Home Remedies for DEPRESSION

DEPRESSION

Depression is one of the most common emotional disorders. It may be manifested in varying degrees: from feelings of slight sadness to utter misery and dejection. Depression is a very unpleasant malady and is far more difficult to cope with than a physical ailment. The growing complexities of modem life and its resultant crises, as well as the mental stress and strain of day-to-day life, usually leads to this disorder.

Depression Symptoms

Acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest

The most striking symptoms of depression are an acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest in the world around, and fatigue. A disturbed sleep is a frequent occurrence.

Loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability

Other symptoms of depression are loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability, impotence or frigidity, constipation, aches and pains all over the body, lack of concentration, and indecisiveness.

Low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering

Cases of severe depression may be characterised by low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering.

Causes of Depression

Prolonged periods of anxiety and tension

Prolonged periods of anxiety and tension can cause mental depression.

Excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs

The excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs also leads to faulty assimilation of vitamins and minerals by the body and ultimately causes depression.

Home Remedies for Depression

Depression treatment using Apple

Apple is one of the most valuable remedies for mental depression. The various chemical substances present in this fruit such as vitamin B, phosphorus, and potassium help the synthesis of glutamic acid, which controls the wear and tear of nerve cells. The fruit should be taken with milk and honey. This remedy will act as a very effective nerve tonic and recharge the nerves with new energy and life.

Depression treatment using Cashewnut

The cashewnut is another valuable remedy for general depression and nervous weakness. It is rich in vitamins of the B group, especially thiamine, and is therefore useful in stimulating the appetite and the nervous system. It is also rich in riboflavin which keeps the body active, cheerful, and energetic.

Depression treatment using Asparagus

The root of asparagus has been found beneficial in the treatment of depression. It is highly nutritious and is used as a herbal medicine for mental disorders. It is a good tonic for the brain and nerves. One or two grams of the powder of the dry root of the plant can be taken once daily.

Depression treatment using Cardamom

The use of cardamom has proved valuable in depression. Powdered seeds should be boiled in water and tea prepared in the usual way. A very pleasing aroma is added to the tea, which can be used as a medicine in the treatment of this condition.

Depression treatment using Lemon Balm

The herb lemon balm has been used successfully in the treatment of mental depression. It alleviates brain fatigue, lifts the heart from depression, and raises the spirits. A cold infusion of the balm taken freely is reputed to be excellent for its calming influence on the nerves. About thirty grams of the herb should be placed in half a litre of cold water and allowed to stand for twelve hours. The infusion should then be strained and taken in small doses throughout the day.

Depression treatment using Rose

An infusion of rose petals should be prepared by mixing 15 gm of rose petals in 250 ml of boiling water. If drunk occasionally, instead of the usual tea and coffee, it is beneficial for treating this condition.

Depression treatment using Vitamin B

Diet has a profound effect on the mental health of a person. Even a single nutritional deficiency can cause depression in susceptible people. Nutritional therapy builds up brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, that affect the mood and are often lacking in depressed people. Eating foods rich in vitamin B, such as wholegrains, green vegetables, eggs, and fish helps restore vitality and cheer in an individual.

