11 Herbs That Are Helpful For Quick Hair Growth

Ayurveda has wonderful and effective means to ensure a long-term sustainable hair health. Whether you’re blessed with long and healthy hair and your goal is to keep it as so for the years to come, or whether you’re dealing with hair issues like hair fall and damaged hair and similar scalp issues, a natural practice which can work well for you and can stay with you for years in the best one. Ayurvedic remedies have proven themselves for thousands of years for Indian hair, and they will work out wonderfully well for your hair too. Here is a list of Ayurvedic herbs for hair growth, nourishment, and for dealing with hair fall.

* Shikakai

This Ayurvedic herb is often used as a replacement for chemical shampoo products due to its excellent cleaning properties. Commonly found in India, and scientifically known as ‘acacia concinna’, it is packed with important vitamins such as Vitamin A, K and E which are all beneficial in maintaining hair health.

* Brahmi

Named ‘Brahmi’, after the God Brahman, this Ayurvedic herb has several redeeming qualities for hair health. Scientifically known as ‘bacopa monnieri’, Brahmi is used as an oil or as a paste applied onto the scalp and hair to prevent hair loss and to make hair thicker and healthier.

* Bhringraj

Alternatively known as a false daisy, bhringraj is a medicinal herb growing primarily in moist areas. Scientifically known as ‘Eclipta Alba’, when this herb is used in the form of an oil, it has miraculous effects on our hair, skin and bodily health. Mainly, it prevents hair loss and rejuvenates our scalp. It can even aid those who are experiencing greying of some hair strands at a young age. Bhringraj can be used as a natural dye as well.

* Henna

Scientifically known as ‘lawsonia inermis’, henna or mehendi as we popularly know it, is widely known for its usage of hair colouring and making beautiful patterns on women’s palms, hands and feet. However, it has several beneficial qualities such as antibacterial and astringent properties which make it extremely beneficial for promoting hair health. It prevents clogging of the pores in your scalp by removing any excess oil and is often applied in the form of a paste onto your hair and scalp.

* Amla or Indian Gooseberry

Scientifically known as ‘Phyllanthus Emblica’, Amla is a well-known fruit in the Indian subcontinent whose oil is used widely in India for nourishing and moisturising hair. It is a fruit loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants which all aid in the production of collagen. Collagen, of course, boosts production of hair and promotes a healthy and strong hair. Amla can be used either as an oil with Coconut oil or a paste with water by combining dry amla powder with water or any carrier oil.

* Neem

Neem oil or even neem paste can prove beneficial for hair with its various medicinal properties. The oil is derived from the seeds of the neem tree, alternatively known as the Indian lilac, and the paste can be prepared by crushing the neem leaves and blending it with a little water. While neem oil increases the growth rate of hair and adds strength and lustre to hair, neem paste is beneficial for taking care of our scalp by preventing dryness and flaking when used as a nourishing and hydrating hair pack or mask.

* Lavender

Also known as ‘lavendula officinalis’, lavender is known mostly for its aromatic, cooling and calming properties, however, it possesses anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a natural insect repeller which helps guard against lice. Lavender is popularly used as an essential oil along with a carrier oil. Lavender is beneficial in deep conditioning your hair and controlling hair damage and dandruff.

* Fenugreek

Popularly known in Indian households as ‘methi’ and scientifically known as ‘trigonella foenumgraecum’, is a wonderful natural conditioner. Fenugreek seeds have been traditionally used as a condiment promoting hair health and conditioning. It aids in strengthening hair roots and stimulating hair follicles for hair growth. Thus it prevents hair loss. Due to its moisturising property it also aids in adding sheen to one’s hair. It can even aid in fighting against dandruff, a common problem during the months of winter.

* Basil

Basil is popularly known in Indian households as ‘tulsi’. Tulsi is traditionally known in ayurveda to have several beneficial properties for one’s hair and skin. Specifically speaking for hair, it promotes hair growth by stimulating blood circulation in our scalp. Basil oil can help provide for stronger hair follicles. Fresh, light and aromatic, basil oil can be used as a wonderful massage oil as well.

* Aloe Vera

Aloe vera enjoys widespread usage of beauty products due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties. The aloe plant’s leaves hold inside a translucent gel which has incredible healing properties. This gel is rich in vitamins and important amino acids. Aloe vera possesses something called proteolytic enzymes which are beneficial in repairing dead cells on the scalp. Aloe vera aids in conditioning, nourishing; reduces itchiness, dandruff, etcetera. Thus aloe vera is great for controlling hair fall.

* Aritha

Soap nuts, or ‘ritha’, ‘aritha’, or the myriad other names it is known by, is a popularly utilized herb in ayurveda. Natural, eco-friendly, relatively inexpensive and reusable, soap nuts are a great alternative for hair products from store bought products. Soap nuts are rich in something called saponin, which is great for adding lustre to your hair when used regularly. It increases hair health as well. This is a popular alternative especially for people with a sensitive scalp, or skin.