Hair loss or baldness is usually caused by genetics (hereditary predisposition), disease, medications, stress, injury or damage to the hair. Generalized hair loss is called alopecia areata while small, circular bald patches are called alopecia areata. Due to the similarity of symptoms both the conditions are clubbed together and the Ayurvedic principles of treatment for both are described here. It is worth mentioning here that the treatment is generally effective for premature hair loss, and where the cause is amenable to treatment.
Baldness is called “Khalitya” in Ayurveda. Alopecia areata is referred to as “indralupta”. Ayurvedic herbal remedies aim to treat known causes, immunorestoration, treat local scalp conditions, and reduce stress. Medicated oils are used for local application. Some of the commonly used oils are: Vranashodhana oil, Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) oil, Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) oil, Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) oil, Jasvand (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) oil, Vatajatadi oil and Bhallataka (Semicarpus anacardium) ) Oil .
Some Ayurvedic practitioners use leech therapy on bald spots before using the above mentioned local medicines. Some recommend a course of enemas of medicated milk (called “tikta-ksheer basti”) in case of excessive hair loss.
Some of the medicines which are used orally are: Arogyavardhini, Gandhak Rasayana, Lakshadi Guggulu, Rasayana [ a combination of Gokshur(Tribulus terrestris), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)],
Ayurveda believes that hair originates from “asthi” or bone tissue, and therefore, to treat hair loss, medicines are given orally on a long-term basis to strengthen the bone. Some of the medicines used for this purpose are: Pancha Tikta Ghruta, Mahatikta Ghruta, Pravala Panchamrit, Laksha and Astishrinchala (Cissus quadrangularis). It is advised to consume milk and black gram in excess.
Medicines like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Vacha (Acorus calamus) are given orally to reduce stress.
Regular application of medicated oils in the nose (a process called “pratimarsha nasya”) is believed to play a significant role in preventing premature balding and graying of hair. Anu oil and Panchendriya Vardhan oil are commonly used for this process.
Source by Abdulmubeen Mundewadi
