5 Indian Plants for Hair Growth
-and Healthy Hair Care
Actually, this is the first of two articles that will review the beneficial properties of 10 commonly used Indian plants for hair growth and healthy hair care. This post reviews the first 5 plants on this list.[1] Listed in alphabetical order:
Amla, Bhringraj, Brahmi, Cassia Obovata, Henna
Amla (Indian Gooseberry, Emblica officinalis)
Amla (oil and powder) is used as a treatment for hair and scalp problems. Amla is wonderful cleansing agent and excellent conditioner for hair. It imparts luster to hair and protects from dandruff, also helps prevent premature gray hair. It stimulates growth of hair on the scalp, and strengthens the hair roots. Amla extract in all-natural shampoo does not deposit any color on the hair and can be used by everyone. Amla extract helps replace the nourishment lost by hair gels, chemical hair color and hair spray.
Bhringraj
Bhringraj is an Ayurvedic herb found throughout India. For centuries, it has been reported to improve hair growth and color. A medical study showed that extracts of Eclipta prostrata decreased the amount of time it took for hair to begin regrowing and to fully regrow. [1] Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata) is used from the hair shaft to the tips, for preventing baldness, anti-dandruff, anti-lice and revitalizing the hair. Bhringraj is also proven to be effective with numerous benefits: improve hair shaft condition; stop hair loss and thinning hair; promote luxuriant hair growth; stop premature graying of hair shaft and improve hair color. It’s used as a rejuvenating hair tonic and natural hair conditioner.
Brahmi
Brahmi (scientific name: Bacopa monnieri) has been long used as a hair tonic to provide nourishment and vitality for radiant hair color. By nourishing the hair roots and scalp, it is known to reduce hair fall and premature baldness, clears dandruff from scalp, thus promoting healthy and lustrous hair with no side effects.
Cassia Obovata
Cassia Obovata (Senna italica) is an ancient plant from India that has a number of beneficial properties. The ground powder is made from harvested, dried leaves of the plant. Cassia Obovata will naturally condition all textures of hair, adding luster and supple definition. It’s also been used to thicken, color or highlight natural hair color; improve scalp condition and eliminate dandruff.
There is some confusion about Cassia Obovata due to the fact that Cassia Obovata (Senna) has been commonly marketed as Neutral Henna. Cassia Obovata is not Henna or made from the Henna plant. The staining and conditioning properties of Cassia Obovata (similar to henna staining and conditioning) might be one of the reasons it is often marketed as “neutral henna”.
Staining properties: The yellow color is left when the Cassia Obovata made into a paste and is left on the hair for long periods of time. If your natural hair color is blonde or gray, it will brighten and add golden hues and golden highlights (depending on length of time it's left on your hair). If your natural hair color is brunette or black, you will still reap the deep conditioning benefits found in pure Cassia Obovata –but it will not bring out golden highlights if you don’t have any naturally.
Henna
In addition to its staining and dying properties, did you know that the henna plant is also used for its hair conditioning benefits? Pure henna contains conditioning properties that are quite beneficial to hair. Henna as a hair conditioner results in increased strength and shine to your hair. With continued use, henna hair dye restores the acid/alkaline balance in the scalp. Damaged hair begins to heal and strands are protected from further damage and excessive dryness. Additionally, henna has been used for centuries as an effective aid to treat and prevent dandruff. Allergy to pure henna is extremely rare.
Where can you find a reputable supplier of these Indian plants for hair growth in powder form? Saba Botanical of USA. In my next post, I’ll review the benefits of: Hibiscus, Neem, Orange Peel, Reetha, Shikakai. 5 more Indian plants for hair growth and healthy hair care.
1Apart from this list, there are also a number of other Indian plants for hair growth and healthy hair care.
2 Chopra, RN, Nayar, SL., Chopra, IC.,1955. Glossary of Indian Medicinal plants. C.S.I.R., New Delhi.
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