Some tips for the Boys

 Some tips for the Boys
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Remedies for Hair Loss and Balding

Hair loss, thinning of hair and balding are some of the common hair problems. Many of us suffer from these ailments due to our modern lifestyle and diet. Ayurveda can be very beneficial in treating these conditions as it investigates the root cause of the problem. The causes for these hair conditions are:

* Excess of Pitta dosha in the body is the chief cause of hair problems. Pitta is increased by excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, meats and excessive smoking. Pitta is also aggravated by eating too much fried, oily, greasy, spicy, sour, and acidic foods.

* Intake of too many chemical medicines, low blood circulation, anemia, general weakness after disease, stress, anxiety, and mental tension are also prime causes of hair loss.

* Chronic diseases like typhoid fever, presence of dandruff or lice and hormonal imbalance also cause hair loss.

So watch out carefully for these reasons! You may be overdoing one of them, and thus losing your beautiful hair.

Treatment

* The first step is to locate the root cause in your diet or lifestyle that may be increasing the Pitta dosha. Once you locate it, try to give up or at least reduce the diet, habit, or activity responsible for increasing Pitta.

* Always use a natural shampoo or soap to clean the hair. As most soaps and shampoos have chemicals, they might be the cause of your problem. Usually the chemicals have a heating effect, and increase Pitta locally. Amala (embilica officinalis), Shikakai (Acacia concinna) are very commonly used in India for washing the hair.

* Oiling and massaging of scalp is very beneficial for stopping the hair loss. Use coconut oil or mustard oil at least three times in a week. Certain medicated oils like 'Mahabhringraj oil', 'Amala oil', and 'Arnica oil' are very useful. Put oil on the scalp, and massage gently in the roots of the hair.

* The person should maintain a regular bowel movement everyday. In case of constipation, a mild natural laxative can be taken. Triphala, an Ayurvedic herbal powder, is also useful.

* 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.

* Regular physical exercise is very beneficial as it helps in balancing the aggravated doshas.

* A special Ayurvedic preparation made from Bhringraj (Eclipta elba), Amala, corals, iron and black sesame seeds is very useful, and even stops the graying of hair.

* Rub your scalp vigorously after washing the hair. It increases the blood circulation, and activates the sebaceous glands.

* A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is good to drink to induce hair growth. The juice of alfalfa mixed with that of carrot, and lettuce juice is also good to take.

* 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.

* Washing the hair with a paste of cooked Urad dal (black beans) and fenugreek (methi) 2-3 times a week, is also good.

* A paste of licorice made by grinding it in milk can be applied in the bald patches. It induces hair growth. A paste of seeds of lemon and black pepper may also be applied on the bald patches.
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These remedies are worth trying and will solve your hair problems.
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Herbal Tips to Quit Smoking

Herbal Tips to Quit Smoking Have you tried many a times to quit smoking? In your attempt to stop smoking, have you succeeded but not for more than a week? Do your urge to smoke overpower your reasoning and even after knowing that smoking can cause you serious diseases, you just want that heavenly feeling- the feeling that lasts for only a few minutes? If I hear you say “yes!” then you must read on the following tips. Rightly put, these tips include certain changes in your food habits, your way of living and some Ayurvedic treatments that will help you get rid of your cigarette. They can also be certain home remedies- the simple formulations from easily obtained ingredients. All together- they are your key to quit smoking!

Ayurvedic Tips to Stop Smoking

Your body reacts aggressively when you suddenly stop smoking. This is because your body gets used to the addictive substances found in tobacco such as nicotine and tar. For this reason, Ayurveda advocates fortifying your body to fight the strong urge of smoking.

* Reduce having acidic foods. Meat, dairy products, tea, coffee, pasta, breads etc. are acidic food. Increase your intake of alkaline food. Vegetables, fruits, nuts, sprouts etc. are alkaline foods. Raisins, beets, lima beans, dandelion, etc. are particularly good for giving up smoking.
* Take lots of vitamin C. Smokers should take about one-and-a-half times the amount of vitamin C as compared to nonsmokers. Citrus fruits, like oranges, grapefruits and their juice are good source of vitamin C.
* Sweet foods in small quantities reduce the urge for smoking. Take honey in whatever food you can have- juice, tea (preferably herbal tea), sweet dishes, etc.
* Whenever the urge to smoke overpowers you, have something salty or lick a little salt with the tip of your tongue. This kills your urge for smoking.
* Take some radish. Grate it and extract its juice. Now add some honey to this and have this juice twice a day. It will increase your body’s resistance against smoking.
* Chew liquorice (mulethi). It is a good substitute of cigarette when you feel like smoking. Its slight sweet taste also helps killing your urge. It will also relieves you off your smoker's cough. Alternatively, you can also chew on sugarcane stubs.
* A massage with aromatic oils also relax you and curb the urge for smoking.
* Fragrance really go a long way to create an atmosphere where the thought of smoking can't enter. Take the herbal extracts- cedar, lavender, lemon, orange, and tea tree - mix them with water. Use the mixture as an air spray.

These tips are such that can be done without much effort- the only thing is your willpower that will lead you to take the first step, then the second and so on. Wish you all the luck in your healthy mission of quitting smoking!
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 A Few Helpful Tips on Eye Care
With so many of us spending lots of time in front of the computer every day it comes to no surprise that research is showing a rise in visual problems. What can one do? First, it’s important to find out how you can protect your eyes through eye health exams and by making a few minor changes in your computer viewing habits.

Here are some helpful Eye Care Tips -

Positioning is everything

Correct positioning of your computer, keyboard and typing copy is essential. Your screen should be positioned about an arm’s length from your eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. Consider foot and wrist rests for added comfort.

Lighting can make all the difference

Room lighting should be diffuse, not direct, to reduce glare and reflections from your screen. Look into an internal or external glare screen and be sure to set your colour, contrast and brightness levels to suit you.

A little extra help for your glasses

Anti-reflective coatings on the lenses of your glasses can be applied by your optometrist to reduce discomfort and to ease reduced vision from bright and/or flickering light sources such as VDTs and fluorescent lights. And don’t forget, your doctor of optometry can talk to you about eyeglasses designed specifically for people who use computers a lot.

Take time out, our 20-20-20 rule

Step I :-
After every 20 minutes of looking into the computer screen, turn your
Head and try to look at any object placed at least 20 feet away. This
Changes the focal length of your eyes, a must-do for the tired eyes.

Step II :-
Try and blink your eyes for 20 times in succession, to moisten them.

Step III :-
Time permitting of course, one should walk 20 paces after every 20 minutes
Of sitting in one particular posture. Helps blood circulation for the entire body.

It’s all in the blinking

Did you know that on average we blink 12 times per minute? But wait, did you know that when we’re on the computer we only blink 5 times per minute? That can add up to dry eyes. Relieve the discomfort by using artificial tear drops or gels and remember to blink!

Palming

Sit straight at your workstation and rub your palms against each other till you feel them warm. The warmth of your palms helps soothe and relax tired eyes. Then, lightly cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 60 seconds. Count the seconds in your mind. Repeat this exercise two to three times whenever your eyes feel tired, or as often as you want. While palming, you can either rest your elbows on your desk or keep away from the desk and cup your eyes. Both ways are fine.

Splash water on your face

During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed.

Use tea bags

Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.

Eat healthy

Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis; eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office.