10 Effective Ayurvedic Remedies for Hair Problems

In Ayurveda, it is believed that the hair is a by-product or a broken down product of the bone tissue, known as the Asthi. The digestive system of the body maintains the metabolism of this tissue. When disturbance occurs in this metabolism, the health of the hair is affected.

It is also believed in Ayurveda that the stability of mind and body structure, the body constitution as well as the body type, control the quality of the hair. Hence, if the body undergoes digestive problems that Ayurveda commonly refers as the Pitta Dosha, it will be reflected in the health of the hair. Consequently, hair fall, hair loss and dry and damaged or dullness of hair and other such problems of the hair might occur.

The reasons for hair fall and hair loss can be many. The most prominent ones, in general terms, are –

• Hormonal complexities
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Other diseases and their medications.

The hormonal problems can be associated with or be inherited along with the genes. This is known as the Pitta constitution. What increases the Pitta Dosha or the imbalance of the Pitta constitution in the body are excessive intake of salty, hot, spicy, sharp, sour or acidic, oily, greasy and fried food and meats, hot climatic conditions, excessive consumption of alcohol, hot beverages like tea and coffee, excessive smoking. Stress, acute illness, fever and certain drugs can also cause much damage to the hair. Ayurveda recommends that the root cause of the Pitta Dosha must be identified at first and then it should be treated.

Aloe Vera is a storehouse of proteolitic enzymes. It helps the long chain like molecules of proteins to get broken into smaller fragments. It also effectively removes the dead cells from the scalp, ensuring that the remedies and the therapies that you are going to apply further are penetrated well into the scalp, right to the roots of the hair.

Aloe Vera juice can be prepared easily by scraping the gel from inside the plant leaves. Cumin can be added to the juice for additional boost. The juice should be applied to the scalp thrice a day for about 3 months at a stretch. It will stop the hair from thinning. Aloe Vera juice can also be consumed daily for the hair to strengthen from within.

Amla is a very important fruit in Ayurveda that is known for its holistic beneficial properties, because of the high levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. A storehouse of Vitamin C, it alone can work like a hair tonic. It –

• Strengthens hair
• Prevents hair from greying
• Conditions hair
• Thickens hair
• Makes the colour of hair dark

This super-food has great healing properties for the hair and scalp and can be eaten or applied on the scalp and also the juice can be drunk. Amla can prevent and provide relief from indigestion problems, cleanse the blood and increase the blood flow to the hair roots and scalp. Thus, hair growth is promoted.

A hair pack can be made with Amla powder, mixed with henna, brahmi and curd. It must be left to dry for about 1 to 2 hours and then should be washed just with plain water. Amla juice, mixed with lemon juice, can be applied on the scalp by using the finger tips to let the juice penetrate into the hair roots, for making the hair follicles strong.

For controlling hair loss or hair fall, this is an amazing Ayurvedic remedy. It can prevent greying of hair and also revert baldness by growing hair.

Bhringaraj can be taken internally as a part of your diet and also applied externally. A few of its leaves can be taken to make a paste out of it. This should be applied on the scalp. After a few minutes of application, you can wash it off with clean water. Dried Bhringaraj can also be mixed with water to make a paste and the application would be same.

Bhringaraj oil can be used for the Ayurvedic head massage therapy or treatment, by mixing it with normal coconut oil. For the Champi or head massaging, you need to keep the bowl in which you have mixed the Bhringaraj oil with coconut oil, inside a larger bowl of hot water. As the oil becomes warm, you need to massage it by making the hair parted in sections. The massage should be done in circular movements with your fingertips. This promotes blood circulation and hair growth. Leave the oil for about an hour and then wash it off.

It is a natural cleanser that has great beneficial properties for the hair and skin. It –

• Cleanses hair without extracting the moisture of hair
• Unclogs pores of hair roots to nourish the scalp
• Stimulates circulation of blood in hair roots and scalp

Take about a few nuts and peel it. Crush the nuts and soak it overnight in about half a litre of water. Strain the liquid and remove the Ritha nuts to use the liquid for washing the hair. Continue this for about a month to see the changes, the hair becoming shiny and luscious and soft. For better results, you need to massage the scalp while washing the hair with this liquid.

Although this Ayurvedic herb is known for improving intelligence, memory, alertness and concentration, it is also extremely useful ayurvedic remedy for promoting healthy hair.

Brahmi oil can be directly used or applied on to the scalp to energize the follicles of hair. It improves blood circulation in the scalp and also makes the hair smooth. It is widely available in Ayurvedic stores in the form of dried and ground Brahmi powder that is usually mixed with curd to make a hair pack. Using this pack along with a few drops of lemon oil makes a very good dandruff treatment pack for hair.

It is an extremely common and widely available herb in every Indian household. It retards dandruff and hair fall and also promotes the growth of healthy hair.

Fenugreek seeds must be dry roasted and ground at first. By adding some water to this powder, a thick paste must be made. After covering the hair completely with this paste, it must be left for about 20 minutes and then washed off with plain water. A mixture of fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, green grams, lemon juice and Ritha or soap nuts, can be made by grinding them all together. This is an amazing Ayurvedic substitute to chemical shampoos and effectively removes hair fall and other problems.

Along with antibacterial properties, neem or margosa can help in preventing hair loss by keeping the scalp healthy.

Dried neem leaves can be grounded and mixed with curd or with coconut oil to make a pack for hair. Massaging this on the scalp will keep the scalp clean; purify the blood and also remove lice and dandruff. Another method of using neem leaves is to boil a handful of neem leaves in enough water and cool it down. This water can be used to massage on the scalp to prevent hair loss and to make hair silky, shiny and black. Margosa oil can be massaged on the scalp to get rid of any scalp infection or dandruff.

Applying it and leaving it overnight to wash with plain water on the next day, is the best way of using it.

Known as Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha can effectively reduce hair fall by boosting immunity as weakened immunity is a prominent reason for hair loss problems. It can help you to feel energized and make you healthy from within; thus promoting healthy hair growth. Ashwagandha capsules that are purely Ayurvedic are available in the market and one capsule of 6 mg can be consumed daily.

Yet another essential Ayurvedic ingredient that is very useful in treating a number of hair problems is Shikakai. It –

• Treats scalp problems, fungal infections etc. as it is astringent in nature
• Has a very low pH level
• Nourishes hair follicles
• Stimulates healthy hair growth
• Strengthens hair roots
• Cleanses hair and scalp without making it dry or without extracting natural oil of hair.

As an amazing source of calcium and magnesium, the white sesame seeds can effectively check hair fall. A spoon full of these can be consumed every morning in empty stomach, to reduce hair fall.

To provide nourishment to the hair roots, Ayurveda recommends a proper massage therapy, known as Champi. This method instructs that fingertips are to be used to give a very light and mild massage to the hair roots, without putting too much of pressure as this can damage the hair follicles permanently. Champi promotes blood circulation and hair growth; while with the use of some essential Ayurvedic oils, scalp infections, dandruff and other such scalp problems can also be eliminated. The Ayurvedic oils that are very good for treating hair problems are –

• Coconut oil – Treats dry and damaged hair; unclogs pores and strengthens hair roots.
• Bhringraj oil – Treats brittle hair and makes it lustrous.
• Rosemary Essential oil – Prevents premature greying, reduces hair loss, improves hair growth.
• Mustard oil
• Brahmi oil
• Kunthala Kanthi
• Amla oil
• Neelibhringadi oil
• Arnica
• Kanjunnyadi

Along with these Ayurvedic remedies that can be applied at home, one must also be careful about his or her dietary intakes.

Leafy greens and fruits: Eating leafy green vegetables, fruits and nuts can make sure that your hair is strong. The rich fibre content ensures that hair fall is prevented. Spinach, alfalfa, lettuce etc. need special mention. As a very strong and effective Ayurvedic hair fall prevention method, Aloe Vera juice or gel works very well. You need to add a pinch of cumin to a tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel and eat this thrice a day. You will find hair fall to reduce within 3 months. Carrots are also quite good for hair

Vitamins and minerals: The body requires certain fatty acids, vitamins and minerals to protect the hair and to make the hair roots strong. Dairy products, especially milk, yoghurt, buttermilk etc. can prevent hair fall. Whole grains, yeast, soybeans, sprouts etc. too can make the hair roots strong. These are rich in Vitamin C, vitamin B-complex, zinc, sulphur etc. Since hair loss is also a result of lack of magnesium and calcium in the body, you need to add sesame seeds to your diet to compensate for this lack. Make sure you also add iron rich proteins to your diet.

Drinking water: Drinking adequate water and doing some yoga is always a great way to keep your hair healthy as well as to stay fit. This will flush out the toxins and keep your hair lustrous.

Good food habits: Avoid consumption of coffee, alcohol, fried or spicy food, junk foods and fast foods to maintain hair health.

If you follow these dietary tips and Ayurvedic hair remedies, all of your hair problems will disappear soon. Just make sure you follow the regimes strictly and as per instructions.

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