Gray hair is no more the symbol of advanced age. Don’t be surprised if the next few generations are familiar to gray hair and only gray hair in all age groups. This is no more an exaggeration as more and more people in the young and middle age group are suffering from premature graying. On one hand, only people beyond forty five are expected to have gray hair, but on the other hand more and more people in young thirties are prone to this sickness.

Before we understand the pros and cons of premature graying, lets understand the hair nourishment aspects which provide normal health.

The hair is nothing but an extension of the skin. It is the outer layer of the skin in form of epidermis which have the hair follicles. The roots of the hair start from the hair follicles and it is through these follicles that the nutrients are supplied to the hair shaft from the blood stream. Iron, zinc, copper and iodine are some of the minerals which are involved in the maintenance of the health of the hair. Moreover the oily secretion called sebum secreted by the hair follicles nourishes the hair and provides natural luster. However in those with oily skin where excessive sebum is secreted, regular washing of hair becomes indispensable to avoid excessive oily look and feel to the hair which could even encourage fungal infections on the scalp.

Causes of Premature Graying of Hair:

• Diet errors: A faulty diet and mental worries are the two primary causes of premature graying of hair. Lack of some of the B vitamins, iron, copper, and iodine in the daily diet is said to be a contributory factor.

· Worries and tension : Mental worries produce extraordinary tension in the skin of the scalp; this interferes with the supply of vital nutrition necessary for the health of the hair.

• Lack of certain vitamins in the body
• Genetic factors
• Unhygienic habits like unclean scalp: when excessive oil or dirt gets accumulated in the scalp, the follicles are clogged and this prevents adequate blood supply to the hair shaft through the root.
• Excessive heat to the hair: If hot water is used to wash hair often, the proteins get damaged and the roots are also destructed to cause premature graying.

Home Remedies for Premature Graying of Hair

Premature Graying of Hair treatment using Indian Gooseberry

The use of Indian gooseberry is the foremost among the home remedies found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of premature graying of hair. This is a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth and hair pigmentation. The fruit, cut into pieces, should be dried, preferably in shade. These pieces should be boiled in coconut oil till the solid matter becomes like charred dust. This darkish oil is very useful against premature graying. The water in which dried Indian gooseberry pieces have been soaked overnight is also nourishing for the hair. This water should be used for the last rinse while washing the hair. Massaging the scalp every night with a teaspoonful of Indian gooseberry juice, mixed with a teaspoon of almond oil and a few drops of lime juice, also proves beneficial in the prevention and treatment of premature graying of hair.

Premature Graying of Hair treatment using Amaranth

Amaranth is another effective home remedy for hair disorders. Application of the fresh juice of the leaves of this vegetable helps the hair to retain its black color and prevents it from premature graying. It also helps the growth of the hair and keeps it soft.

Premature Graying of Hair treatment using Curry Leaves

Liberal intake of curry leaves is considered beneficial in preventing premature graying of hair. These leaves have the property of providing vitality and strength to hair roots. New hair roots that grow are healthier and contain a normal pigment. The leaves can be used in the form of spicy condiment, or may be squeezed in buttermilk. When the leaves are boiled in coconut oil, the oil forms an excellent hair tonic to stimulate hair growth and bring back hair pigmentation.

Premature Graying of Hair treatment using Ribbed Gourd

Ribbed gourd boiled in coconut oil is also an effective remedy for premature graying of hair. Pieces of this vegetable should be dried in the shade. These dried pieces should be soaked in coconut oil and kept aside for three or four days. The oil should then be boiled till the solid is reduced to a blackened residue. This oil should be massaged into the scalp. It will help enrich the hair roots and restore pigment to the hair.

Premature Graying of Hair treatment using Butter

The butter made from cow’s milk has the property of preventing premature graying of hair. A small roll may be taken internally and a little quantity may be massaged into the hair roots twice a week.