• To refresh the mood eat an apple with milk and honey
• Prepare a tea by boiling 1 cup of water. To this add powder of 2 green cardamoms seeds, add sugar and drink this 2 times a day. This is very effective home remedy for depression.
• Prepare another tea by adding a handful of fresh Rose petals to a cup of boiling water. Add sugar and drink when you are feeling depressed.
• The cashew nut also plays an important role in fighting with depression and nervous weakness. It is rich in vitamins of the B group, especially thiamine, and is therefore useful in stimulating the appetite and the nervous system.
• The root of asparagus has been found useful in the treatment of depression. It is very nutritious and is used as a herbal medicine for mental disorders. One or two grams of the powder of the dry root of the plant can be taken once daily.
• About thirty grams lemon balm herb should be placed in half a litre of cold water and allowed to stand for twelve hours. The solution should then be strained and taken in small doses throughout the day.
• A person suffering from depression get rid of it by becoming more active, turning away from himself, and diverting his attention towards other people and things. Diverting his mind in things of pleasure can help him to overcome depression.
• 5HTP is a substance that is extracted from the seedpods of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. It produces serotonin in the body and may relieve depression
• Exercise also plays an important role in the treatment of depression. It not only keeps the body physically and mentally fit, but also provides happiness and mental relaxation. It is nature's best tranquillizer. Exercise also tones up the body, provides a feeling of well-being, and reduces the sense of helplessness.
• Licorice tea helps in depression treatment. No more than three cups of tea should be used per day.
• Prepare a mixture by adding 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg powder with 1 tablespoon freshly extracted amla juice. Take 3 times a day.
• 3/4 c. of cooked spinach if taken daily can give sufficient relief from depression.
• Kava (Piper methysticum) is a natural remedy for depression. South Pacific islanders have used this plant for years. It calms the mind and produces a feeling of well-being and contentment. It is a remedy for depression without side effects.
• Tryptophan, an amino acid has been found to relieve depression.
• Keeping the home well lit with lights help to reduce the intensity of depression.
• Relaxing with meditation, massage, light music and laughter helps to great extent.
• Prepare a tea by adding 1/4-teaspoon tulsi and 1/2 teaspoon of sage per cup of hot water; drink twice a day. This is also very effective home remedy for depression.
• Make a tea by adding equal amounts of ashvagandha and brahmi (about 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon each), steep in a cup of water for about 10 minutes, and drink 2 or 3 times a day.

Diet for Depression

Exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, strong condiments

The diet of a person suffering from depression should completely exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, colas, all white flour products, sugar, food colorings, chemical additives, white rice, and strong condiments.

Take three meals a day

The diet should be restricted to three meals. Fruits can be taken in the morning for breakfast with milk and a handful of nuts or seeds. Lunch may consist of steamed vegetables, wholewheat chapatis and a glass of buttermilk. For dinner, green vegetable salad and all the available sprouts such as alfalfa seeds, moong beans, cottage cheese, or a glass of buttermilk would be ideal.

Other Depression treatments

Become more active, diverting attention into other things

A person suffering from depression can overcome it by being more active, turning away from himself, and diverting his attention towards other people and things. The pleasure of achieving something overcomes distress or misery.

Exercise

Exercise also plays an important role in the treatment of depression. It not only keeps the body physically and mentally fit, but also provides recreation and mental relaxation. It is nature's best tranquilliser. Exercise also tones up the body, provides a feeling of accomplishment, and reduces the sense of helplessness.

Relaxation and Meditation

The patient must also learn the art of relaxation and meditation which will go a long way in curing depression. He must gain control over his nervous system and channelise his mental and emotional energies into restful activities. This can be achieved by ensuring sufficient rest and sleep under quiet conditions. Meditation will help create a balance in the nervous system. This will enable the hormonal glands to return to a correct state of hormonal balance and thereby overcome the feeling of depression.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.
source;MHO

Scars Definition

Scars are marks left on the skin after surface injury or wound, it is the body's response of healing. Scars are tissues that replace the normal skin after destruction of some dermis; it is a natural part of healing process. There are different degrees of scars depending on the depth and size of the wound, age, gender, genetics and ethnic.

Home Remedies for Scars

How to Cure Scars with Natural Treatments

Smear Vitamin E Oil Caplets on the scarred area. Smear some tea tree oil on the scar to help it heal faster. Put 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil on a cotton ball and apply on scar. Blanch green tea, soak a cotton ball and apply on the scar to help it heal. Mix Aloe Vera and vitamin E gel caplets and apply to the scar. Rub honey on the scar as often as you can to make it heal. Smear any oil on the scar and massage to help it heal. Rub some olive oil on scars 2-3 times a day. For acne scars: Mix 1 tablespoon of sour cream ( 0% fat for oily face), 1 tablespoon of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of grind oatmeal and 3-4 drops of lemon juice. Apply on face, leave for 10 minutes and wash off.

3 Ways to DISSOLVE Kidney Stones NATURALLY

Our kidneys suffer from a disorder known as kidney stones. Hard masses are formed within the kidney or the urinary tract. The stones vary in sizes. Some stones are so tiny that they can’t even be seen by our naked eyes. The slightly bigger stones sometimes are an inch in diameter. The renal pelvis and tubes can be blocked completely by big kidney stones.

With four types of kidney stones, it is likely that you maybe affected by one of the types. Calcium, cystine, struvite and uric acid are the varieties of kidney stones, which affect our renal organs. Calcium is the most common form of stones to be found. Your everyday food intake consists of a lot of calcium and oxalate. Tea, pepper, rhubarb, nuts, cacao and spinach are food very high in oxalate.

Cystine is the least common variety of stones. This doesn’t form from foods but is caused by hereditary disorder. An excessive excretion of a certain type of amino acid is the reason for the formation of this type of stone.

Ammonium, Magnesium and Phosphate form a mixture that causes kidney stones. They have another name and are known as infection stones. They form in urine, which is infected.

Protein metabolism has a by-product, uric acid, which too forms stones and is often caused due to excessively high intake of proteins. Extremely acidic urine has stones in it.

1. Tea to Dissolve kidney stones

A kidney stone is formed naturally and there are many cures to remove the kidney stone naturally too. Herbs like Joe-pye weed, meadowsweet, sarsaparilla and plantain are natural medicines to remove excess uric acid from your body. The Chinese use these herbs in the form of a tea to cure kidney stones.

Kidney stones tea is a tea specially made to cure kidney stones. It is made from herbs like hydrangea root, wild yam root, cramp bark, Joe-pye weed, yarrow leaf, plantain leaf and corn silk. The preparation is easy and the tea is very effective. Take one and quarter cups of water and bring that to boil. Add wild yam, cramp bark and hydrangea and boil the mixture for 15 minutes on a low flame. Add all the other herbs and turn off the heat. Let it stay in a corner undisturbed. Ensure you cover the pot. After 20 minutes strain the portion and store it in the refrigerator. Three to four cups of this tea is recommended. At times bleeding may occur. If bleeding occurs, add about 30 drops of shepherd’s purse tincture. You can take this in the form of a tincture too, by taking a couple of full droppers daily.

2. Diuretic Tea for Dissolving Kidney Stones

Dandelion and corn silk are two choices of diuretic that are effective. Diuretic tea is another natural remedy for kidney stones. Made from dandelion, corn silk, fennel seed, nettle leaf and oat straw, diuretic tea is very simple to prepare. Pour one quart of boiling water on ½ teaspoon of all the remaining herbs. Cover with a lid and set it aside for 20 minutes. Filter and then drink a cup of this tea in the morning and evening.

3. Wild Herb to Cure Kidney Stone

The North Americans found a wild herb called goldenrod, which is also found to be very effective. If you are allergic to goldenrod tinctures, don’t try the following recipe.

Take a quarter cup of gravel root, marshmallow root, hydrangea root, ginger capsules and 250mg of vitamin B6 and uva ursi capsules. Soak all these ingredients in small non-metallic cups with non-metallic lids individually filled with fresh tap water. Then boil the herbs and simmer for 20 minutes. Drink a quarter cup, when it cools down and freeze the rest. Buy fresh parsley that does not spray. Boil four bunches in one quart of water for three to five minutes. Strain the portion and drink it once it cools down. Freeze the rest. Make a mixture of both the frozen contents daily and add 20 drops of goldenrod tincture and one tablespoon of glycerin. Take a big mug full daily. Drink it in small quantities and if you are allergic, start with half the dose.

thankyou.............

Home Remedies for ICHTHYOSIS VULGARIS / FISH SKIN

ICHTHYOSIS VULGARIS

Introduction

Sometimes called fish scale disease or fishskin disease, ichthyosis vulgaris is an inherited skin disorder that causes dead skin cells to accumulate in thick, dry scales on the skin's surface. These scales can be present at birth, but usually first appear in early childhood. Sometimes ichthyosis vulgaris disappears entirely for most of the adult years, only to return later.

Though most cases are mild, some cases of ichthyosis vulgaris are severe. Since there is no cure, treatments focus on controlling the signs and symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

Ichthyosis vulgaris is characterized by severely dry, scaly skin. The scales are small, polygonal in shape and range in color from white to dirty gray to brown. People with darker skin tend to have darker colored scales.

