Fern feature !

Ferns do not produce seeds, but they do produce spores on the underside of their leaves. To grow new ferns from your existing one, you can simply plant the spores. Carefully collect spores from a mature leaf frond by shaking the leaf over a piece of white paper. Sprinkle these spores on to moist potting soil in a glass jar. Cover the jar with clear plastic and keep it in a warm, lighted area. Wait until your ferns mature and grow (about 12 inches) to transplant them into your garden

• SOIL: Ferns prefer well drained sandy or humus rich soil. Elevated beds work well, providing good aeration and drainage

• LIGHT: Indirect light is best for healthy growth of ferns. Avoid direct afternoon sunlight. Filtered sun or early morning and late afternoon sunlight will produce a healthier, stronger plant

• FERTILISING: Ferns that are growing in humus rich soil, will require very little fertiliser. Use a fertilise that is high in nitrogen, about once a month during the growing season

• WATERING: Good watering practices are crucial for healthy ferns. During the growing season, you may have to water often. Depending on the weather, this may mean watering every few days. Most ferns prefer a moist, humid environment. Good drainage is also necessary to prevent drowning the plant

• CARING: The leaf of a fern is called the frond. Remove dead fronds periodically to ensure they look fresh and healthy

Know your Nails !

Nails reflect your health. If you are not healthy internally, it shows on your nails. Brittle nails are caused by the lack of water in the body. Ironically, prolonged exposure of nails to water also causes this, as do certain health conditions. Symptoms include easy peeling at the nail edge, breakage and layering. Discolouration (psoriasis) of nails can be due to anaemia, a common problem among women.
Blue nails indicate certain heart and liver diseases. White spots are formed when there is low blood supply to the nails. They could also be caused by injury and certain diseases.
Pain and swelling in and around the nails can be an indication of fungal infection. Frayed cuticles also indicate lack of water in the body.

WHAT TO EAT
Biotin is essential for nails. Have foods like soybean and whole grains that are rich in biotin. Your diet must include ample fruits and vegetables to supply necessary vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Consume adequate fluids. A glass of fresh carrot juice everyday provides necessary calcium and phosphorus for nails.

SOME DOS, SOME DON’TS
Do not use your nails as tools. No picking. No scratching. No digging. Try to keep your hands dry, though not unmoisturised. Do not bite your nails. It damages the nails and cuticles, causing deformation, uneven growth and infections too. Wear rubber gloves when you wash clothes or clean dishes. Keep your nails enamel-free and aerated once a week.

SIMPLE TIPS FOR NAIL CARE
A good time to manicure is just after a shower or washing dishes. The dirt under your nails has already been removed. Soak your hands in warm water for 10 minutes everyday, preferably before sleeping. Pat dry and moisturise well. Apply a cream or lotion whenever you wash your hands. Nails tend to dry out due to soaps and detergents. Trim your nails regularly. Change your socks daily. Try to wear cotton socks as much as possible. Do not wear tight shoes. They damage toenails. If you must wear closed shoes, clip your toenails short.

HOME REMEDIES FOR SPOTLESS NAILS
To whiten nails, use whitening toothpaste. Scrub your nails to de-stain and add sparkle. Soak your nails in water with lemon juice. The lemon acts as an astringent and lifts off the stains.

A to Z of haircare !

Welcome to your guide to gorgeous hair! Remember that the more you know about your hair, the better equipped you are to deal with it. Let’s run through the A to Z of hair in detail.
Armor, the hair on our body acts as a protective shield, defending the delicate parts of our anatomy.
Brushing and combing distributes our natural hair oils and increases blood circulation. However, remember to be gentle always while brushing.
Cuticle is the protective layer of our hair. When damaged, the scales of the cuticle stand up, giving a brittle and dry look.
Dandruff is a dry scaly condition, which can be easily avoided by shampooing with an anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week.
Excessive exposure to sun, will bleach and weaken the hair. Shield your hair with a cap or a scarf.
Fashion is often hard on the hair. Before surrendering your hair to the latest trend, check how your hair will be affected.
Growth cycle of the hair goes through a natural cycle of growth and fall. Do not panic if you notice some hair falling everyday.
Hirsutism or excessive growth of body hair in women. Oleum Jacoris cream is the best remedy to treat Hirsutism.
Injury to the hair caused by braiding, using tight rollers and tight ponytails.
Junk food is often mirrored in your lack-lustre hair.
Keratin is a hair protein.
Loss of hair is only normal, though if it seems excessive, contact a trichologist.
Magic Three Months — The cause of hairloss can be traced to three months, before hairloss actually manifests itself.

Nutrients and essential minerals like zinc, iron, boron, and molybdenum nourish the hair while proteins and vitamins too add to its sheen.

Over-processing hair with chemicals — by dying, it may cause damage to the cuticle and cortex.

Perming hair is not advisable because it causes the breakdown of the sulphur bonds of the hair. Quality of your hair can be improved by careful grooming and conditioning by oiling.
Rich Feel Trichology Centre is the most advanced hair centre in India and has India’s first certified trichologists at the helm to solve your hair problems.
Shampooing hair at least two to three times a week is a must to keep it clean.
Tricholgy is the science of hair and scalp diseases, with a scientific solution to most hair problems. To maintain healthy hair get your tricho-check done.
Understand your hair by reading up on hair tips, watching your hair for problems and checking your problems with a trichologist.
Vitamins are necessary for the overall strength and growth of the hair follicles.
Washing hair at alarming regularity must be avoided. If your hair type is dry, wash hair twice or thrice a week, while oily hair maybe washed daily.
X’ercise elevates blood circulation, relieves tension and fosters good health, which will surely be reflected in your hair
You are responsible for the well-being of your hair and body. A good haircare regime will ensure healthy hair.
Zinc deficiency is associated with dry hair, hairloss and oily skin. Include spinach, sunflower seeds and mushrooms in your diet.