If you dream of lustrous, long hair, ayurveda sure has your back! Ancient ayurvedic texts explain in detail how hair is formed, processes that govern its growth, and what can help this delicate process along or throw it out of whack. According to ayurveda, hair is a by-product of the process of bone tissue formation. When the metabolism of this tissue, which is governed by your digestive fire (agni) is impaired, it can reflect poorly on the health of your hair.
Pitta dosha, characterized by the elements of fire and water, is responsible for the digestive system and hormones that play a major role in hair health. Excess pitta can cause hair loss and premature graying. Overly sour, salty, and spicy foods can increase pitta, and so can hot weather or being short-tempered.
# Bhringraja Tailam“Nasya is a therapeutic procedure used in ayurveda which involves the nasal administration of medicinal formulations. Typically, ayurvedic oils with the capacity to promote hair growth and balance pitta dosha may be nasally administered for treating hair loss. Do keep in mind that nasya should only be performed under the supervision of an ayurvedic doctor.”
Bhringraja tailam is prepared by adding bhringraj juice and bolus of yashtimadhu powder to sesame oil. Coconut oil may also be used and other medicinal ingredients like fenugreek may be added. This oil when applied to the scalp and massaged in promotes healthy growth of hair. Research also indicates that instilling this medicinal oil in the nose through the therapeutic ayurvedic process “nasya”can help curtail hair fall and hair breakage. A specific technique used for the nasal administration of bhringraja tailam known as “Charakokta nasya vidhi” has been found to be particularly effective.
# Malatyadi TailamMalatyadi tailam is another ayurvedic oil that is used to tackle various hair problems. Research indicates that malatyati tailam can help tackle hair fall, dry hair, and dandruff. It can also improve the texture of your hair. Alopecia can also be treated with malatyadi tailam. To prepare this oil, medicinal plants such as malati (Jasminum grandiflorum), naktamala (Pongamia pinnata), karaveera (Nerium indicum), and agni (Plumbago zeylanica) are processed in a coconut oil base.
A scalp massage can improve circulation and supply more nutrients to the roots of hair, thereby enhancing hair growth.
# Neelibhringadi Tailam
This powerful medley of beneficial herbs is a popular ayurvedic oil. It not only nourishes your hair and promotes healthy hair growth but also helps prevent dandruff, hair fall, and premature graying. It contains extracts of neeli (Indigofera tinctorea) and bhringaraj (Eclipta alba), as well as shatakratulata (Cardiospermum helicacabum), yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), amla (Emblica officinalis), and gunjamoola (Abrus precatorius) in a base of coconut oil and milk.
# Chandanadhya TailamChandanadhya tailam contains beneficial ingredients such as chandana (Santalum album), yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), murva (Marsdenia tenacissima), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), amla (Emblica officinalis), bhringaraj (Eclipta elba), jatamansi (Nordostachys jatamansi) in a base of sesame oil. This ayurvedic oil can be applied on the scalp as well as administered nasally. In fact, one study found that nasya with this medicinal oil along with the adoption of healthy dietary and lifestyle habits was quite effective at managing hair fall.
# Yashtimadhu Tailam
This ayurvedic oil contains yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), amla (Emblica officinalis), and cow’s milk in sesame oil. It is valued for its ability to promote hair growth and treat hair fall as well as premature graying. It can be applied to your scalp as well as administered nasally to arrest hair fall.
The medicinal oil is thought to have rasayana or rejuvenating properties and acts against vitiated pitta dosha. Yashtimadhu tailam can also clear any obstruction of hair roots and boost nourishment of hair.
# Shadbindu Tailam
Bhringaj (Eclipta alba), eranda (Ricinus communis), tagara (Valeriana wallichi), yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), ginger, cinnamon, rock salt, and milk are combined in this ayurvedic preparation which has sesame oil for its base. It is also used in nasya to tackle hair loss.
# Kayyunyadi TailamKayyunyadi keratailam is used for treating hair fall, split ends, and premature graying of hair. It contains kayyonni or bhringaraj (Eclipta alba), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), amla (Emblia officinalis), yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), anjana (Berberis aristate), and milk in a base of coconut oil.