The scales usually appear on the elbows and lower legs and may be especially thick and dark over the shins. Ichthyosis may also cause scalp flaking and deep, painful fissures in the palms and soles. Though most cases of ichthyosis are mild, some can be severe.

Symptoms usually worsen or are more pronounced in cold, dry environments and tend to improve or even resolve in warm, humid environments.

Other less common forms of ichthyosis include:

• Lamellar ichthyosis. This severe form of the disease is present at birth and lasts throughout life. Infants with lamellar ichthyosis are born encased in a filmy membrane that's shed after 10 to 14 days, revealing skin that's covered in scales. The scales can range from fine and white to thick and dark and generally occur over the entire body, although they may be larger on the legs. Lamellar ichthyosis can be extremely disfiguring and may cause great psychological suffering for children and adults with the disease.
• X-linked ichthyosis. Starting soon after birth, this type of ichthyosis occurs only in males. The noticeable, dirty-brown scales that characterize this skin disease are most pronounced on the back of the neck, arms and behind the knees. Symptoms generally don't improve with age.
• Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. This extremely rare form of ichthyosis is usually present at birth and begins with blistering skin. In time, the skin peels away in large sheets and becomes rough or wart-looking. It's most pronounced on the knees, elbows, wrists and other flexural areas.

Itching of skin. Burning and stinging sensation. Tightening and cracking of the skin. Dry, flaking skin. Shedding of layers of the skin. Scaling of skin that gives skin the appearance of fish scales.

Causes

The skin is an endlessly renewable organ. New skin cells at the base of the epidermis push toward the surface of the skin, where they eventually shrink, flatten and die. These dead skin cells flake off every day and are continuously replaced by more cells.

Ichthyosis, however, disrupts this pattern. It occurs when the production of skin cells is too fast or the skin's natural shedding process is too slow. This causes dead skin cells to collect into thick flakes that stick to the outer surface of skin. These thick flakes can resemble fish scales.

Most often, ichthyosis is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that a child has to inherit only one copy of the affected gene to develop the disease. Children with the inherited form of the disorder usually have normal skin at birth but develop scaling and roughness in the first few years of life. At times, ichthyosis vulgaris may disappear during the adult years, only to return later.

Ichthyosis not caused by genetics, referred to as acquired ichthyosis, is very rare. This type usually manifests in adulthood and is usually associated with other internal diseases, such as cancer, thyroid disease or chronic renal failure.

• Harsh soaps or detergents
• Genetic disorder that is passed from parent to child or that occurs spontaneously.
• Cold weather
• Frequent or prolonged bathing , especially in hot water .
• Side effect of the disease like sarcoidosis , lymphoma , under-active thyroid , AIDS etc. may also be a cause of the disease.
• Soaps or lotions containing certain scents or perfumes

When to seek medical advice

If you suspect you or your child has ichthyosis, consult your family doctor or a dermatologist. He or she can diagnose the condition by examining the characteristic scales. Also, be sure to seek medical advice if the symptoms worsen or they don't improve with self-care measures. You may need a stronger medication to manage the problem.

Treatment of Ichthyosis

• Solutions or creams with salicylic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids may also help in promoting shedding of skin flakes.
• Some times exposure to sunlight can improve the condition.
• A large variety of non-prescription , unscented moisturizers.
• Use of moisture retaining creams or ointments such as Petrolatum,lanolin or urea-containing preparations after a bath or shower helps in maintaining the skin moisture.
• Disinfecting soap such as chlorhexidine can also helpfull in improving the condition.

Self-care

Although self-help measures won't cure ichthyosis, they may help improve the appearance and feel of damaged skin. These measures may be beneficial:

• Take long soaking baths to soften the skin. Then use a roughly-textured sponge, such as a loofa sponge, to remove the thickened scales.
• Choose mild soaps that have added oils and fats. Avoid deodorant and antibacterial soaps, which are especially harsh on dry skin.
• After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin.
• Apply the moisturizer or lubricating cream while your skin is still wet or moist from bathing. Choose a moisturizer that contains urea or propylene glycol — chemicals that help keep your skin moist. Petroleum jelly is another good choice. Cover the treated areas with plastic wrap to keep the petroleum jelly from staining clothes and furniture.
• Twice daily applications of an over-the-counter product that contains salicylic acid may help. Salicylic acid helps the skin shed its dead skin cells.
• Use a portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace to add moisture to the air inside your home.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.

thankyou......

Home Remedies to RETAIN TEETH AND LIP COLOR

RETAIN TEETH AND LIP COLOR

The side effects such as discoloration of the teeth and lip colour caused by smoking can be changed by bringing about a few simple lifestyle changes which will enable prevention of teeth discoloration. One can also prevent the side effects of smoking by improving dental hygiene.

If discoloration of teeth appears to be of an abnormal color without a logical explanation and, if other symptoms are also present, it is advisable to see the dentist at the earliest.

Discoloration of the lip is another area that needs care and attention to regain the natural color.

Symptoms of Smoking on teeth and lips:

Apart from discoloration of the teeth and lip, smoking cigarettes or cigars can cause a number of other oral symptoms and side effects which include:
Sticky tar deposits
Brown tooth stains
Red inflammation on the roof of the mouth
Delayed healing of the gums
Chronic bad breath
More tooth decay than non smokers

Smoking reduces the flow of saliva

The symptoms are gross manifestations of the biological changes occurring in the body due to continuous addiction to smoking. Here are some key reasons that could lead to teeth discoloration:

Saliva is important for cleaning the lining of the mouth and teeth and protects teeth from decay. Smoking reduces the flow of saliva and thus handicaps its key function.
Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and cuts the supply of vital nutrients.
Vitamin C helps gums to stay healthy. Smoking reduces the level of vitamin C drastically.
Together, a reduced blood flow and diminishing vitamin C level, make treatment of gum disease in smokers a difficult proposition.
Smoking also raises the mouth's temperature, damaging and killing important oral tissue cells.

Other causes other than smoking that lead discoloration of the teeth are:
Several diseases that affect enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the underlying material under enamel) can lead to tooth discoloration.

Treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth color. For example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth discoloration.

Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain teeth.

Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and antihypertensive medications also cause teeth discoloration.

Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water) or from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth) can cause teeth discoloration.

Reduce intake of coffee and cigarettes

Remedies to prevent tooth discoloration:

To prevent discoloration a coffee drinker and/or smoker must consider reducing intake or giving up on these addictions. One can also prevent the side effects of smoking by improving dental hygiene .This can be done by brushing and flossing regularly and getting teeth cleaned by a dentist every 6 months.

Treatment options or home remedies that can be tried at home may vary depending on the cause of the discoloration and include:
Using proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques
Avoidance of foods and beverages that cause stains on teeth.
Using Over-The-Counter whitening agents

Remedies to prevent discoloration of the lip:

Here are simple lip care tips and home remedies for intense smokers:
To reduce discoloration caused by smoking or caffeinated drinks the first step is to reduce the intake of such habits.
Drink at least 10 glasses of water to flush toxins away.
Apply Vaseline to your lips regularly.
Clarified butter is also a very good home remedy. Apply a little every night to soothe lips. This helps keep lips moisturized.
Another effective home remedy is applying the juice of a lemon which has bleaching properties to the lips daily. This helps lighten the colour of the lips over time.
It is advisable for women to wear lipstick with sunscreen, as Ultra Violet radiation may cause pigmentation.

Improve dental hygiene by brushing and flossing the teeth regularly. Having a complete dental cleansing by a professional dentist every 6 months are also advisable.

Avoid food and beverages that contain too much food coloring for it leave stains on the teeth.

Avoid using over-the-counter whitening products.

Drink at least 10 glasses of water everyday to eliminate the toxins from the body.

Apply Vaseline on the lips regularly to lighten the discoloration of the lips.

Moisturize lips by applying little amount of clarified butter every night.

Apply lemon juice on the lips everyday. It is a natural bleaching agent that helps lighten lips with regular application.

For women, wear lipstick that contains sunscreen ingredients. Excessive exposure of UV rays from the sun can cause lip pigmentation.