Premature Graying of Hair treatment using Vitamins

The vitamins considered useful in guarding against premature graying of hair are pantothenic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid (paba), inositol. The minimum daily requirement of these vitamins appears to be 10 mg of pantothenic acid, 100 mg of para-aminobenzoic acid, and 2 gm of inositol. To obtain satisfactory results, all three of these vitamins belonging to the B group should be supplied at one time, preferably in a form which supplies all the B vitamins, such as yeast and liver. The three anti-graying-hair vitamins can also be produced in the intestinal tract by bacteria. Thus, taking a sufficient quantity of yogurt daily and a tablespoonful of yeast before each meal is an excellent remedy for the prevention and treatment of premature graying of hair. If one wishes to take tablets of calcium pantothenate and para-aminobenzoic acid (paba), they should be taken in addition to the yeast and yogurt, and not as a substitute for them.

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Tags: chinese, acupressure, herbs, remedies, alternative

Nature’s blessings in honey

The most precious moment in anyone’s life is when she/he hears the first cry of their newborn. A myriad of feelings in form of joy, excitement, responsibility and perhaps even fear enroll the emotions of the new born parents too. It is truly said that child gives birth to a mother. Such a pious and auspicious occasion is marked by a tradition in India…an ancient tradition which is carried forward since decades together. The grandparents or the elder most member of the family puts some honey on the tongue of the new baby as a symbol of health and good fortune. This precious substance has many advantages which enable it to take the form of nature’s blessings.

What is honey?

Honey is formed by honey bees when they rest and suck nectar from the pollen of flowers. It is a natural process where by metabolic processes of the honey bee, honey is formed. It is stored in the bee hives and these are generally broken to extract honey. Since it is a natural product obtained primarily from pollen, it gives rise to anti allergic properties to protect people from pollen allergies.

Honey is a sweet substance and perhaps this is the reason why it easily fits in the daily regimen of most people as a healthy substitute to sugar. In fact almost 70% households in U.S use honey in some form or the other on account of its taste or health benefits. Chemically it is composed of glucose and fructose which are natural mono saccharides easily digested and absorbed in the blood , better and faster than sucrose present in sugar. In fact it is much better for high risk diabetics as metabolism of mono saccharides is faster.

In addition there are several enzymes and hormones present from the bee which secretes the honey making it more adaptable to the human system. A number of vitamins and minerals in form of calcium, zinc, manganese, sodium, potassium, sulfur, chlorine, iron , phosphate, vitamin B1,B2, B3, B5, B6 along with vitamin C make this product efficient in restoring normal health of the body. Since most of these micro nutrients are required in trace amounts within the body, honey suffices the need which is left unmet in most cases, specially in vegetarians.

Some health benefits of honey are listed below:

1. Antiseptic

Honey contains antimicrobial agents, which prevents infections by killing the bacteria in and around your wounds. When using honey it may help to heat it up before putting it on your wound.

1. Moisturizer

Honey may also be good for your skin. It has the ability to attract water. It is also safe for sensitive skin. You can use it as a moisturizing mask for your skin as well as your hair.

1. Source of energy

Energy is released fastest by mono saccharides once they are rapidly absorbed in blood stream. Since both glucose and fructose are supplied by honey, it relieves fatigue and energizes the mind and body.

1. Anti plaque
   

Honey stops the growth of dental plaque bacteria and reduces the amount of acid produced, which stops the bacteria from producing dextran (a component of dental plaque).

1. Anti inflammatory
   

It is used to relieve sore throat pain. Pour a teaspoon of honey into a large serving spoon and then top off the spoon with lemon juice. Swallow the concoction (without water) every few hours until symptoms clear up. Some people add a pinch of black or red pepper to increase blood circulation to the throat.]

1. Relaxant

Honey is a carbohydrate and will increase the level of tryptophan-an amino acid that is used in the production of serotonin-, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that will induce a sense of calm and drowsiness. That is why some people drink a cup of water with a spoonful of honey before sleep

1. Honey may also be effective in the treatment of your ulcers. In Europe, honey has been used internally to help cure ulcers, particularly stomach ulcers.
2. In treating diarrhea, honey promotes the re hydration of the body and more quickly clears up the diarrhea and any vomiting and stomach upsets

So, next time when you want to take care of your health ask for honey tea and not sugar less tea. Perhaps this sweet is more beneficial !

Tags: Ayurvedic, obesity, acupuncture, medicine, herbs