Throughout history, beautiful hair has been prized in every culture. In India women treat their hair with herbs and herbal oils (Ayurvedic shampoo). They are famous for their beautiful, long and lustrous hair. In the ancient Indian texts women are depicted with luxurious, long and dense tresses considered an asset of beauty. Long, thick hair however has become a thing of the past with traditional hair care practices fading from existence. Let’s bring these back though, shall we?
If you want to use natural hair care tips and remedies, why not try what’s worked for centuries? Ayurvedic shampoo is an herbal shampoo that helps promote hair growth and repair. It’s beneficiall in dandruff and keeps the scalp healthy along with many other benefits.
Here are some common ingredients you can expect to find in many versions of Ayurvedic shampoo. These wonderful herbs originate in India’s ancient Ayurvedic holistic health system, a complete medical system for total health care. For both environmental and personal health reasons, it’s a better approach to hair care than chemicals.
Let’s take a look at these ancient Indian beauty secrets, herbs and more.
READ MORE: Ayurvedic Hair Oil Recipe For Hair Growth And Premature Greying (Bhringaraj Oil Recipe), 8 Foods For Hair Loss Ayurveda Swears By (Hair Loss Diet), Ayurvedic Home Remedies And Hair Care Tips To Prevent Hair Loss
Shikakai means ‘fruit for hair’ and is a staple of Ayurvedic shampoo and herbal hair care (herbal shampoo). Shikakai is an excellent cleanser and doesn’t strip natural oils from your hair and scalp. It respects the ph balance of your hair.
Washing hair with shikakai alone works wonders because the bark of Shikakai pods contain naturally-occurring saponins which help clean off excess sebum and dirt from the scalp.[1] Shikakai helps to control dandruff and kill lice.[1] It has detangling properties, so no additional products are required.
It can be used as a natural hair wash for sensitive scalps.[2] It promotes hair growth, strengthens hair roots and produces lengthy, beautiful hair. [2]
Reetha is also known as soapnut. Due to it’s lather-generating property, it is used as the main ingredient in soaps and Ayurvedic shampoo. [3] Soap nut is anti-fungal, so it’s effective for treating dandruff and other scalp issues. It kills lice. Because of its anti inflammatory and anti bacterial properties its powder can be applied externally to treat boils, scorpion bite and itching lesions.
A research study found that the stem bark of soap nut has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic potential.[4]
READ MORE: Anti-Inflammatory Blueberry Sauce On Toast, 37 Tips To Fight Inflammation Caused By Pitta Dosha
Also known as the ‘Indian gooseberry’, Amla is rich in antioxidants. It’s been used for over 3,000 years for a variety of health benefits. 
Amla helps control hair fall and hair loss. It is the richest source of vitamin C, essential for absorbing iron into the body. Iron deficiency is one of the most common reasons for hair loss.
Amla stimulates the scalp. Collagen helps replace dead cells of hair follicles with new hair cells. Vitamin C produces collagen protein which is helpful in stimulating hair growth, both in length and in volume.
If you have oily hair then Amla powder will effortlessly soak in all the excess oil from your scalp, along with conditioning it. One Amla fruit contains up to 81.2 percent of moisture content.
Amla’s moisture content prevents cuticles (split ends) from wearing off. Cuticles are caused by peeling of opened cuticles. The antioxidant properties of Amla protects hair from damages caused by smoke, dust, pollution, hair styling tools and more.
READ MORE: Amla: The Sour, Anti-Aging Ayurvedic Super Fruit + Amla Recipes, Triphala Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Triphala Churna, Triphala Guggul
Fenugreek seed (methi seeds) is a commonly used spice in Indian households. You can extract its numerous benefits by using it in home remedies. Not only does it aid in digestion, it also may help reduce hair loss. And so it’s not just restricted to cooking delicacies.
Methi seeds are considered to be one of the most effective remedies to treat hair fall issues (hair loss).
One study found that fenugreek seed extract contains food supplements and micronutrients like hair active B-vitamins, antioxidants and trace elements.[6] The extract of fenugreek leaves, if applied regularly to the scalp before shower, is shown to enhance hair growth, preserve the hair’s natural color, soften the hair, and relieve one from dandruff.[7]
In the hair growth process, the estrogen hormone has a significant role. Fenugreek seed contains saprogenic steroids; diosgenin, glitogenin, and tipogenin, which have estrogenic or sex hormone precursor effects.[8]
Phytoestrogen from fenugreek is thought to diminish hair loss and increase hair growth rate. Fenugreek seeds also have high protein which is beneficial against hair loss and dandruff.
Fenugreek could be helpful in a variety of scalp issues like dryness of hair, baldness and hair thinning. It contains lecithin which keeps the hair hydrated and strengthens the roots or hair follicles.[9] It also helps in moisturizing and bringing back luster and bounce to the hair.
According to Ayurveda, the medicinal properties exhibited by neem are used for all hair ailments and show drastic effects upon regular use.
Neem stimulates the growth of hair follicle and function and supports healthy cell division due to its regenerative properties. Neem contains linoleic, oleic and stearic acids which are a form of fatty acids. It leaves the scalp and hair nourished and conditioned.
Neem revitalizes and restores dry, undernourished or rough hair to a smooth, silky texture due to its moisturizing effects. It has anti-fungal properties, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects that help with itching, dandruff, redness and scalp irritation.
READ MORE: Neem, Ayurveda’s Favorite Remedy For Inflammation
In the Ayurvedic text Bhavaprakash Nighantu, hibiscus is described as keshya (promotes hair growth). It is helpful in Kapha Pitta disorders and indralupta (alopecia areata). It colors hair which prevents greying and due to its sthambana property it controls hair loss.[11]
A research study showed significant hair growth promoting activity through its petroleum ether extract of leaves which contains phytosterols and triterpenoids. These are beneficial for hair growth and treatment of alopecia.[12]
If you want to flaunt thick and rich textured hair then hibiscus is one of the best herbs of choice. It also adds volume and bounce. It prevents dryness by repairing brittle hair, and treats frizz and conditions hair from within.
Hibiscus leaves enhance collagen synthesis and deposition, ensuring healthy hair growth.[13] It strengthens the roots of your hair because it is rich in amino acids.[13] By penetrating the quintessential nutrients in hair follicles, it helps in keeping your tresses strong and lustrous, nourishing them thoroughly.
Aloe vera contains all three vitamins A, C and E. They contribute to cell turnover, promoting healthy cell growth and shiny hair. Vitamin B12 and folic acid components can keep your hair from falling out.[14]
Aloe vera has unique healing properties, as well an incredible ability to increase blood circulation which is why it promotes hair growth.[15]
Aloe vera deeply cleanses oily hair efficiently, stripping off extra oil and residue from other hair products. Unlike chemicals products, aloe vera doesn’t hurt your hair strands. It is gentle and preserves the integrity of your hair. For healthier, shinier, and softer hair, aloe vera is one of the best herbs.
Treat your hair with the above-mentioned herbs and enjoy long, luscious hair locks!
READ MORE: Ayurvedic Hair Oil Recipe For Hair Growth And Premature Greying (Bhringaraj Oil Recipe), 8 Foods For Hair Loss Ayurveda Swears By (Hair Loss Diet), Ayurvedic Home Remedies And Hair Care Tips To Prevent Hair Loss
References
1. Bhava Mishra’s, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, pg-298.
2. Ahmad, Akram, and Guru Mohanta. “Preparation and Evaluation Antioxidant Activity of Mixed Herbal Hair Oil Formulation.” ResearchGate.net, ResearchGate 2018, 1 Dec. 2012, www.researchgate.net/publication/233980589_Preparation_and_Evaluation_Antioxidant_Activity_of_Mixed_Herbal_Hair_Oil_Formulation.
3. Bhava Mishra’s, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Vatadi Varga, pg-518.
4. Shah, M, et al. “Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic and Antipyretic Activities of the Stem Bark of Sapindus Mukorossi.”
Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Dec. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29221478.
5. http://globalresearchonline.net/journalcontents/v24-2/25.pdf
6. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/251923543_Fenugreekmicronutrients_Efficacy_of_a_food_supplement_against_hair_loss
7. A Study of Phytochemical Constituent and Pharmacological Actions of Trigonella Foenum-graecum: A review. International Journal Of Pharmacy & Technology, 3:1022-102.
8. Ohnemus, U, et al. “The Hair Follicle as an Estrogen Target and Source.”
Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16877675.
9. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237775863_Consumption_Pattern_of_Fenugreek_Seeds_in_Rajasthani_Families
10. “Home – PMC – NCBI.”
Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/.
11. Bhava Mishra’s, Bhavaprakash Nighantu ,ch-4, pg-493.
12. http://www.chronotherapyjournal.net/website_up/issues/JChrDD_7(1)_2016_Jan_Apr/JChrDD_7(1)_2016_005.pdf
13. Bhaskar, Anusha, and V. Nithya.
Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3523494/.
14. Surjushe, Amar, et al.
Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/.
15. Lawrence, Rubina, et al.
Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3768575/.
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Gloria Happy Vondee
August 27, 2020
This is fantastic.
I have really enjoyed this study
Thanks.