All About Ayurveda

A recent phenomena in women’s hair and especially “natural” hair are age old remedies call Ayurveda. Ayurveda is an alternative medicine/natural herb approach that originated in India over 5000 years ago. I decided to do some digging and see what it’s all about! 

Click "Read More" to see a bit of what I found! :) 

Here’s a brief overview of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs: 

Amla: Is known for having a very high content of vitamin C so it’s especially good for boosting your immune system. For hair, Amla is infused in oils or used in powder form offering added shine and strength as well as encouraging hair to growth and lessening premature greying. In skin care a paste is made with the Amla powder to make a mask that adds nourishment and reduces dullness. 

Bhringraj: This herb is best known for it’s effectiveness against various ailments. It’s used to treat hair loss, to stop premature balding and greying, as well some skin allergies.  It’s also been noted to improve hair texture and promote hair growth. Try using it as a paste with amla, brahmi, shikakai, tulsi, and/or neem. Or infuse it in coconut or sesame oil and use it for a wonderful scalp massage. 

Brahmi: is traditionally known for its rejuvenating properties affecting brain cells and bringing improvements to memory functions. For your tresses try using Brahmi as a paste or infused in oil, or even as a spritz. It helps to relieve itchy scalp and could help thicken hair. 

Cassia: Many people opt to use Cassia to get the benefits of Henna without the color changes; although Cassia will turn gray hair a pale blonde color. Like Henna, Cassia is known to strengthen the hair shaft with conditioning properties. 

Henna: Henna works to stop breakage by strengthening the hair shaft. Henna also works to seal and repair the cuticle which makes for more manageable hair. Although Henna is mainly known as a mega strengthener, Henna has conditioning properties as well, which leaves the hair shiny, soft and fully of body.

Hibiscus Petal: In Ayurveda, this flower is known as one of the best secrets to healthy hair. It promotes hair growth, stops hair fall, gives hair a healthy luster with bounce, and delays premature graying. Hibiscus has been a wonderful ingredient in hair treatments that combine other Ayurvedic herbs such as Amla and brahmi. For henna color treatments, hibiscus is used to achieve a burgundy to black cherry color on hair. It is also slightly acidic and helps to aid in a faster henna dye release. As a drinkable tea, hibiscus is a natural body coolant and makes a great refreshing drink. Even better is using hibiscus powders in a tea rinse for hair!

Kapur Kachri: promotes growth by stimulating the roots. It also has antiseptic properties benefiting the scalp.

Kalpi Tone: works to strengthen hair at the root and hair shaft, as well as to promote hair growth. It leaves your hair noticeably stronger, softer and full of body.

Neem: known in Ayurveda for its powerful effectiveness in fighting diseases. Its properties are naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. In hair care, Neem promotes shiny, healthy hair, combats dryness of scalp, and helps with dandruff. There are also some other benefits of Neem powder. Make a paste with it and it will absorb excess oils from your face and help clear breakouts. 

Shikakai: an herb known in ayurveda for its cleansing properties and natural mild foaming properties. Literally meaning "fruit for hair", it has been traditionally used for hair as a mild shampoo. Shikakai has anti-dandruff properties and is known to aid with detangling of hair. Mixing shikakai with amla promotes hair strengthening and conditioning. This naturally astringent herb will also promote a healthy scalp and stronger roots. For hair that is prone to dryness, shikakai is best used sparingly and mixed with an additional herbs.

Have any of you tried Ayurveda treatments? Please share your thoughts and recipes! :)