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Castor oil is also known as miracle oil because it has highly fortifying properties. For centuries, it is being used in numerous treatments because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is extracted from the bean of a castor plant which originally come from Eastern Africa. It is one of the most ancient oil which is famous for its powerful and amazing therapeutic properties. It is used in many Ayurvedic medicines and can be consumed both internally or externally depending upon the type of treatment. In Ayurveda, it is amazing to relieve Vata and Kapha disorders.

Properties:

Castor oil has the following properties:

  • anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties
  • pungent/bitter or sweet taste
  • heavy to digest
  • hot in nature

Castor Oil for Tridosha:

In Ayurveda, it is amazing to relieve Vata and Kapha disorders by balancing it. It also relieves pitta when combined and processed with herbs which have bitter and sweet taste.

Health Benefit of Castor Oil:

Castor oil posses a great number of health benefits. Some of which are listed below:

  1. Castor Oil improves skin and cures skin diseases.
  2. Castor Oil cleanses body.
  3. Castor Oil helps to rejuvenate skin and makes it look healthy.
  4. Castor Oil improves health, intelligence, memory, immunity, and digestion.
  5. Castor Oil relieves lower back pain.
  6. Castor Oil is great to treat belly bloating.
  7. Castor Oil is best in destroying abdominal tumors.

When can we use Castor Oil externally?

  • Castor oil contains vitamin E which makes it excellent for the skin. When applied directly on the skin it moisturizes it and give the skin a subtle glow. Regular use of it makes the skin fuller and plumper.
  • Another amazing external use of castor oil is for hair. When applied directly on the scalp it nourishes the scalp and boost hair growth. It fights numerous hair related issues like, itchy scalp, dandruff, dry hair, hair fall, and split ends. Besides that, it can also be used to grow brow, lashes and the hairline.
  • As mentioned earlies, castor oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, because of which it is an effective remedy for Arthritis. It helps to improve blood circulation and increases body warmth. It also helps to reduce inflammations and relieves pain. It proves effective to reduce joint pain and backaches.
  • In India, it is a common practice to use castor oil as Kajal over the eyes to improve vision.
  • It can also be used to treat dry cracked feet. Gently massage a few drops of castor oil twice a week and get soft smoot feet.

When can we use Castor Oil internally?

  • Castor oil is a powerful laxative. Therefore, can be consumed internally to relieve constipation and promote healthy digestion. You can add one or two tablespoons in ginger tea and drink it at night.

How to make Castor Oil pack?

Castor oil pack is very effective and can be used to break down cysts, fibroids, and lipomas. To make castor oil pack, use soaked flannel oil and cover it with hot water bottle. It is then placed on the affected area for about an hour. It also helps to reduce inflammation, and joint pain.

Note: FDA approves castor oil and it can be used indefinitely.

Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil – Ayurvedic Properties of One of the Most Versatile Essential Oils

Are you suffering from stress, anxiety, tension, acne, pain, or breathing problem? You’ll be surprised to hear that there is ONE solution for all these sufferings, which is the Lavender Essential Oil. Lavender is one of the most versatile of all essential oils. The benefits of this oil were learned 2500 years ago. It easily a very powerful essential oil. It is an inexpensive oil full of health benefits. Therapeutic grade essential oil is highly regarded for skin conditions, along with having a relaxing effect on the body and mind. Besides treating all the above-mentioned sufferings, it extensively aids to treat sleeping problems and enhance blood circulation in the human body. Moreover, it can be used as a deodorant and an amazing cleanser for household items.

In modern Ayurveda, it is also known as an antibacterial essential oil. The lavender essential oil has health benefits but it also comes handy when needed in the home as a bug repellent due to its pungent smell. Below mentioned are the details about the Lavender essential oil:

  • Botanical Name: Lavendula Officinalis
  • Dosha: PK↓, V (Neutral)
  • Taste: Pungent
  • Energy: Slightly Cooling
  • Actions: Carminative, diuretic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, analgesic, galactagogue, stimulant, and balancing.

Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil

  • Stimulates Wound Healing

This essential oil helps to speed up the process of wound healing. It stimulates the healing process of minor cuts, burns, and bruises.

  • Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Lavender Essential Oil has powerful anxiolytic abilities as it contains terpenoids like linalool and linalyl acetate. When applied in the right way it helps to relieve stress and anxiety.

  • Treats Respiratory Disorders

Problems like asthma, flu, cough, sinus congestion, throat infection, tonsillitis, colds, and whooping cough can be treated by using Lavender Essential Oil. It aids to loosen up the phlegm and relieve congestion related to any of the respiratory problems.

  • Improves Sleep

Due to its calming properties, this essential oil when applied on your pillowcase and bedsheets ensure a good night’s sleep. It also helps to treat insomnia.

  • Anti-bacterial and Anti-Viral Properties

Lavender Essential Oil properties like anti-bacterial and anti-viral, making it perfect to fight against diseases like typhoid, TB, and diphtheria.

  • Fights Acne

Young people, as well as adults whenever get acne to feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. But Lavender Essential Oil has anti-bacterial properties which help to fight stubborn acne and reduces the acne scar. A quick tip is to add a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil into your skin creams.

  • Relives Pain

Lavender Essential Oil is amazing when it comes to reliving pains like muscles pain, sprains, backache, or lumbago. A good regular Lavender Essential Oil massage can do wonders to relieve pain.

  • Improves Blood Circulation

The Lavender Essential Oil reduces hypertension which aids to lower blood pressure. This gives amazing benefits to coronary conditions.

  • Hair Care

When Lavender Essential Oil is mixed with any carrier oil (like coconut or grapeseed oil) it has immense benefits on your hair. When it is massaged on the scalp daily, it can improve alopecia areata and hair loss.

  • Bug Repellent

Due to the pungent smell of Lavender Essential Oil, it is an excellent bug repellent. It can repel any type of bug-like moths, midges, or mosquitoes.

  • Helps in Digestion

The Lavender Essential Oil promotes the production of gastric juices and bile, which aids in the digestion of food. Good stomach digestion makes the symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, colic, and nausea go away.

  • Anticancer Potential

Lavender Essential Oil has powerful properties due to which it is sometimes used as a complementary treatment to treat cancer.

  • Supports Brain Function

When applied to the temples of the head and back of the neck, the Lavender Essential Oil can support the nervous system. You can also inhale Lavender Essential Oil directly from the bottle and it will alleviate the stress symptoms quickly by supporting the nervous system and improving cognitive impairment.

A few other benefits of Lavender Essential Oil are:

  • Reduces Headaches
  • Stimulates Urine Flow
  • Helps against Eczema and Dermatitis
  • Helps to Naturally Treat Diabetes

At home, Lavender Essential Oil has the following benefits:

  • Natural Perfume and Aroma
  • Natural and Toxic-free Air Freshener
  • Natural and Chemical-free Lip Balm
  • Flavor Enhancer in Healthy Recipes

How To Use Lavender 

It is very crucial to mention “How to use Lavender Essential Oil”, as for each benefit there is a different way of Lavender application. Remember, Lavender Essential Oil has versatile properties which make it gentle enough to apply directly to the skin.

  • Calming: Take a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil and rub it on the feet for a calming and relaxing effect on the body.
  • Sleep Aid: Rub a drop of Lavender on your palms and inhale. You can also diffuse a few drops of the oil before you go to bed in order to achieve a good night’s rest.
  • Bee Sting/Insect Bite: Place a drop of Lavender on a bee sting or insect bite in order to stop itching and reduce swelling.
  • Minor Burns: Put 2-3 drops of Lavender on a minor burn to decrease pain.
  • Cuts: Drop Lavender on a cut to stop bleeding, clean the wound, and kill bacteria.
  • Eczema/Dermatitis: Mix several drops of Lavender with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, or sesame seed oil. Use topically on eczema or dermatitis.

When Lavender Essential Oil is considered not safe?

When the Lavender Essential Oil is consumed orally, it is not safe and can be a threat to human life. If the people using Lavender Essential Oil notices any of the below-mentioned issues, it is advised to stop the use of Lavender Essential Oil immediately. The issues can be:

  • Stomach issues
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Skin rashes
  • Skin irritation
  • Headaches
  • Pain in joints

These are just the benefits of only one essential oil. Imagine what amazing benefits do other essential oils have. If you are curious to learn more about essential oils, here is my ebook which is available at a discounted price for now. Grab yours now, before its too late!

Happy Learning!

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Today’s hot topic is – Top 15 DIY Ayurvedic and Natural Hair Care Ingredients

I am so excited to share this blog with you and i hope you enjoy reading this. 

Diet, low thyroid, high stress, auto immune condition environmental pollution, chemicals in commercial hair products and generally imbalanced Pitta or Vata dosha may lead to thinning, damaged and greying hair. Excessive consumption of caffeinated and high sugar beverages also contribute towards hair loss. We also tend to forget “oil” is food for hair health however we use shampoos more regularly which could lead dryer hair. Stress and anxiety may lead to hormonal imbalance which induce hair fall. In Ayurveda since hair fall or damaged hair is mostly due to Pitta dosha imbalance therefore many cooling oil and herbs are used in oils to make the best Ayurvedic herbal hair oil. Ayurveda also promotes herbs that are good for memory, intellect and overall brain health for hair health. Lightly warming these herbal oils before applying is highly encouraged.

Conscious Health’s Herbal Hair Mask is a great add on that can condition, nourish and moisturize your hair and scalp. There also Henna a natural herb that colours the grey hair for those who have dark hair.

Let’s learn more about Top 15 DIY Ayurvedic and Natural Hair Care Ingredients. They include herbs, oils, flowers, nut oils and fruits.

  1. Almond Oil: In South Asia one of the most popular oil for hair is almond oil (popularly known as “Badam Ka Tel” in India). Almond oilcontains various nutrients for hair such as Omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, vitamin E and magnesium. Almond oil nourishes, moisturizes and strengthens hair. Due to the nutrient density it is optimal for treating hair loss (or controlling hair fall) and treating damaged hair. However note that almond oil does not increase hair volume but may increase hair length and shine, reduce split ends, eliminate dandruff and reduce scalp/skin inflammation.

 

  1. Aloe Vera: There are only a few natural ingredients that are known to assist with hair growth and Aloe Vera is one of them along with castor oil, fenugreek seeds and cedarwood essential oil. Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 andfolic acid. It’s also rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium and Aloe is a natural moisturizer that reduces dryness and dandruff (by removing the dead cells), maintains the pH balance of the scalp, detangles curly hair and conditions the hair (great for oily hair). Aloe Vera is rich in antioxidants and contains anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which make it ideal of a treating Pitta condition such as hair fall. Aloe Vera can be used as a pre shampooing treatment – apply aloe vera gel on the scalp 15 minutes before shower.

 

  1. Brahmi: A superior Ayurvedic gem – Brahmi is used in Ayurveda for nourishment and to prevent hair loss. Head massaging using Brahmi oil increases blood circulation in the scalp and makes the roots of the hair stronger. Brahmi oil is used to treat dry, flaky scalp and dandruff. Brahmi used as a powder in a mask or oil can reduce pre mature greying, hair loss, promotes hair density, shine and treats scalp irritation.

 

  1. Castor Oil: Castor oil is an age old remedy to prevent hair loss or assist with hair regrowth. This is because castor oil has the ability to improve circulation and increase blood flow. It contains anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. The anti-fungal properties in castor oil are Ricin and Ricinoleic acid which nourishes the hair. Castor oil is one of the few natural ingredients that stimulates hair growth, combats spilt ends, moisturizes hair and scalp, adds lustre and shine, prevents frequent hair fall or breakage, thickens hair, makes it grow longer fast and fights against dryness and dandruff. Castor oils contain omega 9 essential fatty acids, vitamin E, oleic acid, enzymes and minerals which makes it an amazing herbal remedy. Using cold-pressed, unrefined and extra virgin castor oil is best for hair health.

 

  1. Coconut Oil: I have growth up using coconut oil for my hair! My mother always said, “Oils are food for hair.” Coconut oil is best for Pitta dosha individuals as this is cooling oil that is also rich in vitamin E and K, lauric acid and minerals. Coconut oil contains anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and is rich in antioxidant. Coconut oil supports hair growth (length of hair), fights with dryness, dandruff, scalp infections and fungus, protects the hair from sun damage, as well as adds shine and lustre.

 

  1. False Daisy (Bhringraj): Another Ayurvedic herb for hair is Bhringraj used in many popular hair oils. It is an amazing remedy for pre-mature greying. Bhringraj is used for controlling hair loss, encouraging new hair growth, strengthening the hair follicles, fights dandruff, improve hair colour and texture. It also improves sleep and it fights against skin allergies. Bhringraj can be used as hair oil or powdered Bhringraj can be used in hair masks.

 

  1. Fenugreek (Methi): Methi or fenugreek is a well-kept secret as a natural medicine for hair growth. Fenugreek or methi prevents hair fall, promotes hair growth, eliminates dandruff and soothe dry and itchy scalp. Methi contains protein, Vitamin C, iron, potassium and lecithin – all of which are good for strong hair follicles, improves hair growth and makes the hair lustrous. Conscious Health’s Hair Mask contains fenugreek seeds. Best to purchase organic, cold pressed and extra virgin coconut oil for hair, skin or cooking.

