Chunks of hair falling out of your head? That’s
understandably a cause for panic. Thinning hair, hair fall, and hair loss are
all worrisome and anxiety-inducing. And as you get more stressed about it, more
hair falls off from your head – not helpful for your situation at all.
Perhaps you’ve tried conventional hair loss treatments but
to no avail. Don’t fret just yet! Lots of hair fall sufferers find success in
various alternative hair loss and regrowth treatments. And among these
alternative remedies is the Ayurvedic-influenced hair loss treatments.
Our post today will give you a bird’s eye view of Ayurveda,
then enumerate five of the best Ayurvedic treatments for hair loss
and regrowth. Make sure to take notes about this information, as this just
might be the lifesaver your thinning or balding hair is earnestly waiting for!
Quick Ayurveda 101
Ayurveda is a traditional medicine system used extensively
by the Hindus. It rests in the principles of bodily system balance and helps an
ill person get well through the use of herbs, diet changes, and yogic
breathing.
Ayurveda believes that all things in the universe are made
up of five elements namely water, air, fire, earth, and ether/space.
Also, Ayurveda states that the body is governed by biological
energies collectively known as Dosha. These are bio-elements present in the
body and are grouped into three categories:
- Vata – This is the dosha that relates to elements of air and space. Bodily movement is due to Vata's properties.
- Pitta – This dosha represents qualities reflecting fire and water elements. Digestion and metabolism are governed predominantly by pitta.
- Kapha – This dosha relates to the water and earth elements. It plays a major role in the nourishment and lubrication of the body.
One dosha often dominates a person’s body and personality.
However, anyone may have a dual-doshic constitution, with the secondary dosha
also heavily influencing the person.
For instance, your dosha may be predominantly Pitta with
your fiery personality. But you also have a thin frame, tend to move fast, and
is quick-witted, attributes that belong to a Vata dosha.
Ayurvedic Beliefs in Hair Loss
So now, where does hair loss and regrowth fall in place with
the five Ayurvedic elements and the Three Doshas?
Any alteration or aggravation in the three doshas will
eventually lead to illnesses and malfunctions in the body. Hair loss is widely
believed to be a result of Pitta dosha imbalance. Specifically, there is a
problem with your Bharajaka
Pitta, the specific Pitta dosha that governs skin, luster, complexion,
and hair.
Factors that can mess with your pitta dosha include the
following:
- Stress and anxiety
- Too much alcohol, coffee, and tea intake
- Too much spicy food
- A diet filled with fried foods
- Excessive meat consumption
As you may notice, most of the reasons for pitta dosha
imbalance are due to the foods you eat. These factors are often combined with
other known hair loss reasons such as existing medical conditions, hormonal
imbalances, and exposure to chemical substances or medications.
An exacerbation of pitta dosha is discovered through your
pulse. Take your pulse and if you find it erratic, you might have a problem
with your pitta dosha.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Hair Loss and Regrowth
After learning the basics of Ayurveda and the dosha
imbalance that causes hair loss, it’s time to reveal the five best ayurvedic
remedies for hair loss and hair regrowth!
1. Bhringraj
Bhringraj is an herb often prescribed to treat hair fall,
thinning hair, and hair loss. Some experts even claim that the herb’s oils can
reverse baldness. Bhringraj is also an excellent dandruff buster and promotes
longer natural hair color by helping stop premature graying of hair.
Bhringraj, also known as “false daisy” and belonging to the
sunflower plant family, regulates
metabolism and improves the flow of pitta dosha in your body. The herb
generally gives off a calming effect once used on the scalp.
How It’s Used:
- Blend a handful of fresh bhringraj leaves/5-6 tablespoons of dried bhringraj powder and some water until you get a pasty consistency. Apply the paste on your hair and scalp, leave for 20 minutes, then rinse off with a gentle shampoo. Use this paste three times per week.
- Massage your scalp with plain bhringraj oil three times per week.
- Gently heat a teaspoon of bhringraj oil and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, then massage them onto your head and scalp. Leave for an hour and rinse off.
2. Neem
Neem is a time-honored all-around skin and hair remedy in
Ayurvedic medicine. It is used to fight hair loss associated with damaged hair
roots. Neem soothes your damaged scalp and nourishes it back to good health.
The herb exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and
anti-fungal properties, all helpful in dealing with dandruff, eczema, lice
infestation, dryness, and weakened hair follicles.
How It’s Used:
- Boil a handful of neem leaves in 2 cups water for 15 minutes, then let it cool. Strain out the leaves and keep the water, then use this neem-infused water as a final rinse after you shampoo and condition your hair. Don’t rinse off the neem water on your hair.
- Combine some neem powder and water until it forms a paste, then apply it onto your scalp and hair and leave for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse as usual with a gentle shampoo.
3. Shikakai
Shikakai is a shrub well-known for its excellent cleansing
properties. Shikakai is used in Ayurvedic hair treatments as a natural shampoo.
It’s gentle enough to cleanse hair without stripping off its natural oils.
Shikakai also keeps the scalp healthy and nourished, perfect for treating
conditions such as dandruff and hair fall.
How It’s Used:
- Combine 6 tablespoons of dried shikakai powder with 2 cups of water to be used as a natural shampoo. Start by rinsing hair with water, then massaging half of the mixture onto the scalp and hair. Leave for 5 minutes, rinse with water, then work the remaining shikakai mixture onto your hair before doing your final rinse. Use the natural shikakai shampoo on alternating days.
- Mix shikakai powder with some warm water to form sort of an herbal tea. Use this as your final rinse after shampooing and conditioning your hair.
- Add 2 tablespoons of shikakai powder to coconut oil in a jar. Shake well, then leave to settle for 15 days. Use the mixture as a scalp massage oil afterward, shaking the jar well every time before use.
4. Amla
Amla is known in the Western world as Indian Gooseberry.
This is a great natural Ayurvedic treatment for improving overall hair health. Amla
is chock-full of nourishing ingredients for your hair, such as:
- Essential fatty acids for hair follicle strength
- Vitamin C to deal with premature graying
- Antioxidants to enhance hair texture and shine
Amla is also an amazing hair fall remedy, thanks to its
plethora of iron, carotene, gallic acid, flavonoids, and kaempferol. All these
nutrients improve the scalp’s blood circulation, resulting in the growth of
healthier tresses.
How It’s Used:
- Create a paste from some amla powder and lime juice. Apply to scalp and hair, cover head with a shower cap, then leave on for an hour. Rinse the paste off with water.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut or olive oil in a pan, then add 2 teaspoons of amla powder. Continue heating until the oil turns brown. Turn off heat, set the oil aside to cool. Collect the oil while it is still slightly warm and leave the charred powder. Massage your scalp and hair with the oil for 15 minutes, then leave on oils for an additional 30 minutes. Wash it off with a gentle shampoo and cool or lukewarm water.
5. Ashwagandha
If stress is the main culprit of your hair loss, ashwagandha
is here to help you fight that off! Ashwagandha, or Indian Winter Cherry, is
effective in curbing cortisol levels when applied to the scalp. Cortisol is the
hormone that increases and circulates throughout the body during stressful
situations.
Ashwagandha also does the following:
- Promotes scalp circulation
- Helps heal dandruff with its anti-inflammatory properties
- Maintains hair color by stimulating melanin production
Ashwagandha is full of nourishing nutrients such as iron,
tyrosine, fatty acids, nitrate, potassium, tannins, and flavonoids. All of
these are essential to fight hair loss and neutralize stress hormones.
How It’s Used:
- Make a paste by mixing together 6 tablespoons water with 3 tablespoons ashwagandha powder and 3 tablespoons amla powder. Loose up the paste as needed by adding a bit more water. Apply the paste to your hair and scalp and let it stand for 30 minutes. Wash off with gentle shampoo and lukewarm water.
Ayurvedic Treatment Considerations
Take these considerations to heart to make the most out of your
Ayurvedic hair treatment regimen:
- Consult both your physician and Ayurvedic practitioner if you want to try Ayurvedic treatments with your conventional medicinal hair prescriptions such as biotin, Minoxidil and similar medications. Ideally, Ayurvedic treatments are all-natural and do not often clash with prescription medical remedies. However, it’s best to clear things up with your doctor and Ayurvedic practitioner to avoid any allergies or untoward symptoms.
- Most Ayurvedic treatments are applied three times a week. Seek your Ayurvedic practitioner’s advice as to the frequency and length of treatment you’ll specifically need.
- Give Ayurvedic hair loss and regrowth treatments some time to work. Don’t expect your tresses magically grow because of these natural remedies. It could take several weeks to months to see visible results. Ayurvedic treatments work best to restore long-term hair health, so don’t stress yourself out thinking they’re not working for you right away.
Final Thoughts
Ayurvedic medicine dictates that hair loss is due to
imbalances in your pitta dosha. But thankfully, there are plenty of Ayurvedic
treatments for hair loss and regrowth. Five of the best Ayurvedic remedies
include:
- Bhringraj
- Neem
- Shikakai
- Amla
- Ashwagandha
All these wonderful herbs and plants infuse your scalp with
much-needed nutrients to strengthen the follicles, nourish the strands, improve
blood circulation, and hasten hair growth.
Now, over to you! Have you ever tried Ayurvedic hair
remedies to treat your hair loss and help it grow? How did it go? And do you
have other Ayurvedic herbs in mind? Do tell us in the comments section below,
we’d love to hear from you!
Comments
Post a Comment