Bhastrik International Medical

The open sores which appear in the mouth are called as mouth ulcers. They are white or yellow in color, and are generally accompanied with a sharp pain, which is felt most when the person is eating. The pain is quite acute when salty or spicy food passes over the ulcer. Mouth ulcers can occur anywhere in the mouth – on the inner surface of the cheeks, lips, tongue, palate and at the base of the gums.

Mouth ulcers are caused due to vitiation of the pitta dosha. The condition is called as Mukha Paaka in Sanskrit. There are several factors that can cause it. Some of them are as follows:-

1 Wrong diet

2 Digestive problems such as constipation

3 Hormonal imbalances, especially during puberty in girls

4 Anemia

5 Constant stress

6 Hereditary factors

7 Infection of the herpes simplex virus

8 Irritation by some chemicals, tobacco and alcohol

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Mouth Ulcers

1. Banyan (Ficus religiosa)

A decoction of the bark of the banyan tree reduces the pain caused by mouth ulcers.

2. Chebulic Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula)

The chebulic myrobalan is a component of the Triphala choorna, of which the amalaki is also an essential component. Its bark helps in reducing the pain of the ulcers. It also helps in correcting the constipation problems which causes ulcers.

3. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)

Fenugreek leaves help in the treatment of mouth ulcers. An infusion of these leaves is used for gargling. Fenugreek is a strong agent on the ulcers. Hence it is used as a remedy for recurrent ulcers.

4. Henna (Lawsonium alba)

Henna is a cooling herb. It can provide a soothing effect on the ulcers. It is used with water for gargling.

5. Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)

The Indian gooseberry or amalaki has a dual effect on ulcers. Used as a gargling solution, it can relax the pain of the ulcers. Secondly it can deal with constipation, which is generally one of the important factors causing ulcers in the mouth.

6. Kattha (Acacia catechu)

Kattha is an extract of the Acacia catechu plant, known commonly in the west as the catechu plant. This has astringent properties. It has a special place in Ayurvedic medicine in oral treatment. It is used in many forms for the treatment of ulcers.

7. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice is used for several oral and dental problems. It is a component of several toothpaste brands. Its stem and leaves cleanse the mouth effectively. Apart from controlling the sores, it can refresh the mouth and cleanse the teeth.

8. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is also a cooling agent. It helps in relieving mouth ulcers. It is mixed in water and the suspension is used for gargling.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Mouth Ulcers

Digestive problems are the leading causes for mouth ulcers. If an oral ulcer occurs suddenly, then it could be due to excessive heat generated in the body due to consuming hot food.

1. When ulcers occur in the mouth, hot and spicy food must be stopped immediately. These will aggravate the pains of the ulcers. Caffeine and tea must also be stopped.

2. Consuming more greens in the diet helps to be ever-protected from ulcers. Greens also provide the necessary fiber for the movement of bowels. This prevents constipation.

3. It is advisable to stop fatty food – especially that which contains oils – till the time the ulcers have healed.

4. Papaya is a very good fruit to be consumed when you have mouth ulcers. It soothes the mouth ulcers and helps in their quick recovery. Yam is also beneficial for mouth ulcer problems.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Mouth Ulcers

Ayurveda prescribes the Irimedadi tailam for local application over the mouth ulcers. It gives relief from the pains and assists in speedy recovery. Instead of Irimedadi tailam, camphor powder can also be applied on the ulcers.

(4) Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers

1. Grind the leaves of the Indian plum (jambula). Exude their paste in water and gargle with this water. It will give immediate relief from the pains of the mouth ulcers.

2. Gargling with the water of the adulsa (Justicia adhadota) also brings about an immediate relief from the mouth ulcer pains.

3. Mix the peel of a lemon with white catechu. Grind them into a very fine paste. Apply this directly on the ulcer. The ulcer will get treated almost immediately.

4. Take two to three leaves of the guava tree and some catechu. Chomp them together. This will cure even the most persistent of ulcers within a few days.

5. Mix some catechu in water till it gets a pasty consistency. Apply this paste on the ulcers.

6. Mix a ripe banana in curds that have been prepared from cow’s milk. Eat this as a dessert.

It will bring about a permanent solution to the oral ulcer problems.

Growing out a short hair style can be one of the most frustrating and confidence zapping processes a girl can go through, I once heard that 70% of a girl’s confidence comes from her hair. Thus growing out a short hair cut over a period of a year can mean 365 bad hair days. As a hair guru this is one of the most common problems I face and I have to admit I have gone through this process myself, having gone from having a funky short hair cut that everyone loved, to looking like a prison escapee as the months of growing out progressed.

So what follows is my best advice for short hair styles especially when you are growing out your hair;

1. Cut A Little As Often As You Can

I know the point of growing your hair is not to cut it, but believe me it’s wise to take a little longer growing that hair out and allow your hairdresser help you by regularly tidying it up and keeping it in a reasonable style as you grow your hair out. Find a hairdresser that you trust and who knows your main aim is to grow your hair out. Remember short hair cuts come in various lengths with a help of a professional you can look like a star at every stage.

2. Keep It Layered

My best tip for looking like you have hair style rather than like your in transition is to not to grow your hair into one length from short to long. Not only will it be more frustrating for you, but you will end up looking like you are wearing a wig that has been run over, as the layers start to stick out and grow in different directions. So until your hair gets to about mid neck keep it layered and then you can start the process of growing it into one length.

3. Go For Shine

Short hair can often look a little dull especially if you have black hair, and because you are not cutting it as often it can get frizzy adding to your growing out woes. Aim to always keep your hair looking shiny and healthy, invest in the best shampoo and conditioner you can afford, and take my advice invest in a good hair shining serum.

4. Accessorize

One of the best ways to disguise a bad hair day, and you will have many when you are growing out your hair is to accessorize. Thankfully headbands are all the rage at the moment. Resist the temptation to just push your hair back with a headband, blow dry the front of your hair into a fringe and put a wide headband behind your fringe to control the rest of your hair. A skinny headband worn with a fringe can also be a great look for work.

Split bobby pins like the one in the Scunci’s range are fantastic as they are long enough to hold a lot of hair yet come in a funky finish, do a side part and hold the hair with one split bobby pin, this also works well for the pompadour look, pull back the middle of your hair and a form a bit of quiff and hold firm with a no slip grip clip. Make sure you smooth the side of your hair with a shine serum for classic yet stylish look.

5. Skip The Mini Pony Tails

I realize that sometimes being able to pull a your growing hair back and put it into a tiny pony tail can be tempting, but that look is for sweaty tennis players, not fashionista’s who can handle every style situation. If you want to sweep all your hair back into a clean style do it with bobby pins, however invest in the best quality bobby pins that will stay in your hair all day as it will be a nightmare having to readjust your hair style.

Growing out a short hair cut can actually be exciting as you virtually get to have a different style every week, however it’s a commitment so make it firmly and stay away from hairdressers when you are having a bad day. Follow my tips and enlist the help of a good hairdresser, hair products and accessories and most importantly have fun.