Dandruff may get worse with winters, but for many it is an all year-round issue. It makes your scalp feel itchy, flaky as well as irritating. While one may think that this isn’t a big deal as it is just in our scalp, often they can create a flaky mess, showing up on clothes and may cause people to feel self-conscious. There are many ways to tackle this issue, there are dedicated shampoos, conditioners and treatments that can help you get rid of dandruff. However to do it properly, one must understand what dandruff actually is and the causes of it as well.

What is Dandruff and What Causes It?

According to Mayo clinic Dandruff happens when small pieces of dry skin flake off your scalp, often because your scalp is producing too much oil. As old skin cells die and new ones replace them, the old cells are pushed to the surface and flake off. This can make your scalp feel dry, rough, itchy, and sometimes even red. When dandruff is severe, skin cells might multiply faster, leading to more noticeable flakes and constant itching.

Several things can contribute to dandruff. Not washing your hair often enough can make it worse because oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and product buildup accumulate on your scalp. Also, your scalp can get irritated by chemicals in hair care products, causing an itchy rash. Dry skin, especially in winter when the air is less humid, can also lead to dandruff with smaller, less oily flakes. Hormones can also play a role, as they can increase oil production on the scalp, making dandruff more common in some people.

Here Are Some Ayurvedic Tips That Can Help

Bhringraj

This herb, often called the 'King of Herbs', is traditionally used to promote strong and healthy hair growth. It is also thought to help prevent hair from turning gray too early, while its properties can soothe an irritated scalp and reduce dandruff flakes by improving circulation.

Shikakai

Revered as the 'Fruit of the Hair', Shikakai is a natural cleanser that has been used for centuries. It gently removes dirt and excess oil from the scalp without stripping away its natural moisture, which can help manage dandruff and promote a healthier scalp environment for hair growth.

Neem

Widely recognized as a potent healer in traditional practices, Neem possesses strong antifungal properties that can effectively combat the fungi often associated with dandruff. It is also known for its ability to calm inflammation and reduce the persistent itching and irritation of the scalp caused by dandruff.

Tea Tree

The oil extracted from the Tea Tree is well-known for its powerful antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable ingredient in addressing dandruff. It can help to fight the microorganisms that contribute to a flaky scalp and reduce the overall severity of dandruff symptoms like itching and visible flakes.

Here are some other home remedies you can try with easily available household items and herbs.

• Soak Neem leaves overnight, make a paste with yogurt, apply for 30 mins.
• Mix egg whites with lemon juice as a hair mask.
• Gently massage baking soda into wet hair as a scrub.
• Combine Amla powder with Tulsi leaf paste, apply to scalp.
• Soak and grind Fenugreek seeds with lemon juice, apply as a paste.
• Mix Apple Cider Vinegar with water, apply to scalp.
• Soak Reetha, Shikakai, and Amla overnight, boil, strain, and use as shampoo.
• Pound Garlic with water, honey, and ginger powder, apply to scalp.
• Mix Tea Tree Oil with coconut oil, apply to scalp.

Skin care has become all the rage recently. There are many products and skin care routine tutorials that can help you find what products you should use and how you can go about building your own skin care routine. However, an issue you may face with these products and routines is how expensive and inaccessible they are. There are products that may not be available to you or may be way beyond your budget. If this is an issue for you, you can try ayurvedic remedies.

Ayurvedic skincare is a beauty approach rooted in ancient Indian medicine. It involves special Ayurvedic facials, treatments for various skin problems, and natural herbal products for your skin. While there are many Ayurvedic skincare products available today, it's important to know their quality and ingredients to get the best results. Ayurvedic home remedies for skin care are also popular and are thought to work best for specific skin types and needs.

However, before you go ahead and try ayurvedic recipes, one must know what kind of skin type they have, this will help you identify what kind of skincare you need.

Skincare for Each Dosha

Vata Skin (Dry & Rough)

If you have a dominant Vata dosha, your skin tends to be dry and rough and can wrinkle easily if not kept moisturized. According to ayurveda, Vata skin has less fat and needs more moisturizing, both from the outside (creams) and inside (food). She suggests using oil-based moisturizers and eating warming spices like ginger. The herb ashwagandha can also help reduce dryness when used in a face mask.

Pitta Skin (Oily & Prone to Breakouts)

People with high Pitta often have oily skin that might be prone to acne and redness (rosacea). Experts advise using cooling ingredients like aloe vera, turmeric (which helps with swelling), and sandalwood (which reduces pimples and redness) for this skin type.

Kapha Skin (Cold, Oily & Congested)

Kapha skin is typically cold and oily, and it might be prone to pimples, whiteheads, and puffiness. Experts recommend dry brushing to clear blockages, boost circulation, and exfoliate. They also suggests avoiding oil-based creams and using face masks regularly.

Easy Homemade Face Mask Recipes

Many Indian homes already have the ingredients for traditional face masks in the kitchen. Chickpea flour is a common base. You can mix it with a pinch of turmeric and milk, lime juice, or rose water to make a classic paste. Remember, Ayurveda teaches that different skin types need different care. If you're unsure about any ingredients in a DIY mask, it's always best to ask a medical professional.

Vata Face Mask (for dry skin)

Mix 1 tablespoon chickpea flour, a pinch of turmeric, and 1/4 cup rose water, yogurt, or cold milk to form a paste. Apply for 10-15 minutes (or until almost dry), then wash with lukewarm water and apply an oil-based moisturizer like sesame oil.

Pitta Face Mask (for oily, irritated skin)

Dab rose water on your skin to cleanse. Then apply 1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel for 10-15 minutes. Wash with lukewarm water and use a gentle moisturizer (like one with geranium oil). Repeat 2-3 times a week.

Kapha Face Mask (for oily, congested skin)

Mix 1 teaspoon honey with a pinch of turmeric. Apply for 10 minutes and wash with lukewarm water. Or mix Multani mitti (fuller’s earth) with water to make a paste. Apply for 10-15 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.

Face Mask for All Skin Types

Mix 2 tablespoons fine oat flour, 2 teaspoons almond flour, a pinch of turmeric, and 2-5 drops of an oil of your choice. Apply a thick layer for 15 minutes, then wash with lukewarm water. This paste can also be used for your whole body.

Ayurveda is known as a way of living, adapted by the nature surrounding us. Many of us are not even aware of how many ayurvedic remedies we consume daily and how it helps our health. There are you will find in ayurvedic texts about lifestyle habits like how to sleep, eating cleanliness as well as when and how to exercise, all as a part of healthy ayurvedic living.

What you eat can either strengthen you internally, boost your digestive system and overall well-being, or it can smother it. Harmful foods like fried items, processed meats, and very cold foods can create undigested residue, known as "ama" (toxins), which Ayurveda considers the root cause of disease.

Ayurvedic Remedies For Digestive Issues

We have all had days when we wish to indulge in junk food, and most of the time they do not cause many problems. However, sometimes these indulgent moments can end up causing you digestive issues and causing a lot of discomfort. To tackle these, one can try these readily available ayurvedic remedies.

Ghee, Salt, and Warm Water Remedy

For occasional constipation, a simple drink of ghee, salt, and hot water can help. Ghee lubricates the intestines, while salt aids in cleansing. Another suggestion is eating a ripe banana two hours after dinner, followed by a glass of hot milk or water. A tablespoon of castor oil before bed may also provide relief; however, always consult a healthcare provider before using it, especially if pregnant or for children/elderly individuals.

Warm Water, Fennel, and Ginger

To ease bloating, using warm water with various additions is highly recommended. Combining warm water with fennel seeds or a mixture of ginger and honey can be very effective. Simply chewing on fennel seeds after meals also aids digestion and reduces gas. If you prefer teas, opting for mint or fennel tea can provide soothing relief from bloating and discomfort.

Natural Spices and Homemade Drinks

To counter acid reflux, chewing on fennel seeds, holy basil leaves, or a clove can stimulate saliva production, which helps balance stomach acidity. Freshly made drinks are also beneficial, such as coconut water with tender coconut bits or homemade buttermilk (takra), made by churning water and plain yogurt together. Buttermilk is believed to soothe the stomach and reduce irritation in the stomach lining.

Gourds and Consistent Hydration

For diarrhea, easily digestible foods like bottle gourd (cabalash), prepared as soup, curry, or stew with rice, are excellent. This vegetable is rich in fiber and water, making it gentle on the stomach. Crucially, staying well-hydrated is vital; drink more fluids than usual. Plain water is best, but buttermilk, apple/pomegranate juice, or ginger tea can also help rehydrate and replenish lost nutrients while gently stimulating digestion.

