Don't you just hate it when your hair are just a bundle of thin damaged strands? Pollution, chemical based shampoos and poor quality of water are factors that are making our hair from bad to worse. Hair fall and poor hair growth are common problems faced by people of this generation. Perhaps it is time to revisit the roots. Ayurveda has many secrets that can help restore your hair growth and volume. Ayurveda Expert Dr. Ashutosh Gautam suggests few herbs and foods that can come handy for hair growth and reduce hair fall. These Ayurvedic tips for hair growth are extremely simple and effective. Most of these herbs and food for hair growth are present in your kitchen shelf at all times.
Here are list of 5 Foods and Herbs for Hair Growth
1. Bhringraj
Bhringraj, known as 'Kehraj' in Assamese and 'Karisalankanni' in Tamil, is a medicinal herb that grows in moist areas. This herb is especially used for treating various hair and skin woes. It soothes the scalp, which in turn gives nourishment to hair follicles. It also facilitates growth of new hair follicles and thus helps revive the volume of hair. While you can purchase bhringraj oil from stores, it can be made at home as well. People have been making bhringraj oil at home since centuries. Traditional process involves drying the leaves; grinding them into powdered form and then heating it with oil. A quicker way of making bhringraj oil at home is to heat powdered bhringraj leaves with coconut oil and then store. Apply it directly on the scalp, let the roots absorb it for about 30 minutes and then wash off. Bhringraj oil can be used for treating various hair and skin problems.
2. Fenugreek
Fenugreek or methi dana is one treasure spice that may not have originated in India, but has grown to be an essential part of our culinary fare and culture, as if it always belonged to us. It is no wonder then that Ayurveda recognized its potential thousand years back and continues to make most of its health and beauty benefits in its practice. Fenugreek seeds are rich in folic acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin K and Vitamin C. Apart from this, they are also a storehouse of minerals such as potassium, calcium and iron. Fenugreek seeds also have high protein and nicotinic acid content, which are known to be beneficial against hair fall and dandruff, and in treating a variety of scalp issues like dryness of hair, baldness and hair thinning. Including fenugreek in your diet is one of the best things that you can do for a healthy hair growth. (Also Read: Fenugreek (Methi) Seeds to Prevent Hair Fall: An Effective Natural Remedy)
3. Amla
There is a reason why our mothers and grandmothers swear by Amla for all their skin and beauty needs. Amla or Indian gooseberry has been an essential part of hair care rituals in India since time immemorial. Massaging the scalp with amla oil helps boost blood circulation. This supplies enough nourishment to your follicles, which then increases hair growth. It also looks after the overall scalp health by removing dandruff and dissolving grease and dirt from follicles. It helps restore optimum pH levels of the scalp that boosts essential oil production. One of the biggest reasons behind hair fall is inadequate Vitamin C in the diet. Amla is packed with Vitamin C. The potent antioxidant help keeps the free-radical activity at bay, which can also severely impact the health of hair. You can prepare some amla oil at home too. Heat some coconut oil in a pan and add two teaspoons of amla powder. Heat the oil until it turns brown. After 2-3 minutes, turn off the heat and set the oil aside to cool. Collect the oil in a bowl. Apply it on your hair, while it is still slightly warm and massage well.
(Also Read:Amla: Fight Off Cough, Ulcers and Constipation With this Desi Superfood)
4. Triphala
The active compounds in triphalachurna repairs damaged hair and increases hair volume. The active formula of its ingredients like Haritaki has antibacterial and antifungal power which acts on the scalp and keeps all kinds of infections and fungal activity at bay. Triphala powder has been known to reduce dandruff too. You can either apply Triphala powder mixed with coconut oil on your hair, or make it a part of your diet. Your diet plays a huge role in the health of your hair. One of the reasons why your hair volume is not up to the mark could be your liver condition and poor digestion. Triphala takes care of both by cleansing the digestive system. One of the three ingredients of triphala churna is Amla.
5. Brahmi
This wonder herb of Ayurveda could prove to be a charm for your hair. Brahmi is mostly popular to calm down stress and clear the mind, but the herb also packs many haircare and beauty benefits. It can prevent hair fall by treating dry and damaged scalp. Brahmi could also treat a variety of hair problems such as dandruff, itchiness and formation of split ends. Massaging the scalp with Brahmi oil has a very soothing effect too. (Also Read : 6 Ayurvedic Herbs to Induce Sound Sleep: From Brahmi to Ashwagandha and More! )
Try these herbs today and see the change for yourself .
About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows.