Ayurveda evolved as a system of medicine in India, around 600 BC. The system stressed on the prevention of a disease in addition to treating an ailment.

This tradition of healthcare was followed closely across the entire country, and has been practised ever since.

Today, it's a unique, indispensable branch of medicine, a complete naturalistic system that depends on the diagnosis of the body's humours to achieve the right balance.

Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole, making it the natural way to perfect health and harmony of life.

Herbal face pack, herbal oil massage, intake of herbal tea etc. improves complexion and beautifies the body.

'Thaali' is a traditional shampoo. It can be any herb, usually the soapy paste of crushed 'Hibiscus Rosa' leaves or 'Cheevakkai' (Shikakai) powder, made into a paste and rubbed into the hair during the bath.

Plain boiled rice soup rubbed into the scalp for ten minutes prior to the bath is an excellent cure for dandruff. 'Moong' (green gram) is a good hair and body scrub. 'Mylanchi' (henna or Egyptian privet) is widely used as a hair dye.

Adding 'Amla' (dried and powdered Gooseberry, 'Phylanthus embilica') and beating in an Egg Yolk makes the dye fast. Unlike chemical dyes, this is quite harmless. A mixture of Coconut Milk and Lemon Juice can prevent hair loss.

Yoghurt, eggs and Lemon Juice rubbed into the scalp is said to accelerate hair growth, while Cucumber has excellent astringent properties.

Pastes of Cucumber, Sandalwood, Papaya and Pineapple Fruit are used for making face masks. Honey acts as a powerful moisturizer. Turmeric paste is another popular skin care herb, applied both as a face pack as well as all over the body, to improve the skin tone and prevent skin disorders.

A mixture of Lemon Juice and Honey is used in skin care. A paste of 'Raktha Chandanam' (red sandalwood) in Honey, applied once or twice a day for about a fortnight, has a magical effect in erasing scars.

PANCHAKARMA TREATMENT
A five-fold treatment for mental and physical well being - tunes the body, organs, mind, breath, nerves and purifies the blood.

The small town of Kottackal in Malappuram district is home to the famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Shala, one of the pioneer institutions of Ayurveda, the traditional system of health and medicine, in Kerala.

Founded in 1902 AD, by Vaidya Ratanam P.S.Warrier, the well known physician and social reformer, the institution has branches all over the state as well as in Delhi and Madras.

One of the best Ayurvedic centres in the state, the Arya Vaidya Shala runs an Ayurvedic research centre, a nursing home and a hospital. People from all over the world come here to undergo various Ayurvedic therapies.

The chief physician can be consulted by appointment only, made atleast 10 days in advance. Accommodation options at the nursing home including family blocks, double rooms, single rooms and suits.

Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants, and the cool monsoon season starting from June to November are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative programs.

In fact, today Kerala is the only State in India, which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication. Monsoon is considered to be the ideal time for rejuvenation.

Ancient texts recommend monsoon to be the best season for Ayurveda regimens. The atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.