It started in India about 5000 years ago. A science of natural medicine that focused on the synergy of the body and mind. It incorporated powerful remedies made of natural, pure ingredients and addressed the root cause of physical and emotional ailments. And it delivered significant health and wellness benefits.
This was the beginning of Ayurveda—and it has since continued to remind us that beauty and health are rooted in the balanced and dynamic integration between environment, body, mind, and spirit. Ayurveda effectively solves modern afflictions and issues, so many that are hard to treat with Western medicines and over-the-counter treatments. It includes only natural ingredients—and so many of the herbal treatments can be made at home. Want glossier, bouncier, shinier hair? Look to these six natural hair-care home remedies below and your tresses will be reflecting more light this summer—and year round. Each of these self-care ingredients can be found at your local farmers’ market or health food store.
And if you’re not looking to make your treatments, UMA’s Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil contains a combination of Ayurvedic ingredients that nourish, clarify, and strengthen your strands.
Moringa Oil
For centuries Ayurvedic physicians have used the leaves and fruits of the Moringa plant to aid hair growth, treat arthritis, improve eye sight, and increase libido and sperm count in males. Moringa leaves pack three times the potassium of bananas, four times the calcium of milk, twenty-five times the iron of spinach, four times the vitamin A of carrots, and seven times the vitamin C of oranges. Using Moringa oil to massage the scalp at least once every week can prevent hair loss. The rich combination of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins feeds the strands, boosts blood flow to the scalp, and fights oxidative damage.
Once a week massage several drops of Moringa oil into hair and scalp. Leave on overnight and wash out in the morning. (You can also use this as a quick treatment prior to shampooing.)
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) and Fenugreek (Methi)
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) is an herb that works as a local stimulant. It aids in the treatment of skin eruptions, eczema, and ulcers on the scalp. Fenugreek (Methi ) 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 prevents premature greying and gives hair luster and a soft texture.
Add five to six tablespoons of a carrier oil to a frying pan and heat it on a low flame for fifteen minutes. Add one teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds (or powder) and about two teaspoons of Bacopa Monnieri herbs (or powder). Heat it for another fifteen minutes and set aside, allowing it to settle for a little while (two days is ideal). Strain the oil into a glass bottle and store in a cool, dark place. Take a few drops of the essential oil for hair and massage it into the scalp daily. Allow to sit for thirty minutes before showering.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry) Oil
Amla (Indian gooseberry) is used extensively in Ayurvedic therapeutic medicine. Sourced from the Indian Gooseberry fruit, it is a rich source of vitamin C and essential fatty acids that keep hair follicles strong and elastic.
Take about half a pound of fresh Indian Gooseberry fruit and remove the seeds completely dry. Let the seeds completely dry and then mix them with about two cups of coconut oil. Store the amla and oil mixture in an airtight glass jar and keep it in the sun for two weeks, or until the oil turns black in color. Once the oil changes color, strain it and store it in a cool, dry place. Massage a few drops of oil into hair and scalp. Leave on for a few minutes before showering.
Hibiscus Flower Extract
Hibiscus is a multi-colored common flowering plant rich in amino acids, vitamins A and C, and alpha hydroxy acids, which are ideal for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss.
Dice about twenty red Hibiscus flowers and four thick Hibiscus leaves. Take a frying pan (we love a cast iron skillet) and add about five to six tablespoons of any carrier oil, such as grapeseed or jojoba oil. Add the minced flowers and leaves to the oil and gently heat until fumes appear. For added potency, you can add four to five leaves of fresh basil with a pinch of fenugreek. Switch off the flame and allow the mixture to cool and settle (ideally for several days). Filter and store in a glass bottle. Gently massage several drops into the scalp and wait for an hour before showering.
Curry Leaves
Curry (Murraya koenigii or Bergera koenigii) leaves have traditionally been used in global cuisines, including Indian cuisine. The leaves resemble those of the popular Ayurvedic herb neem(Azadirachta indica) but have a more pleasing taste and odor. They contain beta-carotene, which strengthens and repairs hair roots, promotes hair growth, and prevents hair loss.
Take about thirty to forty curry leaves, wash them in water, and dry them. Do not expose them to direct sunlight. Add five to six tablespoons of coconut oil to a frying pan on a low flame. Once the oil is heated, add the leaves and allow to simmer for a few minutes. Turn off the heat and let the blend settle and cool (ideally for several hours). Strain the oil into a glass bottle. Take a few drops of the oil and massage into the scalp. Leave on for half an hour before showering.
