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HOME REMEDIES TO BOOST HAIR GROWTH

- Aarti Kapur Singh

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According to the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda, hair is actually the same material as basic bone tissue or Asthi, as it is known traditionally. Digestive tendencies determine the metabolism of this tissue. Consequently, any disturbance or anomaly in the metabolism of this tissue can adversely affect hair health. Trichologists the world over, now believe that to a large extent, the body constitution determines the condition, quality and texture of your hair. Experts consider hair strands to be nothing but an extension of bones since bones and hair strands are made from similar genetic material and tissues.

While there may be many treatments – homeopathic or allopathic to cure imbalances or deficiencies in our body, Ayurvedic treatments are preferred because Ayurveda promises holistic solutions. This is true for hair-loss therapies as well. As opposed to artificial cosmetic applications which only cure the problem superficially, ayurvedic remedies for hair growth attempt to cure problems particular to a specific body type – and therefore offer a cure from the root.  Ayurvedic treatment for hair gain or arresting hair fall can actually be categorized into three approaches – either working in tandem with each other or followed exclusively. These are massaging your scalp regularly, adhering to a proper diet and following the herbal path – using natural remedies in the form of herbs for clearing the problem.

Causes of Hair Loss Or Hair Fall

Ayurvedic texts elaborate on the major causes of hair fall as being hormonal, nutritional deficiencies and complication arising out of other diseases and perhaps excessive or strong medications. Hairfall that is connected to hormonal imbalances is usually caused by an increased sensitivity of hair follicles to male hormones. This is what is most Ayurvedic practitioners will connect to Pitta constitution. Diagnosing the basic cause in your diet, personal care or lifestyle that may be adversely affecting Pitta dosha is the first step towards arresting hair fall.

Ayurveda believes that excess of Pitta dosha in the body is caused by environmental conditions as well as an individual’s eating habits. Hot climatic conditions, excessive intake of over-spiced, salty and sour food, tea, coffee, alcohol, meats, and excessive smoking are some of the factors that will increase Pitta dosha in the body. Pitta balancing herbs such as Shatavari (or Asparagus) and vegetables which improve the quality of ‘Asthi dhathu’ (or improve the quality of bone tissue (these are mostly bitter vegetables) are effective in treating hair fall.

There are a number of other causes for hair fall like serious illness, high levels of stress, an imbalance in the secretion by the thyroid gland, some kind of drugs, sudden and extreme weight loss and in some cases, high fever.

Home Remedies for Growing Your Hair

Here are some general recommendations and tips to prevent hair fall and help in the process of hair growth:

·         A high protein and an iron-rich diet is beneficial for long-lasting relief from hair loss. Raw vegetables, fresh fruits, salads, green leafy vegetables should be included adequately in the diet on a regular basis to provide hair tissues nutrition from within.

·         Use a natural amla or shikakai-based shampoo to clean the hair. These herbs promote hair health.

·         Another really effective way to arrest hair loss is oiling and massaging of scalp. Use coconut, olive or almond oil at least thrice a week. Medicated oils such as Neelibhringadi oil, Kunthala oil, Kanjunnyadi oil are also beneficial in extreme cases of hair loss and alopecia. Part your hair, put some drops of oil on the scalp in each parting and then massage gently using fingertips into the roots of the hair. Take care to massage against the direction of hair growth.

·  You would be surprised to note that irregular bowel movements are also a cause of hair loss and hair fall. In case your hair loss is due to constipation, a mild natural laxative such as Triphala is very useful. This, of course, is a cure, the prevention is to keep your bowel clean.

·  Another very simple tip is to rub your scalp after washing the hair. It increases the blood circulation and activates the sebaceous glands.

· Smelly or not, onions are a magical secret home remedy for hair growth. The enzymes present in pungent onions help regenerate hair follicles. Follow this recipe to make a ‘hair-growth tonic’ at home. Boil a red onion, 4 cloves of garlic, 2 sticks of cinnamon in about two liters of water till it reduces to half. Let this concoction cool to room temperature, then massage it using a piece of cotton into the roots of the hair. Let your hair soak this for 15 minutes before washing it out. Try this every time before shampooing your hair for a few weeks and you’ll actually find your hair fuller, richer and more voluminous.

·  A concoction of spinach juice mixed with lettuce juice in equal quantities is extremely beneficial to induce hair growth.

· Applying the juice of fresh green coriander leaves on the head is also good as its enzymes penetrate the hair shaft and combat dandruff.

· Make a paste of cooked (boiled) green gram and fenugreek (methi) and wash your hair with this paste two to three times a week to keep away brittleness from hair.

· A paste of licorice made by grinding it in milk is beneficial for those suffering from alopecia. Simply apply this paste in the bald patches.

· Naturopaths also swear by a kitchen remedy that is fairly easy to follow. Soak a handful of fenugreek seeds in about 500 ml of coconut oil and keep it in the sun for seven days (preferably in a glass bottle). Apply this warm oil on the scalp not only to prevent hair loss but also to strengthen hair follicles, thereby promoting hair growth.

Traditional Kerala Ayurvedic therapies such as  Dhara, Abhyangam, Nasya and so on also show effective and visible results.

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