'Ayur' means 'Life', and 'Veda' means 'Knowledge'. Ayurveda is the 5,000-year old system of holistic healing that originated in India. Ayurveda is about a whole lifestyle of health and well-being. Hair is the crowning glory of the body, and at the same time it is an indicator of the body's overall health. Ayurvedic herbs that help hair health include Eclipta alba and Gotu Kola. Eclipta alba is called "Bhringaraj" -- literally, king of tresses. It nourishes the hair and helps resistance to stress as well. Brahmi, sometimes called Gotu Kola, also helps balance the mind and nourishes the hair and scalp. Vitamin C is considered to be the best nutrient for the health of hair. For this reason, amla is widely used in most Ayurvedic hair preparations because it contains the highest amount of vitamin C in natural form. Ayurveda addresses such common problems as hair fall, dull hair and dandruff. Here are some simple, holistic methods that treat these problems.

Hair Fall/Shedding

1.Soak some amla (Indian gooseberries) powder in water overnight. In the morning, this powder will have softened. Press the soft powder in the water so that all the juices are exuded into it. Then add the juice of a lemon in the water. This is a very vitamin C rich solution. Wash your hair with this solution. Apply a lot of pressure, and apply the solution just as you do with a shampoo. This will not only stop the hair fall; it will also bring a lively sheen to the hair.

2.Massage the scalp gently with coconut or almond oil daily for 10 to 15 minutes.

3.Boil neem leaves in water. Cool, strain and rinse hair with it.

4.Increase green leafy vegetables, salads, milk, fruits and sprouts in the diet. Take more proteins, milk, buttermilk, yeast, wheat germ, soya beans, whole grains and nuts.

Dandruff

1. Add 1 teaspoon of camphor to half a cup of coconut or neem oil. Store it in glass

container. Massage this oil into the scalp before bed.

2.Mix 1 teaspoon of castor, mustard and coconut oil each and massage into the scalp.

3.Mix one part of lemon juice with two parts of coconut oil. Massage into the roots of the hair regularly. Wash with warm water after three to four hours or leave overnight.

Ayurveda generally addresses dull hair by suggesting various types of oils to be used during scalp massages. Massaging the scalp and hair with warm, herb infused oil is the best way to nourish the scalp and hair externally. A warm oil massage, done at least once a week for normal hair and two to three times for dry hair, can help strengthen the roots of the hair and nourish the hair shafts, soften and condition the hair, replenish and rejuvenate dry, damaged hair, and help prevent excessive brittleness and split-ends.

Dull Hair

1.Almond oil and sesame oil are very nourishing for the scalp and hair and help reduce stiffness and tightness in the scalp.

2.Coconut oil can delay hair problems such as thinning and premature graying.

3.Olive oil has purifying properties that help keep pores open.

Although there are many hair-friendly herbs used to infuse oil, the following list shows those most commonly found in Ayurvedic preparations:

Brahmi helps calm the mind and nervous system and promote hair thickness and body.

Amla is cooling, nourishing, purifying, and helps prevent dry scalp and flakes.

Hibiscus is cooling and helps maintain hair color and vitality.

Rosemary helps stimulate hair follicles and promotes growth.

Lavender stimulates hair growth, balances oil production.

Bhringaraj, "king of tresses," is very nourishing for the hair.

No matter what type of hair nature blessed you with, there are things you can do to keep it healthy, lustrous, looking its best. If you're looking to enhance or start your all-natural hair care regimen- Ayurveda can help you get there!