Moong dal is a very common lentil found in many Indian homes. It is highly nutritious and is a very good source of plant protein that vegetarians swear by. Yellow dal and chawal is on the list of comfort foods for many Indians even now. The dal is now gaining international fame, with many westerners warming up to the moong bean and using whole moong or green gram in salads, in the both sprouted and dry forms. Moreover, as an increasing number of people around the world convert to vegans and vegetarians, lentil burgers are also gaining traction. But did you know that your beloved moong dal may also be used to beautify your skin, especially your face?Moong dal face packs are used as home remedies for dull, dry skin, sun tan, acne and also as an easy hair removal technique. Dal face packs are easy-to-make, cost effective and save you a lot of time by eliminating the need for you to make recurring trips to the parlour. Moong dal is a very potent beauty ingredient, as it contains vitamins A and C, which can ensure a natural glow for the face and it can also condition your hair and reduce breakage. Moong dal can be used in both its avatars- the green and the yellow one. Green moong is the whole moong, while the yellow one is obtained by removing its outer covering.

Here's how to use moong dal in face and hair packs:

1. Moong Dal Face Pack For Dry Skin: If you have dry, flaky skin, you may use this face pack to make it soft and supple. All you have to do is soak a little green gram in some raw milk overnight. The next morning, grind the soaked dal to form a paste and apply it on your face for 15 minutes. Rinse it off and dab your face with a soft towel. This face pack is very gentle, but if you have a sensitive skin, you may want to consult your dermatologist before using anything on your face.

2. Moong Dal Face Pack For Acne:Moong dal has cleansing properties and doesn't let the pores in your skin get clogged up by dirt and oil. If you have a frequent acne or pimple breakout problem, you may want to use this face pack. All you need to do is soak some moong dal in water overnight and grind to form a fine paste. Add some melted ghee to the paste and gently massage your face with it, using your fingertips. Use the face pack two or three times a week for better results.

3. Moong Dal Face Pack For Removal Of Facial Hair: Chemical bleaches may prove to be harmful for your face and threading is a painful procedure. If you have fine hairs on your face that you want to remove, this face pack is the perfect remedy. All you need to do for this face pack is soak some green gram in water overnight and grind it in the morning. Add a bit of sandalwood powder or chandan powder to it, along with orange peel powder. You can add a little milk as well to make a paste-like consistency. Massage your face with the paste every once in a while. After two or three applications, you might see a reduction in facial hairs.

4. Moong Dal Face Pack For Sun Tan Removal: Sun tan is very common during summers. To remedy the effects of harmful UV rays on your skin, apply this face pack. Soak the dal overnight and then grind to form a paste. Add some chilled curd or aloe vera gel to the paste and apply it on the affected area for a few minutes. Wash it off gently and dab with a clean towel. Repeat the process as and when needed to get rid of tanned skin.

5. Moong Dal Hair Pack For Hair Growth: To boost hair growth, grind some pressure cooked moong dal to a paste and add one egg yolk, some lemon juice and yogurt or curd to it. Mix the ingredients well and apply it on the scalp and hair. Use a mild shampoo to wash off the pack.

6. Moong Dal Pack For Shiny Hair: To restore shine to dull hair, combine moong dal powder, rose water and apple cider vinegar to form a paste and apply it on your hair and scalp. Leave it on for at least half an hour and wash it off with a gentle shampoo.

So now you know! Grab that jar of moong lentils today and start preparing these face and hair packs, to give yourself a beauty boost.

When it comes to hair problems, nothing can treat your hair better than Amla or the Indian Gooseberry. Amla can be used in a number of ways to treat hair fall

1. Having an amla a day can do your hair a world of good. Amla juice is equally effective. Daily consumption of amla juice (one glass) on empty stomach is highly recommended for people with severe hair fall problems.

2. If you wish to make your hair grow stronger and thicker, the simple yet effective amla tonic is just for you. Apply and gently massage your scalp with freshly extracted amla juice. Thoroughly rinse your hair with a mild herbal shampoo after 50 minutes to 1 Hour.

3. Amla and lemon are known to nourish the hair from within. A mixture containing freshly extracted lemon and amla juice acts as a great tonic. Massage your scalp with this tonic. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse your hair with lukewarm water.

