No matter what type of hair nature blessed you with, there are things
you can do to keep it healthy, lustrous, looking its best. Here are
some tips for a healthy head of hair from the tradition of Ayurveda,
the 5,000-year old healing tradition that originated in India:
* Like everything else about true, lasting beauty, healthy hair
begins within your body. Start with your diet. Include lots of green
leafy vegetables and sweet juicy fruits. Dairy products such as milk
and fresh yogurt will also help. Fresh coconut is also considered
excellent "hair food" - sprinkle grated coconut over salads, diced
fresh fruit, or rice.
* Cut down on refined, processed and canned foods. Ayurveda considers
foods with artificial preservatives and chemical additives stripped
of their inherent "intelligence" and therefore not helpful in
supplying nutrition to your body and mind. Ice-cold beverages also
hamper the process of digestion and assimilation of nutrients.
* Cooking with certain spices adds flavor to your food and provides
nourishment for your hair. Cumin, turmeric and black pepper are
some "hair-friendly" spices. Add a healthy pinch of each to single-
portion soups and stews as they are cooking. Saut�1/8 -1/4
teaspoon each of the three spices in a teaspoon of ghee (clarified
butter) or olive oil and add to cooked veggies. Roasted and ground
cumin and ground black pepper can be sprinkled over fresh yogurt.
* Stress can be seriously injurious to long-term health and color of
hair. Try and manage your time and tasks to minimize time-related
pressures. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation. Seek
out tranquil sights in nature to help restore balance to your mind.
Relaxing or uplifting music can be therapeutic. Get adequate, good
quality sleep to help the natural process of rejuvenation.
* Ayurvedic herbs that help hair health include Eclipta alba and Gotu
Kola. Eclipta alba is called "Bhringaraj" - literally, king of
tresses. It nourishes the hair and helps resistance to stress as
well. Brahmi, sometimes called Gotu Kola, also helps balance the mind
and nourishes the hair and scalp. Since Ayurveda considers the
health, color and luster of hair so dependent on overall mind/body
health, synergistic Ayurvedic herbal preparations for hair can also
include herbs such as Country Mallow, which is supposed to strengthen
the physiology, and Winter Cherry, which aids resistance to stress.
* Stay away from harsh chemical topical products that can damage hair
over time. Look for gentle, natural cleansers and conditioners,
especially if you wash your hair more than three times a week.
Shampoos and conditioners that contain nourishing botanicals are even
better. Read labels carefully - sometimes, products that say "herbal"
or "natural" can include no-no chemicals.
* A warm oil scalp massage two or three times a week will help
stimulate and moisturize the scalp. You can use good quality coconut,
almond or olive oil. Ayurvedic hair oils also contain some of the
herbs mentioned earlier. Apply some mildly warmed oil to your hair
and gently massage into your scalp evenly with your fingertips. Leave
on overnight if you can, if not, leave on for at least an hour or
two, then get it out by shampooing your hair. The scalp massage helps
you relax and aids sound sleep as well.
* Never attack wet hair with a brush, no matter how rushed for time
you are. Tangles in wet hair are best removed with a wide-toothed
comb. Use a wooden comb if you can find one; it won't generate static
electricity. Excessive blow-drying can damage hair in the long-term,
making it brittle and causing split ends. If you can, let your hair
dry naturally, then brush into place.
* Last, but not least, brushing your hair regularly to stimulate the
scalp will keep it looking healthy and lustrous. Brush each night in
all directions in turn - left to right, right to left, front to back
and back to front. Use smooth long strokes from scalp to hairtips.
Your hair can indeed be your crowning glory if you treat it right!
Note - This information is educational and is not intended to replace
standard medical treatment or advice.
For more information on Ayurveda, please visit http://www.mapi.com.
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About The Author
Copyright Vasu Nargundkar, 2001.
Vasu Nargundkar is the editor of Total Health News and other
ayurvedic newsletters published by Maharishi Ayurveda.
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The information of this page is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for your dermatologist's or professional's advice or treatment. For further details, please read our disclaimer.
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