Benefits of Almond Oil for Hair Growth

Almond tree has origins in Asia and the Middle East. California produces largest amount of almonds in the world. It produces about 80% of the world’s supply. Almonds have a high oil content of 54%. It is widely used as medicine and also as a cosmetic. The benefits of almond oil for hair growth have been recognized by alternative systems of medicine that have been using it for thousands of years.

Almond oil is yellow tinged and provides very good nourishment to the hair. It is especially useful for people who want to grow long hair. It is used as an ingredient in the manufacture of shampoos and soaps. The shampoos and other chemical based lotions available in the market do make the hair lustrous and soft. But they damage hair in the long run. Almond oil stops hair loss and promotes its growth

Almond Varieties

There are two varieties of almonds. Only the sweet variety is used to promote health. The bitter variety is toxic.

Almonds
      Source: Wikimedia Commons: M. Verkerk

Almond oil contains

 - Vitamin A


- Vitamin D


- Vitamin B1, B2, B6


- Vitamin E


- Copper


- Manganese


- Iron


- Zinc


- Calcium

All these minerals and vitamins promote hair growth.

Almond Oil with Gooseberry

Gooseberry is also very useful in stopping hair loss and promoting hair growth. Almond oil and gooseberry can be mixed together and massaged to the scalp. The massage will also help to improve blood circulation.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Almond oil contains omega 3 fatty acids which is very good for hair. It also absorbs the dust, cleans the scalp, hair and hair follicles. Almond oil can be rubbed to the scalp before taking bath. It softens the skin and helps get rid of dandruff and reduces scalp inflammation. It would be beneficial for people suffering from dermatitis. Omega 3 fatty acids are also very good moisturizers. These fatty acids prevent the hair from drying out and falling off. Fatty acids also nourish the hair and keep it healthy. Almond oil is an emollient which soothes the skin. It has a wonderful aroma. It is a good source of proteins which strengthen and promote hair growth. The benefits of almond oil for hair growth have always been recognized over the years.

Almond oil Recipe for Hair Growth

Recipe 1

Almond oil can be mixed with other essential oils for fragrance. Add 2 drops of vanilla oil to 2 tsp of almond oil before application.

1. Wash your hair before applying almond oil. Pat it dry with a towel still leaving some moisture in the hair.   Moist hair absorbs almond oil better.

2. Take almond oil in your palms and gently massage it to our scalp

3. Cover your hair with a towel. Almond oil seeps through the hair to the roots. Wash it off with a natural shampoo after 30 minutes.

4. Repeat this process at least once a week. It will not only promote hair growth but will also make the hair soft, shiny and smooth.

Recipe 2

Combine equal amounts of almond oil, coconut oil and olive oil and lavender oil. Mix it well and apply it to your scalp with a gentle massage. Both coconut oil and olive oil stop hair loss and promote hair growth. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil for fragrance.Wash it off after one hour. It can also be applied overnight and washed off next morning

Other Health Benefits of Almond oil

Almond oil improves digestion. It has analgesic properties. It is an excellent remedy for muscle pain. Apply few drops of almond oil with a gentle massage to your forehead. It will help to relieve stress and sooth the nerves. it is an excellent lubricant and can be used as a substitute for shaving cream. You can rub in a few drops of the oil on your face. It will not only get rid of acne but will also make your skin soft, smooth and shiny.                                                                                                         

What are the Causes of Dry Skin: Natural Remedies

There are several causes of dry skin. Dry skin could cause itchiness and irritation. Other factors include aging, overall heath condition and heredity. In the winter, low temperatures and humidity cause dry skin. Several natural remedies are available to cure the condition. 

Causes of Dry Skin

Bathing

Bathing results in removal of oils from the skin which may cause dryness. If you feel that your skin is tight after the bath it could be due to the excessive removal of natural skin oils. 

Harsh Soaps

One of the major reasons of dry skin is the frequent application of harsh soaps. Soap acts as an emulsifier and removes the natural oils from the skin. More oil is removed from the skin, if you take bath more frequently. This results in dry skin. 

Drugs

Certain drugs for hypertension, allergies and asthma may cause dry skin. Diseases like eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriases and hyperthyroidism are the other reasons.