4. In a bowl of water, add few pieces of freshly cut amla. Bring the water to boil. Filter the water once it cools down (at least 30-40 minutes). In case of dried pieces of amla, you can soak it in water overnight. For better results, wash your hair with this water daily.

5. Amla and shikakai are synonymous to healthy hair. Make a hair pack using amla and shikakai powder. Mix it thoroughly with water. Apply and keep this pack onto your hair (full length) for 30 minutes. Rinse your hair properly with cold water. Application of this pack is helpful to check hair fall problems.

6. When it comes to hair fall, nothing works better than Amla and Coconut oil. Add few dried piece of amla to a bowl containing coconut oil. Heat the ingredients until the mixture becomes thick and dark. Regular use of this excellent liquid can control your hair problems to a great extent.

7. Henna is a natural hair conditioner. It acts as a catalyst, accelerating the process of hair growth. Prepare a smooth paste of henna powder by mixing it thoroughly with amla juice (freshly extracted). Apply this paste throughout your hair. Let it stay onto your hair for 1-2 hours. Wash it off with plain water. You can also use a mild shampoo.

8. You can also use a mixture of Almond oil and amla juice to reduce hair fall problems. Warm the mixture gently (do not boil or overheat). Massage your scalp with the amazing mixture for few minutes. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

With the goodness of amla around, hair problems will no longer give you sleepless nights.

With changing lifestyles and environmental pollution, hair fall is becoming a bigger issue than it was a few decades ago. People in their 20s and 30s are losing hair, necessitating hair transplant.
Hair fall definitely affects a person’s esthetics, but it is a bigger issue than what just meets the eye. Hair fall especially in men can lead to baldness and when it occurs in the younger years, it affects their overall personality and self-esteem. Hair loss is usually associated with old age and this gives them an appearance much older than they actually are. This can even lead to depression and personality changes.

Ayurveda believes that hair loss has a deep-rooted problem. It believes that a combination of hair products, massage, meditation, and yoga can help in curing hair fall.

There are various products which are believed to have a dramatic effect on hair fall.

1. Bhringaraj: This literally translates to the “king of hair.” Available for use in various forms like oil, powder or paste, this helps hair health in multiple ways reversing hair loss, promotes growth, and controls premature greying.

2. Ritha: Ritha and shikakai are used as natural hair wash products for centuries. Minus the chemicals, they are excellent for preventing hair fall and also add to hair shine and strength.

3. Shikakai: Another natural cleanser for the hair, it is loaded with vitamins antioxidants. It also helps retain the natural oils in the scalp. It can be mixed with water or with tea residue and applied as a paste on the hair.

4. Brahmi: Another wonder product for the hair, it promotes hair follicles, nourishes the roots, removes dead skin from the scalp, and reduces hair fall. This can be used in combination with amla, tulsi, and curd for combined benefits.

5. Neem: This again can be used as oil or as a paste. Neem helps hair fall by improving blood circulation, reducing dandruff and reduces itchiness. It has a cooling effect on the scalp.

In addition to these products, Ayurveda has other ways to control hair fall.

Specific yoga asanas are believed to improve hair fall. These asanas which mostly require the person to stand on their head increase blood flow to the scalp and promote hair growth.

A major reason for hair loss is stress and anxiety, and so meditation which helps in stress management can help in controlling hair fall and hair loss.

Various oils like castor oil, coconut oil, neem oil, olive oil, almond oil, etc., can be used at slightly warm temperatures to massage the scalp. This promotes the hair follicles and promotes hair growth.

The next time you are worried about hair fall, try these options and see the difference.

Five horrible things you do to your hair everyday

Hair today, gone tomorrow. That might be your condition if you are not taking care of your hair properly. There are a lot of things you do almost daily that are adversely impacting your hair health. You might not even be aware of the damage you are doing to your tresses by indulging these activities. Read on to find out about the 5 worst things you do to your hair on a daily basis.