 

  1. Hibiscus Flower: This is one amazing flower for hair health whether used fresh or dried. Hibiscus contains high vitamin C and A, iron and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Making herbal hair masks with hibiscus flower paste or hibiscus infused oil can take care of hair loss, dandruff, improves hair shine, condition’s hair and promote hair regrowth (length and thickness). Note that both flower and leaves can be used to make a paste for a hair mask but flower may contain a little more nutrient. Add fenugreek (methi) or yogurt in the same paste for a health hair mask to combat dandruff. Hibiscus is also known to stop pre mature greying hair.

 

  1. Holy Basil (Tulsi): Tulsi contains many vitamins and minerals, notably vitamin A, K, C, folate, copper, iron, calcium and manganese. Tulsi also is an adaptogenic herb that contains high antioxidant properties such as flavonoids. It improves circulation and increase blood flow. Tulsi takes care of dry, brittle and damaged hair, combats dry, itchy scalp, pre mature greying, strengthens hair and promotes hair growth. Conscious Health’s Herbal Hair Mask also contains Tulsi. Apply fresh Tulsi leaf juice and add it to a hair pack/mask or dried powdered leaves mixed with yogurt for a hair mask.

 

  1. Indian Gooseberry (Amla): One of the most popular herbs in Ayurveda is an amazing tonic for the hair. Amla can be juiced or dried Amla can be used in a hair mask. Amla oil is extremely popular in India or South East Asian countries as hair oil. Amla contains an array of vitamins (notably vitamin), minerals and antioxidants. Amla can prevent hair loss, greying hair, combats dry scalp, dandruff, strengthens hair follicles and increase circulation which promotes hair growth. Amla contain anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial properties and has a cooling effect (suitable for Pitta dosha). Amla oil relieves scalp irritation and infections. The high nutrient content in Amla increases shine and lustre as well as conditions and nourishes the hair.

 

  1. Indian Spikenard (Jatamansi): Jatamansi is an Ayurvedic herb that has the ability to calm the nerves and the mind which is required for strong hair follicles and preventing hair loss. Add Jatamansi in powdered form for hair masks. Jatamansi also promotes relaxing and blissful sleep. Jatamansi is also known to prevent pre mature greying. Jatamansi oil is available in Ayurvedic stores in almond oil base which makes it a great product for hair care.

 

  1. Curry Leaves: In Ayurvedic medicine curry leaves infused oil is very popular for hair re growth (new hair growth) as well as promotes strong, shiny, thick and fast hair growth. It also reduces hair fall which makes it a wonder herb for thick and luscious hair. Curry leaves conditions the hair, reduces scalp infections, stops pre mature greying and has anti-bacterial affect. High in antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, E, folic acid and minerals such as iron, curry leaves are truly nourishing for hair.

 

  1. Ritha or Reetha: South East Asians use Ritha as a natural shampoo, cleanser and conditioner. Ritha helps prevent hair fall, adds volume and shine. Ritha also fights against dandruff and dried scalp. Using Ritha is like using a chemical free shampoo. Ritha contains anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties which help to fight against head lice. Ritha is available dry or powdered. Ritha with amla and shikakai (100 gram of each of the herb) can be boiled in two liter of water. Boil until half the water is remained. Strain and this water can be used as shampoo. For dark hair, make a paste with water and equal parts of henna and Ritha.

 

  1. Shikakai: Shikakai has several benefits which are specifically targeted for hair health; therefore Shikakai (Indian word) literally means “fruit for the hair”. Shikakai is used for cleansing the hair, promoting hair growth, preventing dandruff and strengthening hair follicles. Typically dried and powdered shikakai is mixed with water to make a paste and applied on the scalp and hair, to use as a conditioner. Shikakai has a low pH level therefore when using it to cleanse the hair it does not damage the hair or strip the hair from its natural oils. Shikakai is also used as a detangler.

 

  1. Neem: Best used as oil, neem oil is the best remedy to combat dandruff, dryness and lice (anti-microbial properties). Neem oil prevents hair loss and promotes hair growth. Add powdered neem, tulsi and amla to combat dry hair and eliminate dandruff problems.

A bonus ingredient I must mention for hair that is Apple Cider Vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has many known benefits for hair and scalp treatment. Many people use apple cider to rinse their hair for stronger and shiner hair. Apple cider vinegar is used prevent breakage, split ends, stimulate hair growth, reduce frizz, detangle and to cleanse the hair. There are many natural shampoo, hair rinse or hair mask recipes that uses apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar that contains the natural culture (also known as the mother) is the best to use. If you live in Canada or USA, you can use Bragg’s apple cider vinegar. It has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties and acetic acid that helps to balance the pH level of our scalp.

