Keshnuma Oil
Brahmi is classified as a memory enhancer & rejuvenator, and also for increasing longevity. Due to its significant use in age-related memory and cognitive impairement, enhancing life span and providing nutrition, it is recommended in various psychiatric disorders. It is used in ayurveda for memory enhancement, to increase cognitive ability and for lack of concentration and anxiety. Brahmi showed significant anti-inflammatory & antioxidant actions. (www.researchgate.net).
Brahmi contains essential oils, sterols, flavanol, glycoside & triterpenoid saponins. Brahmi oil and soft extract are two commercial preparation of brahmi used in hair care formulations. It is also categorized as rasayana in ayurveda and hence possesses the properties of delaying ageing signs like graying of hair. Brahmi also helps in relieving mental fatigue and hence helps in maintaining proper bodily envirionment that leads to healthy hair. (Pharmacognosy Journal, vol.2, issue 10, June 2010)
E. prostrata is an important medicinal plant and is widely used in treating various diseases of skin, liver & stomach. Various extracts & isolated compounds of E. prostrata showed a wide range of biological activities such as antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and hair growth promoting activities. Traditionally, it is used to treat different skin problems, hair loss prevention & dermatitis. Its juice is taken orally or applied locally to promote hair growth. The plant is widely used in India for the treatment of skin problems, hepatic problems, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory problems, hair loss, whitening of hair, spleen enlargement etc. research studies conducted on petroleum ether extract of bhringraj show its hair growth promoting activity. The major contributors were wedelolactone and β-sitosterol in petroleum ether extract, which were responsible for hair growth promotion. (Biomolecules, 2021)
Treatment with 5% of petroleum ether extract of bhringraj initiates greater number of hair follicles [48]. The oil based extract of leaves has been used traditionally for improving hair growth and for imparting natural colour to grey hair. Neelibhringaadi Tailam, mentioned in Ayurveda is suitable for promoting hair growth and for providing natural colour to grey hair. Bhringraj is used in the preparation of various oil, shampoo, hair dye etc. (The Open Dermatology Journal, 2018, vol.12)
T. bellerica is used for treatment of various diseases such as conjunctivitis, asthma, migraine, baldness, constipation and weak eyesight. It is a compound of rasayana preparation, made up of three myrobalan fruits, known as Triphala, which is important in Indian traditional medicines. As per ayurveda, it has astringent taste, dry and light properties, hot potency and balances kapha & pitta. It has laxative action. It is termed as keshya i.e. it improves hair quality and promotes hair growth. It has antifungal and antimicrobial activity. (Journal of Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry, 2017)
Mehandi (Lawsonia Inermis)
Mehandi is a dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia Inermis, also known as henna/hina. Henna has been used since antiquity to dye skin, hair and fingernails. The plant produces a burgundy dye molecule, lawsone. This molecule has an affinity for bonding with protein and thus has been used to dye skin, hair, fingernails, leather, silk & wool. The main uses of henna are as a cooling agent, astringent, anti-fungal and antibacterial herb for the skin and hair. It has also been used as a dye and preservative for hair, skin and fingernails. (IJRBAT, May 2018)
Henna has also antifungal activity against Malassezia species (causative organism of dandruff). Henna prevents premature hair fall by balancing the pH of the scalp and graying of hair. (The Open Dermatology Journal, 2018, vol.12)
Amla is an indispensable part of the ayurvedic and unani system with amazing remedial qualities. Amla is a wonder herb and one of the precious gifts of nature to humans. Amla has been considered the best of the ayurvedic rejuvenative herbs as it is tridosaghna (pacifies all 3 doshas). Amla boosts absorption of calcium, thus creating healthier bones, teeth, nails & hair. It also helps maintain youthful hair color and prevents premature graying and supports the strength of hair follicles, so there is less thinning with age. The crushed fruits have a good effect on hair growth and prevent hair graying. For promoting hair growth and preventing premature graying of hair one can use amla rich oils & shampoo. Soaked amla powder in water can be used as a shampoo, conditioner and hair dye. (Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 02(01); 2011 : 176-183)
Amla is the most rich and concentrated form of Vitamin C along with tannins found among the plants. Whole fruit is used as an active ingredient of the hair care preparations. The Vitamin C found in the fruit binds with tannins that protect it from being lost by heat or light. This fruit is also rich in tannins, minerals such as Calcium, Phosphorus, Fe and amino acid. The fruit extract is useful for hair growth and reduce hair loss. Amla has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can help promote the growth of healthy and lustrous hair. (The Open Dermatology Journal, 2018, vol.12)
Aloe vera has thick leaves that grow in a rosette shape. The gel inside the long, spiky leaves of this succulent feels cool when used on the skin. The phytochemical constituents present in aloe leaf are alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, saponins & tannins. This help to soothe inflammation and relieve pain associated with burns. Health benefits of aloe vera include wound healing, treating burns, protect against skin damage and intestinal problems. This plant has potential to cure skin burns and minor cuts. It is used in cosmetics like shampoo, face washes. Aloe vera is used as a moisturizer for skin. It cleanses the hair and prevents the scalp debris. It acts as a great conditioner which makes hair smooth and shiny. It is recommended for the treatment of hair loss and also prevents itching of scalp. It deep cleanses the oily hair, strengthens and repair hair strands and may promote hair growth. (Int. J. Pharm. Drug. Anal, vol.9, issue 3, 2021; 172-179)
Neem (Azadirachta Indica)
The medicinal properties of neem have been known to Indians since time immemorial. Neem’s fruits, seed, oil, leaves, roots and bark has been used in the Indian ayurvedic & unani system of medicine and is now being used in manufacture of modern day medicinal, cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceuticals. Neem is used in dermatitis, eczema, acne, bacterial, fungal infections and other skin disorders. Neem also has shown antiviral, antifungal & antibacterial properties. Traditionally neem has been used for skin and blood purifying conditions. Neem is effective against head lice. It is a common practice to apply neem all over the hair to kill haed lice. It is used to treat scalp conditions, dandruff and itchiness. (J. Chem. Pharm. Res. 2010, 2(1) ; 62-72)
Jasund Phool (Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis)
Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis is one of the miraculous medicinal herbs that is found to have powerful antimicrobial properties. This plant has a wide range of applications. Hibiscus oil is extracted from the hibiscus plant and is used in skin and hair care. This oil is an excellent moisturizer and is known for its skin healing properties. It also has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. One of the most popular applications of hibiscus oil is in the field of hair care. The leaves and flowers of this plant have been used in the treatment of scalp conditions such as dandruff. Hibiscus oil is obtained from its flowers and may be used alone or added to various hair care products to improve the overall condition of the hair. Hibiscus is used to treat hair loss and hair graying. The plant also helps to improve the overall texture and health of hair. Petroleum ether extracts of leaves and flowers of hibiscus have been used to check hair growth potential. It was observed that the leaf extract exhibited higher potency than the flower extract on hair growth. (Journal of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Dhudhi (Euphorbia Thymifolia)
E. thymifolia is commonly known as laghududhika or choti dhudhi. The leaves, seeds & fresh juice of whole plant are used in worm infestations, as stimulant, astringent. E. thymifolia is traditionally used as a blood purifier. The oil is used in medicinal soaps for the treatment of erysipelas. Plant juice is used to cure ring worm and dandruff. It cures aggravated cough, skin disease and parasitic infections. The plant possesses age-sustaining properties. The crushed plant is rubbed on the head as an irritating rubefacient to promote hair growth in cases of alopecia. It possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial & antimicrobial properties. (Ancient Science of Life, Jan-Mar 2013, vol.32, issue 3)
Kapur Kachari (Hedychium Spicatum)
H. spicatum is also known as spiked ginger lily. The rhizomes possess strong aromatic odour and bitter camphoraceous smell. The rhizomes of the plant have been used in the preparation of cosmetic powders used for promoting hair growth. The rhizomes are stomachic, carminative, stimulant and tonic. The compositions containing extracts of H. spicatum are useful for treating tinea infections by topical application. The ethanolic extract of H. spicatum possesses anti-inflammatory activity. The initial screening of the hexane extract of the rhizomes of H. spicatum showed positive response in hair growth promotion activity. (Pharmacognosy Communications, vol.1, issue 1, Jul-Sep 2011)
Karanja (Pongamia Pinnata)
Karanja is a well known drug mentioned in almost all the ayurvedic classical texts basically used for skin related problems. The karanja taila possess ushna virya (hot potency). Ushna virya is necessary to counteract the vata & kapha dosha, hence this taila is found effective in the management of skin disorders, wound healing. The studies states that karanj seed oil has hair growth benefits. (WJPMR, vol.8, issue 4, 2022)
According to recent studies, this medicinal plant is the novel anti-lice agent. An experiment was conducted in which different extracts of P. pinnata leaves were checked against head louse. The outcome indicated the anti-lice activity. P. pinnata also possess anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial properties. (Asian J Pharm Clin Res, vol.14, issue 6, 2021, 14-21)Methi (Trigonella Foenum Graecum)
