Introduction of Homeopathy

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What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is based on the principle that substances that are poisonous in large doses can be very beneficial in small doses. Homeopathy is a form of medicine that treats the body as a whole and helps it to heal itself. It can be used for the short term (acute) illnesses and long term (chronic) illnesses. The objective is to prevent the patient from getting the illnesses again (prevention). The name homeopathy comes from the Greek word "homios" which means "like" and the word "pathos" meaning "suffering". Thus homeopathy simply means treating like with like.

In the fourth century B.C., Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, observed that large amount of certain natural substances can produce symptoms in healthy people resembling those caused by the disease, while smaller doses of these same substances can relieve those symptoms. in 1790's Samuel Hahnemann, a German doctor, amplified this concept and proposed the practice called homeopathy. He proposed that "Let like be cured by like". Homeopathy uses animal, vegetable and mineral preparations to cure a person's illness. Millions of people in Britain, Europe and America uses Homeopathy.

Homeopathy looks at each patient and develops a remedy or treatment plan strictly for him or her. It invokes the powers of healing inherent in individuals (our immune system) to develop a successful therapy. The more one knows about the patient, the symptoms, likes and dislikes, what makes them better or worse, it helps in developing a "symptom picture" of the patient that can lead to a successful treatment.

If we think about the principle of homeopathy, it has a lot in common with our present understanding of immunizations. To prevent us from catching small pox, a vaccine is prepared which is a mild form of the virus that causes the disease. The principle is that introduction of this small amount of the virus in our body system will set out our body's defenses so that when the actual virus shows up, our body will have enough barriers or fighting power to prevent the virus from entering our body. Homeopathy practitioners believe that when we introduce a very very small amount of the deadly material into the body, our body will unleash enough defenses to prevent the disease from recurring again. However, there are significant differences between the concepts used in Western medicine and those of homeopathy. Vaccines are not rendered more potent when they are diluted like homeopathic preparations. In conventional treatment, there is a minimum dosage that need to be given before the medication becomes effective in treating the underlying problem. For example, when taking antibiotics, we have to take the whole course at regular intervals to maintain a potency level in the bloodstream to kill the bacteria.

Homeopathic remedies, which are made from naturally occurring plant, animal, or mineral substances, are recognized and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are manufactured by established pharmaceutical companies under strict guidelines. There are over 2000 homeopathic remedies that are usually referred to by their abbreviated name. (For example Arg nit. stands for Argentum nitricum). These are derived from such exotic sources as bee stings, snake venoms, arsenic, gold and silica, and even compounds from diseases tissue. Homeopaths also prescribes tissue salts. Tissue salts are prepared from mineral sources. Homeopathic remedies are diluted to such an extent that there can be no possible side effects from even the most toxic substances. The dilution process is known as 'potentation' Taken in this ultra diluted form, Homeopathic remedies have no side effects and are perfectly safe, non-toxic and non-addictive.

Names of Homeopathic Medicines

Most of the Homeopathic medicines are referred to by their Latin names. The table below shows some of the common Homeopathic medicines and their Latin names.

Latin Name

Common Name

Allium cepa Apis Arnica Belladonna Bellis perennis Berberis Bryonia Calcarea carbonica Calendula Cantharis Caulophylium Chamomilla Cimicifuga Colocynthis Cuprum metallicum Eupbrasia Ferrum phos Gelsemium Hepar sulph Lachesis Ledum Magnesia phosphorica (Mag phos) Mercurius Natrum mur Nux vomica Oscillococcinum Pulsatilla Rhus tox Sarsaparilla Sepia Sulphur Urtica urens Zincum

Onion Crushed bee Mountain daisy Deadly nightshade Daisy Barberry Wild hops Calcium carbonate Marigold Spanish fly Blue cohosh Chamomile Black snakeroot Bitter cucumber Copper Eyebright Iron phosphate Yellow jasmine Hahnemann's calcium sulphide Venom of the bushmaster snake Marsh tea Magnesium phosphate Mercury Salt Poison nut Duck heart and liver Windflower Poison ivy Wild licorice Cuttlefish Sulphur Stinging nettle Zinc

How does Homeopathic remedies work?

Many of the homeopathic remedies are so diluted that according to the known laws of physics and chemistry, they couldn't possibly have any effect. Once you get beyond a certain point-24x or 12c -there is probably not even one single molecule of the original active substance remaining. Critics of homeopathy often point to this fact as they dismiss the effect of homeopathy as merely due to placebo effect.

And yet, according to homeopathic doctrine and experience, the more diluted the solution, the more potent it is. Homeopaths contend that the remedies work and they see no reason to stop using them simply because we do not understand how they work. They often argue that pharmacologists cannot explain exactly how most conventional drugs work. For example, even aspirin is not fully understood in terms of how it works, but physicians have no difficulty in recommending its use.

Over the years several theories have been proposed to explain the action on homeopathic potentization.

Hormesis

The effects of microdoses have been known for a long time, and there are a number of examples that support the idea that very diluted concentrations of a substance will have a measurable and sometimes profound effect. Scientists call this phenomenon: hormesis.

Scientists from Michigan State University have shown how hormesis work in nature. They used microdoses of a fertilizer to stimulate crop production. In a dose equivalent to a 9x dilution, the fertilizer increased tomato yield by 30 percent, carrots were 21 percent bigger, and corn yield increased by 25 percent.

Our own bodies secrete minute amounts of hormones that have powerful effects. Thyroid hormone is present in our blood at only 1 part per 10 billion-yet this is enough to regulate the rate of our entire metabolism. Many animal studies show that low doses of some substances elicit a beneficial response while high doses are harmful. This phenomenon has been documented to occur with radiation, antibiotics, and heavy metals.

Pheromones

Pheromones are powerful aromatic hormone-like substances that creatures secrete to attract one another. One molecule of moth pheromone is so potent, it will attract another moth from miles away and trigger a cascade of physical reactions. Though well documented, the exact mechanism for pheromones remains unknown.

Homeopathic Remedies Work in Spiritual/Energy Plane and Not in Physical Plane

Homeopathic remedies are believed to work in the spiritual plane as opposed to the physical plane as we are used to think and measure. Hahnemann believed that dilution and succussion released a spirit- like power that worked on the spiritual level of the vital force in humans. We are familiar with the formerly invisible, immeasurable, unknowable energy forms, such as electromagnetic radiation and subatomic particles. Magnets exerted their force long before science could explain the mechanism. Physicists are still trying to explain gravity and the nature of matter, still discovering phenomena such as the "strong force" and the "weak force."

Homeopathy is an energy medicine, as are acupuncture and therapeutic touch. Homeopaths believe that although the physical molecules of the original substance may be gone, dilution and succussion leaves something behind-an imprint of its essence, or its energy pattern-that gives it a kind of healing charge. Potentization does not occur if you simply dilute the substance, even if you dilute it repeatedly. Nor does it occur if you only shake the substance vigorously. There is something about each process that builds sequentially upon the other, causing the power to be retained and progressively intensified.

But how does the information in such a minute amount of substance get transferred to the body? Some theorists suggest the repeated succussion creates an electrochemical pattern that is stored in the water carrier and then spreads like liquid crystallization through the body's own water; others say the dilution process triggers an electromagnetic imprinting that directly affects the electro- magnetic field of the body. This concept is used in other therapies also. For example, Ayurveda suggests taking water that has been potentizated by precious metals such as gold. The water is believed to possess curative power as a result of coming in contact with gold and other gemstones although no molecular transfer takes place. The healing power of crystals and magnets are believed to come from their effect on the energy pattern or vibration frequency. So, the suggestion of the homeopathic remedies as working on the energy plane may not be as far fetched as we may think at the first glance.

Homeopathic Remedies Activate the Vital Force

Homeopaths believe that it is the energy or "vibrational pattern" of the remedy, rather than the chemical content, that stimulates the healing by activating what Hahnemann called the Vital force. Vital force is the healing power or energy that exists within us all. It is called by the name Chi by Chinese and Prana by Indian Ayurveda. The vital force fuels the mind, body, emotions and mind. It keeps us healthy and balanced. When the balance of the vital force is disturbed by factors such as stress, pollution, improper diet and lack of exercise, it becomes weakened resulting in the person getting sick.

Scientists who accept the potential benefits of homeopathic theory suggest several theories to explain how highly diluted homeopathic medicines may act. Using recent developments in quantum physics, they have proposed that electromagnetic energy in the medicines may interact with the body on some level. Researchers in physical chemistry have proposed the "memory of water" theory, whereby the structure of the water-alcohol solution is altered by the medicine during the process of dilution and retains this structure even after none of the actual substance remains.

Hair Care - Part IV

How To Reverse Hair Loss?

These are helpful tips to help regenerate hair follicles, but they do not cure any underlying conditions, or stress-related hair loss.

• Try drinking this - blend bananas with honey, yoghurt & low-fat milk. A drink rich in biotin can help keep your crowning glory firmly rooted.
  
• Take dietary supplements such as Vitamin B6, zinc & saw palmetto. Supplements are useful when you can't get enough from natural food sources.
  
• Invert your head while you shampoo & massage your scalp. This helps promote blood circulation to the head.
  
• Eliminate stress or else it can be disastrous to your precious hair!
  
• Get enough sleep.

How To Get Rid Of Dandruff?

Cure for dandruff:

• Vinegar is poured into the hair, massaged into the scalp, and left to dry for a few minutes.
  
• Then the hair is washed.
  
• The process is repeated daily until the dandruff disappears, usually within a few days.

Homemade Hair Spray

Chop one lemon (or an orange for dry hair). Place in a pot with 2 cups water. Boil until half of the initial amount remains. Cool, strain, and place in a spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator.

If it is too sticky, add more water. Add one ounce rubbing alcohol as a preservative and then the spray can be stored for up to two weeks unrefrigerated.

How To Straighten Your Hair?

So, do you want to strighten your curls? Here's how:

• Wash and condition hair.
• Blot dry. Hair should be almost dry when you begin.
• Gather up hair into several sections and secure or clip hair on top of your head. You will be drying the bottom layers first.
• Follow the brush (with your dryer) down the sections of hair as you straighten each section and be sure to keep the dryer moving.
• Take down a new section of hair and procede as directed above.
• Work your way up the layers until all sections are dried and straightened.
• To curl the ends for a polished look, take your brush and pull the ends under. Finish your styling with a blast of cool air if your hairdryer has this capability.

Tips:

• Be sure to condition your hair often. Sun, cold temperatures plus the use of your hair dryer can be hard on your hair.
• For best results, use products formulated for your hair type. It does make a difference.
• Give your hair a break and allow it to dry naturally as often as possible.
• Have split ends snipped every six weeks to two months to ensure that they don't travel up the hair shaft.

How To Deal With Dandruff?

Some are of the opinion that at the early stages of hair loss, dandruff begins to increase. However, an increase in the amount of dandruff does not necessarily mean that there is a "cause-effect" relationship resulting in the thinning of hair.

You should think of excessive dandruff as a warning sign as far as the health of the hair is concerned.

Dandruff is made up of bits of dead skin that peel away from the scalp as a result of the effects of metabolism. Normally, dandruff, in its early stages of growth, is not visible to the naked eye. It becomes visible only after enlarging into pieces of dead skin (what we normally call "dandruff") as a result of the propagation of bacteria and/or problems with seborrhoeic scalp conditions.

Persons suffering from prolonged dandruff are said to have a dandruff ailment. This type of ailment, accompanied by itchiness, can lead to eczema if it worsens. Suppressing the propagation of bacteria is one means of dealing with fatty dandruff. This is because bacteria is one of the causes of this condition.

If possible, try to shampoo on a daily basis to prevent bacterial propagation. One effective means of dealing with dandruff is to disinfect the scalp area with commercially available medicated shampoos specifically designed for dandruff removal. However, daily shampooing can lead to eczema for persons who suffer from dry scalps. Shampooing once every three days may be ideal for such persons.

Persons who suffer from persistent, hard-to-cure dandruff are urged to consult a skin specialist.

Tips on hair care

From Hats to Gnats ... Protect Your Hair and Scalp This Summer

The hot summer sun might make us forget winter worries, but the glorious days of this season bring new sources of irritation for the scalp that call for protective measures. "Things like the sun, gnats, perspiration and close-fitting hats can not only create scalp problems, but can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions.

Sun

"Many people do not realize that the sun is a very powerful drying agent, and that they can sustain substantial damage from not protecting their scalps from the scorching rays," recommends wearing a hat, as well as using hair products that contain sunscreen.

Hats

While hats will keep the hair and scalp safe from sun damage, tight, close-fitting ones do more harm than good. "Tight hats do not allow the skin to breathe, so the scalp becomes very hot," . "Perspiration builds up, making the scalp feel itchy and tight, causing or exacerbating irritation." loose-fitting hats made from breathable fabrics to shield the hair and scalp from the sun. Avoid hats made with plastic or mesh-like materials, since the sun's rays can penetrate through the small openings.

Gnats

Along with the bright summer sun, the gnats are out in full force to add to scalp irritation. Gnats usually hover around the head and face, which puts them within striking distance of the scalp. "The scalp becomes inflamed and itchy from the gnat bites," . To combat gnats, experts advise
people to don a hat or use insect repellent sparingly on clothes and hats.

Chlorine/Saltwater

When the temperature rises, pools and beaches are especially inviting -- and very hard on the scalp and hair. The chlorine in pool water and the salt in the ocean can be extremely drying. "After swimming, immediately rinse chlorine or salt from hair. The longer the chlorine and salt are in contact with the scalp, the more it dries it out," .

More Shampoo Two For One

Buy a bottle of shampoo and when you get home pour half of it in another bottle. Then fill up both bottles with water. This way you will have double the shampoo for the price of one.

Great Smelling Hair how To Get Better Smelling Hair

Spray hair brush with body spray to have great smelling hair all day long

Shiny Hair How To Get Shiny Hair

Rinse your hair with cool water after shampooing & conditioning for the shiniest hair.

Reducing Frizz How to Reduce Frizzy Hair

For frizzy hair, try using a little body lotion, to tone down the frizz

Wavy Hair How to get wavy hair overnight

To get your hair wavy overnight, sleep with a loose braid in your hair. You will have beautiful waves all day long. Combing your hair too much after taking out the braid will reduce the time the braid will last.

Morning Hair Making it easier to deal with

To make it easier to take care of your hair in the morning, wrap it in a silky scarf before you go to bed. This will make it much easier to comb and style in the morning.

Colored Hair Caring for colored hair

If you have colored your hair, always remember to cover your hair while sun bathing.

Tangled Hair Getting rid of the tangles

To get rid of tangles in your hair, brush your hair from the bottom. If you brush from the top, you pull tangles together, and eventually create knots, making it harder to take care of hair.

Protein For The Hair Egg shampoo

Egg shampoo adds protein to your hair, so if you have damaged, fragile, or even tinted hair, try egg shampoo. It is also very gentle and cleans hair without striping it of natural oils.

Shampoo Use Excesss Shampoo

Use of too much shampoo will strip your hair of its natural oils

Shampooing Tricks Shampooing

Wet hair thoroughly before adding a dab of shampoo. You will be suprised at how little shampoo you really need. If you don't have the lather you desire, try adding a little more water instead of shampoo.

Keeping Hair Clean Washing Hair

How often you should wash your hair is different for everyone. You will know the time is right by the appearance and feel of your hair. It is as simple as that.

Healthy Hair Healthy Hair

For healthy hair fill you diet with lots of vegetables, vitamin A, C, B complex, iron, iodine, and copper.

Removing Bond Glue Hair glue

Out of bonding hair glue? use an oil sheen to remove the glued hair tracks.

Styling Aids Styling made easier

To make it easier to style hair, heat up styling products such as pomade, with blow dryer before appling them. This makes it easier to apply, hence easier to style.

Alternative Styling Products Smooth Fly-Away Hairs

If you run out of styling products, try using hand lotion to smooth hair. It can also add shine and easily washes out.

Great Smelling Hair Scented Styles

Add a few drops of essential oil to hair gels, pomades, balms, or creams for a sweet smelling style.

Reduce Build Up Hair Build-up

Rinse 1 cup of apple cider vinegar in your hair to reduce build-up.

Getting A Shiny Wet Hair Look Wet Look

To get that super shiny "wet look" with any brand hair gel, apply to hair when wet. Don't blow dry or comb hair; let it dry naturally.

Swimmers Hair Preventing Chlorine Damage

Work conditioner through hair and leave in before going to the pool

Hair Care While Swimming Swim hair

Always wet your hair or apply conditioner before you go swimming (Hair aborbs very well, so if you do not, it will absorb the salt or chlorine in the sea or pool). If hair is already wet, absorbtion will be minimal

Long Lasting Curls Curls

To make curls last longer, do not remove rollers till hair has completely cooled down.

How To Dry Your Hair Drying Hair

When blow drying your hair, start at the roots. This will give your hair more lift and body, and also allow your hair to dry quickly.

Testing Hair Strength Damage Test

Fill a sink with water, and push your hair in it. If your hair floats, you are fine. However if your hair sinks, then it is damaged(It has holes or pores in it, that is why it sinks), and you need to get it treated.

Give Your Hair A Natural Shine Shiny Hair

To get hair shiny, wash and blow dry it the night before. Your own natural oils will add to making it more shiny in the morning

Reduction Of Split Ends Split ends

To avoid split ends use a wide-tooth comb after washing your hair

Reduce greasy Hair Avoid greasy hair

To aviod greasy hair, scrub scalp very lightly when washing hair. When scalp is scrubbed harshly, sebaceous glands are activated, and this produces more oils.

Increase Hair Volume More Volume

To increase volume in hair, put small amounts of baby powder or powder eye shadow on roots. (Make sure powder matches hair color).

Stop Hair From Falling Flat Hair

To avoid flat hair, repart your hair , once or twice during the day.

Minimizing Static Stopping Static

Try spraying Static Guard (or similar product) on brushes and hats or rub hair with a dryer sheet to minimize static.

Get Rid Of Dandruff Dandruff be gone

To get rid of dandruff, apply one spoon each of apple cider vinegar,vodka, and warm water, and a drop of tea tree oil to hair after shampooing. Keep in overnight, and style as usual in the morning. Do not rinse out.

Hair Care - Part III

A Change in Part to Revamp Your Style

Want to change your hairstyle without drastically chopping your locks? Before you shell out major cash for a fresh style, consider modeling a new do with a simple variation on the way you part your hair.

Though there is not necessarily a good or a bad way to part your hair, several mainstream options are easy to achieve. What matters most is that you are comfortable and confident with the style you choose. If you cannot immediately decide on your preferred style, try the following, or make up your own!

A very common method of parting the hair involves the natural part, which runs right down the center of one's head. If this is your current style and you are ready for a change, try to form a new part a bit to the left or the right of your current part.

Parting your hair on your own is a cinch! If you aren't familiar with doing so but want to try a new look, first comb your hair as if you are going to throw it back into a ponytail. Then take a thin comb and trace a straight line along your scalp where your hair meets your forehead to the back of your head. Separate the hair on either side of the new part and gently brush or comb it down until it lays smoothly. If you find difficulty with this, you may want to introduce a small dab of a non-sticky styling product to your hair to calm it down. Also, if your hair is very accustomed to a certain style, you may have to "train" it to respond to the new part by brushing in the desired direction and adding styling products when necessary.

To keep hair healthy and strong, it is important to schedule a trim regularly (or trim it yourself if you are scissors-inclined!) to prevent split ends. If you choose to have your stylist trim your mane for you, she should ask how you part your hair if she does not already know. It is important to "cut with the part" to keep your hair even and natural looking.

If you only want to change your look for a night, a chic zigzag part will stand you out from the crowd. Using your comb, simply trace the part back and forth from your forehead to the back of the head. Then separate the sections so that they lay evenly on either side of your head.

Though you already have a comb on hand, a handy, inexpensive tool makes the zigzag process a bit easier. The "Part Pizazz" is a tool with a point on one end and arms that swing open to separate the sections of hair when you are finished. To design the zigzag you merely trace the desired pattern on your head as if using a pen or pencil and a sheet of paper. Hairagami® produces the "Part Pizazz."

Whether you are enjoying your new look indefinitely or just for a night, remember not to run your hands through your hair too much as it may disrupt the style. Be bold, be conservative-be YOU-have fun and make a statement. Make sure you are confident in your new style as you sport it in public. Then bask in the glow of attention as those close to you notice something is just a bit different about you. Switching your part can make you feel fresh, energized and sexy.

Enjoy it!

No Fail Blow-Drying for Smooth, Shiny Hair

Want that silky, touchable hair that Pantene Pro V products claim their shampoo will give you? Look no further-you can have that flawless look by spending only a few extra minutes blow-drying your hair! Ditch the designer hair products and follow these simple instructions to give your hair the same beautiful look and soft feeling:

Materials:

• Towel
  
• Hairdryer
  
• Brush / Comb
  
• Claw-Clip or barrette
  
• Your usual styling products or a small amount of hair gel for touch-ups

These may not be necessary after you try this tip.

Step 1: Twist hair up into a towel in order to remove excess water. How long you keep it wrapped in the towel is up to you-my hair is long, so time permitting, I keep it like that for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Comb out any tangles and part hair as you wish.

Step 3: Gather hair and twist except for a thin layer at the base of your head. Pin hair atop your head with the clip or barrette.

Step 4: Begin drying the loose hair. (You can use a lower heat setting if you do not have a time restriction.) When hair is complete dry, turn off hairdryer and brush or comb hair.

Step 5: Remove clip and take another section of hair to be dried. Re-twist your hair and replace pin.

Step 6: Repeat step 4 as necessary. For thicker hair, you may need to separate hair into sections several times. My hair is of a medium thickness but long, so I separate it into 3 sections.

Step 7: Once hair is completely dry, brush and style as you wish, or leave it down, as it should be less dried-out and more manageable. If your hair is not completely frizz-free and cooperative, rub a small amount of gel in your hands (a nickel's worth or a quarter's worth) and gently smooth over your hair, paying close attention to the ends.

Drying and styling time will vary based on your hair's thickness and length. Though I do not always have enough time to use this drying technique, it works wonders for my hair for those special occasions!

Approximate Time Required: 10-20 minutes, depending on thickness and length of hair.

Stylish Updo Hairstyle with a Twist

For a stylish up-do, try these simple steps!

Note: Works best with wet or slightly damp hair.

This hairstyle has seen me through business class presentations, mid-summer's outings in sundresses and casual "bum" days in jeans and sweatshirts. It is a great style with a unique twist!

To replicate this relatively easy hairstyle, gather these materials:

• 6 to 12 mini-claw clips (Or, failing that, lots of bobby pins!)
  
• Elastic Band / Ponytail holder
  
• Brush and Comb
  
• A hand mirror (So you can check out your style as you create it.)
  
• Styling gel (Spray gel works best.) or Hairspray

Note: If you do not already have these items, it is not necessary to go out and purchase them. Simply get creative and improvise!

Step 1: Remove excess water from your hair. Hair should be damp, not drenched.

Step 2: Using brush or comb, pull hair back and up, into a smooth, "high" ponytail and securely fasten.

Step 3: Pull a small section of hair away from the ponytail and twist whichever way is more natural/comfortable. Fasten the twist to your head with one of the clips.

Step 4: Repeat Step 3 - fasten each twist so that they start to hide the elastic band. By the time you are finished, a ring of twists should have concealed the band.

Step 5: Arrange the twists however you like them best… Feel free to experiment with the dynamics of the hairstyle. Try fastening the twists closer to the elastic band, or considerable farther away from it. Add more twists or try the style with fewer, thicker twists. You can create many different styles out of this single, basic technique.

Step 6: The ends of the twists should peek out from the clips. You can easily alter the length of these ends by merely changing the position of each mini-clip. For longer ends peeking out-a wilder style-rearrange the clips with more hair outside of the twist, just sticking out where the clip meets your head.

Step 7: Once you are pleased with the result, lightly spray the twists and the ends.

This style can be flirty and fun, or professional and sedate, depending on how you manipulate the twists and clips. Play around, have fun with the style and the many varied end results you can create in minutes!

Approximate Styling Time: 10-15 minutes.

A Recipe For Healthy Hair

Forget hair revitalizing shampoos, great nutrition is the most effective way of getting awesome hair!

Shiny, healthy hair is a reflection of a healthy body, so it's like two for the price of one. Just like your body, your hair needs a balanced, nutritious diet to stay healthy. So follow this recipe for healthier hair, and be amazed at the difference it makes!

Water

Water makes up one-fourth of the weight of a strand of hair. Moisture makes the hair supple, so make sure you get plenty of fluids. A key point is NOT to wait until you're thirsty. If you're thirsty, it means your body has already lost more water than it should have, and it's urging you to fill up the tank. Water not only hydrates your body, but helps keep your hair silky and shiny. Ideally, you should drink between eight and ten glasses of water a day.

Protein

Protein is the building block of hair, so a diet for healthy hair contains an awful lot of protein! Protein will give the shaft of your hair more strength, and will reduce the likelihood of dame through snapping and splitting. You can get protein from foods like fish, meat, milk, cheese and cereals.

Minerals

• Iron helps to carry oxygen to the hair. Without enough iron, hair and its follicles get starved of oxygen. This means that the 'goodness' in the root of your hair is much less effective along the length of the strand. You can increase your iron intake by eating red meat and dark green vegetables, or by iron supplements.
  
• Zinc builds hair protein which helps to prevent hair loss. Meat and seafood are the foods highest in zinc.
  
• Copper is involved in the pigmentation of hair. You can optimize your natural color with a diet with plenty of copper. Who needs hair dye and fake color! Shellfish, liver, fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds and meat are all high in copper.

Vitamins

• Vitamin A will give you a healthy scalp, because it's great for the skin! You can get vitamin A from foods like vegetables - in particular, in carrots. (So it's good for the waistline too!)
  
• Vitamin B and C are important for good circulation, hair growth and hair color. If you ensure that you have enough vitamin B and C, you'll have strong, supple strands of hair that do not split. You can get these vitamins from eating foods like fruit, vegetables, cereals, eggs, milk and bread.

So follow this healthy guide… be sure to add in a hefty dose of daily exercise to keep that blood pumping… then add proper hair care on the surface! Go ahead! Try it!

Soon enough you'll be turning down offers to do shampoo commercials!

Hair Care - Part II

Hair brush solutions

Half the problem of getting the right style and preventing damage is the type of hairbrush you use. Most damage happens when the hair is wet, and if you detangle with a steel comb, you are probably making most of the damage yourself. Do you have curly hair and no matter how your straighten it, you always have a wave? Here are some Hair-Brush Solutions.

