Hair gets its color from a naturally occurring compound called melanin, which is produced at the follicle of each individual hair. Though it is not fully understood why, melanin production tends to decrease over time, causing hair to turn grey and eventually white. Though many people with greying hair address the problem with hair dye, common solutions are quite different in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India.
Bhringaraja
One of the Ayurvedic herbs most commonly used in hair remedies is bhringaraja, which translates to "king of hair", according to Herbal Ayurveda. It is typically sold as an oil decoction using coconut oil as a base, and is believed to not only halt and reverse premature greying, but also premature baldness. Srikantha Arunachalan's book "Treatise on Ayurveda" recommends that the oil be massaged directly into the scalp with the fingertips for ten minutes, followed by wrapping the head in a warm towel for five minutes. Bhringaraja is best known in Ayurveda for its benefits to the head, which also include strengthening teeth, improving hearing, clearing sinuses and reducing dizziness and vertigo. Its other benefits in Ayurveda include improved liver health, stress relief, reduction of inflammation and relief from some respiratory disorders.
Indian Gooseberry
The Indian Gooseberry is a type of tree that bears a potently acidic fruit, and it goes by many other names in Ayurveda, including amla and amalaki. Herbal Ayurveda states that Indian Gooseberry has rejuvenatory effects on all three doshas, which are the three essential energies that make up the human constitution. According to Swami Sadashiva Tirtha's "The Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention, & Longevity", it is beneficial in treating premature greyness and balding, as well as a host of other problems that includes arthritis, insomnia, low red blood cell count, poor eyesight and more than two dozen other conditions. Oils containing extracts of Indian Gooseberry juice can be massaged directly into the scalp as described in the above section, but this herb can also be taken by mouth. The fruit itself is generally considered to be too sour to eat whole, but in small amounts, its juice can be added to food and drink as a tart flavoring with Ayurvedic health benefits.
Salamba Sarvangasana
Tirtha's book also suggests that a reduction in grey hairs can also be achieved with regular practice of an intermediate yoga pose, the salamba sarvangasana, or shoulder stand. To perform this pose, lie flat on your back on a yoga mat with your legs together, your arms at your sides and your palms flat on the ground. Breathe deeply and inhale as you raise your legs straight up, pointing them skyward. Exhale as you lift your hips and buttocks, using your outstretched arms as leverage, until you are "standing" on your shoulders. Then bring your hands to your lower back just above your buttocks, planting your elbows on the ground for support. Hold this position as you breathe deeply several times, then exhale slowly as you carefully lower your torso and legs to the starting position. By delivering blood to the head, this pose is believed in Ayurveda to improve the appearance of greyness and facial wrinkles if performed several times daily for at least six months. It is also recommended for improvement of a wide variety of medical issues, as well as the promotion of stress relief, mental clarity and a general sense of well-being.
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