Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, offers many herbal treatments for hair loss. An Ayurveda practitioner will only recommend a specific treatment after determining your constitutional makeup and attempting to ascertain the reason for your hair loss. Ayurveda generally uses four herbs, alone or in combination, for hair restoration. The FDA does not regulate supplements or herbal preparations. Some herbs may be have serious side effects or interfere with other medications that you take. Always check with your doctor before using herbal preparations to treat any condition.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is sometimes called Indian ginseng because it is used in many of the same ways as Asian ginseng. Practitioners of Ayurveda often prescribe ashwagandha as a general geriatric tonic and to combat stress, which is one of the believed causes of hair loss in India, according to Dr. D.J. Verret, author of "Patient Guide to Hair Loss and Hair Restoration."
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is a member of the parsley family that grows throughout Asia, Indonesia and Australia. Ayurvedic tradition prescribes it for general rejuvenation of the body and mind, according to James Duke, who wrote "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Gotu kola contains asiaticoside, an antioxidant that stimulates hair and nail growth, and increases blood flow to the skin and connective tissues.
Bhringraj
Bhringraj, also known as Eclipta alba, is a common ingredient in hair tonics, shampoos and scalp treatments in India. Ayurvedic tradition reports that bhringraj is beneficial for the skin, eyes, hair and teeth, according to Purdue University. A traditional home remedy for hair loss is scalp massage with sesame oil infused with bhringraj.
Sandalwood
Many Ayurvedic hair preparations include sandalwood, which the Western world knows best as a fragrance. It contains santolol, an antioxidant phytochemical that has antimicrobial properties. Ayurvedic practitioners include it in skin rejuvenating creams as well as hair massage oils.
References
- "Patient Guide to Hair Loss & Hair Restoration"; D.J. Verret, MD; 2009
- Langone Medical Center: Ashwagandha
- Clayton College of Natural Health: G Herbs
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook"; James A. Duke; 2000
- Purdue University Horticulture: Eclipta Alba
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