Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a unique perspective on health and disease. It classifies individuals into three primary doshas or constitutions: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each of these doshas governs specific physiological functions in the body. Today, we'll delve into Pitta dosha, particularly focusing on its relation to hair health and how imbalances can lead to hair loss. We'll also explore effective Homeo-Ayur treatments to manage Pitta-related hair loss.

Understanding Pitta Dosha

Pitta represents metabolism and is characterized by qualities such as heat, moistness, liquidity, sharpness, and sourness. Its dominant quality is heat. It plays a crucial role in our body's metabolic system, using bile to facilitate digestion and boost metabolism.

However, when Pitta is unbalanced, it manifests as excessive body heat or a burning sensation, often accompanied by redness. The role of Pitta is to harmonize and balance the internal functions of the body. It closely interacts with 'satwa' guna, a principle that promotes mental clarity, harmony, and balance. Thus, Pitta is not just about physical transformation but also encompasses the harmonization of mind and body.

Pitta and Hair Health

Hair health, according to Ayurveda, is deeply influenced by the state of the doshas, particularly Pitta. When Pitta is in balance, it supports healthy hair growth and maintains the integrity of hair follicles. However, an aggravated Pitta can cause several hair issues, including hair loss.

Causes of Pitta-Related Hair Loss

One of the primary causes of Pitta-related hair loss is the spike in Pitta levels within the body. This increase leads to the release of excess heat, which can inflame the hair follicles. Such inflammation weakens the roots, making them more susceptible to hair fall. The inflammation often results from a combination of dietary habits, stress, and lifestyle choices that increase Pitta in the body.

Solutions for Managing Pitta-Related Hair Loss

To effectively manage hair loss due to Pitta imbalance, one must focus on bringing Pitta to optimal levels. This involves keeping both the body and the head cool. Here are some Ayurvedic approaches to balance Pitta and promote hair health:

Diet

A Pitta-balancing diet is essential. Include foods that are cooling, sweet, bitter, and astringent, as these tastes help calm Pitta. Favor fruits like melons, grapes, pears, and coconut. Vegetables like cucumber, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens are also beneficial. Avoid hot, spicy, and acidic foods, as they can exacerbate Pitta.

Lifestyle

Adopting a lifestyle that promotes coolness and calmness is vital. Avoid excessive sun exposure and engage in activities that are soothing and relaxing. Practices like yoga and meditation can be particularly beneficial in managing stress, a significant factor in Pitta aggravation.

Cooling Oils for Hair

Using cooling oils is an effective way to manage Pitta-related hair issues. Oils like coconut, aloe vera, and bhringraj are known for their cooling properties. They not only soothe the scalp but also provide nourishment to the hair follicles, strengthening the hair roots and promoting hair growth.

Application Method

1. Warm the oil slightly (ensure it's not hot).
2. Gently massage the oil into the scalp using circular motions.
3. Leave the oil on for at least an hour or overnight for deep nourishment.
4. Wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.

Ayur-Homeo Remedy Kesharanjana for Pitta Dosha Hair Loss Treatment

Ayurveda recommends several herbs to balance Pitta and promote hair health. Amla, Brahmi, and Neem are excellent for hair care. They can be used in the form of oils or as ingredients in hair masks. Kesharanjana combines the powers of Emblica officinalis (Amla) 🍏 to balance Pitta Dosha from within and Eclipta alba (Bhringraj) 🌼 to cool the scalp externally. This unique Homeo-Ayur blend harnesses the best of traditional medicines to tackle hair fall effectively. Try it and feel the difference!

Pharmacy Career: how to become a Pharmacist

If you are an entrepreneur seeking an opportunity in the booming retail Industry, you could explore how to become a pharmacist. Careers in pharmacy especially Homeopathy could be a good place to look for growth and profits. Because general medical stores are a competitive business now and with organized retailers like Medplus, Apollo, Wellness Forever, etc. expanding in a big way, there is pressure on price margins with regular retailers. A homeopathy retail store will be a good move as it enjoys relatively better margins and much less competition. You could be a pharmacy graduate (diploma in Pharmacy or D Pharmacy) or any other discipline but necessary experience under a qualified homeopath with a competency certificate is a must to begin:

This blog article explores the avenues to help you start with a homeopathy store in your city. Our experience in starting a retail store is brought to bear in this article and we hope it will help you open one by avoiding common pitfalls.

About Homeopathic Industry in India

Before exploring how to become a pharmacist, let's examine the market in India. India is among the 66 WHO-identified countries where Homeopathy is practiced and its popularity is growing by the day. The market is growing at 25% annually in India and by conservative estimate is around 85 billion in 2014. What makes the Homeopathy market impressive is the fact that 100 million Indians solely depend on Homeopathy. This number is expected to go up to 160 million in a few years with greater awareness and choices made available. This market is currently serviced by 500,000 registered homeopaths and 20,000 more are being added every year. Supporting this ecosystem are 185 homeopathic colleges in the country, and 11,000 homeopathic hospital beds. By becoming a pharmacist you sit on a huge demand generated by this ecosystem.

Industry body ASSOCHAM recently conducted a survey on ‘Homeopathy adoption’ in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and other satellite towns like Chandigarh, Hyderabad, and Lucknow. It randomly surveyed 5000 patients and found that over 55 percent preferred Homeopathy as the treatment is safer and physiologically satisfactory with no side effects. World Health Organization (WHO) has also independently assessed and concluded that homeopathy is the second largest system of medicine in the world. As per WHO the annual turnover of homeopathic medicines accounts for Rs 8,400 crore globally and is expected to touch Rs 52,000 crore by 2017.

How to become a Homeopathy Pharmacist: Step 1 - Understand the Market 

Major Homeopathy Brands in India: The top 5 homeopathic brands in the country in terms of visibility and turnover are Homeomart, SBL, Dr.Reckeweg, and Dr.Willmar Schwabe. Other major brands with pan India presence and good market standing are Dr. Vashisht, Adel, Fourrts, BBP, Allen, Bhargava, Doliosis, Wheezal, Haslab, etc..

All the above companies follow General Manufacturing Practices (GMP standards) and a few among them also follow international standards like Pharm Betro and PIC. While most companies follow criteria outlined in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia (HAB) and Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia India (HPI), some also follow German Pharmacopeia (DAB), European Pharmacopeia (Ph. Eur), United States Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia (HPUS) in their manufacturing guidelines.

Homeopathy Trade Policies and Practices: You need to have a good understanding of the major brands (as stated above) and the general trade practices and norms followed by the Homeopathic companies as a first step towards becoming a pharmacist. This would be relevant if you are dealing directly with companies.

Some essential guidelines are as follows 

1. The minimum order value (i.e., the order you place with the company at any given point in time) is between Rs.10000 - Rs.30,000. Order to supply turnaround time is anywhere between 15 - 30 days and you will have to make Inventory plans in advance. Freight may be paid by the company based on order value or general understanding. 
2. Incentives (or discounts ) are provided based on sales performance linked to annual turnover, and quarterly and annual growth achieved for the financial year. Additionally, if you pay upfront money for your order you may be entitled to Cash Discount between 2%-3%. The incentive payment is linked to the timely submission of ‘C’ forms (tax filing statements with tax authorities). 
3. Trade credit is extended by companies based on your track record. You can enjoy between 30 -45 days credit facility but do not expect this in your first transaction as companies expect you to pay in advance. On the flip side, if you do not pay outstanding bills within the stipulated period, you will be penalized with interest charges @ 12% - 15% on the outstanding amount. In the worst-case scenario, they may blacklist and stop any future dealings. 
4. Claims regarding expiry, breakage, leakage or evaporation: In the course of business dealing with the companies you may come across products received in damaged or defective conditions. Generally, companies allow such claims provided you intimate them on a timely basis and return the goods to their warehouses promptly. Replacement is done on an MRP to MRP basis with the same product or any other product depending on availability

How to become a Homeopathy Pharmacist: Step 2 - Know the Costs

Basic requirements to set up a Homeopathic shop: To set up and run your shop you will need the following infrastructure: Office equipment including chairs, file cabinets, and desks, a Front counter, storage racks, a cash register, at least one computer with a printer, assorted bottles, boxes, envelopes, etc. for dispensing and shipment. Telephone, Storefront (Name Board will suffice if you do not have the budget for a Glow sign board). You will need to install homeopathic software to manage your billing, inventory, and accounts. All these involve an initial outlay of costs. So you need to make a list of items and arrive at the costs. You can take quotations from a few sources or suppliers and arrive at the approximate costs involved in setting up a shop

How to become a Homeopathy Pharmacist: Step 3 - Know the legal requirements

You will need to have Trade licenses & permits to set up a Homeopathic shop in India:

Trade License: You need to apply for a GST (goods and service tax) registration with the local sales tax authorities. This is handled by the commercial tax department of the local state Government. Many states have implemented online submission and payment of fees for local GST registration. Please visit the state government website to either submit online or get the information from the jurisdictional sales tax office (VAT office) concerning your area. Documents required for VAT registration in the state of Maharashtra for a proprietor of a business.

Shop establishment certificate:  Given by the local municipal authorities you will need to follow up locally as there are no standard procedures here

Requirements for VAT registration

Drug License: You need to obtain a Homeopathic retail license issued by the department of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Unnani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) in your state. The following documents are expected by the Ayush dept in Karnataka for scrutiny to apply for a retail license.

How to become a Homeopathy Pharmacist: Step 4 - Make a local Business plan

Business Plan Essentials to set up a Homeopathic Shop – Have a plan with a schedule of all essential activities to make your shop run successfully. E.g., Completing paperwork with Govt agencies, finding a suitable location for your shop, negotiating for rentals, opening a bank account, promoting your shop locally, identifying suitable suppliers for Hardware, Software, etc, Financing your Business etc.

1. If you are a Homeopath it is ideal for you to extend your practice with a Homeopathic pharmacy shop. If you do not then identify a suitable homeopath in your locality or city who is willing to partner with you. This is not essential but in our experience, a clinic attached to a Homeopathic pharmacy does better Business than standalone shops. 
2. You will need to maintain an essential inventory of all categories of Homeopathic products. This includes Dilutions, Mother Tinctures, Triaturations, BioChemics, Biocombinations, and Speciality products. 
3. Your Pharmacy's target market may consist of different groups, in-house prescriptions, local customers or walk-ins, local doctor's prescriptions, telephone inquiries, and mail-order customers. 
4. There is no standard Homeopathic software available in the market. Good software meant for the homeopathic industry is essential for successful operation. Do not buy any software that is meant for allopathic medical shops. 
5. Create awareness locally through Newspaper inserts, community forums, and local directory pages.
6. Franchisee route: This is an ideal option if you want a template model wherein the franchiser provides you with set-up support in the form of Inventory, Software, Shop collaterals, etc on an upfront license fee plus a revenue-sharing basis. Homeomart is currently the only known entity that offers homeopathy pharmacy franchisee opportunities for potential entrepreneurs. For more details, you may contact them at vasant@homeomart.com