The hair on the head is an important feature that describes human characteristics.
Hair is a protein filament that grows from the follicles in the skin’s dermis.
The hair either starts getting sparse from balding, hair thinning, or a receding hairline in this condition. Some people can lose their hair due to some medical conditions as well.
Even before the arrival of commercial products, herbs have been used for centuries to treat hair fall and promote hair growth and strength.
Herbs that are helpful in hair growth
1. Soap nuts (sapindus):
It is one of the important herbs to promote hair growth.
It is also called soap nuts, which are dried and used as a whole or powder. The nuts are soaked in boiling water and then used to clean the hair.
It is very effective for hair fall as it nourishes and cleanses the hair follicles and the scalp. Also, it promotes healthy hair growth and possesses anti-inflammatory properties to fight infections.
2. Phyllanthus Emblica/Indian Gooseberry (Amla)
It is a fruit that contains a lot of vitamin C and several other antioxidants that help produce collagen.
Collagen increases the rate of hair growth and ensures strong hair growth. This herb can be used in the form of a powder.
Dry amla powder is mixed with coconut oil, and this paste is applied to the hair as a hair mask.
Amla powder can also be combined with water to form this paste. When applied to the hair, this paste should be kept for at least 30 minutes and then washed with cool water.
It also acts as a conditioner and promotes hair growth with a reduction in the hair’s early graying.
3. Shikakai (Acacia concinna)
Shikakai powder is obtained from the bark, leaves, and pods of the Shikakai tree.
It strengthens the hair, promotes growth, controls dandruff, and gently cleanses the scalp.
Shikakai powder can be mixed with water to form a paste and used as a hair mask. It can also be mixed with coconut oil.
4. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Brahmi is used either as a powder or oil.
It aids in stopping hair fall and also makes the hair thicker and healthier.
Brahmi powder is mixed with water, and the paste is applied to the hair and scalp and left for an hour.
Its use helps to reduce hair fall and nourish the scalp in turn promotes hair growth.
Brahmi oil for head massage is a stress reliever.
5. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
This herb is quite effective in enhancing hair growth and maintaining a healthy scalp.
When applied, it stimulates the blood vessels and improves circulation.
A solution of two parts water and one part dried horsetail should be applied to the hair for better results. Horsetail increases the tensile strength of hair.
6. Lavender (Lavendula Officinalis)
Lavender is known to have a pleasant aroma.
It is used in hair care for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Further, being a natural insect repellent it protects the hair from lice.
A few drops of essential oil can be mixed with a carrier oil and then massaged gently onto the hair.
Lavender keeps the scalp healthy and also controls the production of oil.
7. Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)
It is the most primeval Ayurvedic remedy which has been used for ages.
It is used to treat hair loss and rejuvenate the scalp.
Freshly procured Bhringraj leaves can be ground and applied directly to the hair.
If powdered, it should be mixed with some carrier oil and then applied to the hair.
Bhringraj promotes new hair growth and adds luster and shine to the hair.
8. Arnica (Arnica Montana)
Arnica has an anti-inflammatory property, which makes it a useful herb to maintain the scalp’s health.
It is an excellent herb that is used to fight dandruff.
When applied directly to the scalp or combined with any other oil, Arnica oil leads to healthy hair growth and a healthy scalp.
9. Yucca (Yucca schidigera)
This herb is native to North American desserts and is traditionally used as a natural scalp cleanser and to make shampoos and soaps.
This herb, when applied to the hair, effectively fights dryness, itching, and dandruff. Yucca, when mixed with water, forms an active hair rinse.
It prevents dryness and cleanses the scalp.
10. Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Hop is a natural antiseptic and improves blood circulation, which in turn thickens the hair. When applied to the hair as an oil, it promotes hair growth and thickens it.
11. Neem
Neem oil enhances the rate of hair growth.
It also increases the tensile strength of the hair shafts, making them more silky and shiny. It helps in controlling dandruff.
Applying neem oil to the hair nourishes and cleans the scalp.
Neem, being anti-bacterial, keeps infections away.
Neem leaves can be ground finely, made into a paste and used as a conditioning hair pack to nourish the scalp and prevent it from flaking and drying.
12. Maidenhair ( Gingko Biloba)
This herb is the most popular hair care product.
It is very effective in treating hair loss as it improves blood circulation to the scalp.
Applying an infusion on the hair adds shine to the hair and promotes new hair growth.
The infusion of maidenhair is prepared by adding three handfuls of dried herb to two cups of water and then boiling.
After boiling, the liquid is strained and then carefully poured over freshly washed hair.
13. Moringa (Moringa oleifera)
This herb contains thiocyanate, which strengthens the hair follicles and prevents hair fall.
This herb is used as a conditioner that promotes new hair growth. This herb is available in oil and can be applied directly to the hair.
Regular use of this herb reduces hair loss and stimulates hair growth.
14. Coat buttons (Tridax procumbent)
It is a creeping Ayurvedic herb belonging to the daisy family. This herb contains antioxidants and promotes hair growth.
15. Spikenard/ Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamasi)
This herb is a small shrub whose rhizomes are used to speed up hair growth. This herb has been shown to increase hair growth in alopecia caused by chemotherapy.
16. Bitter apple (Citrullus colocynthis)
This herb is a desert, fruit-bearing plant that is used in Ayurveda.
It contains glycosides that help to initiate hair growth.
The dried fruit pulp is used to treat hair loss.
This herb is used to make hair creams, massage onto the scalp, or apply to hair from root to tip.
17. Marking nut (Semecarpus Anacardium)
This particular herb is found in sub-Himalayan areas and is used in Ayurveda and Siddha medicines to aid in hair growth. Further research is required for this particular herb to determine its effectiveness and safety.
18. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Fenugreek is the most common spice used in cooking and also has potential hair-growing benefits.
According to a study, fenugreek seed extract increases hair thickness and density in men and women with little to no hair loss.
References:
- Natural alternatives from your garden for hair care
- Therapeutic Properties of Nardostachys jatamansi
- Fenugreek+micronutrients: Efficacy of a food supplement against hair loss