Health & Fitness Guide » Alternative Health

Treating Hair Loss – Home Remedies

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:11:58 +0000

We loose 50 to 80 strands of hair per day. Do not get alarmed, this is quite normal. Unless there is some deficiency in diet, or ill health, lost hair is quickly replaced by new ones. Each hair grows between one quarter and one half inch each month.

Reasons for hair loss

Hair loss can be triggered off by various reasons, internal diseases, reaction to drugs, dietary deficiencies, scalp diseases, menopause, childbirth, are common causes, which lead to a loss of essential nutrients and minerals from the scalp.

Another cause of hair loss that is usually overlooked is hair damage. Excessive stretching and tugging with hard combs and styling appliances, exposure to extreme heat, regular use of rollers and blow drying, perming and colouring lead to this problem.

Alopecia areata is another alarming scalp disease. In this disease hair growth may be normal in most areas few bald patched occurring in many parts of the scalp. It maybe confined to one area or the patches may increase and enlarge, merging onto each other and finally resulting in total baldness. The main cause of this is tension and anxiety.

It is essential to remember that hair must be treated gently. Vigorous scalp massage in out, it would result in further hair loss. A wide toothed comb should be used.

Natural treatment

Success has been achieved through use of plant extracts that promote hair growth and improve the health of the scalp. Henna, reetha, shikakai, amla, bael have been used for controlling hair loss since age-old days. These extracts have no side effects.

Home Recipes

Applications of castor oil and iodine alternately for a week is excellent for this problem. Steam the head by wringing out a hot towel and wrapping it around the head. Then shampoo and use a conditioner. A conditioner offers your hair a buffer against external damage – also making it more manageable.
Soak about 200 grams of reetha in four glasses of water. Leave overnight. Next morning, boil the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. Squash the reetha seeds and strain the water. Apply to hair.
A paste of lemon seeds and black pepper can be applied on bald patches, twice a week.
Massage whipped egg white all over the scalp. Allow it to dry before washing off.
Wash hair with a paste of cooked ‘ urad dal’ and fenugreek (methi), three times a week.
Combine together 5 tablespoons of pure undulated coconut milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice. Massage well into the scalp.

Most soaps and shampoos have chemicals, use amla and shikakai instead. Oiling and massaging the scalp is a must once a week. Use aloe Vera oil, or coconut oil or mustard oil twice a week. Check your diet – take sufficient proteins and vitamins. Minerals and iodine are also important. Iodine helps improve circulation of blood in the scalp.

Hair must be protected from treatments that cause damage so a regular hair care routine must be followed. Unfortunately, we sit up only when we are confronted with a problem.

Summer Skin Care Remedies

admin — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 11:01:41 +0000

Summer time can be rough and awfully dangerous. Exposure to the sun can not only cause skin dryness but also premature aging of the skin. In fact, recent data have shown that even moderate sun exposure, without burning, triggers the activation of enzymes that break down the skin. And the consequences – thin, fragile skin, wrinkling, easy bruising, and that leathery hide look that we all fear.

Sounds scary! But look at the brilliance of the old adage – “prevention is better than cure”. It holds true here too. Just read this article and follow the tips diligently. We assure you a great summer, this time.

Normal skin type

This means that your skin is niether dry or completely oily. The fore head, area around nose and the chin is little oily and the rest of the face dry. This skin is a little difficult to maintain.

Rub two cubes of ice all over your face in the morning before your first face wash. This will close your skin pores and ensure a fresh feel for the rest of the day.
Add some lemon juice to your face cream and apply for 10 minutes, massage and wash off with plane water for healthier, softer and rosier skin.
You can also apply cucumber to feel cool. Cover your face with chopped cucumber spread over damp cotton handkerchief. Cucumber is a natural cleanser. Cucumber juice mixed with milk is the best of all cleansers.
Oats, which have high fiber content, are good for your skin too. Try this pack: Mix oats with honey, yogurt and ground almonds. Apply this on your face, leave it for ten minutes and wash with lukewarm water.

Dry skin care

Dry skin type needs little care. The best is to keep it moist. Do not leave the skin dry, as it will darken the skin. So, keep washing the face with lukewarm water whenever you can and use a very good moisturiser.Use wet tissues instead of handkerchief; this will help keep the skin moist.

Since your skin is already dry you need to use some moisturising cream. Applying sunscreen will solve both purposes of replenishing moisture as well as acting as a guard against the sun.
Do not use any scrubs or packs, as they will further dry your skin. Instead try a chocolate mask to make your skin smooth. Try this mask: 1/3 cup cocoa, 3 teaspoons of heavy cream, 1/3 cup ripe papaya, 1/4 cup honey and 3 teaspoons of oatmeal powder. Mix well and apply on the face. Wash off with lukewarm water when dry.
Use soap with moisture content.
Once a week give yourself a good face massage and then just sponge off the excess cream. Wash after steaming with a hot face towel.
Mix honey, lemon and vegetable oil for a great home made moisturiser for your dry skin. Apply this concoction for 10 minutes.

Oily skin care

This type of skin is the most difficult one to maintain. You need to frequently wash your face. Pat-dry it every now and then. Oily skin needs maximum care. The soap or the face-wash should be moisture-free. Avoid direct sun contact, as it will induce the oil pores and the oil will surface on the face. Use umbrella while going out during day-time. Avoid oil-rich diet. Instead eat more of fresh fruits, salad, and fruit juice to keep the skin in its right form. Use dry tissues to pat your face during day-time. This will help in absorbing excess oil even if you are unable to wash your face often.

Apply two ice cubes all over your face first thing in the morning. This will remove the excess oil from your face and close the pores ensuring no ground for pimples.
You should use mud-based packs. They are very useful in absorbing oil.
Use a mixture of curd and besan every morning; add a pinch of haldi/turmeric, as it is an antiseptic too.
Rub thin apple slices on the face. It will help to lessen oily shine from the face. Repeat it every day.
For oily skin, apply a mixture of grapes, lemon and egg white. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. While lemon acts as a natural cleanser, grapes will soften your skin and egg whites will tighten it. Don’t worry if your skin tingles.

Tips for Sun-Burns, black circles and tan Effect ( for all skin types)

For Sun-Burns - Prepare a mixture from peeled and grated cucumber, mixed with lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon of glycerin and 1/2 teaspoon of rose water. Apply the mixture on the effected area and leave it for some time. Wash it off with cold water.

For Black Circles - Dip cotton in chilled mixture of cucumber and potato juice. Keep this on eyelids for 15 to 20 minutes and gently wash it off. Apply a little baby oil.

For Tan Effect On Face - If suffering from a tan apply a mask of egg white and honey mixed properly. Remove it gently when dry.

Biomagnetic healing

admin — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:30:12 +0000

Biomagnetic healing (also known as Magnetic healing) is based on the concept that our bodies are already electrically charged. Scientists have proved this with the use of Biofeedback machines and nerve conduction studies. Which shows the electrical impulses our bodies naturally carry.

Using Magnetic therapy will bring those electrical charged cells, muscles into balance with the earth. Helping in healing the affected area. Listed will be commonly used magnets and the conditions for which they are used.

Bracelets where there are usually two magnets that will lay against the skin in a bracelet that is not a continuous circle but a broken one. This is used to treat a sprain, strain, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Bracelets are also used with arthritic joints and can be worn on the wrist or ankles.

Magnetic lumbar (lower back) belts are used to relieve stiffness, and pain to the body.

Necklace is to help promote healthy blood circulation, relieve stiffness and pain in shoulders and neck.

Magnetic sheets are used to promote and increase healthy blood circulation throughout the body and increase heat sensations to the lower limbs.

Smaller magnets can be purchased and used on the back of the neck and or head to help cure a migraine, or tension headache.

Magnets can be placed anywhere on the body that has an ache or pain. You may secure it with a band aid, tape or whatever means suits you. Knee or ankle for sprain, strains, and bunions.

They can be worn indefinitely. Precautions should be taken for a person with a pacemaker. It is not advisable to use this method of therapy.

If you do have a pacemaker please contact your health care specialist for advice.

You will not have instant relief, but it has been reported most people find some type of relief within a few days time. Even more of a relief of symptoms after a couple weeks.

About reflexology

admin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 15:11:42 +0000

Reflexology’s principles believe that there are reflexes, or responsive zones in the feet and hands that correspond to every parts and organs of the body. So by working on these reflexes with pressure and manipulation, there are three main effects. It brings back normal functioning of all the organs and glands. It improves nerve function and the flow of blood. And lastly, it brings about a state of relaxation.

Professional reflexologists use only their fingers, thumbs, and hands. They never use any other implements. Modern research has shown that 75 percent of all diseases are stress-related. Thus reflexology, whose main effect is relaxation, can be of great value. And besides its therapeutic value as a relaxant, reflexology also aids circulation.

Reflexology’s roots can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Persian, and China and Japan. In India and parts of Africa, reflexology has long been recognized and practiced. And in the early 20th century, an American physician discovered the existence of ten zones of communication passing vertically through the body from the head to the fingertips and toes. Since then, reflexology has become a fast growing natural therapy.

A typical session with a reflexologist lasts about 30 minutes. The reflexologist will perform a compression technique over each foot and ankle. They use mainly the index fingers or thumbs, clearing out congestion in those parts of the body corresponding to the painful reflexes. By doing so, there is an improvement in the lymphatic, nerve, and blood circulation. Then the compression technique is interspersed with various relaxation movements.

Reflexology benefits many disorders, from back pain to migraines, sinusitis and digestive disorders. Though not proven, it is thought that reflexology can elevate the level of endorphins in the bloodstream, and is also effective in alleviating pain. Reflexology can also be used as a preventative of many common ailments.

Benefits of honey

admin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:50:57 +0000

One of the purest natural substances that you can use as a therapeutic remedy is honey. Because bees die when they are contaminated by toxins, such as chemicals and air pollutants, they act as a biological filter for the honey that they manufacture in their hives.

Honey has been used as a sweetener and household remedy as far back as the time of the ancient Hebrews. Honey in Hebrew means “enchant”. It is known to relieve indigestion and headaches, boost energy and stamina, and reduce stress by promoting and revitalizing sleep. It can even be used to disinfect and help heal minor wounds. Together with other medicinal herbs, honey is effective in the relieving discomforts associated with minor respiratory ailments like colds, bronchitis and whooping cough.

The basic therapeutic components of honey are glucose and fructose, which are readily absorbed by the digestive system for its soothing effects. Other therapeutic components include pollen, enzymes, and some proteins.

Here are various ways to use honey as a natural remedy:

To relieve discomforts from asthma, bronchitis, and minor respiratory ailments: Mix 1 tsp. of honey and 1 tsp. of finely chopped fresh thyme. Take orally as needed to help clear airways and dissolve mucus.

To heal minor cuts and abrasions: Spread thinly on wound and cover with a sterile gauze. Honey disinfects because it contains a germ-killer called “inhibine”, and it will reduce the swelling by drawing excess water from the skin.

To promote relaxation and stress-relief: Mix an ounce of honey with 3 drops of lavender oil in a small container. Pour the mixture into your bath water for a relaxing, sleep-inducing soak.

Homemade Beauty Treatments – Facial Masks

admin — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:11:45 +0000

The skin is the largest organ on the human body. It is extremely sensitive to external factors such as dirt, weather and also to internal factors such as stress. All these conditions have adverse effects on the skin. But all is not lost, these problems can be prevented with proper maintenance and care.

The skin produces millions of new cells a day, regenerating itself completely within 30-45 days. But by the age of 35, however, the skin’s natural rejuvenating processes begin to slow down. At this time the skin can benefit from a facial mask.

There is two types of masks; a relaxing mask and a stimulating mask. Relaxing masks moisturize the skin and refresh the skin. Stimulating masks promote blood flow and firm up the skin.

Before applying any masks though, cleanse face well with a facial toner. I recommend using a toner with lemon balm or witch hazel. Avoid soaps since they do tend to dry out skin. Also try to use soft or distilled water when preparing facial masks. Hard water contains high concentrations of minerals and other substances that may provoke allergic reaction. If you use tap water, boiling or filter is a great idea.

Application: Treat yourself to a facial mask once or twice a week. Apply a stimulating mask before going out or a relaxing mask before bedtime. Leave on for about twenty minutes. Always use the freshest ingredients. You can prepare masks on demand or in advance and store in refrigerator.

Mask Recipes:

Strawberry Mask

4-5 very ripe med-size strawberries

2 tsp. heavy cream

1 tsp. honey

Carefully rinse strawberries with lukewarm water and dry with a clean cloth. In a small bowl, mash fruit with fork….add cream and honey. Mix well. Apply the paste generously to face and leave on 2-0-30 minutes. Rinse well.

Do Not use if sunburned or have an allergic reaction to strawberries.

Whole Wheat Flour Mask

1 Qt. water

4 tsp. dried rose petals (or 8 tsp. fresh rose petals)

Peels from 2 organic oranges

6 tsp. milk

2 tbsp. rose water

2 tsp. honey

4 tbsp. whole wheat flour

Boil the water and remover from heat. Add rose petals, orange peels and cover. Allow to steep until water becomes lukewarm. In a seperate pan, heat milk, floral water, honey. Remove from heat, add the flour and whisk into thick paste. Apply the warm paste to the face and neck. Leave on for 20 minutes. Carefully wash off the dried mask with the fragrant rose/orange water. Pat dry. Apply your favorite moisturizer.

Home Remedies For a Smooth Skin

admin — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:32:08 +0000

Home beauty recipies and remedies have been around for centuries. Remarkable remedies were discovered purely out of necessity. Over a period of time, many home remedies have proven to be effective and natural, therefore healthy! Making your own beauty products costs a fraction of what you pay for over-the-counter preparations.

Keep in mind any allergies or sensitivity you may have to some ingredients; such as glycerin, lemons, strawberries, eggs, etc. Check with your doctor or dermatologist if you are not sure you can use certain ingredients.

Pamper your skin with these face packs:

1. This is an excellent remedy to get rid of those ugly acne scars. Blend the sandalwood paste and rose water and apply on the scars. Keep it overnight and then wash it off with cold water the next day. This does wonders to your skin!

2. Lemons also have exfoliating properties: rub half a lemon on your face with a hint of sugar granules to remove dead cells and lighten a tan. You can also rub on hyper-pigmented areas like elbows to lighten them. Mix with a little cucumber juice to make a natural astringent. Condition your hair with the juice of one lemon mixed with a glass of lukewarm water or get rid of dandruff by rubbing your scalp with hot oil and lemon juice.

Ways to achieve a Smooth Skin

1. Mash the bananas along with milk and then apply on your face. Wash it off after 20 minutes. This makes the skin smooth and supple.

2. Blend the egg white and honey well and then apply on the face. This makes your skin smooth and helps to reduce wrinkles.

3. Blend turmeric powder with milk and apply on the face. It removes the tan and helps to reduce the facial hair. Scrub it off with a good face scrub and then wash with cold water. You can also keep it overnight.

4. Mix oatmeal along with curds and tomato juice and apply on the face. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. It helps to remove the tan and lightens the skin.

5. Apply raw sliced potato on the face. Reduces blemishes and other scars.

6. Cucumber juice is an excellent astringent. Applying cucumber juice on the face tightens the pores. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

7. Applying turmeric powder along with limejuice removes the tan. Limejuice is a natural bleach.

8. Dried orange peels mixed with curds help reduce blemishes and scars. Wash it off after 15 minutes with cold water.

9. Honey makes the skin glow. It makes the skin soft and smooth. Helps reduce wrinkles.

10. Citrus face packs and sandalwood face packs are excellent for oily skin.

11. Rubbing ice cubes on the face tightens the pores and increases blood circulation.

Home Made Face Packs and Face Freshners

admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:03:42 +0000

You don’t necessarily need expensive products to make your skin look great but there are several things available in your kitchen which can perk up your dermis in no time. So try out these homemade recipes sans preservatives that are capable of replacing your cleansers, toners and astringents, moisturizers etc. These jars of goodness must be refrigerated and not kept for more than a week. Therefore make them in small quantities and store them in china stainless steel containers with screw top jars so that the ingredients do no set off chemical reactions that can harm your skin.

One more thing one must be kept in mind that not all herbs work on everyone and many have to be used over a period of time to yield favorable results.

For Cleansing

Almond oil is a fine cleanser especially ’effective in protecting the delicate skin under the eyes. For normal to oily skin, mix together a cupful of yogurt, one tea- spoon of orange juice, and the juice of one lemon. Apply with fingertips on your face. Leave it on for a few minutes then wipe away with a wet tissue. Splash your skin with cold water then pat dry gently. For dry skin, make a paste of cooked oatmeal and mix with honey. Apply on the face as a scrub then rinse off with warm water.

FACE FRESHNERS AND ASTRINGENTS

To tone your skin, stroke half a slice of cucumber over the face in fairly firm circular motions. Allow to dry naturally and rinse. Add one teaspoon of mint leaves of mint leaves to a cup of boiling water. Let seep for half an hour, strain and bottle when cool. Use after cleansing.

MOISTURISERS

Wash eight lettuce leaves well. Boil about half a liter of water. Cool and strain through a muslin cloth. Store the solution and apply solution with cotton wool pads using light, upward movements. Leave on for three minutes before wiping it off. Mix equal parts of rosewater, glycerin and lemon juice and apply to the face.

FOR SKIN BLEMISHES

• Rub a raw potato slice on the skin for skin blemishes.

• Remove white patches with the help of ’tulsi’ juice.

• Pure castor oil is a great skin softener and an anti wrinkle cream. Massage onto face and watch your face glow.

FACE MASKS

The traditional egg mask makes use of an egg white, beaten stiff with the optional addition of one tablespoon of honey. Leave it on for 15minutes and rinse off with warm water. Follow with a cold splash. Half a teaspoon of lemon juice added to an egg white is good for oily skin. An egg yolk whisked with a few drops of vegetable oil and a squeeze of lemon juice is great for dry skin, while a tablespoon of skimmed milk added to the egg white nourishes the skin.

FOR A DISCOLOURED NECK

Mix one tablespoon of honey with two egg whites. Add enough wheat bran or wheat flour to make a paste. Beat well and rub into your neck. Leave for a few minutes then rinse off with warm water.

Other Homemade Facial Scrubs & Masks

Make a paste from a little oatmeal and water. Apply to face and allow to dry. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Mash 1/2 banana and add 1 tablespoon honey and 2 tablespoons sour cream. Apply to face and let set for about 10 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.Two tablespoons of cornmeal mixed with enough water to make a thick paste makes a great inexpensive facial mask. Gently apply to face and wash off.

In a food processor or blender, combine 1/2 cucumber, 1 tablespoon yogurt, a few strawberries, and 1 teaspoon honey. Apply to face and allow to dry. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Grind 1 tablespoon almonds into a fine meal in a blender or food processor. Mix almond meal together with 1 tablespoon honey and 1 egg white. Apply to face and let set for about 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

To loosen blackheads, combine equal parts baking soda and water in your hand and rub gently on your skin for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Mash half of an avocado and apply to entire face. Let set for about 20 minutes and then gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Soak 1 cup dried apricots in water until softened. Puree in blender or food processor with 2 tablespoons skim milk powder. Apply to face and let set about 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Puree 1/2 peeled, sliced cucumber in a blender or food processor and add 1 tablespoon yogurt. Apply to face and let set about 20 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Crush a handful of strawberries and mix well with 1 teaspoon honey. Apply to face and let set for about 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Mix 1 1/2 teaspoons honey, the juice from 1/2 of a lemon, and 1 small carton plain yogurt. Stir in 1 whipped egg white. Apply to face and let set about 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Easy Cures for Blackheads

admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:39:54 +0000

Blackheads are so common, yet many of us do know what they are. We know even less about dealing with them. However, they can be controlled and even prevented by taking regular care of the skin.

