Hair care

 

Home Hair Care

Hair plays a significant role in every individual’s life, especially youth. Hair can change a person’s look to a great extent, but all this does not come for free. One needs to take a great care of his hair using home hair remedies. There are different types of hair like dry hair, oily hair, balanced hair etc. Each hair type needs different home hair treatments and care. There are many products available in the market that boasts for their superior quality and worthiness, but many of them are synthetic products, which may cause some problems in the long run. Don’t get disheartened by this, you can use natural products for grooming your hair.

Natural Hair Treatments

Nature has bestowed mankind with so many things. You can use these home remedies for hair care. The best part of natural hair products is that, unlike synthetic products they don’t have any side effects. One can prepare his own hair care products at home using these natural products. This will save your money and save you from the chemicals found in synthetic hair care products.

• You can use natural hair care products like henna, shikakai, lemon, coconut oil etc. for hair care. Rinse dry hair in lemon juice to get back the lost shine.
• Mix apple cider vinegar with water to get shiny and bouncy hair.
• Drink plenty of water, eat raw vegetables and fruit for healthy hair.
• Apply honey on your scalp to solve the problem of tangled and frizzy hair. Mix honey in two cups of fresh cream to create an excellent natural hair product for dry hair.
• If you have an oily hair, wash them regularly with multaani mitti. It will not only reduce oil but also clean them thoroughly.
• If you have got dandruff, prepare a solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of castor, mustard and coconut oil each and massage and apply into the scalp.
• You can prepare your own home hair care products by common thing found in your kitchen.

Baldness

Baldness occurs when hair growth stops taking place on the scalp. Hair loss or baldness is usually associated with advancing age. However it can happen earlier in life as well. Both women and men may face this problem due to various factors. The main symptoms of baldness are hair fall and thinning of the hair. Baldness causes include poor diet, pollution, extreme weather and excessive alcohol consumption. Stress, depression, intake of certain drugs, excessive use of chemical-based hair products and chemotherapy could also cause balding. Initially the individual may find large amounts of loose hair on the hair brush and clothes. Bald patches may then start developing and finally the hairline begins to recede.
There are several natural treatments that help to prevent hair loss and baldness. These are much better than commercially available drugs and applications as they are known to have fewer side effects. One may not be able to cure baldness with these remedies as the cause of the problem is likely to much deeper and requires the right type of medical treatment. However, remedies that make use of natural ingredients help to supply nourishment to the hair follicles and improve the condition of the hair. Fenugreek seeds are known to be effective in hair loss treatment. Soak some fenugreek seeds in water and massage the solution into the scalp. Wrap a towel around the head for three hours and then rinse. A hair pack made with egg yolk is also helpful in conditioning the scalp and hair. Oil massages are the most popular remedies for hair loss. Massage helps to improve blood circulation in the scalp and oils such as coconut, olive and castor oil help to nourish and strengthen the hair.
One may rub the bald spot with a mixture of onion juice and honey. This helps to improve growth of hair. Essential oils are also known to be beneficial in treating baldness. Use oils such as rosemary, jojoba, lavender and chamomile. Another popular home remedy for baldness and hair fall is to drink a concoction of mustard seeds boiled in water. You can also make an effective hair rinse by boiling rosemary leaves in water. Massaging the hair roots with coconut milk is another natural way to treat baldness. Good nutrition is essential in promoting good hair growth. The diet must be healthy and balanced. In case of any nutritional deficiencies, one may consult a doctor regarding the intake of dietary supplements. 

Dandruff

Dandruff is the visible flakes of skin shed from the scalp. It is the result of the normal growing process of the cells of the skin of the scalp. It can happen at any age between twelve and eighty. Cradle cap is the special form of dandruff found in infants and new born babies. It is the persistent and itchy disorder of the scalp. It is also known as seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff is a gradually process. White or greasy yellow flakes appear on the hair and scalp. It may cause itching and redness of scalp. Dandruff does not cause hair loss. Human skin constantly renews itself so it is normal to shed some dead skin flakes. New skin is formed in the lower layer and is pushed to the surface.
Dandruff may be caused due to internal or external causes. Some of the internal causes of dandruff are hormonal imbalance, poor health, poor hygiene, allergic hypersensitive, lack of rest, emotional stress, excessive consumption of sugar, fat, starch, improper nutrition, and heredity predisposition. Some of the external factors responsible for the cause of dandruff are excessive use of gels and hair sprays, stress, anxiety, dry indoor heating, cold weather, excessive use of hot hair curlers etc, infrequent shampooing etc. Dandruff usually starts after puberty therefore hormones may be involved. Dandruff is never caused due to dryness of skin.
The grease glands are affected by hormones therefore dandruff is more common in men than in women. Dandruff is non-contagious. Ever scratch your scalp if you are suffering from dandruff. Avoid using hair dye it will reduce some of the beneficial bacteria of the scalp. Don’t be ignorant if your scalp is red and itch, in such case see your doctor as soon as possible. Some of the nutritional supplements used for dandruff are Vitamin B complex especially vitamin B1 and B2 Vitamin A, Omega fatty acids, especially omega-6, Zinc. 

