Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that has been used for thousands of years to treat various health conditions. It offers a holistic approach to health, focusing on the balance between the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurveda also offers ayurvedic remedies for hair loss, which is a common concern for many people. In this article, we will discuss some effective Ayurvedic remedies for hair fall.
केशान्नासायते रोगो विवेकेन विपश्चिता।
विवेक विहीनस्य तु रोगो नास्ति कदाचन।।
The above shloka can be converted to active voice as follows – “A wise person who knows the cause of their hair fall is not afflicted with the disease, whereas the disease can afflict a person devoid of discrimination at any time.”
Ayurvedic Causes of Hair Loss
According to Ayurveda, hair loss is caused by an imbalance in the body’s three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata dosha is responsible for the movement of body tissues, including hair, and an excess of this dosha can lead to dry and brittle hair, causing hair loss. Pitta dosha governs metabolism and digestion, and an excess of this dosha can cause inflammation and damage to the hair follicles. Kapha dosha is responsible for the strength and growth of hair, and an excess of this dosha can cause excess oiliness and clogging of the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Effective Ayurvedic Herbs for Hair Loss
- Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Amla is one of the most potent Ayurvedic remedies for hair loss. It is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production and helps to strengthen hair follicles. Amla also has antioxidant properties that help to prevent free radical damage and protect hair from environmental factors. You can consume amla juice or apply amla oil to your hair to promote hair growth.
- Bhringraj (False Daisy): Bhringraj is another potent Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries to promote hair growth. It is rich in nutrients like iron, vitamin E, and magnesium, which are essential for hair growth. Bhringraj oil is particularly beneficial for preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. Apply bhringraj oil to your scalp and massage gently for a few minutes before washing off.
भृग्राजस्य तु केशस्य लघ्वार्द्रत्वमलक्षणम्। तत्र भृग्राजस्य तेलेन तेनैव तृणपङ्कवत्।।
The characteristic of Bhringaraja oil is that it makes the hair small and moist. Just as grass and dirt are removed by the application of a broom, similarly, the use of Bhrgaraja oil removes impurities from the hair. - Brahmi (Gotu Kola): Brahmi is an Ayurvedic herb that has been traditionally used for improving memory and cognitive function. However, it is also effective for promoting hair growth. Brahmi is rich in antioxidants that help to protect hair follicles from damage and stimulate hair growth. You can consume Brahmi powder or apply Brahmi oil to your scalp to promote hair growth.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is an excellent Ayurvedic remedy for hair loss. It is rich in lauric acid, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help to prevent scalp infections that can cause hair loss. Coconut oil also penetrates deep into the hair shaft, providing nourishment and promoting hair growth. Apply coconut oil to your hair and scalp and massage gently for a few minutes before washing off.
- Fenugreek Seeds: Fenugreek seeds are rich in protein, which is essential for hair growth. They also contain nicotinic acid and lecithin, which help to strengthen hair follicles and promote hair growth. Soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight and grind them into a paste. Apply the paste to your scalp and hair and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing off.
Other Ayurvedic Herbs for hairfall
- Henna: Henna is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries to promote hair growth and strengthen hair. It is rich in tannins, which help to strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair loss. Henna also helps to improve the texture and shine of hair. Mix henna powder with water to make a paste and apply it to your hair and scalp. Leave it on for a few hours before washing off.
- Rosemary Oil: Rosemary oil is an excellent Ayurvedic remedy for hair loss. It is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties that help to prevent scalp infections that can cause hair loss. Rosemary oil also stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth. Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil and apply it to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for a few hours before washing off.
- Neem Oil: Neem oil is an Ayurvedic remedy that is effective for treating scalp infections that can cause hair loss. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to prevent scalp infections and promote hair growth. Neem oil also helps to strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair loss. Mix a few drops of neem oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for a few hours before washing off.
- Shikakai (Acacia Concinna): People have used Shikakai, an Ayurvedic herb, for centuries to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. It is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for hair growth, such as vitamin C and iron. Shikakai also has a mild cleansing action that helps to remove dirt and oil from the scalp without stripping it of its natural oils. Mix shikakai powder with water to make a paste and apply it to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before washing off.
Ayurvedic treatment modalities for hair loss
Ayurveda offers several treatment modalities for hair loss, which include internal and external treatments. Internal treatments involve the use of herbal supplements and dietary changes to balance the doshas and promote overall health. External treatments involve the use of herbal oils, powders, and pastes applied to the scalp and hair to nourish and strengthen hair follicles. Ayurveda uses following common treatment modalities for hair loss.
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a cleansing and rejuvenating therapy used in Ayurveda to detoxify the body and balance the doshas. This treatments involve a series of massages, herbal steam baths, and other therapies that help to remove toxins from the body and improve circulation. Panchakarma can help to improve hair growth by promoting overall health and reducing stress.
Ayurvedic Diet
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of diet in maintaining overall health. In Ayurveda, each dosha is associated with specific dietary guidelines. Eating a balanced diet that is appropriate for your dosha can help to balance the doshas and promote overall health, including healthy hair growth. For example, people with a Pitta dosha should avoid spicy and acidic foods, while people with a Kapha dosha should avoid heavy and oily foods.
Herbal Supplements
Ayurvedic herbal supplements can help to balance the doshas and promote healthy hair growth and is among one the great ayurvedic remedies for hair fall. For example, Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are herbs that can help to reduce stress and improve circulation, which can promote healthy hair growth. In Ayurveda, people specifically use the herb Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
Nasya
Nasya is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves the application of herbal oils or powders to the nasal passages. It can help to balance the doshas and improve circulation to the head, which can promote healthy hair growth. Nasya is often used in Ayurveda to treat conditions like sinusitis and allergies, but it can also be used to promote healthy hair growth.
Shirodhara
Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves the pouring of warm herbal oil or milk over the forehead in a continuous stream. It can help to balance the doshas and promote relaxation, which can reduce stress and promote healthy hair growth. In Ayurveda, practitioners often use Shirodhara to treat conditions such as anxiety and insomnia, but they can also use it to promote healthy hair growth.
Herbal Oils and Pastes
Ayurvedic herbal oils and pastes can be applied externally to the scalp and hair to nourish and strengthen hair follicles. For example, Bhringraj oil is a common Ayurvedic remedy for hair loss that is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy hair growth. Amla (Indian Gooseberry) paste is another Ayurvedic remedy that is rich in vitamin C, which is important for collagen synthesis and hair growth.
केशवृद्धिरसौ सौवर्णानि विरेचनं वैद्यकः।
तेन तोत्रेण बद्धोऽपि तु जटां जुहोति नान्यथा।।
The above shloka states that – “For the growth of hair, a physician prescribes the use of Sauvarna (gold) and purgation. Therefore, when tying the hair, one should use only those techniques.”
In conclusion, Ayurveda offers a wide range of treatment modalities for hair loss that are aimed at balancing the doshas, promoting overall health, and nourishing hair follicles. By working with an Ayurvedic practitioner, you can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your hair loss and promotes healthy hair growth naturally.
Ayurvedic Medicines for Hair loss treatment
The herbal combinations formulate these medicines that work together to balance the doshas and promote healthy hair growth. Ayurvedic practitioners commonly use these medicines as ayurvedic remedies for hair fall treatment –
- Triphala Churna: Triphala Churna is a combination of three herbs – Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki. Triphala, an Ayurvedic remedy, possesses formidable healing properties for addressing various ailments, including hair loss. It is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help to nourish the hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth, also it is an great ayurvedic remedies for hair fall.
- Bhringraj Churna: Bhringraj Churna derives from the leaves of the Bhringraj plant. Ayurvedic practitioners utilize it as a powerful remedy to address hair loss and stimulate hair growth. Bhringraj is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy hair growth, including iron, magnesium, and calcium.
- Ashwagandha Churna: The root of the Ashwagandha plant makes Ashwagandha Churna. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common causes of hair loss. It also helps to improve circulation to the scalp, which promotes healthy hair growth.
- Aloe Vera Juice: The Aloe Vera plant leaves produce Aloe Vera juice. It is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy hair growth, including vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Aloe Vera juice treats hair loss, dandruff, and other hair and scalp conditions.
- Bhringraj Oil: Prepare Bhringraj oil by mixing it with either mustard oil or coconut oil. This will help in providing nourishment to the hair and promoting healthy growth.
भृंगराजस्य तेलस्य स्नेहनं सर्षपतैलेन तु। अथवा नारिकेलतैलं सर्पिषाकृतमेव च।।
A qualified Ayurvedic practitioner should guide the intake of Ayurvedic medicines.
Rasa kalpa’s used in Hairfall treatment
Ayurvedic practitioners formulate Rasa Kalpas using metals, minerals, and herbs to treat various ailments, including hair loss. They commonly use following Rasa Kalpas as ayurvedic remedies for hair fall treatment –
- Swarna Vanga: Swarna Vanga is an Ayurvedic medicine that people use to treat hair loss and promote healthy hair growth. It contains gold and tin and improves overall health and vitality.
- Abhraka Bhasma: Ayurvedic practitioners prepare Abhraka Bhasma from mica and use it to treat various conditions, including hair loss. It improves digestion, boosts immunity, and promotes overall health.
- Loha Bhasma: Loha Bhasma, derived from iron, aids in treating hair loss and stimulates healthy hair growth in Ayurvedic medicine. It also improves energy levels and overall health.
- Mukta Pishti: People use Mukta Pishti, an Ayurvedic medicine made from pearl, to treat hair loss and promote healthy hair growth. It also improves skin health, boosts immunity, and promotes overall health.
- Rajata Bhasma: Ayurvedic practitioners make Rajata Bhasma from silver and use it to treat hair loss and promote healthy hair growth. It also improves memory, boosts immunity, and promotes overall health.
Please note that you should take Rasa Kalpas under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. These medicines contain metals and minerals, and using them improperly can result in toxicity and other adverse effects. A qualified practitioner can assist in creating a personalized treatment plan that suits your specific needs and addresses the root cause of your hair loss.