• When combing wet hair use a big tooth come and detangle your hair from end to root. Try not to touch the root at all.
• For short hair use a Paddington brush with soft protective bristles as you shape and blow dry your hair to your sought after look.
• If you need to tease your hair for a little height, use a pick.
• For medium length straight hair, use a Paddle Brush with soft protective bristles to help you comb out and blow dry your hair.
• For medium length wavy bobs use extra large round brush to blow out the kinks and curls.
• For longhair past your shoulders use a thick, loose toothed brushed or a big round ceramic brush to help you blow dry you long hair straight. Flip the ends out if you want to be a little sassy with the same brush, creating two looks.

Look good, feel better!

Frustrating Bangs - How To Care For Your Bangs?

You know the bangs that when you walk out of your hairstylists they are perfect, but when you get your chance to do them - you can't. They are side-angled, straight-layered, and maybe even long; but can you ever get them the same. Do you have a cowlick in the middle that never straightens out? Here is what you can do for your bangs.

• Blow-dry your bangs towards the front of your face. If you are using a round brush the hair with the blow-dryer on it from root to end. If you then blow-dry your sides towards the same direction when you lift your head and part towards the side or near center, your bump in the front is gone. Use a straightener for even straighter lasting results.
• After blow-drying your hair put a Velcro roller in the front with another one behind it. Spray with a light hairspray and leave in while you apply your make up. Take out brush to your desired style and get the bangs you like.
• If these two have your patience wearing thin, purchase a straightener and get your finished look. Just remember straighteners' cause a lot of damage so use conditioner every time you wash it while using a straighter for a finished bang.

Apply a lite wax or shine, to keep your hair in place all day long. Lightly finish with a lite hair spray.

Curls Galore: Curling Iron Versus Hot Rollers

Before digging out the spongy pink curlers or running to your stylist for a hasty perm, check out these effective alternatives for an evening of uncustomary curls!

Curling Iron

Inexpensive, relatively user-friendly and quick for minor touch-ups, this device can give you a glam look with a few minutes' investment. If you're donning only a partial head of curly locks, a curling iron could be just the tool you need for an immediate response to your need of a few well-placed curls.

Glamorize your up-do with a curling iron by emphasizing your style with a few loose spiral curls around your face or one or two seductively sweeping along the back of your neck. Creating these curls can be a quick and easy process, but don't forget to spritz them with a little hairspray, or else they may not last the entire evening!

Another common use for a curling iron is tending to your hair's ends. Tuck them under or flip them out a bit wildly, but you won't get the same results with a set of hot rollers! A curling iron is versatile enough to curl precisely the strands that you want curled, in whichever manner you wish to achieve. Even if you wish to curl more than a few small sections of hair, a curling iron is capable of curling your entire head as well.

Time Involved: Curling Iron use may take anywhere from 5 minutes or less to 45 minutes or more, depending on style's involvement.

Hot Rollers

Just a touch more expensive than the curling iron, hot rollers can achieve a full head of flawless curls, typically in under an hour. Hot rollers generally have a small amount of wax inside that is heated when the set is plugged into an electrical outlet. When the curlers are ready for use, the color may change color so that you know to begin applying them.

Forget about fighting with the curling iron and trying to decide which way you want the curl to spiral. Instead, enjoy the remarkably easy process with hot rollers-once you have fastened the curlers in your hair, your hair will all curl simultaneously!

It is still a good idea to use some styling products such as a non-sticky hairspray or gel to retain the shape of the curls. (Curls formed by hot rollers tend to last considerably longer for me than those I create with a curling iron, as my hair is typically resistant to curling in general.)

Tip for Hot Rollers: Try to wash your hair the night before you want to employ the hot rollers. Sometimes very clean, sleek hair tends to resist curling.

Time Involved: Hot Rollers may take about 10 minutes to warm up and anywhere from 10-20 minutes to apply, and about 15 minutes to set. (Color of curler will revert back to original color to indicate that the curl has set.) Add additional time as necessary for styling your locks if you intend to use barrettes, bobby pins or other adornments and styling products.

Curling Iron Versus Hot Rollers

• Both beauty appliances require time to heat up, but hot rollers may require a few extra minutes.
• Hot rollers are very easy to use when styling the whole head or a section, but don't count on them to curl your ends out or under. Leave that to the curling iron!
• Color of hot rollers indicates when they are ready to use and when your curls have set.
• Curling iron gives great flexibility for choosing between loose spirals and tight ringlets, but you can always brush out your curls formed by hot rollers to achieve the style you desire.
• Curling irons are much easier to transport when traveling and staying in a hotel or other location away from home.
• Hot rollers save more time if going for a full head of curls. Success rate for curls enduring the entire evening may also be better.
• Both devices are useful in and of themselves-the best advice for you is to try them both and see which you like the best!

Hair Care - Part I

Grooming

• Use a shampoo & conditioner that suits your hair type. Choose products that are gentle, preferably without any harsh detergent like the sulfates. For daily washes, use a shampoo that is mild, gentle & moisturising.
• Using too much conditioner makes hair greasy. For oily hair, apply a light conditioner at the ends of the hair.
• Ingredients such as coconut oil moisturizes dry hair, makes hair softer & soothes the scalp; tea conditions & softens hair; jojoba moisturizes permed or chemically treated hair & makes hair manageable; silicone makes hair silky; lemon gives hair a natural shine & conditions; honey conditions deeply; henna leaves are natural hair dyes; apple cider vinegar & rosemary oil encourage hair growth & control dandruff.
• Eggs contain lecithin which helps to moisturize dry hair. Before shampooing, beat an egg & apply it onto dry hair & cover with a plastic bag for about 15 minutes (body heat intensifies conditioning) then rinse off totally with cold water.
• Olive oil is a good conditioner too. Massage onto hair & leave it for 10 minutes before shampoo.
• Massaging your scalp with your fingertips helps the blood to circulate to the scalp.
• On average hair grows about 1.2 to 1.25 cm a month.
• Hair is most fragile when wet.
• To make hair soft & shiny after washing, blot hair gently with towel & then separate with a wide-toothed comb.
• Blow-drying damages hair, causing dryness & split-ends due to the close contact between the heat on the scalp & hair. The next time you blow dry your hair, face the dryer downwards, use a leave-on conditioner for protection & avoid long exposure of both scalp & hair to the strong heat.
• To avoid hair damage (e.g. green hair) while swimming in chlorinated water, wear a swimming cap or deep condition your hair before entering the pool. Also, wash & condition hair as soon as you have finished swimming.
• Wear a hat when staying outdoors for a long period & condition more often.
• The best hair brush to use is one with bristles made of animal hairs.
• Refrain from giving stress to hair with constant perms, dye, highlighting, blow-drying, curlers or the use of strong hair styling products.
• Hair turns grey when melanocytes (cells found in the hair bulb) cease to produce color pigments.
• Split ends are preventable but not repairable. Cutting them off is the only solution.
• Flaking does not always mean dandruff. It can be caused by overusing conditioners, the build up of compounds from styling products, not washing hair often enough or not rinsing thoroughly.

Nourishment

Poor nutrition, hormonal changes, stress & shock play a major part in affecting the condition, appearance or disappearance of hair.

Vitamin A - promotes healthy scalp.
Food sources: dark green, orange & yellow fruits & vegetables.

Vitamin B complex - Regulates the secretion of oil, keeps hair healthy & moisturized.

Food sources: cereals, tomatoes, lean meat, liver, kidney, Brewer's yeast, eggs & green vegetables.

A severe lack of biotin (one of the Vitamin B) can lead to hair loss. It works best with Vitamin B5, B12 & folic acid. Food sources: cauliflower, yogurt, wholemeal bread, bran & bananas.

Minerals such as zinc, iron & copper promote healthy hair.

Food sources: zinc - lean red meat, chicken, pumpkin seeds & green vegetables; iron - beef, dried apricots, lean red meat, parsley, eggs, wheatgerm & sunflower seeds; copper - animal organs, seafood, egg yolk & whole grains.

A lack of iron is cited to be the cause of hair loss among women who have not reached menopause.

Proteins - because hair is made up of 97% protein (keratin), consuming enough of it gives hair a natural shine.
Food sources: lean meat, grains & soy.

Fixes for hair problems

Winter hair

• Wash your hair less often so as to strip less of the hair's natural oil.
• Use a dry shampoo if you need to wash. One way to have a dry shampoo is to sprinkle some baby powder onto your hair & comb it off.
• Deep condition once a week. Try massaging your scalp with 4 tablespoons of honey & cover with a plastic bag for 15 minutes or more then rinse off totally with hot water.

Static

• A leave-on conditioner or hair mousse can get rid of static. Hair static is caused by a lack of hair moisture.
• Brush with natural & not plastic bristles.
• Get a sheet of fabric softener & wipe across your hair. It helps control frizz too.

Hair loss

• Try drinking this - blend bananas with honey, yogurt & low-fat milk. A drink rich in biotin can help keep your crowning glory firmly rooted.
• Take dietary supplements such as Vitamin B6, zinc & saw palmetto. Supplements are useful when you can't get enough from natural food sources (see Nourishment).
• Invert your head while you shampoo & massage your scalp. This helps promote blood circulation to the head.
• Eliminate stress or else it can be disastrous to your precious hair!
• Get enough sleep.
• To stimulate scalp circulation, massage the scalp with rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) essential oil or rinse hair with tea made from sage (Salvia officinalis).
• In 76 Ways to Use Noni Fruit Juice (Direct Source, 2001), The Noni rash treatment by applying Noni fruit juice directly onto the scalp using a plaster cloth. Another alternative is to apply Noni extract directly onto the scalp, massage & leave to dry.

Dandruff

• Dandruff arises from an oily, not dry scalp. Use a special-formulated shampoo to help control the flaking.
• An anti-dandruff shampoo should contain tea tree oil, salicylic acid, sulfur & zinc pyrithione. Use on alternate days.
• Massage your scalp with some table salt to remove dandruff then shampoo.
• Avoid taking foods with preservatives or additives.
• After washing your hair, massage your scalp with half a cup of apple cidar vinegar. Leave it there, don't rinse off. Do this for a week.
• You could try this leave-on after shampooing : boil 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of dried thyme for 5 minutes & leave to cool. Strain then massage onto hair & scalp. Don't rinse off.
• In 76 Ways to Use Noni Fruit Juice (Direct Source, 2001) , The Noni scalp treatment by applying noni fruit juice directly onto the affected scalp, massage for a couple of minutes, leave to dry. Noni can be left overnight or a few hours or it can be rinsed off after about 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse off the noni juice & wash hair. Noni has essential fatty acids that help counteract hair & scalp trauma. It contains antioxidants that fight against free radical damage to the hair & scalp & may end chronic hair problems.

Head lice

• Lice are very tiny wingless blood-sucking insects. They spread quickly when there is personal contact or when items such as combs, brushes, towels, pillows, clothings & hats are shared. It is best that you don't share such items with someone else. Lice infestion can also occur at beards, eyelashes & eyebrows.
• Ways to get rid of head lice & nits (eggs) include : applying anti-lice medication (lotion, cream or shampoo), using essential oils such as herbs thyme & rosemary, manual removal & getting a hair cut.
• Wash combs, brushes, hats, beddings, stuffed toys, school bags, coats with hoods, clothings & etc... in hot water.
• Vaccum thoroughly floors, furniture, carpets, car seats & their head rests. Discard the vaccum bag immediately.
• Hair Clean 1-2-3 Lice Remover - A very highly recommended & effective non-toxic formula made from essential plant oils.

Ayurveda Cosmetology - (Skin Care) Part III

Skin Care During Pregnancy

Well known to all is the fact that a pregnant woman consumes whatever affects the formation, development of the fetus and the health of the newborn finally. This fact makes it necessary for a would be mother to consume healthy food and have proper Ahaar vihar i.e. suitable diet and life style. The formation and development of the fetus is felt and known during the time of pregnancy and hence the care of other's food and behavior is important from day one of her pregnancy a sonly she can bestow good health to the child. In ayurveda a lot of medicinal preparations are given to pregnant woman to make the skin of the newborn baby glow, improve on complexion and body healthy.

Following are tips for pregnant women stated in ayurveda:

• Pregnant women must drink a lot of milk and coconut water.
  
• Ghee extracted from cow milk taken regularly is good for pregnant women.
  
• The coconut water or milk consumed is beneficial if taken with mixed sugar, turmeric and saffron.
  
• White flesh of coconut is healthy for the mother and the fetus.
  
• For pregnant women gruel of rice with milk, ghee and sugar is good and nutritious.

Fascinating Facts

Ayurveda reveals a lot of interesting and fascinating facts that enhance our knowledge about the living body, its components and day to day naturopathy ways that help cure and prevent ailments.

Following are few such facts:

• Skin is the largest organ in the body serving many functions essential to life.
  
• Skin is considered to be an important expression of beauty.
  
• Skin and its appendages, hair and nails together, make or mar the natural, physical beauty of a person.
  
• Skin is considered as a major sex organ as its feel is sensually vital.
  
• Skin protects the body and maintains body fluids and chemicals.
  
• The regulation of body temperature by controlling the inflow and outflow of heat is also the function of ayurveda.
  
• Skin also acts as an excretory organ that eliminates in form of sweat a major portion of calories provided to the body by the digestive system that is utilized in physical work.
  
• Skin determines whether a person is thin or stout or even overweight.
  
• Skin acts as a deterrent against toxins, germs and other hazards. This is the main reason why 'burn' patients with extensive skin damage suffer from several infections and loss of body fluids

Below the Surface

The skin is described according to modern science as a combination of two layers. The outer tough and hard layer called the epidermis and the inner thin or dermis layer. Epidermis consists of flat cells fitted like plates dermis is separated from epidermis with the basal membrane. Like nails, skin can also regenerate itself if damaged by accident or bruise or some infection.

Apart from the layers, the human skin is made of cells. The youngest cells are called basal cells and the skin cells are continuously pushed towards the new basal cells on formation. The basal cells undergo changes until they become squamous cells (a type of connective cell), which migrate to the surface of the skin as older cells are shed. The dermis and epidermis have special cells called melanocytes that lie between them. These cells produce melanin through a complicated process and are responsible for skin coloration.

The pigment is taken up by the epidermal cells to give the skin, its characteristic color. Decrease of melanin leads to gray hair and a total loss of melanin produces white hair. The melanin pigment is usually lost from both skin and hair in most people by the time of old age.

The outermost layer of the cell is made up of dead cells and it takes about 26 days for new basal cells to mature and get pushed to the surface, thus most of the epidermis is replaced in about 26 days.

Change in Our Skin

Ayurveda describes the aging process in reference to age i.e. with increase in age there is an effect on the skin as it changes at every stage of life and subsequently changes the appearance of the individual.

Childhood to adolescence and youth

At different stages of life the skin undergoes changes as its characteristics change with time. According to ayurveda a child's skin changes at puberty. The hormones present in the body are very much responsible for the texture of the skin and appearance. Sex hormones like Estrogen leads to a soft and smooth texture, however the skin becomes thicker than before and also more vascular. Also due to sex hormones the production of sebum increases from the skin's oil glands and this leads to acne.

Youth to old age

Besides aging sun rays also damage the skin, takes away texture and glow of the skin. With aging the dermis becomes thin while the epidermis becomes a little thinner. The loss of dermal thickness makes the skin of the elderly people paper-thin and the blood vessels beneath it become prominent.

It is noteworthy that aging and sun rays cannot be stopped form occurring and hence every person has to face it in life. In females the deficiency of estrogen during menopause makes the skin loose its smoothness and soft appearance. During youth the process of rejuvenation takes less time whereas with increase in age this process timing becomes longer and longer. As old age approaches the old cells tend to clump and the skin becomes rough and scaly in appearance.

The effects of ultraviolet rays

As said earlier sun rays cause damage to the skin and this is a causative factor, which is known but nothing can be done about it. Similarly ultra violet rays also harm the skin and in more severe manner than the other rays.

Ultra violet rays penetrate through the skin deeply, affect the dermis and damages blood vessels in the skin leading to prominently broken capillaries in the skin This way the dermis that determines whether skin is wrinkled or not is unable to do so and these changes in the elastic fibers and connective tissues in the dermis give an "aged" look to the living body.

Ayurveda Cosmetology - (Skin Care) Part II

Facts to remember

Ayurveda, the word being the combination of Ayur and Veda means as a whole, the knowledge of life or the science of life that not only cures illnesses but prevents the occurrence of the diseases in those who are healthy.

To keep oneself fit and healthy at all ages ayurveda has proposed numerous suggestions that if followed with dedication maintains health and skin. Some of the ayurvedic rules are as follows:

• According to ayurveda the natural urges should not be suppressed.
  
• The bathing water must be clean and processed with medicinal and aromatic drugs.
  
• Massage the body regularly with oil processed with varnya dravyas.
  
• Hair massage daily is a must to do to keep hair healthy and shiny. Natural products like bhringaraj oil, coconut oil, castor oil or any other processed with henna, amla, aloe vera, brahmi, neem and jatamansi should be used instead of chemical cosmetics. Massage also relieves insomnia and induces good sleep.
  
• The remedy of nasya (were medicines and oils are instilled through the nose) must be administered to cure diseases that effect head, nose and throat and increase the complexion of skin also.
  
• Regular exercise, walking and jogging is good to keep the physical and mental state of body in good shape.
  
• Proper care should be taken of the eyes by applying anjana (eye slaves) that helps prevent diseases, increase vision and relaxes eyes.
  
• After daily bath one must wear clean clothes and preferably light color clothes that give relaxing feel and absorb less heat.

Rasayana and Cosmetology

Among the eight branches of ayurveda rasayan is one that prevents aging of the skin and the entire body and deals with optimum life span. To maintain the balance between the doshas and the dhatus rasayan strives and contributes to the process. According to ayurveda rasayan and skin have an innate relation because of which the vitiation of rasa dhatu the skin gets erupted. To cure this and prevent these skin eruptions ayurveda has suggested following rasayanas that revitalize the rasa dhatu:

• Guduchi
  
• Amalaki
  
• Kharper
  
• Triphala
  
• Chyavanprasha
  
• Amalaki rasayana

It is believed that skin acts as the mirror of all that is felt by living beings and the face hence reflects all the mental stress, fatigue, fear, tension, happiness, sadness etc. Thus rise the question of a healthy and glowing skin.

Ayurveda believes that stress or fear or any other negative thought or emotion can hamper the skin's natural glow and shine. Besides emotions there are certain disorders also that have adverse impact on body and face skin. Few such ailments are:

• Eczema
  
• Psoriasis
  
• Acne

There are other diseases relating to hyper pigmentation also that spoil the skin. It is notable that mental stress can aggravate hyper pigmentation and thus achar rasayan (virtuous conduct and relaxed lifestyle) should be adopted to have truthful, calm and easy lifestyle and temper.

Ideal Diet for Skin

For the pathogenesis of diseases, including those of skin improper diet is one of the major factors. With the view to provide humans a glowing and healthy skin, ayurveda has mentioned certain diets that are nutritious and help eliminating the skin ailments. Although in today's busy world where refrigerated food and preserved food is preferred for convenience, it must always be kept in mind that in all circumstances if possible fresh food is always better than the preserved both in terms of nutritional value and health maintenance.

In ayurveda few recommended diets are as follows:

• Food eaten should be warm, freshly cooked and must be in proper quantity.
  
• All persons must eat after the previous meal consumed is digested and again the urge to eat (hunger) arises.
  
• Virudh anna (food that is incompatible with each other) should not be taken. Such as fruit salads prepared in milk or milk preparations must be avoided with fish.
  
• The food must be chewed properly before gulping inside to the esophagus and must not be eaten too fast or to slow.
  
• The environment around while consuming food must be clean, pleasant and hygienic.
  
• Spicy, very hot, oily, fried and pungent food must be avoided and thus junk food, fast food from outside must be avoided.
  
• The fat intake must be reduced and fiber fruits and vegetables must be consumed along with all substances that are roughage for the body as it is good for health and helps prevent constipation.
  
• Large amount of water, liquids, juices etc must be taken to reduce dryness of the intestine and drain wastes out of the blood through urine. Fluid intake also helps prevent skin disorders and makes it glowing.
  