Cooked Vegetables and Soothing Soupy Dishes

If you're suffering from indigestion, review your recent diet and seek a "counterbalance." Avoid dairy, large grains like rice, raw vegetables, and anything hard to digest. Instead, opt for steamed or stir-fried cooked vegetables with digestion-aiding spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper. Soupy and liquid-like dishes are also very helpful meals. Additionally, juices like equal parts onion juice and honey, or buttermilk with garlic paste, can offer relief.

Anxiety is not easy to deal with, especially when the topic is such a taboo. As per the latest data which is available on the World Health Organization (WHO) from 2017, it was estimated that almost 38 million Indians suffer form anxiety.

The National Mental Health Survey (NHMS) is the last comprehensive Mental Health Assessment conducted in India in 2015-16. It estimated that around 40 million people in India suffer from anxiety-related disorders.

While SSRI or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are available to treat anxiety, some may refrain from it and try to look for alternative. But can anxiety ways really help manage anxiety?

Anxiety can also induce insomnia, it could also come often in the form of nightmares, making it worse to cope with. So, is there really any alternative?

According to Dr Savitha HP, professor and head of department Manasaroga, at Shri Dharmasthal Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, "Anxiety and insomnia are the common medical conditions widespread globally leading to decline in physical and mental health affecting quality of life. Ayurveda, ancient Indian system of holistic healing offers time tested remedies for life which is the integration of four pillars namely, Sharira (body), Indriya (senses), Satva (mind), and Atma (soul)."

How Does Ayurveda Explain It?

Anxiety and sleeplessness often stem from an imbalance among the four key pillars of health, triggered by the aggravation of Vata dosha and disturbances in the mind’s Rajas and Tamas gunas. According to Ayurveda, quality sleep—along with a proper diet and balanced lifestyle—is essential for maintaining overall health and longevity. Ayurvedic remedies help calm the overactive nervous system by reducing sympathetic overdrive, balancing neurotransmitter activity, and enhancing parasympathetic response, thereby encouraging relaxation and restful sleep.

What Can Be Done?

Dr Savitha explains, Dinacharya (daily regime) and Ratricharya (night regime) are vital in maintaining body’s natural rhythms. These regimes stabilize the circadian cycle including sleep-wake patten which is directly related to regulation of melatonin and cortisol.

"Practices such as consuming warm and light meals, drinking medicated milk, performing foot massage, practicing mudras and engaging in calming meditation poses reduce stress levels and naturally promote melatonin secretion which supports emotional well-being and facilitates restful sleep."

Another concept is of Ritucharya or seasonal regimens, which align the body routines with seasonal changes and help the body to adapt to seasonal shifts.

Available Therapies

Doctor also explains that Panchakarma therapies like Shirodhara (continuous stream of medicated oil poured over forehead), Abhyanga (oil massage), and Shiro-pichu (application of oil-soaked cotton on head) deeply relax the nervous system through the transdermal activity of selected medicines.

Speaking on the benefits, the doctor say, "Shirodhara is beneficial to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reduce cortisol levels, and enhance dopamine and serotonin activity. This process is helpful in maintaining emotional stability and undisturbed sleep."

Common herbs such as Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Jatamansi, Shaavari, Mandukaparni, Guduchi, Yashtimadhu and Shankhapushpi act as adaptogens and nootropics. These herbs protect neurons, regulate stress hormones thereby reducing anxiety and enhancing higher brain functions like memory, attention and concentration.

Doctor also explains that Satvavajaya Chikitsa, or Ayurvedic psychotherapy, targets the psychological roots of anxiety and insomnia. Through practices such as self-inquiry, emotional regulation, mantra chanting, and counseling, it helps reframe negative thinking, calm the mind, and promote emotional stability. Complementing this is Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa, which uses spiritual practices and faith-based healing to foster inner peace through connection and surrender.

"By healing the nervous system, regulating brain function, and aligning the body (Sharira), mind (Manas), and soul (Atma), it offers a natural and sustainable path to overcoming anxiety and insomnia."

Note: The views and practices mentioned in this article are based on inputs from qualified professionals and practitioners. They are intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice.