Hair fall, which is several cases is caused by deficiency of vitamins, iron, minerals in the body and other non dietary-related factors like age, pollution, hormonal imbalance, illness, among others which can be controlled. Several cosmetic products are available for treating deficiencies, some are too expensive and some are cheap however the common aspect is majority of these cosmetic products have some or the other side effect associated with them.
So why don’t we try something else, something that is natural and has no side effects, yes ! i am talking about herbs for hair loss. Here are some food items which are essentially herbs too:
Amla (Emblic Myrobalan, Indian gooseberry):
Amla is one of the widely used herbs in ayurvedic medicines. It stimulates hair roots and promotes hair growth. This apart, it prevents scalp infections and controls early graying of hair. It is an extremely rich source of Vitamin C in plant kingdom containing as much as 20 times that of an Orange. Additionally amla is a proven antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory. It’s internal use is useful as well as it’s local application on scalp helps to control hair loss.
Heena / henna powder:
Henna, a traditional herb from India is popular for it’s natural values, coloring and cooling effect. Henna is a natural conditioner that can help to heal the hair shaft by repairing and sealing the cuticle, protecting hair against damage and loss of shine. It is also widely used in India for treating dandruff naturally. It’s 100% safe to use and serves as an natural alternative to cosmetic dye which do have a lot of side effects associated to them.
Shikakai (Acacia Concinna), Reetha (Aritha Powder):
Shikakai is a small shrub-like tree. It is used as a natural shampoo. It promotes hair growth and preventing dandruff, It has a natural low pH, it is extremely mild, and doesn’t strip hair of natural oils.
It can be used on its own and also alongside some other items easily available at home. An alternative application could be like this:
Make a pulp by mixing two eggs, two tablespoons of amla, reetha and shikakai powder. Massage on the scalp and leave it for few time. Moral with a bitter shampoo. Rub in right 3 – 4 times and rinse well after 5 minutes. You can keep it applied for upto 30 minutes if you would like as that would only help absorb nutrients deep down your hair roots.
Neem:
Neem has strong antibacterial properties which protect your hairs from lice and dandruff. It’s treatment will stimulate scalp blood circulation very helpful for dry, itchy scalp conditions. It aso helps to prevent hair loss and encourages strong and new healthy growth. Neem oil also helps with thinning hair and premature graying.
All parts of the neem tree are somehow used in the preparation of medical treatments.
Bhringaraja:
Bhringaraja is a useful drug for hair problems. It is either taken orally or is used for massaging the scalp on a daily basis in the form of Maha Bhringaraja oil or Nilibhringadi oil. The general use of it is to massage on the scalp and then to have a bath after one hour. But it must be remembered that Bhringaraja will first remove the weak hair from the scalp. Hence it may appear that the hair is thinning more in the beginning. The new hair that will grow will be healthier and stronger.
Medhika (fenu greek, Methi seeds):
It contains lecithin and other useful proteins, which help in hair growth.
Arishtaka (Sapindus trifoliatus):
Its fruit has tonic & astringent properties. Sapindus trifoliatus is a herb from the genus Sapindus and belongs to the Sapindaceae family. It is commonly known as soapberry and soapnut, Soap nuts are also used as herb in Ayurveda. Soapnuts are known as excellent hair tonic and thus are popular ingredient in Ayurveda shampoos and cleansers. Soap nuts are traditionally used for removing lice from the scalp as they have gentle insecticidal properties.
Chanaka (Chickpea):
You can get zinc and the vitamin B-6 you need for healthy hair from chickpeas. which is a rich and natural source of protein that helps in hair growth.
Aloe Vera:
Aloe’s can help the scalp by healing it and balancing the pH level of the scalp while cleansing the pores. Aloe Vera has been shown to effectively stimulate your hair follicles, and actually re-grow your hair.
castor oil:
Castor oil is excellent for hair re-growth. To treat hair loss using Castor oil, section your hair and apply castor oil using a cotton ball or on your finger tips on your scalp and evenly distribute it across the scalp. After you have applied it to your hair cover your hair with a plastic cap and additionally with a towel, leave it on overnight. In the morning, wash the hair as you normaly do to remove the castor oil from your hair and scalp.