Crowning Glory

Crowning Glory

Problems with dry and damaged hair, hair fall and poor hair growth, is more common today than ever before. Pollution, chemical based shampoos and poor quality of water are the major contributors. Add to that stressful urban lifestyle and poor eating habits lack of exercise or proper hair care.

Perhaps it is time to revisit the roots. There is no denying that nature has been a source for beauty solutions since the beginning of time. Herbs are a natural way to treat a variety of ailments from an uneven complexion to a dry scalp. But herbs can also aid in your hair growth hair goals! Here are the top ten herbs for hair growth.

Ayurveda has many secrets that can help restore your hair growth and volume. Most cleansers and conditioners are made from roots, leaves and flowers. Most of these herbs and food for hair growth used to be present in our kitchen shelf at all times. Now a days it means a trip to the health food store. But once you start using these herbs you will never use chemicals on your hair again.

Below are some hair healthy herbs and flowers. Mix them with water, hydrosol, yoghurt or ghee to get the best hair experience!
Shikakai: Also known as fruit for the hair, the humble Shikakai has been used in India for centuries to promote healthy hair. Not only does it cleanse the hair and detoxifies it, it also naturally balances the ph factor leaving you hair squeaky clean and conditioned. The hair will feel bouncy and silky in no time. It works wonders in all types of hair – curly, wavy, straight, treated or coloured!

Neem: Neem has antiseptic, anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-viral properties and helps to heal irritated skin/scalp conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, hives and dandruff. Neem is also a great detoxifier and speeds up the removal of toxins from the scalp that could potentially damage hair and slow growth.

Tulsi: Tulsi stimulates scalp circulation and promotes healthy hair growth. Plus, the abundant antioxidants in tulsi protects the hair from free radical damage— which can cause hair thinning and hair loss. Tulsi is also beneficial for dry, itchy scalp and enhances the shine of hair.

Nigella: The tiny black seeds contain powerful antioxidants which strengthen the hair follicles and help to protect hair cells from the normal aging process that thins the hair. Another potent compound in black seeds is thymoquinone (TQ), an anti-inflammatory substance. TQ may help stop hair loss that is caused due to inflammation of hair follicles (such as alopecia, male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss). It also contains nigellone and other antihistamine components — which have been found to move the dormant hair follicles into an active growth phase. So you will have more hair growing on your scalp. The Antihistamines also help make hair strands thicker (especially useful in male pattern hair loss). Rich in B vitamins and minerals like iron, copper and zinc, black seeds provide nourishment to hair. And its fatty acids treat scalp dryness and improve the shine and condition of hair at the same time.

Indian Gooseberry: or Amla has played a key role in the long, thick, and beautiful hair of India women. This Indian berry is a rich source of vitamin C and contains an array of other powerful antioxidants that help to rejuvenate your hair and promote stronger and healthier growth. Amla also helps to pacify pitta dosha (or excess body heat), which can cause hair loss and early greying.

Fenugreek: or Methi works for all hair types. It provides natural proteins, vitamin C and other nutrients for the nourishment and growth of hair. This herb is also a great alternative to store bought conditioner, thanks to its high mucilage content – which provides slip like conditioner and makes detangling very easy. Regular use of fenugreek in a hair rinse or deep conditioner mask will soften your hair, increase manageability, and restore lustre and bounce.

Aloe Vera: With tons of vitamins and antioxidants, aloe vera nourishes the hair follicles and stimulates hair growth. Aloe also coats the hair strand and adds volume and texture, and makes hair feel thicker.

Lime: Besides having anti-fungal and antiseptic properties which help with dandruff, scalp acne and other scalp problems, Lime is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids. It also contains folate and pantothenic acid popular in many hair growth products. It strengthens the hair follicles and makes hair long and strong.

Bhringraj: or Eclipta Alba forms the cornerstone in Ayurvedic for hair loss and premature greying of hair. Considered as the “king of herbs” for hair growth for its ability to rejuvenate and nourish hair, regular use of Bhringraj can make hair grow thicker, and also add shine and softness to it.

Brahmi: or Gotu Kola is an excellent hair growth promoter. Its regenerative properties help repair hair follicles as well as strengthen the scalp tissue to encourage healthy hair growth. Brahmi also supports scalp circulation which in turn nourishes hair follicles and reduces hair loss. Plus, the calming effects of brahmi can reduce tension and calm the mind, thus improving the quality of sleep at night.

Flaxseed: or Alsi is a reliable source of B vitamins, a group of nutrients that are known for making your hair grow stronger and healthier at a more rapid rate. It contains large amounts of Vitamin E that reduces the effects of free radicals on your scalp, thereby promoting hair growth.

Rose: This king of flowers is not just a pretty face! It is full of Vitamins and antioxidants that aid hair and scalp health. It has anti-inflammatory. Besides it smells so lovely that you will love the way you hair feels!

Lavender: This beautiful flower works for all hair types. This flower also has ph balancing properties to aid hair growth and scalp health. It also has a gentle fragrance which combined with rose renders a beautiful aroma.

Hibiscus: or Gudhal or Jaswandh, is an excellent all-natural hair conditioner. The flowers and leaves contain mucilage – a slippery, gluey substance – that hydrates hair and provides excellent slip to make detangling easier. Hibiscus also help soothe scalp irritation, lessen grey hair, and reduce hair loss.

Licorice: or Mulethi too, is very moisturising to your scalp and hair. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help stimulates hair follicles and soothe dry irritated scalp.