Ayurveda, the oldest system of natural medicine known to us, was developed in India about 5,000 years ago. Creating beauty and wellness through powerful remedies that address the root causes of physical and emotional ailments – rather than just their symptoms – Ayurveda holds the key to solving many common issues that seem hard to treat with drugstore products. Moreover, unlike many modern cosmetic products, Ayurvedic methods employ common natural ingredients that not only deliver great results for the issue at hand, but also offer significant wellness benefits. These natural remedies can be prepared in your kitchen to ensure the the highest quality product by using top-notch ingredients! If you’re not ready to delve into the DIY hair care realm, check out Uma’s Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil, which contains a combination of incredible ingredients to give your hair a healthy boost & promote hair growth!
Here is a look at some of these herbal remedies that are far more effective than many drugstore hair growth solutions:
1
Moringa Oil
Consider this: moringa leaves pack 3 times as much potassium as a banana, 4 times as much calcium as milk, 25 times as much iron as spinach, 4 times the vitamin A that a carrot has, and 7 times the vitamin C that an orange can provide. Ayurvedic physicians in India have used the leaves and fruits of the moringa plant for centuries to aid hair growth, treat arthritis, improve eye sight, and increase libido and sperm count in males.
Using moringa oil (available at many Whole Foods markets, or local organic groceries) to massage the scalp at least once every week can prevent hair loss. The rich combination of minerals and vitamins is beneficial to the scalp and hair as it boosts blood flow to the scalp. Packed with antioxidants, moringa also fights the oxidative damage caused by free radicals!
2
Hibiscus Flower Extract
Hibiscus is a multi-colored, commonly found flowering plant It is rich in amino acids, vitamins A and C, and alpha hydroxy acids, among other things, all of which are ideal for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Collect and dice about 20 red flowers and four thick leaves. Take a frying pan and add 100 ml of any hair oil (you can pick one from our list of the best carrier oils!) Add the minced flowers and leaves to the oil and gently heat until fumes appear. For added potency, you can add 4-5 leaves of basil with a pinch of fenugreek. Switch off the flame and allow the mixture to settle in for 2-3 days. Filter and store in a glass bottle. Apply this oil by gently massaging it into the scalp and wait for an hour before showering. (Preferably using a natural, gentle shampoo to wash off the oil). Not only will the oil strengthen hair and add the shine of your dreams, but it will also aid in hair growth.
3
Vitamins A, B & E
Vitamin A, B and E are critical for hair strength and vitality. Vitamin A can be found in moringa leaves, carrots and eggs, while vitamin B can be found in dairy products and soy. Vitamin E aids the growth of new blood vessels, thus increasing circulation to the scalp and promoting growth. Apart from consuming vitamin E capsules, you can also puncture the soft gelatin capsules and massage the resulting liquid into the scalp.
4
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) and Methi (Fenugreek) in Oil
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) is a local stimulant, which aids in the treatment of skin eruptions, eczema and ulcers on the scalp. Methi (Fenugreek) has been used by Ayurveda for thousands of years for hair growth, controlling blood sugar levels and loss of libido, among other things. Fenugreek contains protein, vitamin C, fiber, iron, potassium, lysine, L-tryptophan and alkaloids, a combination that not only prevents premature greying but also promotes hair growth, prevents hair loss and gives hair luster and a soft texture. Luckily, both of these amazing ingredients are readily available at your local organic health food store (and when in doubt, there’s always Amazon!).
Take 100 ml of any hair oil in a frying pan (cast iron is best!) and heat it on a low flame. After 15 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds (or powder) and about two teaspoons of bacopa monnieri herbs (or powder). Heat it for another 15 minutes and set aside, allowing it to settle for a little while (if you can spare 2 days, that’s ideal). Strain the oil into a glass bottle and store in a cool, dark place. Take a few drops of the oil and massage it into the scalp daily. After 30 minutes, shower using a gentle shampoo. You will see this potent blend arrest hair fall within a mere week!
5
Curry leaves in Oil
Curry (Murraya koenigii or Bergera koenigii) leaves have traditionally been used in numerous cuisines, including Indian cuisine. Though they resemble the often used Ayurvedic herb neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves, curry leaves are not bitter and have a pleasing taste and odor. Because they contain beta-carotene, these leaves strengthen and repair the roots, promoting hair growth and preventing hair fall. Take about 30-40 leaves, wash them in water and dry them without exposing them to direct sunlight. Heat 100 ml of coconut oil. Once the oil is heated, add the leaves and allow the blend to cool for a day. Strain the oil into an airtight glass bottle. Use the oil to massage the scalp half an hour before washing off with a gentle shampoo. Regular application not only prevents hair fall but also prevents premature greying.
6
Amla (Indian Gooseberry) Oil
Amla or Indian gooseberry is a rich source of vitamin C, and is used extensively in Ayurvedic therapeutic medicine. Amla provides the essential fatty acids that are required to keep follicles strong and nourish the hair.
If you can get access to fresh fruit, take about 200 gms of the fresh fruit and remove the seeds. After making sure it is completely dry, mix it with 500 ml of coconut oil. Store this mixture of oil and amla in an airtight glass jar and keep it in the sun for 15 days, or until the oil turns black in color. Once the oil changes color, strain it and store it.
If fresh fruit is not available, you can alternatively used Amla powder to mix into your coconut oil, or simply use (the readily available) Amla oil which will have many of the same hair strengthening benefits!