• Fruit juice such as grapes, lemon, etc. is also recommended.

Ayurveda Cosmetology

Herbs in Cosmetics

Dated ages back, in the famous fairy tale of the snow white and Seven Dwarfs, the wish of the wicked step-mother to be the most beautiful woman on earth, even today strikes the chord that being beautiful irrespective of age, sex and color is not a thing desired just today.

As ayurveda the concept of beauty has an age-old origin. Whether in fairy tales it was the wicked mother or the fairy that beautified Cinderella on the ball night, creating beauty by magic potions or herbs proves that beauty, its concepts and cosmetics go hand in hand. Especially for females, the desire to look beautiful, charming and young by different beauty ways, using various herbs are things known by the world since centuries.

Ancient scriptures like Abhijnana Shakuntalam and Meghadootam of Kalidasa and many mythological epics encompass the reference of cosmetics like: Tilak, Kajal, Alita and Agaru (Aquilaria agalbeha) that were used as body decorative and to create beauty spots on the chin and cheeks in the era ruled by gods and their deities.

In fact, the concept of beauty and cosmetics is as old as mankind and civilization. The famous depictions in the Ajanta and Ellora caves, Khajurao prove that not only women but men also adorned themselves with jewelry, scents and cosmetics. Enscripted in history is the Aryan period that witnessed the use of turmeric- haridra, (curcuma long, linn), saffron, alkanet, agaru, chlorophyll green from nettle plants and indigo for bodily-decorations apart from using Raktachandan (Pterocarpus Santalinus Linn), Chandan (Santalum Album) for beautification. Using Mehendi (henna) for dying hair in different colors and conditioning was aslo practiced in the olden times.

Medicinal Herbs as cosmetics

The medicinal herb mentioned in ayurveda by experienced sages basically state that the function of ayurvedic herbs is to purify blood and eliminate vitiated doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) from the body as they are mainly responsible for skin disorders and other diseases.

Among the written information on ayurveda also, like in Charakh Samhita, the sage Charakh stated numerous medicinal plants in Varnya Kashaya. The herbs mentioned can be used to obtain glowing complexion. Various herbs for which description and usage can be found in ayurvedic inscriptions are mentioned below:

• Chandana
  
• Nagkeshara
  
• Padmak
  
• Khus
  
• Yashtimadhu
  
• Manjistha
  
• Sariva
  
• Payasya
  
• Seta (shweta durva)
  
• Lata (shyama durva)

There is also the mention of various herbs from Kushthagna Mahakashaya that are effective curatives for skin disorders. Few such herbs are:

• Khadira
  
• Abhaya
  
• Amalaki
  
• Haridra
  
• Bhallataka
  
• Saptaparna
  
• Aragvadha
  
• Karavira
  
• Vidanga
  
• Jati

Like the notifications of charakh and other sages, Sushrut said that Eladi Gana contains:

Ela, tagar, kusstha, jatamansi, tvak, dhmamaka, patra, nagkeshar, priyangu, harenuka, vyaghranakha, shukti, stouneyaka, choraka, shriveshta, khus, goggol, sarjarasa, turushka, kundaru, agaru, ushira, devdaru, keshara, and padmakeshara. All these herbs can eliminate toxins from the body, clear the complexion that leads to a glow on the skin and alleviates puritus, kusstha and boils.

Common herbs used as cosmetics

According to ayurveda there are certain herbs that have their mention in the old ages also, such as:

Indigo
Being blue in color it was used as a bindi / tika (dot) on the forehead and chin.

Madder Root
Being available in color that suits the lips this was utilized as to beautify lips and cheeks.

Hibiscus Rosa Cynensis (Jaswand or Shoe Flower)
With dark color of its own this was used to blacken and maintain hair color.

Raktachandan
This was another natural component available in attractive color and hence was used as fresh, red bindi / tika (dot) on the forehead.

Aloe Vera
With the traits that prevent aging and regenerate growth of cells this was used as a essential component to keep oneself fit and young and protect the skin and prevents and heals skin irritations.

Chandan and Vertiver (Usheer)
It was used as scrubs and face packs that were applied on face and whole body to remove dead cells, regenerate growth of new cells and give a young look.

Haldi (Turmeric)
It was used as a face pack along with usher (vertiver) and also as an antiseptic


Skin care and Ayurveda

It is not possible to get away with the process of aging and getting old but letting it not come very early is possible with ayurveda and its medicinal herbs. According to ayurveda healthy skin is the result of overall health condition of individuals and prescribes numerous skin care treatments that need to be pursued at every stage of life.

It is necessary to know about one's skin, whether it is oily, normal or dry and subsequently about its needs and necessities. Medically skin is a sensory organ that responds to reflexes and is a protective system that shields the entire living body. As ayurveda believes that all living beings have the panchamahabhoota as it is components, same is for skin. It is formed of the Pancha Mahabhootas and is the seat of sparshan indriya (a tactile sensory organ). Apart from perceiving sensations such as cold, warm, heavy, light, rough, smooth, etc. skin is also an excretory agent for Sweda (sweat). Skin is also the dwelling of Bhrajaka pitta and regulates the temperature of the living body and absorbs all local medicinal applications. The complexion and luster of our skin is also conferred to the skin. According to the sage Sushrut: "As the heating of milk forms a layer of cream on the milk surface, in a similar manner in the embryonic stage, dhatus (seven basic elements described in Ayurveda which compose the human body) form the different layers of the skin on our body."

According to Ayurveda skin is made up of seven layers and every successive layer is thicker than the previous one and can be affected by various disorders.

Following are the various layers of the skin:

• Avabhhasini
  Being the thinnest skin of the skin that provides five different chhayas (shades) and kanti (glow) to the skin. As the skin layer has the capacity to retain water Charaka has described this layer as udakadhara. On being bruised, lasika, a watery substance flows out of it but if the skin is ehalthythis layer holds on to lasika and does not allow it to flow out immediately.
  
  The two disorders that effect this layer are:
  
  • Sidmha
    
  • Padmakantaka.
    
    
• Lohita
  The two disorders that effect this layer are called
  
  • Nyaccha
    
  • Tilkalaka vyanga
    
    
• Shweta
  The disorders that are found in this layer of skin are:
  
  • Charmadala
    
  • Ajagalli
    
  • Mashaka
    
    
• Tamra
  The disorders effecting this skin layer are:
  
  • Kilasa
    
  • Kushta
    
    
• Vedini
  The disorder that effects the skin's this particular layer are:
  
  • Kustha
    
  • Visarpa
    
    
• Rohini
  The disorders that disease this layer of skin are:
  
  • Granthi
    
  • Apachi
    
  • Arbuda
    
  • Galaganda
    
    
• Mamsadhara
  The disorders found in this skin layer are called:
  
  • Bhagandara
    
  • vidradhi