Hair Growth

Hair is an important aspect in one’s physical appearance and plays a vital role in keeping one’s morale and self-confidence. Therefore, there is no doubt as to why the hair growth product market is such a lucrative one. Millions are spent by people all over the world for hair growth products. However, it is best to use natural hair growth products such as herbs, roots, and seeds.
Hair growth could become a major concern if you are losing a lot of hair or exhibit visible thinning or balding hair. However, there are plenty of natural products which you can get in the market to promote fast hair growth. Besides these products, you could also make your own herbal hair growth remedies at home.

Hair Growth Vitamins

Hair growth is facilitated when you consume adequate amounts of vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and D. The other vitamins that are beneficial for natural hair growth include vitamins B1, B2, B6, B 12, biotin, folic acid, inositol, and pantothenic acid. Natural hair growth vitamins can be obtained by consuming green vegetables, soy beans, almonds, dairy products, eggs, and omega 3 fatty acids from fish. These will supply the nutrients needed for fast hair growth. Remember to drink enough water to keep the body well hydrated. Coffee, tea, and alcohol tend to dehydrate the body.

Hair Growth Tips

Drinking green tea is an effective hair growth treatment as it contains antioxidants which help clear toxins and improve blood circulation. Get enough sleep as your body requires sufficient rest for optimal functioning. Sleep deprivation over long periods will show on your health and eventually on your hair. Massage the scalp with coconut, almond, or olive oil boiled with herbs like rosemary, basil, or henna leaves. Cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, peppercorns, or lemon peels can also be added. These will relax you and also stimulate hair growth. Egg white could be used as hair conditioner. You can also rinse your hair with warm vinegar after washing it.

Hair Growth Remedies

Avoid using harmful hair care products. Always use good shampoos and do not wash hair too often as they strip the hair of natural oils. After a bath, wrap your hair with a towel that has been dipped in hot water and squeezed dry. Trim your hair once every few months to avoid split ends. This is an effective hair growth remedy.
Take brisk walks at least thrice a week and exercise well to maintain a balanced life style and to keep healthy. Try and also reduce your everyday stress by using aromatherapy to refresh and relax

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Home remedies for colds, coughs and the flu

Garlic tea immune enhancer

A well-known immune system strengthener, garlic shines as an antibacterial and antiviral herb for fighting colds, coughs and the flu. One of the best ways to take advantage of garlic's healing properties is by drinking fresh garlic tea. Sweetened with a little raw honey, it's delicious and helps to heal what ails you. Peel 2 to 3 cloves of fresh garlic and lightly crush them with the side of a wide knife blade. Add them to 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for another 15 minutes. Strain the garlic and allow the tea to cool to mouth temperature. Add raw honey, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. Drink as much as desired.

Red onion and raw honey cough syrup

A wonderful home remedy for adults or kids suffering from a cough uses brown cane sugar, raw honey or stevia and red onions to make a soothing and tasty cough syrup. Wash, peel and slice the entire onion horizontally. Starting with the base of the onion, layer the slices in a bowl alternating with layers of raw honey or brown sugar. Stevia powder works well for this home remedy too; however, it is extremely sweet. Continue adding layers of onion and sweetener until the entire onion is reconstructed in the bowl. Cover and allow the sweetened onion to remain in the bowl on your counter for about 12-15 hours or overnight. The next day, there will be about a cup or more of sweet syrup in the bowl. The cough syrup contains a range of nutrients, vitamins and minerals from the onion and the honey to help fight infection and soothe sore throats and quiet a cough. Take a spoonful as needed. Has no onion-y taste.

Raw honey and lemon for sore throats

A mixture of fresh lemon juice and raw honey provides soothing relief for sore throats and helps stop the tickle that stimulates coughing. Raw honey -- with all its components including royal jelly, propolis and bee pollen -- is high in nutrients and enzymes which kill bacteria and viruses. The vitamin C and antioxidants found in fresh lemons boost the immune system, speeding healing. Together these two home remedies are a powerhouse for getting over a cold and sore throat. Mix the juice of 1/2 the lemon with 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey and sip throughout the day as needed.

Chicken soup antiviral

Chicken soup really does act to knock out a cold or the flu and hasten healing. As long ago as the 12th century, the Jewish physician Maimonides recommended consuming chicken soup to fight colds and flu. Take advantage of the high antioxidant properties and nutrients found in organic vegetables and chicken. Although non-organic chicken soup may relieve some cold symptoms, it also supplies the body with pesticides, growth hormones, herbicides and antibiotics that are not recommended for well being. Go organic all the way and get well quickly.

Mullein tea for coughs and congestion

Mullein tea is well-known for relieving chest congestion from coughs, colds and the flu. It acts as an expectorant, loosening trapped mucous and soothing sore throats. Make mullein tea by filling a tea ball or strainer with dried mullein herb and steeping in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Sweeten with raw honey and drink as needed to relieve symptoms.

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Natural home remedies: Diarrhea

Normally, as food goes through your digestive tract, the large intestine soaks up extra water. Sometimes, though, it doesn’t, and you get rid of the fluid in your stool—a bothersome problem we call diarrhea.

What you can do for diarrhea

• It’s important to keep replacing your body’s supply of water and electrolytes, which include sodium, potassium and chloride. Mix up the perfect electrolyte drink by stirring a half-teaspoon of salt and four teaspoons of sugar into a litre of water. Add a little bit of orange juice, lemon juice or salt substitute for potassium. During the day, drink the full amount.
• Start by eating only foods that are see-through, like chicken broth and Jell-O. Broth is an especially good choice, since it supplies your body with water as well as electrolytes from the salt. Stick with these “clear foods” for a day or two.
• Avoid fruit juices. Large amounts of fructose can be hard to digest.
• Spoil yourself with the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. All are bland and soothing, and the bananas and applesauce contain pectin, a type of soluble fibre that soaks up excess fluid in your intestine and slows down the passage of stool. (Avoid apple juice, however, which can make diarrhea worse.)
• Carrots are another soothing source of pectin. Cook some carrots until they’re soft, then drop them in a blender with a little water and puree into a baby-food consistency. Eat a quarter to a half-cup each hour.
• Avoid foods that are rich in roughage, which can be hard to digest. That means no beans, cabbage or Brussels sprouts.
• Eat yogurt containing “live cultures” like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium. These help to restore healthy levels of the helpful bacteria in your intestine.

A natural boost for diarrhea

• Drink black tea sweetened with sugar. The hot water helps with rehydration and tea contains astringent tannins that help reduce intestinal inflammation.
• Tannin-rich blackberries have long been used as folk treatments. Make blackberry tea by boiling one or two tablespoons of blackberries or dried blackberry leaves in 1 1⁄2 cups water for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink a cup several times a day. Raspberry tea is also said to be effective.
• Capsules of dried goldenseal appear to kill many of the bacteria, such as E. coli, that cause diarrhea. The key compound in the herb is berberine. Take the capsules daily until the diarrhea improves.
• Ground-up psyllium seeds soak up excess fluid in the intestine, making stool bulkier. They are the key ingredient in Metamucil and in many other natural-fibre products. Take one to three tablespoons mixed in water each day.

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Blood Sugar

Monitoring your blood sugar is a vital part of the diabetes management process, and frequent self-monitoring is the key to successful diabetes care. Testing your blood sugar, also called glucose, allows you to adjust your food, medication, or activity level so that you can keep your blood sugar level within a healthy range.
When blood sugar is too high, it's called hyperglycemia. If blood sugar levels remain too high for too long, there's a greater likelihood of serious short-term and long-term complications that affect the whole body. Low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia, can result in unpleasant symptoms or even dangerous complications.
Tightly controlling blood sugar levels, however, has been shown to prevent, reduce, or even reverse some of the long-term complications associated with diabetes by up to 60 percent. Tight blood sugar control depends on frequent monitoring.
Testing your blood sugar multiple times each day can help you understand blood sugar patterns and fluctuations associated with certain foods or alcohol, specific medication doses, your level of activity, illness, and stressors at home or work. With this information, you can then figure out what works best for you -- food, exercise, medications, or insulin -- to keep your levels as close to normal as possible. If you don't test your blood sugar levels, or test only infrequently, you'll never be sure whether your diabetes is really controlled.

For more information on diabetes in general, try the following links:

• To learn more about diabetes in general, including diagnosis, causes, symptoms, and treatment, visit our main Diabetes page.
• Our main Type 1 Diabetes page will tell you more about this form of diabetes, commonly called, "juvenile diabetes."
• To find out more about type 2 diabetes, which has reached the level of national health epidemic, go to our main Type 2 Diabetes page.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

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Sinus Headaches

Winter has finally ended, bees are enjoying the pollen and children are happily playing in the grass, but you're sneezing, wheezing and wishing your face would finally explode to release the pressure in your sinuses. In addition to watery eyes and a running nose, you have a headache that seemingly won't quit until winter rolls around again.
There's a chance your sinuses aren't entirely to blame for your aching head. Both sinus and allergy headaches are rarer than you think, and they often take the fall for headaches caused by other sources.
That's not to say seasonal headaches don't occur, especially during spring and summer months. So what happens when a change in seasons does cause our heads to hurt? The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the skull. When the sinus drainage system is backed up, your sinuses become inflamed. This will make you look and feel sick, giving you a runny nose, fever, pain and sensitivity in the front of your head and face.
If your headache is sinus-related, don't bother treating the headache itself; instead, treat the underlying cause: your inflamed sinus cavities. You can do this using a saline nasal spray, a humidifier or prescription antibiotics (only if a bacterial infection caused the inflammation).
The same applies for any allergy-related headache -- resolve the allergic reaction, eliminate the allergen itself and your headache will go away, as well.

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