Avoid tooth decaying foods like carbohydrates and sugar

Doctors recommend treatments that are advisable to cure discoloration of the teeth and the most one can do on the diet front is to avoid certain tooth decaying foods. Most avoidable foods include all carbohydrates and sugar as they can cause tooth decay. All simple sugars, including table sugar (sucrose) and the sugars in honey (levulose and dextrose), fruit (fructose), and milk (lactose), have the same effect on the teeth.

Diets
Avoid foods that will leave tooth decay. These include foods that are rich in carbohydrates and sugar. Sugar takes on many forms such as sucrose (table sugar), levulose and dextrose (honey), fructose (fruit), and lactose (milk).

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.

thankyou.......

INCREASE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT

The bone structure must remain elastic if one is to become taller. One must take exercise regularly. I suggest the following exercises will help one gain height:

(i) Stand in an open space in “attention” position. In hale deeply through the nose and extend yours arms lifting then slowly up to your shoulders. Keep your arms straight. Hold that position for some time and then take the arms backwards as far as they will go. No inhale again the release your breath slowly, resuming the former position.
(ii) Stand with your arms straight at right angles to your body. Lift the arms vertically and then bring them to the level of the shoulders. Do not exhale in the process, but stand on your toes, lifting your heels as far as they will go. Exhale slowly after some moments and resume the earlier position.
(iii) Extend your arms forward up to the level of the shoulders. Inhale and fill your lungs to about one-third of their capacity. Wait for a few moments and then take your arms above your head. Now move them in a circular motion-taking them behind your back and in the former position again. Exhale slowly.

How can one increase weight?
Take to a diet for three to four days. Take 100 to 150 grams of bran with the fruits. The best way will be to mix bran with a fruit like papaya. It will increase appetite, improve the digestion and remove costiveness, if any. One will tend to eat more and the capacity to assimilate food will be increased.

Foods like flour, rice honey, raisins, figs, dates, butter, and etc. can help increase weight. Sweat substances can increase weight than fatty foods. Those wishing to increase their weight should become pure vegetarians and eat fruits, rice, flour, fresh vegetables, bananas, dry fruits, butter, and milk. Germinated wheat is also extremely beneficial if taken in the form of gruel mixed with hot milk.

Take plenty of water, exercise and fast once a week.

thanks...........

Kitchen Remedies for BETTER HAIR

The best conditioner your hair can need is right there, among your foodstuffs. All you need to do is mix equal portions of honey and olive oil, and massage into your scalp. Remember, this is not an after shampoo conditioner, so no rubbing into strands of hair. Instead, this is the conditioner which is nutritious for the roots of your hair. So rub it into the hair base. Then wrap your head with a warm towel for about thirty minutes. Use your mildest shampoo now and you will notice that your hair doesn’t come away squeaky clean as if someone has taken away life from it, instead it sits heavy and luxuriant on your head. That’s nutrition, not cosmetics!!!
If your hair is dry and flaky, rub in four or five teaspoons of mayonnaise into your scalp and leave it on for half an hour before shampooing. Remember, mayo contains oil, egg and mustard powder, just the right recipe for imparting wholesome moisture to dead looking hair. As an after shampoo, rinse with about half a teaspoon of honey in about a liter (4 mugs) of water. Don’t wash away this last rinse, and it acts as an excellent conditioner for dry, dull hair
To get a shine to dull hair, one can also use honey and lemon juice in your last rinse after shampooing hair, and do not wash it out. Instead, dry your hair well and brush vigorously. The sheen that is seen is all natural glow of one of the most wonderful natural foods, honey. Lemon is also a natural conditioner and imparts a natural shine to hair, whatever type it may be. It I extensively used as an additive to conditioners and always used as a part of herbal remedies for dull hair. It also acts as an antiseptic and astringent, cleaning up the scalp of dandruff debris and leaving it clean and free of infections. A rinse made with tea and lemon juice also serves to clean up the greasiness of oily hair without interfering in its ph balance or drying it up excessively (which is what most shampoos do).

There are more secrets in your kitchen cabinet to help with oily greasy hair. Soak any lentil in a glass of water for half an hour (you can eat the lentils, excellent source of protein). Meanwhile, boil the rind of an orange and add the water wit the lentil water. (The boiled rind may be used as a flouring for cakes or cookies). The mixture of these two waters forms a priceless rinse for oily hair.
Did you know that there is a natural method for straightening hair too? Of course, it may not be instant, but then it is infinitely healthier than straightening chemicals and irons that do irreparable damage to hair. Get a fresh coconut and blend it well, till about a glassful of milk can be extracted from the pulp. Add the juice of one lime to this milk, stir well into the glass and refrigerate till it acquires a creamy layer on the top. This cream can be rubbed onto the scalp, and left on, covered with a hot towel, for about an hour. Then rinse it off with a mild shampoo and warm water. Repeat this three times a week and you will notice that your unruly locks are gradually straightening up.
In Asian countries, especially in the coastal regions, graying is not the greatest of threats. Perhaps their diet takes care of their hair so well, or maybe they know the secret to dark hair till old age. Whatever it may seem, there is one secret that we can share with natives of South India, a land known for doe eyed and raven haired women since times immemorial. The most basic hair tonic to ensure that your mane doesn’t grey can be made by burning curry leaves and then boiling this powder with coconut oil. Use this oil as your preferred hair tonic once a week and the result is absolute stoppage of graying and hair fall. Alternately, a handful of curry leaves can be pounded into pulp, and then boiled with coconut milk, till it yields oil. This oil is priceless nourishment for the scalp and ensures longevity and luster and color for hair. Of course, in kitchen cabinets of the Western homes, coconut and curry leaves may not be a common storage item, but they can be easily had from any Asian store.
There are a number of other remedies for darkening hair, and also for stopping grey. Gooseberries are one of the most favored fruits for hair maintenance in the East, especially Indian homes. Its extract is great for cleansing and condition hair while roasted, it has the capacity to darken hair. Try mixing ground, dried gooseberries with lemon juice and applying on graying hair. Gradually, graying will stop and the hair will be much healthier than before. Black peppercorns are another remedy for darkening hair and preventing premature graying. Powdered and mixed with curd, black peppers make a great hair color. Wash hair at least once a week with this mixture, and see how the graying stops and the hair become softer and more manageable. Though it may not always be possible to have other color for hair by way of your kitchen cabinet, there are ideas available to enrich the tone of your natural hair color and even fix colors. For instance, hot hibiscus tea (a rich shade of deep red), enriches red tints in your hair while black tea rinses are supposed to bring out the golden highlights in hair. Onion or lemon juice works wonders to brighten the shades of natural henna while an apple cider rinse will help fix the color on grey hair. Another widespread problem with hair is dandruff. Ayurveda has a very simple remedy for dandruff. Certain easily available oils help eliminate this condition, since it is essentially brought about by drying of the scalp surface. Mix one part of lemon juice with two parts of coconut oil and use it for a regular oil massage. The results will show in a couple of weeks. Alternately try mixing up one teaspoon of camphor with equal portions of mustard and coconut oil. The resultant mix is a bit strong smelling but does its job quite effectively.
These are some specific conditions of hair. But Ayurveda also has some generic recommendations that will prevent some or all of these problems to begin with. Of course, we can try to follow a good hair care regime to make sure these problems never cross our path, to begin with. • Grate some fresh ginger. Mix with honey and place it in a jar. Eat 1 tea spoon everyday. • Use natural shampoo, studiously avoiding so –called medicated shampoos that may just aggravate your problem, or create one where there is none. • Use amla (embilica officinalis) (dried gooseberry powder), Shikakai (Acacia concinna) (soapnuts powder) for washing the hair. • Use medicated oils like 'Arnica oil'. Put oil on the scalp and massage gently in the roots of the hair. • Maintain a regular bowel movement. • The diet should contain more green leafy vegetables, salads, milk, fruits and sprouts. Take more proteins, milk, buttermilk, yeast, wheat germ, soybean and vitamin A. • A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is good to drink to induce hair growth. It provides all the vitamins you need for a great skin and a healthy scalp. Another good idea is the juice of alfalfa mixed with that of carrot and lettuce. • Daily application of coconut oil mixed with lime- juice on the hair is also beneficial. Applying juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also good. Above all, regular exercise, a strict food diet system and of course, positive thinking helps your mane to glow.