When Hibiscus flowers are mentioned, many visualize the exotic red blossom pinned in the hair of a woman. The Hibiscus - one of the most beautiful flowers in the world - comes in numerous colors, shapes and sizes. Some have single petals, others double or crested, and some do not open fully. Sizes vary from tiny to 10-12 inches.
The flower of each species of the Hibiscus has its own individuality. The colors and the combinations are fabulous. Hibiscus come with romantic names like Sun Showers, Midnight Blue, Silver Shadow and Sunny Moon to name a few.
This dream flower is in great demand for decorative purposes, and this demand has developed into a big business.
Hibiscus flowers are not just endowed with beauty. They are useful in many ways. In some countries, Hibiscus are called "shoe flowers." Perhaps this is because they can be used as black shoe polish. Shampooing with hibiscus flowers is supposed prevent dandruff and stimulate hair growth. There are branded cosmetic products containing the Hibiscus flower extract. And, they are believed to have anti-bacterial properties, as well as correct liver and stomach aliments. There are also claims that the flower acts as laxative and diuretic, relaxes the uterus, controls blood pressure, increases circulation and reduces cholesterol. The high vitamin C content in Hibiscus flowers helps resist colds and chest congestion.
The major consumption of this bloom is Hibiscus tea. The Arabs, who invented this tea, call it ‘karkady’. This brew is popular among Americans. Dietary supplements in capsule form containing Hibiscus flower extracts are available. Also, several table recipes like salads use Hibiscus flowers. Hibiscus Margaritas are considered to be an exciting cocktail, and there are Hibiscus flower wines as well.
Hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and the state flower of Hawaii. This flower is truly one of God’s great gifts to man.
Article Source: http://www.LinkSnoop.com
Hibiscus provides detailed information on Hibiscus, Hibiscus Flower, Hibiscus Plant, Hibiscus Care and more. For more information go to http://www.i-hibiscus.com and/or visit its affiliated site at http://www.z-Orchids.com for related information.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Don't Let Dandruff Stop you wearing Black Dress
By
V.Anantha Krishnan
Dandruff is one of those conditions that is infinitely more threatening to your self-confidence than it is to your health, but, for the 50,000,000 people who suffer from it,it is an upsetting problem nonetheless. Those apparently harmless white flakes that drift on to the shoulders of that gorgeous black dress, or that perfectly tailored suit, can have a huge impact upon the confidence of the sufferer,who can wonder why they bothered getting dressed up in the first place.Dandruff is a completely natural body function – the shedding of skin cells, which happens all over our bodies, every day – gone slightly askew.It cannot be completely eliminated, but there are many things that we can do to manage the problem.
Dandruff is thought to be related to a fungus that occurs naturally in our bodies, and is exacerbated to a problematic stage by various internal and external factors, such as the excessive use of harsh styling products, and poor nutrition, or stress. But if you are one of the estimated 97% of Americans who will suffer with dandruff at some point in their lives, don’t worry. There are many ways that will offer you an answer.
There are lots of ebooks which will help you find the best way of managing your dandruff, without spending the estimated $300,000,000 that Americans shell out on anti-dandruff products per year! They will help you learn how you can manage your dandruff using nutrition and other natural remedies. They will help you learn to eat a balanced diet, and tell you about the supplements that can help so if you want to wear that little black dress, or that dark sophisticated suit with pride you should take care of this problem and try to cure it.
Dandruff is a problem that can start within, and these e-books will help you find all the tools that are at your disposal to fight this embarrassing problem, from remedies as simple as altering your diet to ensure you are getting the nutrients required to maintain a happy and healthy scalp.There are many ways to get relief from dandruff. If you employ herbal and natural remedies to help control your dandruff, there is no need to spend huge amounts of money on a huge range of expensive chemical hair treatments, when your kitchen cupboards might prove more helpful!
Many of the harsh products that we use daily can even exacerbate the problem of dandruff. If you go for herbal remedy, you will find how you can stop wasting your money on expensive treatments and use more gentle, natural products to control the problem without irritating your scalp further.Though dandruff is not a life-threatening problem, there sometimes comes a point when we might need to speak to our doctor about the problem. Dandruff can be caused or exacerbated by hormonal imbalances, poor general health, or a hereditary predisposition, and your doctor can help you find ways to approach these issues.
If you are serious about your dandruff problem, consult your doctor who will provide all you need to know to maintain a healthy scalp, and gorgeous hair. Some herbal remedies are offering that they will share the secrets of beautiful, shiny hair that will turn heads, and that won’t break the bank! If you have suffered from dandruff, you will understand all too well the embarrassment and lack of confidence that comes from not being able to enjoy having beautiful hair, but there are lots of methods, especially herbal remedies that will help you have the gorgeous hair you’ve always dreamed of. Finally, you’ll be able to turn heads because of your beautiful hair, and not because of those embarrassing flakes. They will help you finally get the beautiful hair you deserve.
Source of Article: http://morganarticlearchive.com/article/health/504.htm
Website: http://www.ebook-retailers.com/hair.html
V.Anantha Krishnan
Dandruff is one of those conditions that is infinitely more threatening to your self-confidence than it is to your health, but, for the 50,000,000 people who suffer from it,it is an upsetting problem nonetheless. Those apparently harmless white flakes that drift on to the shoulders of that gorgeous black dress, or that perfectly tailored suit, can have a huge impact upon the confidence of the sufferer,who can wonder why they bothered getting dressed up in the first place.Dandruff is a completely natural body function – the shedding of skin cells, which happens all over our bodies, every day – gone slightly askew.It cannot be completely eliminated, but there are many things that we can do to manage the problem.
Dandruff is thought to be related to a fungus that occurs naturally in our bodies, and is exacerbated to a problematic stage by various internal and external factors, such as the excessive use of harsh styling products, and poor nutrition, or stress. But if you are one of the estimated 97% of Americans who will suffer with dandruff at some point in their lives, don’t worry. There are many ways that will offer you an answer.
There are lots of ebooks which will help you find the best way of managing your dandruff, without spending the estimated $300,000,000 that Americans shell out on anti-dandruff products per year! They will help you learn how you can manage your dandruff using nutrition and other natural remedies. They will help you learn to eat a balanced diet, and tell you about the supplements that can help so if you want to wear that little black dress, or that dark sophisticated suit with pride you should take care of this problem and try to cure it.
Dandruff is a problem that can start within, and these e-books will help you find all the tools that are at your disposal to fight this embarrassing problem, from remedies as simple as altering your diet to ensure you are getting the nutrients required to maintain a happy and healthy scalp.There are many ways to get relief from dandruff. If you employ herbal and natural remedies to help control your dandruff, there is no need to spend huge amounts of money on a huge range of expensive chemical hair treatments, when your kitchen cupboards might prove more helpful!
Many of the harsh products that we use daily can even exacerbate the problem of dandruff. If you go for herbal remedy, you will find how you can stop wasting your money on expensive treatments and use more gentle, natural products to control the problem without irritating your scalp further.Though dandruff is not a life-threatening problem, there sometimes comes a point when we might need to speak to our doctor about the problem. Dandruff can be caused or exacerbated by hormonal imbalances, poor general health, or a hereditary predisposition, and your doctor can help you find ways to approach these issues.
If you are serious about your dandruff problem, consult your doctor who will provide all you need to know to maintain a healthy scalp, and gorgeous hair. Some herbal remedies are offering that they will share the secrets of beautiful, shiny hair that will turn heads, and that won’t break the bank! If you have suffered from dandruff, you will understand all too well the embarrassment and lack of confidence that comes from not being able to enjoy having beautiful hair, but there are lots of methods, especially herbal remedies that will help you have the gorgeous hair you’ve always dreamed of. Finally, you’ll be able to turn heads because of your beautiful hair, and not because of those embarrassing flakes. They will help you finally get the beautiful hair you deserve.
Source of Article: http://morganarticlearchive.com/article/health/504.htm
Website: http://www.ebook-retailers.com/hair.html
Using Coconut Oil to cure the dandruff problem
By John Goh
Coconut oil has been labeled as the healthiest oil in the world. It has provided many health benefits to the tropical people for generations who are known for their physical beauty. Here's a summary of the 7 ways to use coconut oil to become healthier and look better.
1. Take It as a Health Supplement
Take two or three tablespoons of coconut oil a day to strengthen your immune system. The medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil provide an effective defense against virus, parasites, bacteria and fungus. Coconut oil stimulates digestion and helps nutrient absorption. Some people take coconut oil by the spoonful. Others take the coconut oil by mixing it in a smoothie or by adding the oil to their tea or coffee beverage.
2. Use as a Cooking Oil
The double bonds in polyunsaturated oils like vegetable oils make them vulnerable to oxidation and free radical attack. Many vegetable oils turn rancid due to oxidation and the free radicals cause degenerative diseases and quicken the aging process.
Coconut oil is very stable chemically as it is saturated and has no double bonds. Thus coconut oil is not oxidized easily. It is so resistant to free radical attack that is acts as an anti-oxidant.
Foods fried in coconut oil absorb less fats than foods fried in hydrogenated vegetable oils. Foods cooked in coconut oil stay fresh longer and promote nutrient absorption. Thus, it is advisable to change your cooking oil to coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
3. Apply on Hair as Hair Moisturiser
Coconut oil does a lot for hair. It makes hair soft and silky, easy to brush through and brings its condition back to touchable. The small molecular structure of coconut oil allows for easy absorption, giving hair a smooth and soft texture.
Coconut oil is easy to use on hair. Put it on the hair, rub it in, relax for a minute or two, and wash out. Using coconut oil as a pre-wash conditioner can rid a person of dandruff better than a medicated shampoo and it is effective in conditioning the scalp.
4. Apply on Skin as Skin Lotion
Coconut oil is ideal for skin care. It prevents the formation of destructive free radicals, and can prevent your skin from developing skin blemishes caused by aging and overexposure to sunlight.
Apply a teaspoon of coconut oil on your face to remove your make-up after a long day. After that, wash your face with soap made from coconut oil. Finally apply coconut oil to moisturise your skin.
The thin layer of coconut oil is quickly absorbed and forms a protective coating for your skin which guards against bacteria. Coconut oil strengthens the underlying skin tissues, bringing lasting improvement for the skin.
5. Take It as a Natural Medicine
One must be warned that coconut oil is not a substitute for the medicines you normally take. Instead, coconut oil strengthens your immune system to fight the disease while the medicine prescribed by your doctor reduces the severity of your symptoms.
The people in Panama increase their dosage of coconut oil and coconut milk whenever they feel that an illness is coming up. Coconut oil speeds their recovery from illness, and has protected the people in the tropics from infectious diseases like malaria and yellow fever for generations.
6. Use It in a Diet to Manage Your Weight
Actually, the word "diet" is not appropriate here. Using coconut oil, you lose weight by making wise food choices without feeling hungry, miserable and deprived. Continue to take foods cooked in fat and desserts containing fats and have fun losing weight. This is possible if the fat taken is mostly coconut oil.
Coconut oil increases your metabolic rate which makes the body burn more calories. This increased metabolism stays for 24 hours. Taking coconut oil increases your energy level and burn off calories at an accelerated rate.
7. Go on a Detoxification Program with It
Coconut oil can be used to clear out the toxins that have been accumulated in your body after many years. A detoxification program using coconut oil can cleanse your body system and let you feel good and look good.
Before going on the program, one should have been taking coconut oil as a health supplement for at least 2 weeks. It is advisable to stay at home as you may need to go to the toilet often. Take no food and a tablespoon of coconut oil every two hours. The whole program lasts 14 hours with 7 tablespoons of coconut oil.
http://www.buyvirgincoconutoil.com
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/46273.html
Coconut oil has been labeled as the healthiest oil in the world. It has provided many health benefits to the tropical people for generations who are known for their physical beauty. Here's a summary of the 7 ways to use coconut oil to become healthier and look better.
1. Take It as a Health Supplement
Take two or three tablespoons of coconut oil a day to strengthen your immune system. The medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil provide an effective defense against virus, parasites, bacteria and fungus. Coconut oil stimulates digestion and helps nutrient absorption. Some people take coconut oil by the spoonful. Others take the coconut oil by mixing it in a smoothie or by adding the oil to their tea or coffee beverage.
2. Use as a Cooking Oil
The double bonds in polyunsaturated oils like vegetable oils make them vulnerable to oxidation and free radical attack. Many vegetable oils turn rancid due to oxidation and the free radicals cause degenerative diseases and quicken the aging process.
Coconut oil is very stable chemically as it is saturated and has no double bonds. Thus coconut oil is not oxidized easily. It is so resistant to free radical attack that is acts as an anti-oxidant.
Foods fried in coconut oil absorb less fats than foods fried in hydrogenated vegetable oils. Foods cooked in coconut oil stay fresh longer and promote nutrient absorption. Thus, it is advisable to change your cooking oil to coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
3. Apply on Hair as Hair Moisturiser
Coconut oil does a lot for hair. It makes hair soft and silky, easy to brush through and brings its condition back to touchable. The small molecular structure of coconut oil allows for easy absorption, giving hair a smooth and soft texture.
Coconut oil is easy to use on hair. Put it on the hair, rub it in, relax for a minute or two, and wash out. Using coconut oil as a pre-wash conditioner can rid a person of dandruff better than a medicated shampoo and it is effective in conditioning the scalp.
4. Apply on Skin as Skin Lotion
Coconut oil is ideal for skin care. It prevents the formation of destructive free radicals, and can prevent your skin from developing skin blemishes caused by aging and overexposure to sunlight.
Apply a teaspoon of coconut oil on your face to remove your make-up after a long day. After that, wash your face with soap made from coconut oil. Finally apply coconut oil to moisturise your skin.
The thin layer of coconut oil is quickly absorbed and forms a protective coating for your skin which guards against bacteria. Coconut oil strengthens the underlying skin tissues, bringing lasting improvement for the skin.
5. Take It as a Natural Medicine
One must be warned that coconut oil is not a substitute for the medicines you normally take. Instead, coconut oil strengthens your immune system to fight the disease while the medicine prescribed by your doctor reduces the severity of your symptoms.
The people in Panama increase their dosage of coconut oil and coconut milk whenever they feel that an illness is coming up. Coconut oil speeds their recovery from illness, and has protected the people in the tropics from infectious diseases like malaria and yellow fever for generations.
6. Use It in a Diet to Manage Your Weight
Actually, the word "diet" is not appropriate here. Using coconut oil, you lose weight by making wise food choices without feeling hungry, miserable and deprived. Continue to take foods cooked in fat and desserts containing fats and have fun losing weight. This is possible if the fat taken is mostly coconut oil.
Coconut oil increases your metabolic rate which makes the body burn more calories. This increased metabolism stays for 24 hours. Taking coconut oil increases your energy level and burn off calories at an accelerated rate.
7. Go on a Detoxification Program with It
Coconut oil can be used to clear out the toxins that have been accumulated in your body after many years. A detoxification program using coconut oil can cleanse your body system and let you feel good and look good.
Before going on the program, one should have been taking coconut oil as a health supplement for at least 2 weeks. It is advisable to stay at home as you may need to go to the toilet often. Take no food and a tablespoon of coconut oil every two hours. The whole program lasts 14 hours with 7 tablespoons of coconut oil.
http://www.buyvirgincoconutoil.com
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/46273.html
Friday, December 29, 2006
Over-the-counter Treatment For Seborrheic Dermatitis
I found this article on http://www.valuablecontent.com/articles/7053/1/Over-the-counter-Treatment-For-Seborrheic-Dermatitis
what Seborrheic Dermatitis was. And to see if there was a way to live with the condition using over-the-counter medicine.
My first question was...
What is Seborrheic Dermatitis exactly?
And this is what I found out:
Seborrheic Dermatitis, also known as \"facial dandruff\", is said to be a common inherited skin disorder. Found more often in men than in women. It is a chronic occurrence of inflamed skin believed to be caused by the build-up of a yeast-like organism in the sebaceous glands. The yeast-like organism is known as Pityrosporum Ovale.
Common symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis are redness, itchiness, flaking, greasiness and/or scaliness.
The areas that are most commonly affected by Seborrheic Dermatitis are the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, sides of the nose, the flesh behind the ears, mouth region, mid-chest area.
Other less commonly infected areas are the armpits, breasts, naval, buttocks, and groin.
I was only experiencing it on my face.
The areas that were affected on my face were: my eyelids, eyebrow region, the sides of my nose, and the sides of my mouth.
Once I understood the cause of Seborrheic Dermatitis I then dedicated my time to finding an over-the-counter remedy.
It took me hours before I ran across a very valuable website. One that would give me the exact information that I needed to know about Seborrheic Dermatitis.
The name of the site was American Family Physician:
Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000501/2703.html
Had it not been for this very site I would have never thought to control the itching and flaking on my face by simply washing my face with dandruff shampoo everyday. It was the missing ingredient that I was looking for.
I knew I needed one product to take care of the inflammation and another product to take care of the itchiness and flaking.
What I had already been aware of was that hydrocortisone and aloe vera could take care of the inflammation.
So when I finally ran across that information I knew I had found...
My Over-The-Counter Treatment For Seborrheic Dermatitis!
And now I\'m going to share it with you. Here are the products that I use everyday:
o \"Equate\" Dandruff Shampoo (Dry Scalp)
This is a generic version in comparison to \"Head and Shoulders.\"
Wash your face with shampoo once everyday (or less often such as twice a week if you can get away with it). Most useful when done in the mornings. Easiest done in the shower. And best results are acheived when you hand wash your face. Avoid using a wash cloth to prevent further skin irritation.
o \"Equate\" Hydrocortisone 1% cream
Rub a little on the infected areas of your skin after you\'ve washed your face with shampoo. Having recently done a little more research I discovered it\'s best not to use hydrocortisone on your skin for long periods of time since it is a steriod and it can thin the skin. So use it only when necessary. Necessary use would be when you feel a skin flare-up coming on.
A better alternative to hydrocortisone is aloe vera gel. Try...
o \"Fruit of the Earth\" Aloe Vera 100% Gel. Do not use hydrocortisone if aloe vera gel works on your face in combination with the \"Equate\" Dandruff Shampoo. But if it doesn\'t work on your face all of the time, consider using aloe vera gel on your face daily, and hydrocortisone on your face infrequently. During the times when aloe vera gel will not control the inflammation.
o \"Woltra Stik\" 100% cocoa butter (optional)
Great for the skin, good for scars, and it gives your face an extra glow. Soothes irritation.
I use three out of four products on my face each day. Three out of four are only necessary if you do not need hydrocortisone to control your flaking and itching.
When I first used this treatment for my Seborrheic Dermatitis, a week later I looked in the mirror and saw a huge improvement. Several weeks later my face looked like everyone else�s.
To me this remedy is just one remedy out of many. And I will continue to seek out even better answers and better solutions on how to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis.
I\'m reminded when I look back that I have already made one giant step.
No doctor is necessary to prescribe me treatment for Seborrheic Dermatitis. Nor do I have to pay high costs for a tube of cream. It costs me about $7.00 for all four products. And they last forever.
I take great care of my face because I rely on my own expertise. Should I ever go on a vacation then I have no real concerns about how long I\'m gone. I\'ll have all of the supplies that I need to take good care of my skin.
And most importantly... I will most likely be able to find the same type of products in another country if I need them.
This is just the beginning. Throughout my years of dealing with this recurring condition of Seborrheic Dermatitis I always remember that one solution IS NOT the ONLY solution.
Tameka Norris helps others simplify life\'s little complications by revealing the small things that is often overlooked: http://www.seborrheic-dermatitis-treatment.com
what Seborrheic Dermatitis was. And to see if there was a way to live with the condition using over-the-counter medicine.
My first question was...
What is Seborrheic Dermatitis exactly?
And this is what I found out:
Seborrheic Dermatitis, also known as \"facial dandruff\", is said to be a common inherited skin disorder. Found more often in men than in women. It is a chronic occurrence of inflamed skin believed to be caused by the build-up of a yeast-like organism in the sebaceous glands. The yeast-like organism is known as Pityrosporum Ovale.
Common symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis are redness, itchiness, flaking, greasiness and/or scaliness.
The areas that are most commonly affected by Seborrheic Dermatitis are the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, sides of the nose, the flesh behind the ears, mouth region, mid-chest area.
Other less commonly infected areas are the armpits, breasts, naval, buttocks, and groin.
I was only experiencing it on my face.
The areas that were affected on my face were: my eyelids, eyebrow region, the sides of my nose, and the sides of my mouth.
Once I understood the cause of Seborrheic Dermatitis I then dedicated my time to finding an over-the-counter remedy.
It took me hours before I ran across a very valuable website. One that would give me the exact information that I needed to know about Seborrheic Dermatitis.
The name of the site was American Family Physician:
Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000501/2703.html
Had it not been for this very site I would have never thought to control the itching and flaking on my face by simply washing my face with dandruff shampoo everyday. It was the missing ingredient that I was looking for.
I knew I needed one product to take care of the inflammation and another product to take care of the itchiness and flaking.
What I had already been aware of was that hydrocortisone and aloe vera could take care of the inflammation.
So when I finally ran across that information I knew I had found...
My Over-The-Counter Treatment For Seborrheic Dermatitis!
And now I\'m going to share it with you. Here are the products that I use everyday:
o \"Equate\" Dandruff Shampoo (Dry Scalp)
This is a generic version in comparison to \"Head and Shoulders.\"
Wash your face with shampoo once everyday (or less often such as twice a week if you can get away with it). Most useful when done in the mornings. Easiest done in the shower. And best results are acheived when you hand wash your face. Avoid using a wash cloth to prevent further skin irritation.
o \"Equate\" Hydrocortisone 1% cream
Rub a little on the infected areas of your skin after you\'ve washed your face with shampoo. Having recently done a little more research I discovered it\'s best not to use hydrocortisone on your skin for long periods of time since it is a steriod and it can thin the skin. So use it only when necessary. Necessary use would be when you feel a skin flare-up coming on.
A better alternative to hydrocortisone is aloe vera gel. Try...
o \"Fruit of the Earth\" Aloe Vera 100% Gel. Do not use hydrocortisone if aloe vera gel works on your face in combination with the \"Equate\" Dandruff Shampoo. But if it doesn\'t work on your face all of the time, consider using aloe vera gel on your face daily, and hydrocortisone on your face infrequently. During the times when aloe vera gel will not control the inflammation.
o \"Woltra Stik\" 100% cocoa butter (optional)
Great for the skin, good for scars, and it gives your face an extra glow. Soothes irritation.
I use three out of four products on my face each day. Three out of four are only necessary if you do not need hydrocortisone to control your flaking and itching.
When I first used this treatment for my Seborrheic Dermatitis, a week later I looked in the mirror and saw a huge improvement. Several weeks later my face looked like everyone else�s.
To me this remedy is just one remedy out of many. And I will continue to seek out even better answers and better solutions on how to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis.
I\'m reminded when I look back that I have already made one giant step.
No doctor is necessary to prescribe me treatment for Seborrheic Dermatitis. Nor do I have to pay high costs for a tube of cream. It costs me about $7.00 for all four products. And they last forever.
I take great care of my face because I rely on my own expertise. Should I ever go on a vacation then I have no real concerns about how long I\'m gone. I\'ll have all of the supplies that I need to take good care of my skin.
And most importantly... I will most likely be able to find the same type of products in another country if I need them.
This is just the beginning. Throughout my years of dealing with this recurring condition of Seborrheic Dermatitis I always remember that one solution IS NOT the ONLY solution.
Tameka Norris helps others simplify life\'s little complications by revealing the small things that is often overlooked: http://www.seborrheic-dermatitis-treatment.com
Dealing with Dandruff
CAUSES OF DANDRUFF
Although the cause of dandruff is not completely understood, it is currently theorized that one of the main causes is a breakdown of the scalps natural lipid barrier, leaving it more exposed to infection by the microscopic yeast that is commonly found in the scalp. When the yeast overgrows, it leads to an inflammatory response that kills off scalp cells at a high rate, which in turn slough off in sticky patches and flakes.
The condition is identified by:
-White or clear flakes on the scalp, through the hair, and on clothing.
- Itchy scalp which may be red and inflamed.
Some young teens find they develop dandruff when they hit puberty because their hygiene habits haven’t changed to meet the challenges of newly accelerated sebum production.
Stress, poor hygiene and poor diet can make the scalp more susceptible to dandruff. High sugar foods in particular are known to exacerbate yeast infections.
The hair should be brushed regularly to loosen flakes and stimulate blood supply to the scalp, which will accelerate the natural immune response to infection.
TREATING DANDRUFF
There are few habits you can develop and natural treatments you can use to treat dandruff.
Nutrition: An excess of sugar in the diet can exacerbate any yeast infection. Try reducing your intake of all sugars and refined starches while treating for dandruff.
Cleansing: Massage your scalp thoroughly with your fingertips when shampooing. This will help loosen and remove any dead skin flakes and help prevent the infection from continuing. Wash your hair daily until the infection is cleared up.
Conditioning: Use a protective hair condition on the ends of hair only. Avoid getting conditioner on your scalp where it can clog pores and interfere with healing of the skin.
Other Treatments:
- Massage: Massaging your scalp several times a day with the pads of the fingers only will stimulate blood supply to the hair follicles and help loosen the dead skin flakes.- Brushing: Brushing your hair thoroughly on a daily basis will help loosen and remove dead skin flakes, increase the smooth flow of sebum along the hair shaft, and increase blood supply to the hair follicles.
