Taking a cold shower has many more benefits besides waking up a drunk person.
Besides saving you money on heating water, taking a cold shower also:
Increases alertness better than coffee.
The cold stimulates circulation by increasing the heart rate and relaxing blood
vessels. Your respiration rate increase to warm the body, thus increasing
oxygen intake and reducing oxidization within the cells. These two changes wake
you up and get you going.
Improves health of skin and hair. Hot
water strips away the natural, water soluble oils, excreted by the skin and
hair follicles, thus drying them out. Hot water relaxes tissues causing sagging
and eventually wrinkling. It opens pores and allows for the buildup of dirt and
bacteria. Cold water tightens cuticles, pores, and collagen in tissues. This
seals up the skin keeping dirt and bacteria out, thus preventing acne and
infection.
Improves immunity and circulation. As
in number 1 cold water stimulates circulation, this includes lymph circulation.
The better lymph and its associated immune cells can travel through the body
the better they can kill and remove invaders.
Aids in weight loss. Due
to our body’s habit of storing two kinds of fat, white (excess calories stored
around belly/thighs) and brown (surrounds and protects organs, adds insulation
from heat/cold). Our body uses or burns very little white fat, especially when
we’re hot. The more we expose our bodies to cold the more we develop brown fat
and burn white fat.
Eases pain and speeds recovery. With
increased circulation comes increased removal of exercise and injury related
acid and toxin buildup in the muscles and joints, thus reducing inflammation
and associated pain.
Eases stress and it’s effects.
Cold stimulus in the shower or outside has been proven to promote tolerance to
stress and resulting disease. Again, with increased circulation comes increased
removal of toxins. Even those toxins created by feeling stressed. The stress of
cold water assists the body in adapting to oxidative stress.
Relieves depression. The
stimulation of the nerves in cold water causes the release of an overwhelming
amount of electrical impulses from the peripheral nerve endings to the brain.
This boosts mood by releasing endorphins and causing a strong antidepressant
effect.
Builds will power. It
takes a lot of mental strength and will to purposefully take a cold shower,
especially after being so acclimated to warm and comfortable showers. The more
you do it the more you can do it.
Increase and balance hormones. Along
with increased circulation comes nerve and gland stimulation with exposure to
cold. As glands are stimulated so are their excretions, which are all hormones.
This improves the balance and function of hormones throughout the body.
Improves
sleep. By increasing and balancing hormones, it improves sleep
hormone production as well. A cold shower before bed can work like a
tranquilizer.
Improves
breathing. The shock of entering the cold water makes
you take a full, deep breath. Breathing in cold water becomes deep and erratic,
allowing for more oxygen to enter the bloodstream.
We know our lifestyles and environments have a huge impact on our physical health. Our hair and skin are the first to show chemical damage. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly help, of course, yet they aren’t enough when you’re using commercially produced, chemical laden products on your hair. So here are some natural options for strengthening and lengthening hair.
Proper Nutrition for Healthy Hair
A nutritious diet that contains healthful fats, protein, and a range of vitamins can help with thinning or thin hair. In fact, thin hair can be a sign that a person is not getting enough nutrients. To help remedy this, people with thin hair should include some of the following nutrient-rich foods in their diets:
salmon, which is high in protein and fatty acids
eggs, which contain protein, omega 3, and iron
walnuts, almonds, and other nuts, which are sources of fatty acids
greek yogurt, which is a source of protein
green, black, pinto, and other beans, which contain protein
A person should look to add 1 or 2 servings of any of the above foods to their daily diet. Even adding just 3 or 4 servings a week can contribute to improved hair health.
Regular Combing & Trimming
Comb your hair three times a day and trim it in every three months. Regular combing and trimming is extremely important for expediting the growth of new hair. Combing is essential as it provides good blood circulation, and stimulates hair follicles, helping them produce new hair naturally.
Proper Washing Technique
Wash with warm water and rinse with cold.
Use finger tips, not nails, to massage scalp and stimulate follicles.
Always massage conditioners and oils into the scalp with circular motions.
Shampoo is Important
The type of shampoo you are using can have drastic effects on the health of your hair. It’s best to use a natural soap or a petroleum and sulfate free blend. These only remove dirt and do not strip the hair of its natural oils like commercial surfactants.
Coconut Oil Soap: easy to make or purchase. Full of fatty acids essential for nourishing the scalp and hair follicles and gently removes dirt and grease without over drying (stripping) the hair. Purchase yours below.
Coconut Oil Soap
All natural 3 ingredient soap perfect for body, face and hair.
Much like shampoo, conditioner contents can have drastic effects on the health of your hair. So instead of a petroleum wax and oil laden blend, try something that actually nourishes your hair. Here are some natural ways to moisturize and strengthen hair.
Apple Cider Vinegar: gently cleanses the scalp and maintains the PH balance of the hair accelerating hair growth. How To Use:
Wash your hair
Use apple cider vinegar as a final rinse after washing your hair to get healthy and shiny hair.
For 1 liter of solution – mix 75ml of apple cider vinegar to one liter of water
You may store this entirely or make it smaller batches.
For smaller quantities, take 15 ml of apple cider vinegar and add it to a cup of warm filtered water
After washing your hair, using this cup of water as the final rinse.
Aloe Gel: Applying aloe oil directly to the hair and scalp may help strengthen the hair and thicken it over time. For a homemade solution, a person can try rubbing some pure aloe gel into the scalp and letting it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. This can be done once or twice a week.
Avocado: Avocado is rich in vitamin E, and many people believe it to be a good moisturizer. Make a simple avocado rub and apply it twice a week. Do remember it can be an ugly, squishy avocado, not a green healthy one. To make an avocado rub:
combine the fruit of 1 avocado with 1 tbsp olive/sunflower/coconut oil
apply the mixture to hair and scalp
let it sit for about 30 minutes
rinse thoroughly with natural shampoo
Cayenne Pepper: stimulates hair growth and prevents thinning of hair. It has a chemical in it known as Capsaicin. This ingredient when applied on the scalp causes the nerves to activate and increase the blood flow to the scalp. This results in increased absorption of nutrients and better hair growth. How To Use:
Mix 1 teaspoon of pepper powder with 2 teaspoons of olive oil
Apply it on the scalp where thinning is more prominent
Wash off with cool water
Coconut Milk: rich in iron, potassium and essential fats. It reduces hair fall and breakage. How To Use:
Extract the milk of a coconut
Apply it on the targeted areas
Keep it overnight
Rinse off with cool water the next day
Coconut Oil: Rich in potassium, coconut oil keeps your scalp healthy; promotes the growth of new hair and repairs damaged hair. It also reduces dandruff, hair breakage and hair loss. Coconut oil is also used as a pre-conditioning hair treatment for damaged hair. It acts as a moisturizer and strengthens the hair shaft from the root, thus preventing breakage. It keeps the scalp well-nourished and moisturized. Use coconut hot oil treatment for effective results.
Cumin Seeds: packed with 100′s of nutrients and vitamins that are great for replenishing your hair. How To Use:
Soak cumin seeds in olive oil or castor oil
Let it soak overnight
The next morning, apply it to the targeted areas
Wash after 15 minutes with a mild shampoo
Eggs: high in protein, which is essential for the body to build strong, thick hair. When used regularly, an egg treatment may help thicken and strengthen a person’s hair. To use an egg treatment:
beat 1 or 2 eggs together
apply the eggs to the scalp and damp hair
leave the eggs on the scalp for about 30 minutes
wash hair thoroughly with warm water and mild shampoo
Alternately, combine the eggs with oil and water. To use this method:
mix egg yolks, 1 tablespoon (tbsp) olive oil, and 2 tbsp of water
apply the mixture to the scalp and dry hair
leave for 15 minutes
rinse out with warm water and a mild shampoo
Fenugreek: accelerates hair growth and protects the natural color of your hair. How To Use:
Take 1 teaspoon of the fenugreek paste
Add 2 teaspoons of coconut milk to it
Apply it all over your hair and scalp
Leave it on for 30 minutes
Wash off with a mild shampoo
Flaxseed Oil: rich source of essential fatty acids which helps to transform dry, damaged and brittle hair to healthy and shiny hair. The omega 3 fatty acids in the oil promote healthy hair growth. How To Use:
Include flaxseed oil supplements in your daily diet
Use it with the combination of other essential oils.
Garlic: home remedy for reducing the shedding of hair. Why? It boosts the regeneration of new hair and promotes the scalp circulation. How To Use:
Boil a few cloves of crushed garlic in olive oil or coconut oil
Apply it to the roots of your hair follicles.
Wash off properly
Green Tea: antioxidants prevent hair loss and boost hair growth. How To Use:
Apply warm green tea all over your scalp
Leave it for an hour
Rinse off with cool water
Henna Pack: very well known as a natural conditioner. It is also good for hair growth. Why? It transforms dull and dry hair to smooth and shiny hair and adds colour too. It promotes hair growth by strengthening the roots of your hair. How To Use:
Make a pack by mixing 1 cup of dry henna powder with ½ cup of yoghurt
Apply it all over your hair from root to tip.
Leave the pack until it dries off completely
Wash off with a mild shampoo
Hibiscus Flower: the “flower of hair care.” This flower is used for curing dandruff and enhancing hair growth. It also thickens the hair and prevents pre-mature ageing. How To Use:
Make a paste of the hibiscus flower with coconut oil or sesame oil
Apply it on your hair evenly.
Rinse with a mild shampoo.
Indian Gooseberry (Amla): powerhouse of antioxidants and vitamin C. Amla promotes healthy hair growth and also improves the pigmentation of the hair. How To Use:
Mix 2 teaspoons of amla powder or juice with 2 teaspoons of lime juice
Apply this on your scalp properly and let it dry
Now rinse it well with warm water
Olive Oil: rich in omega 3 acids and other nutrients that are essential for overall health, including hair health. When applied directly to the scalp and hair, olive oil helps promote thicker hair. Olive oil also has the added benefit of softening the hair and relieving dry scalp. Some people add honey to the olive oil and others suggest leaving the olive oil on overnight using a shower cap to cover the hair. To use olive oil:
heat the oil to body temperature
massage the warm oil into the scalp and hair
leave in hair for about 30 to 45 minutes
rinse out the olive oil with mild shampoo
Onion Juice: rich in sulphur that boosts collagen production in the tissues and helps in re-growth of hair. How To Use:
Use red onions or shallots
Chop it into small pieces
Squeeze out its juice.
Now apply it on your scalp carefully and keep for 15 minutes.
Finally rinse off with a mild shampoo.
Orange Puree: The vitamin C, pectin, and acid in oranges can help a person’s hair in a few different ways. The vitamins and nutrients may improve hair’s natural luster, which makes the hair appear thicker. The acid in oranges helps break apart residue left from hair products. These residues may interfere with hair growth. Unlike some of the other treatments, orange puree has a pleasant scent that makes the treatment more enjoyable. A person can use orange puree as a hair treatment by blending fresh oranges then massaging the puree into the hair and scalp. Leave the puree on the hair for about 1 hour before rinsing it out. Some people like to use a light conditioner to rehydrate their hair following an orange puree treatment.
Peppercorns: The use of black peppercorns is prevalent in the ayurvedic medicine. It leaves your hair soft and lustrous while improving the texture. Why? Black peppercorns have essential oils which keep your scalp well-hydrated. How To Use:
Blend 2 teaspoons of peppercorns with half a cup of lime juice
Form a smooth paste
Apply this paste on the roots
Cover your head with a warm towel for deep penetration.
Rinse off after half an hour.
Potato Juice: rich in Vitamin A, B and C. These are essential for healthy hair. This can be used even if you are suffering from alopecia i.e. thinning of hair. How To Use:
