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Long, long before state-of-the-art food science laboratories came into existence, the traditional Vaids (sage-physicians) practicing the ancient Indian healing science of Ayurveda were well aware of the medicinal properties of various plants and herbs, and knew how to use them in diverse applications ranging from disease prevention, pain relief and herbal formulations to skincare, hair care and body massage.
In today’s post, we will explore an ancient Ayurvedic hair care formulation that can help keep your hair full-bodied, lustrous and healthy. It’s a simple home remedy that uses everyday ingredients which can easily be found in almost every Indian kitchen. You will need a two-inch piece of ginger; five cloves; and one teaspoon of mustard seeds. Use a mortar and pestle to crush the ginger. Then take a small square piece of clean muslin cloth and place the crushed ginger, cloves and mustard seeds in it, and tie it into a small bundle.
Place this bundle in a glass jar and fill the jar with cold-pressed Mustard Oil. Then close the jar and leave it out in the sun for at least seven days.
Apply this oil to your hair by dipping your fingers in the oil and then massaging it into your scalp, making sure that you coat the hair strands from the root to the tips. Leave the oil on for half an hour or so – and then shampoo your hair. There is no need to use a conditioner because Mustard Oil is a natural hair conditioner. Carry out this treatment twice or thrice in a week – and feel the difference in your hair quality.
This is how the formulation works. Ginger contains natural antioxidants that prevent premature greying of hair. Cloves contain antioxidants as well, and also help in strengthening the hair. The mustard seeds and Mustard Oil are packed with natural Vitamin E and beta-carotene – this makes the formulation a natural hair nourishment tonic. Moreover, the heating action of the oil opens the pores of the scalp and allows the nutrients to nourish the hair follicles. This promotes hair growth and strengthens the hair strands. And like ginger and cloves, Mustard Oil also contains natural antioxidants that prevent hair fall and follicular damage.
So simple – and yet, so very effective!