Inadequate use of moisturizers and certain types of clothing may also result in dry skin. Synthetic materials and wool are the main culprits. 

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol without drinking enough water can cause dry skin. Alcohol is a diuretic which drains the body of its water content. 

Remedies for Dry Skin

- It is essential to keep the body hydrated. Drink lots of water. It is advisable to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.

- Add a teaspoon of almond oil to a glass of water and drink it before going to bed.

- Honey is a very good natural moisturizer. Apply honey all over your body and take bath after 15 minutes.              

- Cleopatra used to take bath in donkey’s milk. As donkey’s milk may not be available, apply cow’s milk generously all over your body and let it soak for a while, before taking bath.

- Petroleum jelly (vaseline)is a very good moisturizer. You can apply it to your face, hands and feet. 

Vaseline:Wikimedia Commons

- Glycerin is one of the best known moisturizers. 3-4 tbsp of glycerin can mixed with water in the bathtub. 

- Avocado oil is also a very good remedy. You can even make avocado paste and apply it all over your body. 

- Use mild soaps. Glycerin soaps would be better. 

- Hot water dries up the skin. So take bath in warm water.

- Omega 3 fatty acids are very good for moisturizing the skin. Include a fish like salmon which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids in your diet.

- Apply mashed banana all over your body and take bath after 15 minutes. It can also be used as a face pack. 

- For cracked heels banana skin is a very good remedy. 

These are some of the causes and natural remedies for dry skin. 

Nutrition Value of Banana and Health Benefits

Banana has a high nutrition value. Its health benefits are numerous. It is useful for skincare, hypertension and heartburn

Banana is a tropical weather fruit with high nutritional benefits. It is plucked when it is green and acquires a yellow color as it ripens and is a cheap high energy food. Banana is rich in digestible sugars which are released to the blood stream and helps to keep the energy levels high. It is a very good remedy for constipation, diarrhea and dysentery.

Banana  
                                        Source : Wikimedia Commons- Marlith                                          

Banana for Nutrition

Banana is rich in dietary fibers and easy to digest. It also helps keep blood sugar levels under check. It provides instant energy. Athletes and other sports persons use it to combat exhaustion and improve performance. It promotes calcium absorption and is very good for the health of the bones. It is rich in vitamin C and improves immunity of the body against diseases. It is also rich in minerals like copper, manganese and magnesium. It helps to improve the production of red blood cells. It is an antioxidant and slows down the aging process. It is one of the best sources of potassium.

Banana for Hypertension

Banana is rich in potassium and helps to reduce sodium levels in the body. As exercise reduces potassium levels in the body, banana helps to restore them. Enzyme contained in the fruit is said to reduce hypertension. It is also very good for gastritis, acidity and peptic ulcer. It stimulates mucus production by the stomach lining. Banana is iron rich and helps to fight iron deficiency.

Banana Face Pack

Banana is also used as a cosmetic. Hot honey combines with mashed banana to make a paste. The combination is used as a face pack. Another recipe for face pack is a paste made of mashed banana, honey, curds, yogurt and egg white. It keeps the skin soft glowing and healthy. Banana peel is also a very good remedy for a variety of skin conditions. It has a very soothing effect on the inflamed lesions of the dreadful skin disease psoriasis. It is used to treat acne. Only ripe banana has to be used for skincare

Banana for Teeth Whitening

Rubbing banana skin on the teeth makes them sparkling white. Banana contains potassium, magnesium are manganese are absorbed by the teeth to whiten them.

It increases the hemoglobin content in the body and is recommended for anemia. It can also reduce the chance of strokes. Rubbing banana skin on mosquito bites reduces the irritation. It is also helpful to get rid of warts.

Banana for Heartburn

A fully ripe banana can act as a barrier against stomach acid and is a remedy for heartburn. However unripe green banana can aggravate the problem.

Ripe mashed banana is used to treat wounds and reduces the chance of scars. It is a stress buster and has a soothing effect on the nervous system. As it is soft and smooth, it can be eaten safely by people having ulcers. Ripe bananas can be mashed and made into bread or cake.

Banana has a high nutritional value and provides immense health benefits.