- Vitamins & Supplements
- Multivitamins
- Vitamin D3
- Vitamin C
- Minerals
- Calcium
- Vitamin B12 & B Complex
- Other Vitamins
- Nutritional Drinks
- Adult Daily Nutrition
- Kids Nutrition (2-15 Yrs)
- Women Nutrition
- Global supplements
- Now Foods
- Solgar
- Nordic naturals
- Nutritional Supplements
- Dr. Morepen
- Power Gummies
- Tata 1mg
- HealthKart
- Carbamide Forte
- Swisse
- Zingavita
- Protein Supplements
- Whey Protein
- Amino Acids
- Mass Gainers
- Workout Essential
- Fat Burners
- Skin Care
- Sunscreen
- Cleanser
- Body Wash
- Face Cream
- Soaps
- Face Moisturisers
- Facewash
- Skin Care Wipes
- Talcum Powder
- Hair Removal Cream
- Baby Care
- Baby Diapers, wipes & more
- Baby Bath Essentials
- Baby Oral Health
- Nursing & Feeding
- Baby & Infant Food
- Baby Healthcare
- Baby Skin Care
- Hair Care
- Shampoo
- Hair Serum
- Hair Conditioners
- Hair Oils
- Hair Creams, Masks, Gels
- Hair Growth Supplements
- Hair Growth Products
- Elderly Care
- Adult Diapers
- Bone & Joint Health
- Orthopaedic Supports
- Underpads
- Sexual Wellness
- Condoms
- Lubricants & Massage Gels
- Personal body massagers
- Men Performance Enhancers
- Sexual Health Supplements
- Top Selling Categories
- BP Monitors
- Nebulizers & Vaporizers
- Smart Wearables
- Weighing Scales
- Thermometers
- Respiratory & Surgical Mask
- Pulse Oximeter
- Stethoscopes
- Diabetes Devices
- Blood Glucose Monitors
- Test Strips & Lancets
- Syringes & Pens
- Continuous glucose monitors
- Insulin Coolers
- Diabetic Footwear
- Pain Management
- Electric heating pads
- Hot Water Bottles
- Hot & Cold packs
- Body Massager
- Wound Care & Dressings
- Adhesive bandage
- Crepe Bandage
- Surgical tapes
- Supports, Splints & Braces
- Knee Support
- Back & Abdomen Support
- Arm & Elbow Support
- Ankle, Foot & Leg Support
- Hand & Wrist Braces
- Neck & Shoulder Support
- Cervical Pillows & Mattress
- Compression support & socks
- Popular categories
- Herbal Juice
- Chyawanparash
- Ayurvedic Immunity Boosters
- Unani Medicines
- Herbal Supplements
- Ayurveda Personal Care
- Ayurveda Oral Care
- Ayurveda Baby Care
- Ayurveda Skin Care
- Ayurveda Hair Care
- Stomach Care
- Constipation
- General Digestion/Indigestion
- Loose motion/Diarrhoea
- Heart Care
- Bone, Joint & Muscle Care
- Pain Relief
- Omnigel products
- Volini
- Iodex
- Moov
- Eye Care
- Eye Lubricants
- Homeopathy Top Brands
- SBL Homoeopathy
- Dr Reckeweg
- Dr Willmar Schwabe India
- Adel Pekana
- BJAIN Homeopathy
- Bakson's
- Allen
- Wheezal
- Dr Willmar Schwabe Germany
- Haslab
- Medisynth
- Boiron
- Bhandari
- Dr Bakshi Bakson
- Dr Batra's
- Homeopathy Wellness Combos
- Homeopathy Popular Categories
- Homeopathic Care for Cold & Cough
- Homeopathic Respiratory Care
- Homeopathy Covid Essentials
- Sexual Health
- Hair Care Products
- Skin Care Products
- Children's Health
- Women's Health
- Homeopathy Medicines
- Homeopathic Drops
- Dilutions
- Mother Tinctures
- Triturations
- Bio Combinations
- Millesimal LM Potencies
- Biochemics
- Bach Flower Remedies
Multani mitti
Multani mitti
Multani Mitti, commonly known as “Fuller’s earth” is a nature’s gift for skin and hair. It is white to yellowish in color, odorless and tasteless. It is a natural solution for acne, scars, oily and dull skin.
Multani mitti helps to remove excess oil from the skin and prevents pimples as it has absorbent property. It also has cleansing and cooling property due to which it removes excess dirt from skin.
Multani mitti when mixed with rose water can be applied on the skin to help manage acne due to its astringent and antimicrobial property. It also helps to clean the scalp and manage dandruff. When applied to the hair, Multani mitti imparts shine to hair and prevents hair loss. You can also apply it along with olive oil or coconut oil to increase the volume of hair.
Multani mitti should be applied by mixing it with rosewater for oily skin and for dry skin it should be used with milk, honey or curd[1][2].
Multani mitti helps to remove excess oil from the skin and prevents pimples as it has absorbent property. It also has cleansing and cooling property due to which it removes excess dirt from skin.
Multani mitti when mixed with rose water can be applied on the skin to help manage acne due to its astringent and antimicrobial property. It also helps to clean the scalp and manage dandruff. When applied to the hair, Multani mitti imparts shine to hair and prevents hair loss. You can also apply it along with olive oil or coconut oil to increase the volume of hair.
Multani mitti should be applied by mixing it with rosewater for oily skin and for dry skin it should be used with milk, honey or curd[1][2].
What are the synonyms of Multani mitti?
Solum fullonum, Fuller’s Earth, Teenul Hind, Teenul Farsi, Floridine, Multan Clay, Gachni, Gile Multani, Gile Sheerazi, Gopi
What is the source of Multani mitti?
Metal & Mineral based
Benefits of Multani mitti
1. Reduce oiliness
Multani mitti helps to reduce excessive oiliness and balance the pH level due to its Ruksa (dry) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tip:
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add few drops of rose water to form a smooth paste.
c. Apply it all over the face and neck.
d. Let it dry for 10-15 mins.
e. Wash thoroughly with plain water.
2. Acne and acne scar
In Ayurveda, an aggravated Pitta is the main reason behind acne. Multani mitti helps to balance aggravated Pitta and reduce excessive oiliness due to its Sita (cold) and Ruksa (dry) properties. Multani mitti also helps reduce acne scar due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tip:
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add few drops of rose water to form a smooth paste.
c. Apply it all over the face and neck.
d. Let it dry for 10-15 mins.
e. Wash thoroughly with plain water.
3. Hyperpigmentation
Hyper pigmentation is caused by an aggravated Pitta in the body and when the skin is exposed to heat or the sun. Multani mitti helps in reducing tanning and pigmentation due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) nature.
Tip:
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add some cold milk to form a smooth paste.
c. Apply it all over the face and neck.
d. Let it dry for 10-15 mins.
e. Wash thoroughly with plain water.
4. Hair Loss
Hair loss occurs when there is an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Multani mitti might help balance both the doshas and control hair loss due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tip:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add milk or rose water to form a smooth paste.
c. Apply on the scalp and hair.
d. Keep for 30 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
e. Use this remedy for 2-3 times a week for better results.
Multani mitti helps to reduce excessive oiliness and balance the pH level due to its Ruksa (dry) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tip:
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add few drops of rose water to form a smooth paste.
c. Apply it all over the face and neck.
d. Let it dry for 10-15 mins.
e. Wash thoroughly with plain water.
2. Acne and acne scar
In Ayurveda, an aggravated Pitta is the main reason behind acne. Multani mitti helps to balance aggravated Pitta and reduce excessive oiliness due to its Sita (cold) and Ruksa (dry) properties. Multani mitti also helps reduce acne scar due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tip:
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add few drops of rose water to form a smooth paste.
c. Apply it all over the face and neck.
d. Let it dry for 10-15 mins.
e. Wash thoroughly with plain water.
3. Hyperpigmentation
Hyper pigmentation is caused by an aggravated Pitta in the body and when the skin is exposed to heat or the sun. Multani mitti helps in reducing tanning and pigmentation due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) nature.
Tip:
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add some cold milk to form a smooth paste.
c. Apply it all over the face and neck.
d. Let it dry for 10-15 mins.
e. Wash thoroughly with plain water.
4. Hair Loss
Hair loss occurs when there is an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Multani mitti might help balance both the doshas and control hair loss due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tip:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add milk or rose water to form a smooth paste.
c. Apply on the scalp and hair.
d. Keep for 30 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
e. Use this remedy for 2-3 times a week for better results.
Precautions when using Multani mitti
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Avoid the use of Multani mitti to the chest if you have any respiratory disorder like asthma as Multani mitti has cold potency.
Ayurvedic View
Use Multani mitti with milk, rose water or coconut oil while applying on the scalp.
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Use Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) with milk or any moisturizing substance if your skin is hypersensitive.
Ayurvedic View
Use Multani mitti with glycerine or milk if your skin is too dry.
Recommended Dosage of Multani mitti
- Multani mitti Powder - ½ to 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Multani mitti
1. Multani Mitti with Milk
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add some milk to form a paste.
c. Apply it all over the face and neck.
d. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy for 2-3 times a week for a clear and smooth skin.
2. Multani Mitti with Rose water
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add rose water to form a paste.
c. Apply it all over the face and neck.
d. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to control oil and pimples on the skin.
3. Multani Mitti with Glycerin
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add glycerin to form a paste.
c. Apply it all over the face and neck.
d. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy for 2-3 times a week to get rid of dry and uneven skin tone.
4. Multani Mitti with Coconut or Olive oil
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add coconut or olive oil to form a paste.
c. Apply it all over the scalp.
d. Let it sit for 1-2 hours.
e. Wash with shampoo and tap water.
f. Use this remedy for 2-3 times a week to get rid of oily scalp and enhance the volume of hair.
5. Multani Mitti with Water
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add cold water to form a paste.
c. Apply it on the forehead.
d. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of headache and to reduce stress.
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add some milk to form a paste.
c. Apply it all over the face and neck.
d. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy for 2-3 times a week for a clear and smooth skin.
2. Multani Mitti with Rose water
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add rose water to form a paste.
c. Apply it all over the face and neck.
d. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to control oil and pimples on the skin.
3. Multani Mitti with Glycerin
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add glycerin to form a paste.
c. Apply it all over the face and neck.
d. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy for 2-3 times a week to get rid of dry and uneven skin tone.
4. Multani Mitti with Coconut or Olive oil
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add coconut or olive oil to form a paste.
c. Apply it all over the scalp.
d. Let it sit for 1-2 hours.
e. Wash with shampoo and tap water.
f. Use this remedy for 2-3 times a week to get rid of oily scalp and enhance the volume of hair.
5. Multani Mitti with Water
a. Take 1 teaspoon of Multani mitti.
b. Add cold water to form a paste.
c. Apply it on the forehead.
d. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of headache and to reduce stress.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
A. For skin exfoliation and removal of excess oil
Tips:
a. Take 1 tablespoon Multani mitti
b. Add 1 teaspoon rose water to make a coarse paste
c. Apply all over face and after 10-15 minutes rinse with lukewarm water.
d. Apply this paste 2-3 times a week for best results.
B. For radiant, glowing skin
Tips:
a. Take 1 tablespoon Multani mitti.
b. Add 1 tablespoon of tomato juice to it.
c. Add 1 teaspoon sandalwood powder.
d. Add 1/4th turmeric powder and mix to get a smooth paste.
e. Apply all over face and let it dry.
f. Rinse the face pack off with lukewarm water.
C. For relief from acne and pimples
Tips:
a. Take 1 tablespoon Multani mitti.
b. Add 1 teaspoon neem powder.
c. Add 2 teaspoons rose water.
d. Add 4-5 drops of lemon juice and make a smooth paste.
e. Apply on face and let the face pack dry.
f. Rinse the face pack off with lukewarm water.
D. For de-tanning and skin lightening
Tips:
a. Take 1 tablespoon Multani mitti.
b. Add 1 tablespoon mashed papaya to make a smooth paste.
c. Apply on face and leave it for about 10-15 minutes.
d. Rinse the face pack off by lukewarm water.
E. For removal of whiteheads and blackheads
Tips:
a. Take 1 tablespoon Multani mitti.
b. Add 2 coarsely ground almonds.
c. Add 1/2 teaspoon rose water and make a coarse mix.
d. Apply on face and gently massage on the areas affected by whiteheads and blackheads.
e. Rinse the face pack after 10-15 minutes using lukewarm water.
Tips:
a. Take 1 tablespoon Multani mitti
b. Add 1 teaspoon rose water to make a coarse paste
c. Apply all over face and after 10-15 minutes rinse with lukewarm water.
d. Apply this paste 2-3 times a week for best results.
B. For radiant, glowing skin
Tips:
a. Take 1 tablespoon Multani mitti.
b. Add 1 tablespoon of tomato juice to it.
c. Add 1 teaspoon sandalwood powder.
d. Add 1/4th turmeric powder and mix to get a smooth paste.
e. Apply all over face and let it dry.
f. Rinse the face pack off with lukewarm water.
C. For relief from acne and pimples
Tips:
a. Take 1 tablespoon Multani mitti.
b. Add 1 teaspoon neem powder.
c. Add 2 teaspoons rose water.
d. Add 4-5 drops of lemon juice and make a smooth paste.
e. Apply on face and let the face pack dry.
f. Rinse the face pack off with lukewarm water.
D. For de-tanning and skin lightening
Tips:
a. Take 1 tablespoon Multani mitti.
b. Add 1 tablespoon mashed papaya to make a smooth paste.
c. Apply on face and leave it for about 10-15 minutes.
d. Rinse the face pack off by lukewarm water.
E. For removal of whiteheads and blackheads
Tips:
a. Take 1 tablespoon Multani mitti.
b. Add 2 coarsely ground almonds.
c. Add 1/2 teaspoon rose water and make a coarse mix.
d. Apply on face and gently massage on the areas affected by whiteheads and blackheads.
e. Rinse the face pack after 10-15 minutes using lukewarm water.
Modern Science View
1. Take 4 tablespoons Multani mitti.
2. Add 6 tablespoons fenugreek seed powder.
3. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and make a smooth paste.
4. Apply the hair pack on the scalp and through the entire length of the hair.
5. Leave the pack for about 30 minutes.
6. Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.
7. Repeat at least once a week for better results.
2. Add 6 tablespoons fenugreek seed powder.
3. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and make a smooth paste.
4. Apply the hair pack on the scalp and through the entire length of the hair.
5. Leave the pack for about 30 minutes.
6. Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.
7. Repeat at least once a week for better results.
Modern Science View
Yes, it is good to apply Multani mitti on oily skin because it has absorbent property which helps absorb excess oil and thus make the skin oil free[1].
Modern Science View
1.Multani mitti, Lemon juice, Honey and Yoghurt face pack: This pack will help to reduce excess oil, pimple marks and will also help to moisturize the skin. Apply a smooth layer and let it dry. Wash with cold water. You can use rose water if you have extreme oily skin.
2.Multani mitti and Neem water face pack: Neeml has antibacterial property and helps to reduce pimples and Multani mitti being absorbent helps to remove excess oil from the face. You can also add yoghurt if you have dry skin. Apply this pack for at least half an hour and wash it off with cold water.
3.Multani mitti, Orange peel and Lemon juice face pack: This pack in the scrub form helps remove dead skin and cleanse the skin. Apply a thin layer and massage well in circular motion. Wash it off with cold water.
4.Other ingredients that goes well with Multani mitti are tomato juice, turmeric, papaya, aloe vera and sandalwood[1][9].
2.Multani mitti and Neem water face pack: Neeml has antibacterial property and helps to reduce pimples and Multani mitti being absorbent helps to remove excess oil from the face. You can also add yoghurt if you have dry skin. Apply this pack for at least half an hour and wash it off with cold water.
3.Multani mitti, Orange peel and Lemon juice face pack: This pack in the scrub form helps remove dead skin and cleanse the skin. Apply a thin layer and massage well in circular motion. Wash it off with cold water.
4.Other ingredients that goes well with Multani mitti are tomato juice, turmeric, papaya, aloe vera and sandalwood[1][9].
Modern Science View
That depends on the skin type. If you have dry skin, you can mix Multani mitti with curd/honey/milk or you can apply moisturizer after washing it off.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, you can apply moisturizer after applying Multani mitti to moisten your skin in case of dry skin and if you have oily skin then you can avoid applying moisturizer and just apply some rose water instead.
Modern Science View
Multani mitti (Fuller's earth) and sandalwood are good for the skin as Multani mitti removes excess oil and dirt thus preventing skin problems such as pimples. The antibacterial properties of Multani mitti help in managing skin infections and its calming effect is good for sunburns. Sandalwood aids skin lightening as well as provides a cooling effect. Multani mitti and sandalwood can be used together in the form of a face pack or scrub for their cumulative effects.[4][5]
Modern Science View
Yes, Multani mitti (Fuller's earth) can be used for sunburns because of its cooling property. It can also be used for de-tanning and skin lightening [5].
Modern Science View
Multani mitti is a potent adsorbent rich in minerals that can remove excess oil from the hair and thus can be used as a dry shampoo [6][7].
For dry hair
Tips:
1. Take 4 teaspoons of Multani mitti.
2. Add 1/2 cup plain yogurt.
3. Add juice from half a lemon.
4. Add 2 tablespoons honey and make a smooth paste.
5. Apply on your scalp and through the entire length of the hair.
6. Leave the hair pack on for 20 minutes.
7. Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.
8. Apply this paste 1-2 times a week for better results.
For dry hair
Tips:
1. Take 4 teaspoons of Multani mitti.
2. Add 1/2 cup plain yogurt.
3. Add juice from half a lemon.
4. Add 2 tablespoons honey and make a smooth paste.
5. Apply on your scalp and through the entire length of the hair.
6. Leave the hair pack on for 20 minutes.
7. Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.
8. Apply this paste 1-2 times a week for better results.
Modern Science View
Although not enough evidence is available, Multani mitti might dry the skin if you use have a dry skin and use it regularly[8].
Modern Science View
Multani mitti is good for any skin type as it helps to soften the skin, improves blood circulation, removes dark spots, blemishes etc.
Multani mitti due to its absorbent properties help to remove excess oil from the skin. So if you have dry skin already, then it is recommended to use it with yoghurt, honey or milk[1].
Multani mitti due to its absorbent properties help to remove excess oil from the skin. So if you have dry skin already, then it is recommended to use it with yoghurt, honey or milk[1].
Ayurvedic View
Multani mitti can be used for all skin types. It is considered best for oily skin because it absorbs excess oil from the skin due to its Grahi (absorbent) and Ruksha (dry) properties. If you want to use it for dry skin then add yoghurt, honey, milk or glycerine to balance its Ruksha (dry) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Multani mitti might help to fade acne and blemishes due to the presence of certain constituents which impart absorbent, astringent, skin clearing properties to it. It helps to soften and smoothen the skin. It also adds a glow to the face and reduces open pores[1][9].
Modern Science View
Yes, due to its skin cleansing properties, Multani mitti might help to remove blackheads and whiteheads[1][9].
Modern Science View
Yes, Multani mitti face pack when applied and massaged well stimulates the skin and thus improves blood circulation[1][9].
Modern Science View
Yes, Multani mitti gives relief from heat due to the presence of kaolin which is a form of clay. It imparts a cooling effect to the skin and therefore might provide relief from rashes, prickly heat and sunburn[1][10].
Ayurvedic View
Heat is a condition which is generally felt due to an aggravated Pitta dosha. Multani mitti gives relief from heat due to its Pitta balancing and Sita (cold) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Multani mitti might work as an antiseptic. It is due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties[1].
Modern Science View
Multani mitti soap might be beneficial in controlling acne, oily skin, whiteheads, blackheads, sunburn, rashes due to its absorbent, clarifying, antimicrobial, antifungal and astringent properties[1][9].
Modern Science View
Multani mitti helps to clear and cleanse the skin by removing acne, whiteheads and blackheads. It also helps to reduce open pores on skin, improves blood circulation and adds a glow to the face. All these factors might help to enhance skin fairness[1][9].
Ayurvedic View
Skin becomes dull and loses its fairness due to an imbalanced Pitta dosha. This happens when the skin is exposed to sun for a long period of time.
Multani mitti prevents this condition and helps maintain a natural glow and fairness of your skin due to its Pitta balancing, Sita (cold) and Ropana (healing) properties.
Multani mitti prevents this condition and helps maintain a natural glow and fairness of your skin due to its Pitta balancing, Sita (cold) and Ropana (healing) properties.
References
- Ansari SK, Hasan A, Parray SA, et al.Gile Multani (Solum fullonum): An Unani drug of mineral source.Int J Adv Pharmacy Med Bioallied Sci. 2016(2016):1-4.
- Bhola KL.Fuller's earth in India.Transactions of the Indian Ceramic Society.2014;5(3):104-124.
- Pal RS, Pal Y,Wal P.In-House Preparation and Standardization of Herbal Face Pack.The Open Dermatology Journal.2017;11:72-80.
- Nemade CT, Baste N.Formulation and evaluation of a herbal face scrub.World J Pharma Res.2014;3(3):4367-4371.
- Mendhekar SY, Sonawane PS, Kale PB et al.Formulation and evaluation of polyherbal face pack.J Pharm Pharm Sci.2014;6(12):1378-1387.
- Handa P.Beauty Care the Natural Way:Herbs and Ingredients.Herbal Beauty Care (1st ed.). Orient Paperbacks;1982.
- Musafir A, Chazot P.Types of Clay.Clay Cures:Nature’s Miracle for the New Age (1st ed.).Mapin Publishing Pvt. Ltd.;2006.
- Thakur P, Garg RK.New developing reagent for latent fingermark visualization:Fuller’s earth (Multani Mitti).Egypt J Forensic Sci.2016;6(4):449-458.
- Somwanshi S.B, Kudale K.S, Dolas RT, et al. Formulation and evaluation of cosmetic herbal Face pack for glowing skin.IJRAP.2017;8(3):199-203
- Gindaba J, Midgley S. Comparative effects of evaporative cooling, kaolin particle film, and shade net on sunburn and fruit quality in apples. HortScience:40(3):592-596.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.