Every woman dreams of long, healthy hair that attracts attention and compliments.
In the quest to achieve Rapunzel –like locks and healthy hair, many women have tried a lot of remedies that left them disappointed. Most have resigned themselves to fate and banished their crowns under the cover of wigs and weaves while the others have undergone countless chemical treatments in a bid to regrow thinning edges and bald spots.
Ayurveda is a branch of alternative medicine that originated from India. The associated therapies of this practice make use of natural substances to cure various ailments and problems.
Ayurvedic research on hair growth is quite exhaustive and detailed and this makes it easy for anyone to use. When paired with healthy eating and life style habits, good hair regimen and constant hair massages, the following herbs can help reduce hair shedding, increase hair volume and length and significantly strengthen the hair.
1. Bhringraj (King of Herbs)
Asides being a powerful liver cleanser, this super herb can be used for treating tons of hair and skin problems. Bhringraj (in oil form) effectively cures dry scalp as its oil has a high penetrating ability. It also reverses hair loss when used regularly, stops stress and stress-related hair fall. It is common knowledge that hair growth is triggered by blood flow to the root; a process which is called vasodilation. Bhringraj increases hair growth by improving this process. Other benefits of this herb include adding shine to the hair, preventing greying and helping insomniacs sleep due to its calming effects.
2. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla is another enterprising herb on our list. It is gotten from the fruits of the Indian gooseberry tree (Phyllanthus emblica) which are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and other nutrients. In addition to its benefits in the area of trichology, this herb is also an effective treatment for purifying blood, enhancing male fertility, lowering cholesterol levels, improving immune function and brain health and treating indigestion. Hair on which Amla is regularly applied on never has dandruff or scalp aggravation. When combined with Shikakai, it can give the hair a natural brown color. Due to the fact that Amla is generally renowned for reducing the effects of premature aging, it is not surprising that it slows down the greying process and increases hair growth and length by nourishing hair follicles.
3.Neem (Dogonyaro)
Neem which is called Indian lilac or dogonyaro has been a common treatment for hair and skin conditions among the Indians. Its botanical name is Azadirachta indica and its seeds and fruits are the sources of the famous neem oil which is also very good for the hair. It can be used to treat lice and dandruff which hinder hair growth and health. It is also effective against scalp psoriasis, eczema and other skin ailments.
4. Henna (Mehndi)
For those who want to dye their hair but do not want to use chemical dyes, henna is a good option. This herb is known for the characteristic (and temporary) brown or rust color it imparts on the hair. In addition to being a good conditioner, henna improves hair growth, repairs split ends, maintains scalp pH and makes hair thick, shiny, soft and manageable.
5. Hibiscus
Yes, this beautiful flower has uses outside the garden. Hibiscus is rich in ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) which boosts production of collagen that is necessary of healthy, long and strong hair. It also stimulates dormant hair follicles thereby stimulating hair growth. It also conditions the hair, controls itchiness, preserves natural lustre, prevents breakage and frizz and prevents split ends.
6.Shikakai
The Indian word “shikakai” translates to “fruit for the hair”. It is rich in antioxidants and as such, is wonderful for maintaining scalp health and curbing hair fall. It is also a good hair cleanser and excellent shampoo replacement as it doesn’t strip the hair of its natural oils like most shampoos. It also fights dandruff and lice, adds shine to the hair and prevents graying.
7. Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry)
In Ayurvedic medicine, among all the herbs, ashwagandha is used the most to combat hair fall. Cortisol, also called the stress hormone, causes hair to fall thereby hindering length retention and ultimately slowing down hair growth. Due to the fact that this humble herb is an adaptogen that essentially helps the body cope with stress, it controls cortisol levels when used on the scalp. It is also rich in antioxidants which eliminate free radicals and therefore delay aging and promote healthy hair growth. It stimulates increased blood flow to the hair, increases melanin production and effectively handles any issue of dandruff. It also boosts collagen production thereby keeping the skin young, calms the adrenal gland and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
8. Brahmi (Baby’s tear)
Brahmi or Bacopa monnieri is enriched with many useful biochemical compounds that make it wonderful for hair health. This superherb prevents alopecia, stops hair loss, refreshes the scalp, improves hair luster and reduces split ends. It is also used as an aphrodisiac, memory booster, skin toner, insomnia treatments, Alzheimer treatment, a tonic against many illnesses and as a cure for epilepsy when paired with Vacha.
9. Methi (Fenugreek)
Fenugreek is one herb that has been used for various purposes since time immemorial. Nursing mothers use it to improve flow and production of breast milk and it has also a renowned phytoestrogen herb that has been implicated in natural breast enlargement. Fenugreek offers numerous benefits for the hair thus: controlling hair loss, adding shine and bounce to hair, re-growing edges and curbing dandruff.
10. Aloe Vera
In Ayurveda, Aloe plant is referred to as the magical herb that treats wounds, sores, cuts, burns and dry skin. This little miracle plant is a great conditioner that gives hair shine, luster and fullness, prevents itching and conditions the hair. It has a structure similar to that of the hair protein keratin and as such replaces any gaps in the hair shaft with its own nutrients. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties which make it wonderful for the skin.
How to Use These Herbs?
When gotten in their dried powdered form, these herbs can either be infused in a carrier oil to make the herbal oil or made into a paste and used as a hair gloss or deep conditioner.
It is also possible to get the herbs as readymade oils or already infused into hair butters for example the Ayurvedic hair butter by @ahgoziemnaturals on Instagram or the Sunny Isle Amla oil sold by different hair shops throughout Nigeria and beyond.
The herbs can be found in different forms in Nigeria, India and beyond and in various online markets.