Methi seeds are extremely effective against hair fall, dandruff and help to reverse baldness and hair thinning. Fenugreek seeds or methi contain proteins and nicotinic acid which are a great source for hair growth. It contains large amounts of lecithin which makes our hair healthy and strong, and hydrates the hair. It helps to reduce the dryness of the hair, cures dandruff, conditions the hair, keeps the scalp cool and treats a variety of scalp issues. It is highly effective against hair fall and provides strength from the roots. The lecithin in methi helps in strengthening dry and damaged hair. The natural tonic helps in moisturizing the hair and bringing back the luster and bounce. Dandruff is a common hair ailment and it surfaces specially during the winter months. There are various treatments and procedures to treat dandruff and one of the most basic and an effective cure is using methi seeds. It is also effective against a dry scalp and dermatitis. Fenugreek seeds contain lecithin, an emulsifying substance. When soaked in water, the seeds produce a slippery substance which endows hair with shine. This quality makes methi seeds for hair conditioning an optimal choice. The mucilage of fenugreek replicates that slippery effect. One of the most popular uses of fenugreek for hair is to reverse baldness. Fenugreek contains hormone antecedents that enhance the hair growth and help in strengthening and rebuilding hair follicles. (World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, vol.5, issue 3, 2016)
Nagarmotha (Cyperus Rotundus)
C. rotundus, commonly called as nagarmotha or nutgrass is a widely used plant in traditional systems of medicine, especially in ayurveda & folk system around the world, for its useful remedial properties. C. rotundus is an important medicinal plant that holds a significant place in ayurveda due to its extraordinary therapeutic properties. It is kapha-pitta hara i.e. it balances kapha & pitta dosha of the body. In ayurveda, it is used as an astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, analgesic, antitussive, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and antibacterial agent. It also exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. (International Journal of Pharmacognosy, 2021)
C. rotundus is a well known herb with purported claims of hair growth promotion. Hair formulation of C. rotudus in the form of herbal formulation was studied and it showed excellent hair growth activity. (Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical & Clinical Research, vol.9, issue 1, 2016)
Jatamansi (Nardostachys Jatamansi)
N. jatamansi is a reputed ayurvedic herb and used in various multiple formulations. It has several activities including anticonvulsant, anti-parkinson’s, tranquilizing, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, hypotensive, anti-diabetic activity. It is described as Medhya (brain tonic), Rasayna (rejuvenative to the mind), Nidrajnana (promotes sleep), Manasrogaghana (alleviates mental diseases) in ayurveda. It is used in mental disorder, insomnia, hypertension and heart diseases. (Journal of Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry 2015; 3(5) ; 102-106)
The rhizomes of jatamansi are used since antiquity in the indigenous systems of medicine. The rhizomes and roots of plant are used as anti-stress agents. The rhizome is being used as an aromatic adjunct in the preparation of medicinal oils to promote growth of hair, and also imparts blackness. The crude extract, fractions and two of the isolated compounds from jatamansi were tested for their hair growth activity. The hair growth studies showed good activities for the extract, fraction & the isolated compounds. (Pharmacognosy Magzine, 2011)Shikakai (Acacia Concinna)
Shikakai is a well known plant for its shampoo like property. It is famous in India for it usage for hair care since ancient times. It has antidandruff property. Shampoo made with shikakai effectively cleans dirt & grease from hair without altering its structure. This herb improves hair volume and texture. It has antibacterial and wound healing property. The fruit from this plant produces saponins which are of low pH and possesses detergent action. These properties give shikakai antibacterial cleansing properties. This hairwash paste acts as a remedy for Pityirasiscapitis. (J. Pharm. Sci. & Res. Vol.11(4), 2019, 1216-1222)
Shikakai has rich amount of vitamin C, which is beneficial for hair. Shikakai naturally lowers the pH value and retains the natural oils of the hair and keeps them lustrous and healthy. It is also effective in strengthening and conditioning hair. Shikakai suit all hair types and help prevent split ends, hair fall, dandruff, greying of hair and other hair related problems, to make hair soft and silky. (The Open Dermatology Journal, 2018, vol.12)Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin)
Patchouli is a bushy herb of the mint family. Patchouli leaves are the source for essential oils with excellent therapeutic properties. Patchouli oil can be attributed to its therapeutic properties like antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, deodorant, fungicide, insecticide, sedative, tonic, deodorant & stimulant. Because of its antiseptic properties, it is used to treat athlete’s foot, dandruff, wounds and scars. It is used as fragrance ingredient in cosmetic products. (Int. J. Pharma. Sci. Rev. Res. 21(2), Jul-Aug 2013)