Before the winter’s chill arrives, many people notice the toll it takes on our hair. The dry, cold air and lack of humidity with the start of the fall season can leave our locks looking lackluster, brittle, and prone to breakage. From dry scalp issues like dandruff to split ends and hair fall, the cold season can create a range of challenges. But fear not—nature offers a solution. In fact, using a little bit of organic treatments, you can restore your hair to its healthy and shining state by using proven effective ingredients with sustainable results.

Post Fall, the winter air can get pretty harsh on our hair. This is because moisture is stripped away from your hair and scalp. It causes frizz, breakage, and even excessive hair fall. Without the moisture that usually keeps your hair well-hydrated, the lack of natural oils means dryness. Your hair is brittle and more prone to damage.

That, combined with dry and cold air, leads to your hair not getting the amount of moisture it needs. Heating equipment used indoors continues the removal of moisture from your hair; an itchy scalp, dandruff, a lack of shine, and a dull appearance are commonly felt in winter.

Classic ingredients that help combat Winter hair damage

Fortunately, natural products need not be reached for at this juncture, since nature has already presented man with extremely potent herbs and ingredients, which can fight off the hair woes presented by winter with equal might. Nutrient-rich ingredients for restoring hair include Bhringraj, Brahmi, Shikakai, Rosemary, Hibiscus, and Fenugreek.

According to Dr. Harinder Kaur Arya, a scientist specializing in hair health and hair care, these herbs are a perfect balance of nourishment, protection, and repair for your hair. "These ingredients protect hair and also adopt sustainable chemical-free hair care approach," she says. And so, nature will help you out there while you overcome the most common winter hair problems without letting the chemicals play their tricks on your scalp.

Common Winter Hair Problems and Their Solutions

1. Dryness and Frizz

Dryness and frizz are some of the most common winter hair issues caused by the lack of moisture in the air. As hair loses its natural oils, it can become unruly and difficult to manage. To tackle this, moisturizing is key.

Solution: Incorporating deeply nourishing hair masks enriched with ingredients like Fenugreek, Brahmi, and Hibiscus can help lock in moisture, restoring smoothness and manageability. These ingredients are known for their ability to hydrate the hair and calm frizz, leaving your hair soft and silky.

2. Dandruff and Itchy Scalp

Cold weather often leads to dry, flaky scalp conditions, causing itching and discomfort. Dandruff can become more prevalent as the skin on your scalp becomes dry and irritated.

Solution: A hair mask infused with Bhringraj and Shikakai can soothe the scalp, reduce flakiness, and promote a healthier scalp environment. These ingredients have long been used in Ayurvedic hair care for their ability to nourish the scalp and combat dryness.

3. Hair Breakage and Split Ends

Brittle hair leads to breakage, which is one of the most common consequences of brittle hair. The weather dries up moisture, which strips the hair shaft and causes split ends and breakage.

Solution: For this, hair masks infused with Rosemary and Methi work best. These herbs provide elasticity to the hair so that breakage and split ends are not encountered. Also, Rosemary helps stimulate growth in hair and also makes it more robust.

4. Hair Fall

One negative effect of winter is hair fall due to the weakening of hair roots. Dryness and lack of nourishment weaken hair follicles significantly, thus making hair shed more.

Solution: Hibiscus and Reetha (Soapnut) are very good strengtheners of the roots and result in less hair fall. Hibiscus is full of vitamins, strengthening the roots, and Reetha is a cleanser removing the buildup from the scalp, thus promoting healthy scalp and hair growth.

5. Lack of Shine and Volume

Without proper nourishment, your hair can look flat and limp. The dullness is most of the time caused by a lack of moisture and nourishment, making hair look tired and dull.

Solution: Brahmi and Shikakai are famous for restoring shine and volume in hair. Brahmi gives strength to the hair shaft and also promotes shine while Shikakai works as a natural cleanser that adds bounce and vitality to your hair.

Chemical-Free Hair Care

Though the cold winter months are really cruel to your hair, the nature bestows every bit of the treatment for dryness, breakage, and hair fall. The organic, plant-based treatments can nourish, protect, and restore without requiring any chemical treatments.

As Dr. Arya emphasizes, nature’s ingredients offer a safe, sustainable alternative to commercial hair care products that often contain synthetic chemicals. “Using traditional ingredients like Bhringraj, Brahmi, and Hibiscus in your winter hair care routine ensures that you’re not just protecting your hair, but you’re also making a choice for sustainability,” she says.

So, this winter go to nature's hair spa for a deep nourishment and repair. Incorporation of the natural treatments into your hair care will not only restore the hair's health but protect it from the harsh effects of winter.

As the colder months are ahead, it is imperative to take extra care for hair not to be damaged by the harsh effects of winter. With the help of natural treatments made from ingredients like Fenugreek, Brahmi, Bhringraj, and Rosemary in your winter hair care routine, you can fight dryness, dandruff, breakage, and hair fall. With nature's help, your hair can stay hydrated, healthy, and beautiful throughout the season.

Dr. Harinder Kaur Arya is a Scientist and also the Co-Founder of a haircare institute Indus Valley.

Historically, people have been slathering its goat milk goodness on their skin thanks to its rich fats and skin-loving nutrients. Lactic acid is a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found in goat milk. It works by breaking the “glue” between dead skin cells, letting them slide off more easily to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath.

Dead skin cells can more easily slide off to reveal the smoother, lighter skin underneath when lactic acid breaks down the bonds holding them together. In higher concentrations (like the 5–12% found in targeted skincare products), lactic acid boosts radiance, hydrates, and softens fine lines. In goat milk, however, the concentration is lower, which means it’s milder but slower to deliver visible results.

The Gentle but Patient Approach

“As goat milk contains less lactic acid than pure lactic acid, it is weaker but still works,” says Dr. Sooriya. “This reduces the possibility of irritation brought on by higher AHAs, making it good for people with dry skin.”

This gentleness is exactly why it’s a safe choice for sensitive skin.

Dr. Katheeja Nasika points out that the fatty acids, antioxidants, and bioactive proteins in goat milk help maintain the skin barrier and suppress inflammation, a bonus you don’t always get from stronger chemical exfoliants.

Manage Your Expectations

Here’s where the bubble bursts for anyone hoping for overnight miracles. Goat milk won’t banish deep wrinkles, stubborn pigmentation, or cystic acne. It’s not meant to.

“You should not rely solely on goat milk to remove large pimples, wrinkles, or dark spots,” advises Dr. Sooriya. “Add active ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide, in moderation, to help in the process.”

Similarly, Dr. Nasika emphasises that while goat milk can enhance hydration and texture, the lactic acid content is low and variable, making results subtle and unpredictable. In other words, it’s more of a maintenance player than a star striker in your skincare squad.

Where Goat Milk Shines

If your skincare goals are about gentle exfoliation, daily nourishment, and barrier support, goat milk ticks the boxes. Used in soaps, cleansers, and lotions, it:

• Softly removes minor discolourations
• Hydrates the skin with its blend of vitamins A and D
• Supports cell turnover without triggering redness
• Adds a touch of radiance over time
• Goat milk is also especially handy for those who can’t tolerate stronger AHAs but still want some exfoliation in their routine.

Gentle, Yes. Overhyped? Not Exactly.

Calling goat milk “overhyped” depends on what hype you have been sold. If you have been promised a miracle in a bar of soap, that’s overselling it. But if you understand it as a slow, steady, and skin-friendly option, it’s a quiet achiever.

“It might not work miracles, but it’s a good way to clean your skin without harming it and gain extra nutrients at the same time,” says Dr. Sooriya.

Dr. Nasika agrees, noting that it’s particularly suited for sensitive skin as a maintenance therapy, just don’t expect it to replace higher-strength exfoliants when dealing with pigmentation or fine lines.

• Good for: Sensitive skin, dry skin, gentle daily exfoliation, hydration
• Not so good for: Deep pigmentation, pronounced wrinkles, active acne
• Best used as: A daily cleanser or lotion, paired with other active ingredients (used carefully) for bigger skincare goals

Waking up during the middle of the night to pee occasionally is okay but when it is a nightly routine, it makes you wonder if it is just age, too much tea at night… or something more severe like prostate cancer.

You’re not alone in asking this question. For many men, frequent nighttime urination especially as they get older raises concerns about prostate health. The truth is, while it can be a symptom of prostate cancer, it’s far more often linked to other, non-cancerous conditions. The challenge is figuring out which is which, and when it’s worth getting checked.

The prostate is a walnut-sized organ sitting below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its primary function is to make fluid that feeds and protects sperm. As men get older, it's common for the prostate to swell a condition referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although BPH isn't cancer, it may produce urinary symptoms by compressing on the urethra and making it more difficult to completely empty the bladder.

Dr. Amit, Senior Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Transplant Surgeon, says, "The prostate is a tiny gland that makes a big difference in urinary function. Because it changes with age, symptoms such as nocturia bedtime trips to the bathroom—may develop, but they don't necessarily imply cancer."

What Counts as “Frequent” Nighttime Urination?

There is no one-size-fits-all rule for how often a night it is "normal" to have to urinate, as it is different for each individual. The majority of men urinate as many as two times during the night without it being a medical issue. During their 60s and 70s, men may need to urinate more often.

If you’re waking up every hour or two, and it’s not related to drinking more fluids, medications like diuretics, or lifestyle habits, it’s worth discussing with a doctor—especially if the change has been sudden or persistent.

When Frequent Urination Might Signal Something More

Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in males globally. It typically grows in silence, with minimal or no symptoms in its early stages. This is why regular screening becomes essential. In others, urinary alterations might be the initial perceptible sign—particularly when the cancer is more developed. These signs can range from:

• Struggling to begin urination
• Weak or interrupted stream of urine
• Sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Blood in urine or semen
• Painful urination or ejaculation
• New pain in the back, hips, or pelvis

The above symptoms may be due to causes other than cancer, but should not be neglected. "Recurring urinary changes—particularly when mixed with blood in the urine, unexplained pain, or a family history of prostate cancer—deserve prompt medical attention," writes Dr. Amit.

Other Typical Reasons for Nocturnal Urination

It is worth noting that frequent urination, particularly at night, has numerous potential reasons, such as:

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): An enlarged prostate compressing the urethra

Overactive bladder: A bladder that is contracting too frequently, even when it is not full

Urinary tract infections: May irritate the bladder and lead to urgency

Medical conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease may affect fluid balance

Lifestyle factors: Consuming alcohol or caffeine in the late evening, or large evening fluid consumption

Medications: particularly diuretics for hypertension or heart disease

Identifying the cause is the first step to effective treatment.

How Doctors Diagnose the Cause of Prostate Cancer?

If you’re experiencing frequent urination—day or night—your doctor will take a detailed history and may recommend:

• Physical examination (including a digital rectal exam to check the prostate)
• Urine tests to rule out infection or blood
• Blood tests, especially a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to look for changes that could indicate cancer
• Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI if necessary

Your physician will also be interested in your fluid intake, medications, and duration of the symptoms. The more specific your data, the better it is to determine the cause.

The PSA test detects the amount of prostate-specific antigen in your bloodstream. A high PSA level can indicate prostate cancer, but can also increase due to BPH, infection, or even recent sex. That's why PSA tests are interpreted along with other results, including prior PSA levels and physical exam findings.

Screening usually begins at age 50 for all men, but those who are at increased risk—men with a family history of prostate cancer, for example—are started earlier.

What Are The Treatment Options if Cancer is Found?

Treatment for prostate cancer varies depending on the cancer's stage and aggressiveness, your age, and overall health. Treatment may include:

• Active surveillance for cancers that grow slowly and might never become a problem
• Surgery, including minimally invasive robotic procedures
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy to slow cancer's growth
• Combination therapies for more advanced disease
• Early detection dramatically improves cure rates.

Why Ignoring Symptoms is Risky?

Prostate cancer frequently has a high cure rate if caught early. But if untreated, it can spread to bones and other organs, making it much more difficult to treat. That's why it's essential not to ignore urinary symptoms as "just aging" without excluding more dangerous causes.

Dr. Amit asserts, "Although most instances of nocturia are caused by non-cancerous factors, it's not worth the risk. A quick consultation can provide you with clarity and peace of mind—or diagnose something early when it's most curable."

Nocturia is very common, particularly as one gets older. It's typically the result of benign conditions, yet in a few instances, it may be an initial indicator of prostate cancer. The most important thing is to pay attention to changes, monitor symptoms, and schedule regular check-ups—especially if you have risk factors.

Don't dismiss what your body is saying. Whether it's an innocent habit or a serious medical problem, you won't know for certain until you get examined. And if it proves to be prostate cancer, catching it in time may mean the difference between life and death.

Dr. Amit Saple is the Executive Director and Senior Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Transplant Surgeon at Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Vizag in India

On World Organ Transplant Day, we usually hear about the urgent need for more donors, the lifesaving power of a transplant, and how one person’s decision can save up to eight lives. That is all still true and still critical but here is the twist: while the waiting lists grow, so do the technologies that might one day make them shorter or even unnecessary.

The future of organ transplantation is not just beating in donor hearts anymore; it is also whirring in lab incubators, spinning in magnetic rotors, and taking shape layer by layer on 3D bioprinters.

Despite decades of successful surgeries, the biggest roadblock in transplantation remains supply. Dr Bipin Chevale, CEO of Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai, explains, “There is still a persistent disparity between organ supply and demand. In India, thousands remain on waiting lists, and many lose their lives before a suitable organ becomes available.”

The reasons are a blend of low awareness, cultural taboos, and plain logistical hurdles. In 2023–24, nearly 50,000 Indians were waiting for organ replacement, according to the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO). Globally, the US alone has more than 100,000 patients on transplant lists, with 13 lives lost every day while waiting.

Medical science, however, has been busy building backup plans. From 3D printing body parts to developing fully artificial organs, scientists are inching closer to a future where “no donor” does not mean “no hope”.

The Rise of 3D Bioprinting

Specialised 3D bioprinters can lay down living cells in precise patterns to create tissue that looks and behaves like the real thing.

Dr Varun Mittal, Head of Kidney Transplant at Artemis Hospitals, says researchers have “made great strides in printing living tissues and complicated networks of blood vessels”, something previously thought impossible. Techniques like Co-SWIFT create branching vessels inside heart tissue, while 3D ice printing uses water and gelatine to make smooth vessel templates.

While we are not yet popping out fully functional hearts or kidneys from printers for surgical use, these technologies are already valuable for training surgeons, testing drugs, and inching toward patient-specific implants. The idea is to design an organ to match a patient’s exact size, shape, and immune profile, dramatically lowering the risk of rejection.

Artificial Organs: Machines That Act Human

If printing an organ from scratch is the long game, artificial organs are the fast-forward button. These mechanical or bioengineered devices can take over the job of a failing organ, sometimes temporarily, sometimes for months or years.

One striking example is the BiVACOR artificial heart. It does not beat; it spins. A magnetic rotor pumps blood continuously, acting as a bridge until a donor heart is found. Dr Mittal points out that some patients have survived for months with the device, staying mobile and alert while awaiting surgery.

Similarly, researchers are developing implantable bioartificial kidneys that could filter blood and house living kidney cells without the need for dialysis or lifelong immunosuppressants. Wearable dialysis units are also in the works, aimed at freeing patients from hours tethered to clinic machines.

The Lung and Liver Challenge

Some of the boldest experiments are happening with lungs and livers, two of the trickiest organs to replace due to their complexity.

Dr Yasir Rizvi, Director of Nephrology and Kidney Transplant at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, points to a landmark in lung research: a 3D-printed human-scale scaffold containing about 4,000 km of capillaries across 44 trillion voxels. In animal studies, it has already exchanged gases like a natural lung.

For the liver, bioprinting and bioengineering efforts aim to create functional tissue that can sustain patients until a full transplant is possible or even act as a permanent fix in the future.

The Benefits Are Already Here

We may still be a few years from printing a fully functional, transplant-ready heart, but artificial organ technology is already improving lives. Pacemakers, cochlear implants, and ventricular assist devices, these are all proof that machinery and biology can coexist in the human body.

Artificial organs have the potential to:

• Reduce rejection by using a patient’s own cells
• Cut waiting times dramatically
• Lower long-term medical costs by reducing hospital stays
• Give access to treatment in regions where donor organs are scarce

As Dr Chevale says, these breakthroughs are only half the story. “Their success will also depend on increasing awareness about organ donation, busting myths, and encouraging more people to pledge their organs.”

The Ethical Road Ahead

Of course, the march toward lab-grown and artificial organs comes with big ethical questions. Who gets them first? Will they be affordable or only for the wealthy? How do we ensure safety in devices meant to live inside fragile bodies?

Dr Rizvi believes that with “careful regulation, transparent trials and patient-centred design, these innovations can turn prototypes into standard care”. In India, collaborations between AIIMS, IITs, and bio-technical start-ups are already laying the groundwork, with the hope of producing affordable devices for both domestic and global use within a decade.

A Future Worth Donating To

Even if the day comes when a printer can make you a brand-new kidney, organ donation will still matter. Research organs, temporary implants, and hybrid solutions will always benefit from donated tissue to validate safety and function.

The future of transplantation is no longer just a race against the clock for a donor organ, it is also a race to develop, print, and perfect replacements that can save lives anywhere, anytime.