Saturday 28 January 2017

Psoralea Corylifolia And Skin Health



Psoralea corylifolia (Babchi) and its oil are called as Kushtaghni in Ayurveda which means remedy for treating skin diseases. 

Numerous research done on the plant state that the presence of active constituent  Psoralen in Psoralea corylifolia promotes pigmentation and support the stimulation of melanin pigments in the skin structure which in turn help in managing vitiligo. Pigment formation is much faster when the affected areas are exposed to sunlight and alternate sources of UV light. Scientific studies have also proven that Psoralen stimulates residual pigmentation and improves skin health.

Another study showed that Psoralen is a photoactive furocoumarin that binds to DNA when exposed to UV light to form photoproducts with pyrimidine base. This action inhibits DNA synthesis and causes decrease in skin cell proliferation. This inhibits excessive skin scaling and helps in managing psoriasis. 

Cream containing Psoralea corylifolia can be applied onto the affected areas and exposed to sun or UV light for faster relief from the symptoms of auto immune disorders like Psoriasis and Vitiligo.

Friday 13 January 2017

Different Qualities Of Water And Your hair

Different qualities of water and your hair

Ever wonder why your hair seems to respond well to certain types of water. How at times the hair becomes inexplicably slimy and other days, it’s so frizzy and dry? Even your shampooing experience differs from place to place. 

When it comes to hair care, not everyone is aware that the type of water they wash it in will have a direct effect on its appearance and overall behavior. If your hair does not seem to be adjusting to the shampoo being used, it may be due to your water.

The characteristics of the water used can determine how well (or poorly) your shampoo and conditioning routine works. Also, if water is chlorinated, mineralized or fluoridated, it can also have an effect on shampooing of the hair .

Hard Water
This is the most common type of tap water. It contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium which accumulate in the hair. Hair washed with hard water is often dry, frizzy and dull looking. People who wash their hair with hard water tend to suffer from dry, flaky scalp.

Hard water strips the tresses of moisture, the hair fibers become rough, thin and are prone to breakage. Slowly they start experiencing hair fall and the density of hair reduces over a period of time.

Use shampoos which contain EDTA as this ingredient will not only rehydrate the hair but also strip the mineral salts accumulated on the scalp from the hard water.

Soft Water
Soft water contains very little to no calcium and magnesium. It contains de-ionized sodium which gives it a slightly salty taste. The water feels soft on the skin, giving the hair a shiny texture. Soft water is ideal for bathing as it contains minimum quantity of dissolved salts.

 However, hair washed with soft water is often limp and lacks body. It will fall flat as a pancake so it’s not ideal for those with very fine hair. Deep conditioning is highly recommended.