8 hair issues and top 3-5 herbs for them. I hope this chart is helpful

Cleansing Shikakai Ritha/Reetha Neem Apple Cider  
Strengthening Bhringraj Brahmi Fenugreek    
Hair Growth Aloe Vera Castor Oil Bhringraj Fenugreek Curry Leaves
Conditioner Shikakai Aloe Vera Hibiscus Yogurt  
Dandruff Fighting Neem Coconut Oil Castor Oil Brahmi  
Nourishment Almond Oil Castor Oil Aloe Vera Brahmi Fenugreek
Stops Greying Brahmi Bhringraj Tulsi Curry Leaves Jatamansi
Memory & Sleep Bhringraj Brahmi Almond Oil    

 

You should also check out this useful article that details Ayurvedic treatments for hair loss to get more information, recommendations, and recipes using some of the above-mentioned ingredients: HairLossRevolution

Check out Conscious Health’s Hair Mask in the herbal product category under shop. 

Herbal Hair Mask

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Ayurvedic Herbal Hair Mask Recipe is my mother’s own recipe. Of course everyone has their own version and this is my mother’s! Since she has been with me I have had the luxury of someone applying this on my scalp and hair bi-weekly. Oh…I get so relaxed that I want to sleep. I keep this on sometimes for over an hour. Be prepared to be pampered by this beautiful Ayurvedic Herbal Hair Mask Recipe – that will strengthen your hair, detox your scalp, reduce hair loss and keep the grey away for those who need it. Here are some benefits of each of the ingredients.

Benefits of Henna for hair health:

  1. Henna is a plant leaf – a natural, non-toxic coloring dye.
  2. Leaves hair silky, smooth and healthy.
  3. Reduces dandruff from your scalp.
  4. Gets rid of lice and worms.
  5. Cools the scalp and relieves headache.

Benefits of Amla for hair health:

  1. It is a natural hair conditioner which makes the hair shiny, add lustre, leave the hair smooth and silky naturally.
  2. It contains anti-dandruff properties, especially combined with Holy Basil or Tulsi. Also get rid of boils and itchy scalp.
  3. The high Vitamin C content ensures scalp is not dry and the essential fatty acid in amla also strengthens the hair follicles from root to tip.
  4. Reduces hair fall.
  5. Prevent premature greying.

Benefits of Shikakai for hair health:

  1. Contains all fat soluble Vitamins (A, D, E and K) and Vitamin C. These nutrients make the hair strong from root to tip.
  2. Has a very low pH so it does not strip the hair’s natural oil. Works as a detangler due to the same reason.
  3. Eliminates the chances of dandruff and dryness.
  4. Assists In hair growth.
  5. Moisturizes and conditions hair.
  6. Reduces the chance of premature greying.

Benefits of Yogurt:

  1. Contains protein and zinc that is beneficial for hair health.
  2. Strengthens the hair without drying it out.
  3. The lactic acid in yogurt stimulates blood circulation.
  4. A great conditioner for damaged hair.
  5. Gets rid of dandruff, boil and itchy scalp.
  6. Prevents split ends.

Benefits of Brahmi Oil:

  1. Prevents hair loss and split ends.
  2. Combats dandruff and dry scalp.
  3. Increases blood circulation.
  4. Keeps hair follicles strong.
  5. Acts as a hair stimulant and promotes hair growth.

Speaking of hair loss, we need to provide nutrients to the hair to nourish its growth, but also detoxify our blood. Toxin buildup contributes to hair loss and graying hair. Here is a great post about detoxification steps you can take with natural foods and supplements: 7 Day Detox For Hair

Now enjoy the recipe.

 

Ayurvedic Hair Mask Recipe
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Ingredients
  1. ½ cup henna
  2. ½ tsp. amla powder
  3. ½ tsp. shikakai powder
  4. 1 tsp. organic yogurt
  5. 1 tsp. brahmi oil or olive oil
  6. 5-6 drops of lime juice
  7. 1 tea bag (black tea)
  8. 2-3 drops of rosemary essential oil (optional)
Instructions
  1. Pour hot water in a cup and add the tea bag.
  2. When it cools down, take the tea bag out.
  3. In a bowl mix rest of the ingredients and add the tea water.
  4. Mix with a spoon until smooth.
  5. Apply the paste on your scalp and hair.
  6. Keep the mask on for at least an hour.
  7. Wash away using a conditioner or just plain water.
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