1. Excessive hair brushing: Here’s why brushing your hair excessively is bad for your hair: it causes breakage and strips your hair of its natural nourishing oils. To avoid this, try limiting the use of your hair brush to about just two times in a day. Brushing right after you wake up is a good idea, as it helps in distributing the oils produced by your scalp down your hair shaft, which act as a natural conditioner for your hair.

2. Tying your hair in a ponytail everyday: If you tie your hair in a ponytail everyday then chances are you are applying consistent pressure to on the same hair shafts, resulting in brittle and weaker hair. In fact, doing so continuously can even retard hair growth. Try to leave it open as much as you can, but if you absolutely must tie a pony tail, then tie a loose one. Maybe even use booby pins to keep your hair in place instead of scrunchies. Alternating between high and low ponytails helps too.

3. Using a pre-used hairbrush: Your hairbrush contains a lot of germs, which can severely damage your hair. Using an unclean brush is one of the main reasons of damage hair, as these brushes contain dirt gathered from your hair which you’re giving back to your hair by using. It’s best to clean it once in a while to maintain proper hair health. The same holds true for other styling agents such as combs, curlers, rollers, straighteners etc.

4. Delaying a hair cut: Most of us are guilty of this crime. What with your jam-packed schedule and work overload, you often ignore that much needed trip to the salon. Prolonging a haircut is never a good idea as it can lead to a bad case of split ends, which can result in hair that tangles a lot and causes hair fall. Regular trimming sessions, once every 6 weeks, are a must.

5. Shampooing in excess: Some of you prefer your scalp to be squeaky clean every single day, believing that daily dust and pollution require you to indulge in this unhealthy habit. Well, it’s best to stop right now as you’re harming your hair by shampooing daily. Daily shampoos can completely strip your hair of its natural oils, causing your scalp to become dry, leaving your hair with a dry, messy and rough feel. However. Delaying hair wash is not good either. It is best to shampoo whenever your hair feels greasy and dirty.

Avoid doing these to your hair, and let your tresses breathe so that they look healthy and shine with a natural glow.

You must have heard about the indispensible use of the effective tea tree oil in so many Ayurvedic preparations. The oil is effective for many reasons, and the six common uses are as follows.

Treating scars and wounds: Tea tree oil is effective in extremely small concentrations, and can cause miraculous effects. That is why only a small portion is enough to get promising results. When two drops of tea tree oil are combined with 15 drops of Jojoba oil, and this mixture is applied to the wounds, injuries and scars, they heal quickly and scars disappear faster.

Treating breathing and respiratory problems: A lot of medical conditions, which may be caused by a bacteria or virus, can result in respiratory problems as a direct effect or side effect. In all such cases like cough and cold, flu, asthma, bronchitis, pharyngitis, tuberculosis etc., tea tree oil is highly effective and hence used in Ayurvedic medicines to loosen the mucous inside and expel it out. A direct massage on the chest by adding it with the other oils, or adding a few drops to warm water for inhaling vapour can help.

Mind freshener and nerve treatment: Tea tree oil has found great usage in mind freshening and nervous disease treatments. That’s because of the soothing effect of the oil in boosting the mind and body. In fact, it is also used in fighting fatigue, tiredness, phobias, fear, stress etc. Therefore, a body massage with coconut oil and about five drops of tea tree oil added to it helps very much.

Clearing lice and dandruff: These two are the major problems of hair and scalp, and both have a common remedy, which is the tea tree oil. The oil has microbial and fungicidal properties, which prove it to be a useful ingredient in the making of concoction and Ayurvedic medicines for dandruff and lice problems. The oil can directly be blended with hair oil or shampoo for great effects.

Skin infections due to bacteria and fungus: Skin problems aggravated by fungus infection, bacteria etc. can be alleviated with application of tea tree oil. The antifungal properties of the oil helps fight worse conditions like athlete’s foot, jock itch etc. Equal proportions of tea tree oil and any other oil like coconut or almond oil can be applied on to the affected parts twice daily to clear off fungus and heal the skin.

Immunity and resistance booster: Tea tree oil can be used for massages and rubs by mixing just two drops to any other base oil like coconut oil, for treating and preventing several skin and body conditions. These include bed sores, fungal infections, nappy and diaper rashes, cuts and wounds, insect bites, rashes and a lot more.