Ayurveda Questions/Help

[natieya]

Ooh Jamaraa, adopt me too!

 

[Angkin73]

Ok to put these prices in prospective just so you see what I'm talking about. Last week I went to the Indian store and spent about $23. I got a Vatika oil, some mehendi oil (for body NOT hair), a box of tulsi, a box of shikakai, some rose water (pure stuff), and 3 kinds of henna. The hennas were 1 tube of premixed stuff, 1 150gr bag of Karishma (w/ goodies like shikakai and amla), and.....drumroll a box of 100 gr Jamila for the princely sum of $1.99!

You got people online w/ the nerve to sell Jamila for 100g=$8 or 35 gr= $5.....seriously. $8 US is nearly 350 IRP!!

Explosiva...I DID adopt you already!

I really wish I had an indian store in my area to shop at. The nearest one in about an hour or so away. I got some of my powders from Amazon.com for about the same prices you mentioned plus s&h. I have been ordering from Mountian Rose Herbs lately tho.

 

[jamaraa]

Mountain Rose is a good source, but I haven't bought vedic stuff from them....I don't know Amazon's prices for Indian, but they seem pricey for other food type things. Ebay is a good source. Depending on where in NC you are, you might find a good number of halal stores or Mediterranean stores. They tend to have many of the herbs, oils, and hennas Indian stores carry because they have overlapping customer bases. If Amazon is doing you good, use them by all means.

 

[Angkin73]

Angkin...just wanted you to know I wasn't being funny towards you, but those prices floored me. As for the US based site, LOL....they know how to take something very basic and charge incredible prices for it, but they'll find buyers. LOL..the Whole Wallet crowd will and seem to already eat this up, but for folks on a budget (read ME)...so way no how.

About mustard oil (one of the ingredients in one of the oils in the links), if you just want that, just buy mustard powder and infuse it. It's hard to import to the States because of fears about mustard gas so best just buy the powder and infuse it or cook some stovetop. Mustard powder is easy to find and you can do it in almost any oil. Of course, it's edible!

Hair fall= their term for breakage and shedding. LOL...quite literal and to the point, eh?

Oh I know you wasn't, and I really appreciate all the information you are giving me about these proiduct. I really didn't have any idea.

I have read about mustard powder. I think my whole food store sells it, not sure tho.
Do you use orange peel or lemon powder?

 

[jamaraa]

No orange or lemon in hair...but FOOD! You might find an Indian market listed as "Asian" but check to see if they mean Korean/Chinese/Vietnamese types or East Indians. A phone call w/ accent will tell all. I'm certain you have something close, but you just didn't know it.

 

[Angkin73]

Mountain Rose is a good source, but I haven't bought vedic stuff from them....I don't know Amazon's prices for Indian, but they seem pricey for other food type things. Ebay is a good source. Depending on where in NC you are, you might find a good number of halal stores or Mediterranean stores. They tend to have many of the herbs, oils, and hennas Indian stores carry because they have overlapping customer bases. If Amazon is doing you good, use them by all means.

I hadn't thought of that. We only have Hispanic and Asian.

 

[Angkin73]

No orange or lemon in hair...but FOOD! You might find an Indian market listed as "Asian" but check to see if they mean Korean/Chinese/Vietnamese types or East Indians. A phone call w/ accent will tell all. I'm certain you have something close, but you just didn't know it.

OOOOHHHHH, OK! I can be so clueless some times!
I will be checking into this tomorrow. (Lord, I can feel the PJ creeping up in me already)

 

[jamaraa]

I'll join in on this conversation because I've been dabbling in Ayurveda also, but need help. I currently try to do it twice a week. My tea rinses lately have consisted of Kalpi Tone and Amla. I've been pre-pooing with Shikakai oil, but I'm almost out of that, so I'll probably start prepooing with Amla oil.

What other powders are conditioning ones other than Amla?

Do you need to do a DC after each ayurveda tea rinse? If so, for how long? With or without heat?

About Kalpi Tone...a bit of research lead me to find out the ingredients. I never use premade compounds...I only buy singles (never even tried triphala), so I'm always open to surprises. They didn't disappoint here. RUST?!

I stopped at the 3rd listed ingredient: Amla Fruit (Phyllanthus Emblica Linn) 10%, Maka Leaves (Eclipa Aba) 10%, Mandoor (Iron Rust) 10%, Jaswandh Flower (Hibiscus Rosa) 9%, Narangichal (Citrus Aurantium) 8%, Shikakai Fruit (Acacia Conncinna) 7%, Kumari Leaves (hedychium Spicatum) 7%, Kapur Kachili (Hedychium Spicatum) 6%, Brahmi (Herpestis Monniera) 5%, Methi Seed (Trigonalafinum Greekum) 5%, Wala (Andropogan Muricatus) 5%, Khadir Stem (Acacia Katechu wild) 3%, Chandan (Santalum Album) 2%, Neem (Azadirachta Indica), Sitaphal Seeed Powder(Squamosa), Sugandh Dravya (Q.S.).

I found this list at:http://www.mehndiskinart.com/Kalpi_Tone_Powder.htm

Some of the herbs I've never heard of, but most are just the basics like amla, bhringraj (aka maka), shikakai, brahmi, sandalwood, fenugreek (ie methi), etc....in short, you're rebuying much of what you already use w/ this product and stuff you might not want. Stick to single herbs, my advice.

**Just a guess, but I THINK the iron rust is used to darken hair. Many Indian and Middle Eastern peoples use iron pots to mix and dye release henna believing it make the stain darker and hair black. On White oriented sites like Henna For Hair, they STRONGLY advise against mixing henna w/ metal tools, so maybe this is why. Kalpi Tone is NOT for the tourists! :nothingfunny:

 

[michaela]

Hi all!

um okay im really trying to do my research and all but can somebody school me on the ratio and how much water to use? My mind is kinda going everywhere with the Hot and Cold etc... Oh and How much do i need? i plan on using 3 and Sometimes 2 Powders. I havent firgured out which ones. I have the oiling down i just need to get the Powder/water Measurements Right!


Thanks in Advance! Help is Appreciated!

 

[joyandfaith]

About Kalpi Tone...a bit of research lead me to find out the ingredients. I never use premade compounds...I only buy singles (never even tried triphala), so I'm always open to surprises. They didn't disappoint here. RUST?!

I stopped at the 3rd listed ingredient: Amla Fruit (Phyllanthus Emblica Linn) 10%, Maka Leaves (Eclipa Aba) 10%, Mandoor (Iron Rust) 10%, Jaswandh Flower (Hibiscus Rosa) 9%, Narangichal (Citrus Aurantium) 8%, Shikakai Fruit (Acacia Conncinna) 7%, Kumari Leaves (hedychium Spicatum) 7%, Kapur Kachili (Hedychium Spicatum) 6%, Brahmi (Herpestis Monniera) 5%, Methi Seed (Trigonalafinum Greekum) 5%, Wala (Andropogan Muricatus) 5%, Khadir Stem (Acacia Katechu wild) 3%, Chandan (Santalum Album) 2%, Neem (Azadirachta Indica), Sitaphal Seeed Powder(Squamosa), Sugandh Dravya (Q.S.).

I found this list at:http://www.mehndiskinart.com/Kalpi_Tone_Powder.htm

Some of the herbs I've never heard of, but most are just the basics like amla, bhringraj (aka maka), shikakai, brahmi, sandalwood, fenugreek (ie methi), etc....in short, you're rebuying much of what you already use w/ this product and stuff you might not want. Stick to single herbs, my advice.

**Just a guess, but I THINK the iron rust is used to darken hair. Many Indian and Middle Eastern peoples use iron pots to mix and dye release henna believing it make the stain darker and hair black. On White oriented sites like Henna For Hair, they STRONGLY advise against mixing henna w/ metal tools, so maybe this is why. Kalpi Tone is NOT for the tourists! :nothingfunny:

Whoa! Thanks for the info.

I made a nice mix this morning. I mixed Neem with Aussie Moist conditioner and made a paste.

Question: Once you have the Ayurveda mix on your head (tea or paste) do you scratch your scalp with it on?

 

[natieya]

About Kalpi Tone...a bit of research lead me to find out the ingredients. I never use premade compounds...I only buy singles (never even tried triphala), so I'm always open to surprises. They didn't disappoint here. RUST?!

I stopped at the 3rd listed ingredient: Amla Fruit (Phyllanthus Emblica Linn) 10%, Maka Leaves (Eclipa Aba) 10%, Mandoor (Iron Rust) 10%, Jaswandh Flower (Hibiscus Rosa) 9%, Narangichal (Citrus Aurantium) 8%, Shikakai Fruit (Acacia Conncinna) 7%, Kumari Leaves (hedychium Spicatum) 7%, Kapur Kachili (Hedychium Spicatum) 6%, Brahmi (Herpestis Monniera) 5%, Methi Seed (Trigonalafinum Greekum) 5%, Wala (Andropogan Muricatus) 5%, Khadir Stem (Acacia Katechu wild) 3%, Chandan (Santalum Album) 2%, Neem (Azadirachta Indica), Sitaphal Seeed Powder(Squamosa), Sugandh Dravya (Q.S.).

I found this list at:http://www.mehndiskinart.com/Kalpi_Tone_Powder.htm

Some of the herbs I've never heard of, but most are just the basics like amla, bhringraj (aka maka), shikakai, brahmi, sandalwood, fenugreek (ie methi), etc....in short, you're rebuying much of what you already use w/ this product and stuff you might not want. Stick to single herbs, my advice.

**Just a guess, but I THINK the iron rust is used to darken hair. Many Indian and Middle Eastern peoples use iron pots to mix and dye release henna believing it make the stain darker and hair black. On White oriented sites like Henna For Hair, they STRONGLY advise against mixing henna w/ metal tools, so maybe this is why. Kalpi Tone is NOT for the tourists! :nothingfunny:

I asked about this mandoor stuff as well and it seems that it's ok for hair. I started a thread about it, let me see if I can find it. Here's the link: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showpost.php?p=5140595&postcount=15

 

[jamaraa]

I asked about this mandoor stuff as well and it seems that it's ok for hair. I started a thread about it, let me see if I can find it. Here's the link: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showpost.php?p=5140595&postcount=15

My thought on the rust is that it's used for darkening and keeping dark the hair. I'm not sure it's dangerous (tho I'd not use it while relaxed or using a boxed dye), but for White people iron+henna=green hair sometimes.

Frankly, I doubt iron is good or bad, but there are other herbs an oils that darken over time just fine w/o the iron.

Since the Indians sometimes mix henna in iron pots w/ iron spoons hoping for black hair, I gather it does affect the henna even if not creating black.

The one thing that concerns me about the rust is that certain forms of iron can build up in the body and cause problems while other don't. I'm not sure this iron is entering the body by use on the hair, but it's always possible.

 

[zanna]

Wow! this thread is great! Very interesting info.
Thank you ladies
Sincerely
Zanna

 

[explosiva9]

Are there any updates?

Jamaraa- where do u recommend I get those products and what brands are good. I like Hesh.

 

[jamaraa]

Hesh is a good brand for powders, but I'd avoid their oils because they use mineral oils mainly. It won't kill you, but you can get coconut or sesame based oils for about the same price or a little more.

Frankly, I recommend your local Indian store as a place to start. The Indians are used to Black women buying the hair stuff and many times can even recommend things. If you want to buy online, there's www.eastwestbazaar.com and sellers on Ebay w/ good ratings and combined shipping.

I personally like Ramthirth's brahmi oil. LOL...you'll recognize it because it's in a green box. The bottle is glass.

What are you looking to buy for a 'starter kit"?

 

[explosiva9]

I meant for the skin care stuff. I have a load of hair stuff already that should last awhile but I will look into what you ladies recommend so when its time to repurchase. I love this thread.

Is there a particular brand you like for skincare? What should I look for and avoid? Where do you get ur rosewater from?

 

[jamaraa]

Skin care I mostly make myself, but I always keep some "Fair and Lovely" around (yuck, the name). You get that at Indian-halal stores or ethinc markets, but you can find it online too. Pure rosewater you buy at the Indian store, but you can easily find it in halal or Mediterranean stores. They use it to make sweet desserts. depending on the size of the bottle, $2-5 should get you the PURE stuff. make sure it's PURE...if anything's added AT ALL, let it be rose essential oil!

If all else fails, get it at the health food store...it's the "Heritage Products" brand. They have a site http://www.caycecures.com/catalog/aromatherpywaters.html so you can look up the product and see what it looks like. The bottle have distinct labels. It's not super expensive, but more so than the food grade stuff at ethnic stores. This brand has been around FOREVER and it's the real mcoy. All of their "waters" are great, including the ones w/ glycerin.

 

[explosiva9]

You make ur own stuff? Now you know imma have to know the details of that and your recipes. When I grow up I want to be just like you!!!

 

[girlcherokee]

yes jamaara,
oooh i wanna know too.

 

[jamaraa]

LOL..y'all are just getting into this, so we'll get the hair stuff down pat and then move on from there.

Yup, I make alot of my own skin care stuff, tho not all. It's really easy, but I'm still working at it, so I can't say I have set recipes yet. Learn about EOs (think it terms of DROPS), carrier oils, and clays...those are your basics for skin care. Something very basic can be white clay (ie kaolin), a few drops of lavender oil (I prefer French to Bulgarian), a dab of jojoba oil, some vitamin E oil (it helps preserve it and does good things for skin too...a twofer), and some rosewater. You could get your desired consistency from the rosewater alone or add some Evian or something like that. Not hard, but you have to learn everything each ingredient does and it proportions.

 

[explosiva9]

That's it Jamaraa, you are officially the tutor/teacher. I know about essential oils but I definitely don't know about making my own skincare but I definitely would love to learn. Please teach me PLEASE

 

[DDTexlaxed]

To be very specific, I'd try an oil. Maybe Parachute coconut (it's plain stuff, not infused w/ any herbs), Keo Karpin (Indian people seem nuts over this one), Ramthrith's Bramhi, or one of the Dabur's. Many people like the Vatika or amla of the Dabur's stuff. Hesh has a shikakai oil you might like.

http://stinastina.ecrater.com/ look here. She has almost everything you need for Veda and alot of info. She's also an LHCF member and you can PM her.

My personal fav oil is bhringraj and I use this one most often as a scalp massage (I leave it in), but I also rotate among different ones.

Thank you for this site. Have you tried their other products? I'm so ordering more stuff!

 

[jamaraa]

Thank you for this site. Have you tried their other products? I'm so ordering more stuff!

I'm familiar w/ many of her products and have tried them from other sources. I do have an outstanding order w/ her from late July that I haven't yet received, so I can't yet speak on the products I haven't used yet.

 

[natieya]

Hmm, is she backordered? I have heard nothing but good things about her customer service. What's up?

 

[jamaraa]

I dunno. I've recently gotten an email saying it's on it's way. So Monday will be the soonest.

 

[DDTexlaxed]

I've just started my regimen. I just add the powders to my conditioner and rinse out. My hair has gotten darker and more healthier. This is just a beginning stage for me. My lazy butt hopes to do a henna treatment. A lot of work for me! I will wait till I'm completely natural and when I'm a little more confident with what I'm doing.

 

[Hot40]

I just came across this thread -- I always thought Indian women had very beautiful healthy hair. I like the natural aspect, my family and I changed our diets about 1 month ago attempting to live a healthier life style. I want to place an oder from
http://stinastina.ecrater.com/ but I am not sure should the oil be used on the hair and scalp? Do you add the powder to products?

 

[MissRissa]

fanfreakingtastic thread

ok i could have sworn in one of the threads i read that you arent supposed to add the powders to oils.

Jamaara, you do think that the adding of the powders to conditioners can be beneficial right? im an almost daily cowasher (unless my hair has been straightened) and i was contemplating adding a tsp or 2 to my cowash conditioner.

ive had these powders for a while and have yet to use them because i've been so apprehensive but i think im ready to do my first application this weekend. so as far as my routine i was thinking:
daily (evening) oiling of scalp alternating between bringrhaj and shikakai
(i dont know if i should use on the length of the hair, plus i dont want my bed being all oily)
daily cowash with powder added conditioner
weekly rinsing with a tea (which i bought a coffee maker to make)

Jamaara, i also like the recommendations of which companies/brands to patron. this is all foreign info for us so we dont know the reputable or "go to" companies to use for various herbs/oils.

 

[explosiva9]

Correct me if I am wrong, but the powder can be hard to rinse out from what I have heard and you have to use a lot of cheapy conditioner to get the granules out so it's better to add the tea to the condish.

Now, i have heard about the coffee maker theory but my question with that is how do you get all the benefits of the powder if it isn't steeping in water? Do you run the same water several times? Someone recommended tea bags from fromnaturewithlove.com.

Here is the link
http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/product.asp?product_id=teabagsm&searchflag=1

I used them and it was easy to just drop the powder in them and then I steep the tea bag overnight. Make a nice dark tea that I use the next day.

 

[jamaraa]

A coffee maker is never an approach I'd use for making an herbal TEA Explosiva, but some people use this method. It'll work, but as you pointed out, the benefits of steeping are lost. LOL...besides coffee made in a drop machine is weak coffe...very weak. If you want something to have strength, you submerge it in water.

MissRissa I must say I'm confused here. Why would putting the herbs in oils be a problem since most Vedic hair products are infused herbs in oils? It doesn't make sense that you'd ask me about bhringraj oil, but be concerned about adding the herbs to oils.

Frankly, I think you should put the herbs up in "products for sell and exchange" on this site and use an approach more familiar and comfortable to you. These herbs seem to have you concerned, so if in doubt...leave it out.