- Wash Hands After Brushing and Grooming Hair: Fungal infections of the skin are highly contagious, and it is easy to reinfect and spread to other areas of the body. This is why it’s important to wash your hair daily and to brush out any loose dandruff flakes – so that healthy areas of the scalp will not be infected. Washing your hands after brushing, massaging and grooming your hair will also help prevent reinfection or cross infection.
The following herbs and nutrients have been shown to reduce dandruff infections:
Natural Internal Treatments for Dandruff
Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Vanadyl Sulfate, Gynema Sylvestre and Chromium are all natural regulators of blood sugar levels. The can help prevent feeding the infection by keeping blood sugar levels normalized.
Olive Leaf and Oregano Leaf are both natural systemic antifungal agents.
Natural External Treatments for Dandruff
The following herbs can be used as a tonic for reducing fungal infections on a topical basis. Extracts of these herbs or a several drops of their essential oils dissolved in aloe vera gel or witch hazel can greatly relieve the symptoms of itching and flaking in dandruff. Tea tree oil is particularly effective against fungal and bacterial infections.
Clary Sage
Desert Sage
Eucalyptus
Fumitory
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginsen
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapeseed Extract
Juniper Berry Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil
LemongrassMyrtle
Oregano
Poike Root
Rosemary
Tea Tree Oil
Fawn Bales has studied and practiced alternative and herbal medicine for over 20 years. She is the co-author of two natural beauty books and is a managing editor of Botanical Beauty Lab, a women's free resource for natural health and beauty information at http://www.botanicalbeautylab.com
Source: http://www.articleavenue.com
Although the cause of dandruff is not completely understood, it is currently theorized that one of the main causes is a breakdown of the scalps natural lipid barrier, leaving it more exposed to infection by the microscopic yeast that is commonly found in the scalp. When the yeast overgrows, it leads to an inflammatory response that kills off scalp cells at a high rate, which in turn slough off in sticky patches and flakes.
The condition is identified by:
-White or clear flakes on the scalp, through the hair, and on clothing.
- Itchy scalp which may be red and inflamed.
Some young teens find they develop dandruff when they hit puberty because their hygiene habits haven’t changed to meet the challenges of newly accelerated sebum production.
Stress, poor hygiene and poor diet can make the scalp more susceptible to dandruff. High sugar foods in particular are known to exacerbate yeast infections.
The hair should be brushed regularly to loosen flakes and stimulate blood supply to the scalp, which will accelerate the natural immune response to infection.
TREATING DANDRUFF
There are few habits you can develop and natural treatments you can use to treat dandruff.
Nutrition: An excess of sugar in the diet can exacerbate any yeast infection. Try reducing your intake of all sugars and refined starches while treating for dandruff.
Cleansing: Massage your scalp thoroughly with your fingertips when shampooing. This will help loosen and remove any dead skin flakes and help prevent the infection from continuing. Wash your hair daily until the infection is cleared up.
Conditioning: Use a protective hair condition on the ends of hair only. Avoid getting conditioner on your scalp where it can clog pores and interfere with healing of the skin.
Other Treatments:
- Massage: Massaging your scalp several times a day with the pads of the fingers only will stimulate blood supply to the hair follicles and help loosen the dead skin flakes.- Brushing: Brushing your hair thoroughly on a daily basis will help loosen and remove dead skin flakes, increase the smooth flow of sebum along the hair shaft, and increase blood supply to the hair follicles.
- Wash Hands After Brushing and Grooming Hair: Fungal infections of the skin are highly contagious, and it is easy to reinfect and spread to other areas of the body. This is why it’s important to wash your hair daily and to brush out any loose dandruff flakes – so that healthy areas of the scalp will not be infected. Washing your hands after brushing, massaging and grooming your hair will also help prevent reinfection or cross infection.
The following herbs and nutrients have been shown to reduce dandruff infections:
Natural Internal Treatments for Dandruff
Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Vanadyl Sulfate, Gynema Sylvestre and Chromium are all natural regulators of blood sugar levels. The can help prevent feeding the infection by keeping blood sugar levels normalized.
Olive Leaf and Oregano Leaf are both natural systemic antifungal agents.
Natural External Treatments for Dandruff
The following herbs can be used as a tonic for reducing fungal infections on a topical basis. Extracts of these herbs or a several drops of their essential oils dissolved in aloe vera gel or witch hazel can greatly relieve the symptoms of itching and flaking in dandruff. Tea tree oil is particularly effective against fungal and bacterial infections.
Clary Sage
Desert Sage
Eucalyptus
Fumitory
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginsen
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapeseed Extract
Juniper Berry Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil
LemongrassMyrtle
Oregano
Poike Root
Rosemary
Tea Tree Oil
Fawn Bales has studied and practiced alternative and herbal medicine for over 20 years. She is the co-author of two natural beauty books and is a managing editor of Botanical Beauty Lab, a women's free resource for natural health and beauty information at http://www.botanicalbeautylab.com
Source: http://www.articleavenue.com
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
What is Dandruff?
I got this from Wikipedia:
Dandruff (also called scurf; its scientific name is Pityriasis capitis) is the excessive flaking of dead skin that forms on the scalp. As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and in fact quite common. Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers, experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation. Most cases of dandruff can be treated with specialized shampoos or common household remedies.
Dandruff can also be a symptom of seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infection or head lice. Excessive scratching should be avoided. Scratching to the point of causing breaks in the skin can increase the risk for infections, particularly from staph and strep bacteria. While these infections are the biggest risk from dandruff, many people find that dandruff can cause social or self-esteem issues, so treatment can be very important for purely social reasons.
] Causes
As skin grows, epidermal cells are pushed outward where they eventually die and flake off the head. In most people, these flakes of skin are too small to be visible. However, certain conditions cause cell turnover to be unusually rapid, especially common in the scalp. In people with dandruff, skin cells may die and be replaced about once every two weeks, as opposed to around once a month in people without dandruff. The result is that dead skin cells are shed in large clumps, which appear as small, white or grayish patches on the scalp. It also may result in a decreased sexual appetite.
Dandruff is believed to be the result of a combination of factors. Some of these factors are well studied, whereas others have not been thoroughly investigated.
The most common cause of dandruff is the fungus Malassezia furfur (previously known as Pityrosporum ovale). This fungus is found naturally on the skin surface of both healthy people and those with dandruff. The fungus metabolizes human fat, resulting in a lipid byproduct that is antigenic. Hence, the dermatitis in areas where sebum is found, areas with many sebaceous glands (on the scalp, face and upper part of the body). When Malassezia furfur grows too rapidly, the natural renewal of cells is disturbed and dandruff appears with itching. Other fungi may have a similar role in causing dandruff, as may certain bacteria.
Mild dandruff may be caused by overactive sebaceous glands. Other causative factors include family history, food allergies, excessive perspiration, use of alkaline soaps, yeast infections, and stress. Even the season of the year can contribute to the problem: Cold, dry winters are notorious for bringing on dandruff or making it worse. Symptoms of dandruff can also be aggravated by exposure to dust, UV light, harsh shampoos, and hair dyes. In rare cases, dandruff may be caused by over use of hair gel or spray.
The current drug of choice is Nizoral (Ketoconazole), though coal tar and other less expensive shampoo choices may be made as a first attempt for milder forms. Coal tar has been in increasing disfavor in the United States due to suspected carcinogenic properties. Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil) has been found to be an effective treatment as well. Tea tree oil can be added to shampoo, or it can be found in tea tree shampoos.
Dandruff is sometimes the symptom of seborrheic dermatitis. Joseph Bark notes that "Redness and itching is actually seborrheic dermatitis, and it frequently occurs around the folds of the nose and the eyebrow areas, not just the scalp." Dry, thick, well-defined lesions consisting of large, silvery scales may be traced to the less common psoriasis of the scalp.
Seasonal changes, stress, and certain diseases seem to affect seborrheic dermatitis. The cold, dry air of fall and winter often triggers a flare-up. Emotional stress can worsen the condition as well.
Simple dandruff does not cause hair loss.
Nutrition
Dandruff can in some cases be linked to poor nutrition, particularly deficiencies in the mineral zinc. Zinc can be found in food like shellfish (especially oysters), Meat, Fish, Eggs, beans, and in turkey, and some nuts.
Treatment
The appearance of flakes can be reduced, especially in those who suffer from only a mild case of dandruff, by proper hair care. Some people mistakenly avoid washing their hair, believing that the drying effect of shampoo will worsen their dandruff. By washing the hair regularly, however, dead skin is in fact removed before it can build up into larger, more noticeable flakes. Using acid-based shampoos helps restore acidity to the scalp, breaking down oils and preventing dead skin cells from collecting into visible clumps. However, shampoos with milder medication, or shampoos that are not marked to treat seborrheic dermatitis, may have little to no effect on redness and irritation.
Household remedies to get rid of dandruff are apple cider vinegar (the gold standard of household remedies), salt or lemon juice. Apply the liquid to the scalp and allow to remain for several minutes to several hours, even overnight, then shampoo and rinse clean in the shower. One good way to apply the liquid is from a spray bottle, or simply by pouring over the head. Apple cider vinegar can also be used as a rinse after shampooing: the vinegar will act as both a fungicide to fight the cause of the cell buildup, as well as a rinsing agent, which will rinse clumps of skin away before they appear large enough to be visible.
Severe forms of dandruff, particularly if accompanied by flaking or scaling on other parts of the body, should be treated by a dermatologist. Dandruff can occur in conjunction with skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Dandruff varies from person to person. It may be necessary to try various shampoos with different active ingredients (selenium sulfide, tar, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole) to find the best suited for any one individual. Also, an individual may find that alternating between different treatments will be more effective than sticking with a single treatment, which can become less effective over time.
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil)'s antifungal activity has been found useful in the treatment of dandruff.
Misconceptions
Dandruff is sometimes confused with dried shampoo. This usually occurs when hair isn't rinsed properly.
Dandruff is not an organism like lice; it is just dead skin that accumulates in the scalp.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandruff"
Dandruff (also called scurf; its scientific name is Pityriasis capitis) is the excessive flaking of dead skin that forms on the scalp. As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and in fact quite common. Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers, experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation. Most cases of dandruff can be treated with specialized shampoos or common household remedies.
Dandruff can also be a symptom of seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infection or head lice. Excessive scratching should be avoided. Scratching to the point of causing breaks in the skin can increase the risk for infections, particularly from staph and strep bacteria. While these infections are the biggest risk from dandruff, many people find that dandruff can cause social or self-esteem issues, so treatment can be very important for purely social reasons.
] Causes
As skin grows, epidermal cells are pushed outward where they eventually die and flake off the head. In most people, these flakes of skin are too small to be visible. However, certain conditions cause cell turnover to be unusually rapid, especially common in the scalp. In people with dandruff, skin cells may die and be replaced about once every two weeks, as opposed to around once a month in people without dandruff. The result is that dead skin cells are shed in large clumps, which appear as small, white or grayish patches on the scalp. It also may result in a decreased sexual appetite.
Dandruff is believed to be the result of a combination of factors. Some of these factors are well studied, whereas others have not been thoroughly investigated.
The most common cause of dandruff is the fungus Malassezia furfur (previously known as Pityrosporum ovale). This fungus is found naturally on the skin surface of both healthy people and those with dandruff. The fungus metabolizes human fat, resulting in a lipid byproduct that is antigenic. Hence, the dermatitis in areas where sebum is found, areas with many sebaceous glands (on the scalp, face and upper part of the body). When Malassezia furfur grows too rapidly, the natural renewal of cells is disturbed and dandruff appears with itching. Other fungi may have a similar role in causing dandruff, as may certain bacteria.
Mild dandruff may be caused by overactive sebaceous glands. Other causative factors include family history, food allergies, excessive perspiration, use of alkaline soaps, yeast infections, and stress. Even the season of the year can contribute to the problem: Cold, dry winters are notorious for bringing on dandruff or making it worse. Symptoms of dandruff can also be aggravated by exposure to dust, UV light, harsh shampoos, and hair dyes. In rare cases, dandruff may be caused by over use of hair gel or spray.
The current drug of choice is Nizoral (Ketoconazole), though coal tar and other less expensive shampoo choices may be made as a first attempt for milder forms. Coal tar has been in increasing disfavor in the United States due to suspected carcinogenic properties. Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil) has been found to be an effective treatment as well. Tea tree oil can be added to shampoo, or it can be found in tea tree shampoos.
Dandruff is sometimes the symptom of seborrheic dermatitis. Joseph Bark notes that "Redness and itching is actually seborrheic dermatitis, and it frequently occurs around the folds of the nose and the eyebrow areas, not just the scalp." Dry, thick, well-defined lesions consisting of large, silvery scales may be traced to the less common psoriasis of the scalp.
Seasonal changes, stress, and certain diseases seem to affect seborrheic dermatitis. The cold, dry air of fall and winter often triggers a flare-up. Emotional stress can worsen the condition as well.
Simple dandruff does not cause hair loss.
Nutrition
Dandruff can in some cases be linked to poor nutrition, particularly deficiencies in the mineral zinc. Zinc can be found in food like shellfish (especially oysters), Meat, Fish, Eggs, beans, and in turkey, and some nuts.
Treatment
The appearance of flakes can be reduced, especially in those who suffer from only a mild case of dandruff, by proper hair care. Some people mistakenly avoid washing their hair, believing that the drying effect of shampoo will worsen their dandruff. By washing the hair regularly, however, dead skin is in fact removed before it can build up into larger, more noticeable flakes. Using acid-based shampoos helps restore acidity to the scalp, breaking down oils and preventing dead skin cells from collecting into visible clumps. However, shampoos with milder medication, or shampoos that are not marked to treat seborrheic dermatitis, may have little to no effect on redness and irritation.
Household remedies to get rid of dandruff are apple cider vinegar (the gold standard of household remedies), salt or lemon juice. Apply the liquid to the scalp and allow to remain for several minutes to several hours, even overnight, then shampoo and rinse clean in the shower. One good way to apply the liquid is from a spray bottle, or simply by pouring over the head. Apple cider vinegar can also be used as a rinse after shampooing: the vinegar will act as both a fungicide to fight the cause of the cell buildup, as well as a rinsing agent, which will rinse clumps of skin away before they appear large enough to be visible.
Severe forms of dandruff, particularly if accompanied by flaking or scaling on other parts of the body, should be treated by a dermatologist. Dandruff can occur in conjunction with skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Dandruff varies from person to person. It may be necessary to try various shampoos with different active ingredients (selenium sulfide, tar, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole) to find the best suited for any one individual. Also, an individual may find that alternating between different treatments will be more effective than sticking with a single treatment, which can become less effective over time.
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil)'s antifungal activity has been found useful in the treatment of dandruff.
Misconceptions
Dandruff is sometimes confused with dried shampoo. This usually occurs when hair isn't rinsed properly.
Dandruff is not an organism like lice; it is just dead skin that accumulates in the scalp.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandruff"
Monday, December 25, 2006
How to have dandruff free hair
Welcome to the world of dandruff free hair. Here you will get free tips on how to look after your hair, healthy living and of course, tips on removing dandruff.
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