Blackheads are caused by over active sebaceous glands (the oil producing glands of the skin). The excess secretion of oil expands and thickens the pores of the skin. The oil collects in the pores and hardens into a plug.

The pores are then clogged with hardened sebum or oil. Since the pores are open, the tip of the clogged grease is exposed to the air and oxidises, turning black. Hence, blackheads are formed.

Oily skins naturally tend to attract dirt and grime from the environment and these pollutants also collect in the pores with hardened oil Blackheads cause the pores to be further enlarged.

and people with oily skins end up with a skin texture that is coarse and trough. Apart from the fact that blackheads look unsightly, they are the cause of acne. When a pore is fully blocked, the oil gland can get infected resulting into a pimple. Therefore, the control of blackheads is one way of preventing acne.

Blackheads not only appear on the face, but on the back, chest and other areas that are rich in sebaceous glands.

Blackhead extraction is a professional job and it should be left to people who know exactly know how to do it. Never pick at them. Tampering with the skin by forcing blackheads out brutally can damage the skin tissue by destroying the inner layer. The counter part of the blackhead is the whitehead, which is also caused by collection of sebum in the pores, but in this case the pores are not open and the sebum is not exposed to the air.

Effective methods for removing Blackheads.
It is most important to keep the skin scrupulously clean.

1.Use an oatmeal or almond mask thoroughly to cleanse your face. Mix either oatmeal or almond powder with enough rose water to make a soft paste that spreads easily on the skin. Rub it on your skin with your fingertips, paying special attention the problem areas. Leave to dry for about 15 minutes and then rinse off with cold water.

2.Apply undiluted lemon juice, two to three times a day, on the affected areas.

3.A solution made out of one and a half cups of hot water and half a tablespoon of boric powder is an ideal concoction for blackheads, Saturate a face napkin in this hot solution and press on to the skin, repeat twice. Extract blackheads carefully with a blackhead remover and sterilized cotton wool. Pat on an astringent.

4.Warm a little honey and apply on the trouble spots. Wash off after 10-15 minutes.

Try out these home remedies for cleaning out your blackheads yourself or get in touch with a qualified beautician.

Home Remedies To Boost Complexion

admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:31:26 +0000

Every day, at bed time apply raw milk with cotton on your face. This will work as a “Natural Cleanser” and wipe out all the dirt from your face and also act as bleach giving you fair skin.

For healthy skin make a thin paste of Besan ( i.e. Gram flour) , milk cream and Ambehalad and apply on you face as face mask and after fifteen minutes wash out with water.

Application of 1 tsp gram flour with milk cream and ¼ tsp of honey brightens the complexion.

Mix 1 teaspoon of ground rice with curd and massage on your face and neck. This will remove dead cells and get rid of the tan.

To improve your complexion, apply a paste made of boiled carrots on your face.

Rub mango peels on your face and neck. Wash off after 10 minutes. This will make the skin soft, supple and glowing.

Take steam once in two days to unclog pores, this also helps in pimple treatment.

Drink coconut water at least once a day and use it a bit to apply on your face for a refreshing feel.

Applying honey on your face and keeping it for 5 minutes makes your skin lighter.

Take 1 teaspoon Multani mitti soaked in water and drain after it gets loosened. Add 1 teaspoon pure honey and 1 teaspoon curd. Apply on your face for 45 minutes and see beautiful glowing skin in 10days.

Bananas are good skin rejuvenators. Mashed bananas combined with Vitamin E capsules act as a natural facial massaging cream and this gives a healthy glow to the skin. For best results use this during winter season.

Gram flour(besan) is good for oily skin because it absorbs oil and makes your skin dry. Steam your skin after applying besan.