Conditions that interfere with this process can make a man less fertile. The various causes of male infertility and their Ayurvedic herbal treatment are discussed here.

The most common male infertility factors include azoospermia (no sperm cells are produced) and oligospermia (few sperm cells are produced). Sometimes, the quality of sperm cells is very poor, resulting in poor fertility. Treatment depends upon the identifiable cause.

Conditions that increase the temperature of the testes greatly reduce sperm quantity and quality. Undescended testes should be treated medically or surgically before the age of two years, to avoid permanent damage. Varicose veins of the testes can be treated using traditional Ayurvedic formulations like Punarnava Guggulu, Kankayan Vati, Arshkuthar Ras, Suranadi Vati, Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa) and Kakmachi (Solanum nigrum). Working in an environment of high temperature, and exposure to chemicals and other industrial toxins should be best avoided. The damage done by these factors to sperm production, can be treated using medicines like Aswagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens), Vasa (Adhatoda vasika), Vidarikand (Ipomoea digitata), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Safed Musli (Asparagus adscendence), Samudrashok (Argyreia speciosa), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra) and Pippali (Piper longum).

Hormonal disorders may also interfere with sperm production. Hyperprolactinemia and other pituitary gland disorders may be treated using Kanchnaar Guggulu, Panch Tikta Ghruta Guggulu, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Mogra (Jasminum sambac) and Musta (Cyperus rotundus). Hypothyriodism may be treated using Arogya Vardhini, Kanchnaar Guggulu and Punarnava Guggulu. Hypogonadism may be treated using Kapikacchu, Ashwagandha, Bala, Vidarikand, Safed Musli and Shatavari. Disorders of the adrenal glands may be treated using Gokshuradi Guggulu, Gomutra Haritaki, Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Saariva and Deodar (Cedrus deodara).

Mumps, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases can affect sperm production by causing inflammation and obstruction in the male genital tract. This condition may be treated using Aswagandha , Shatavari, Yashtimadhuk ,Pippali , Guduchi, Kutki, Punarnava, Kaishor Guggulu and Triphala Guggulu. Medicated oils like Mahanarayan oil (containing mainly Shatavari), Mahamash oil (containing mainly black gram) and Saindhav oil are used for local application on the scrotal skin.

Genetic disorders, use of medications and recreational drugs, exposure to radiation, smoking, and the excessive use of steroids and alcohol can also affect male fertility.

Some men do have a sufficient quantity of sperms, but are infertile because of the inability to achieve or have sustained erection (called erectile dysfunction or impotence). This condition may be due to physical causes like inadequate blood flow to the penis, diabetes, neurological defects and hormonal problems. Erectile dysfunction may be treated using medicines like Agnitundi Vati, Vishtinduk Vati, Tapyadi Loha, Trayodashang Guggulu, Abhrak Bhasma, Kapikachhu, Bala, Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Triphala (Three fruits), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Musta and Kutaj (Holharrhina antidysentrica). These medicines may also be used to treat retrograde ejaculation, in which the sperm goes backwards into the bladder, instead of coming out of the penis. Psychological inhibition can be treated by using medicines like Jayphal (Myristica fragrans), Talimkhana (Asteracantha longifolia), Parsik Yavani (Hyoscyamus niger), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Vacha (Acorus calamus).

This is, thus, a short description of the various causes of male infertility and their Ayurvedic herbal treatment.

Author :Abdulmubeen Mundewadi

Posted in: Men Health / Tagged: , , , , ,

Learn How To Lose Weight In College

May 10, 2012 1:46 am /

Few years in the college could result in putting on weight. Fried foods in the cafeteria, skip meals, irregular meals, no time for exercise, all these excuses can be avoided. Most important is to convince yourself you have to maintain your immune system at peak so that you can stay healthy and fit for your studies. With that in mind, you can’t forget about learning how to eat healthy foods while at college.

Settling into an eating routine is very important as this will keep the body metabolism high, which means burning more calories.

For example:

Take breakfast before class. Make sure you wake up early to take breakfast before attending lesson. Never skip breakfast. You can prepare instant oatmeal for the start of the day. Oat takes longer time to digest and helps to keep the metabolism going.

Snack between classes. Make sure you consume smaller meals between classes. Take with you wheat bread instead of white bread. Break into 5 to 6 smaller meals instead of 3. Remember to drink more water. Water hydrates your body and helps to keep body cells function well.

Avoid fried foods in cafeteria. Give no chance to pizza and greasy foods. It is important to make healthy decisions. Chose more fish, lean meat, vegetables, fruits, or soybean. Take higher protein and less carbohydrate in order to lose weight. Also, remember to consume less sugar. Fruit sugar such as fructose is the best replacement for white sugar. If you want to drink coffee, you might consider taking fruits or fruit juices.

Avoid alcohol. Celebrating at party can be difficult without alcohol. Replace alcohol with cocktail or fruit juices. Alcohol has more empty calories than most of the foods you can eat at the cafeteria combined.

Add an exercise routine at a local gym. There are times after school when everyone goes for other activities, that is the time for your workouts. You will not become a bodybuilder or power lifter but it will keep your metabolism high enough to stay slim and fit.

The above guides could be difficult to implement at first but with careful planning it can be done easily. College is one of the best times of your life. Don’t let poor eating choices ruin your health. Swear that you will want to graduate from college healthier than before.

Article source:http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/439222?articleid=439222&em=1&title=Learn%2CHow%2CTo%2CLose%2CWeight%2CIn%2CCollege

Posted in: Weight-reduction / Tagged: , ,