My hair is low porosity, coarse, kinky (4B, like Marley hair); with high shrinkage and prone to forming locs. Both hair and scalp are dry. I always had to use a harsh shampoo or soap first, then heat all my conditioners and stylers to get them to penetrate. My scalp was always itchy and dry. Now with Ayurvedic products and clay, my hair still shrinks, but rarely tangles. It is also darker and has sheen. Shed hairs slide out. I no longer have to do 50-leven things to moisturize my hair. My scalp is always clear. I can moisturize/seal once and leave it alone until next wash.
A few years ago I had to stop using Ayurvedic products for a year for medical treatment. i lost some hair and my tangling and scalp issues slowly returned during that time.
These are some benefits of the most commonly used Ayurvedic herbs
- Amla fruit/Indian Gooseberry - high levels of Vitamin C and anti-oxidants, penetrates hair and scalp (conditions), stimulates collagen production, prevents gray hair, darkens existing hair color, removes iron & copper deposits from hard water; treats scalp conditions (dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis)
- Brahmi/Gotu Kola - Strengthens follicles, reduces shedding, promotes sound sleep and reduces stress; coats hair preventing split ends
- Lemon - astringent, clarifying on scalp & hair and balances pH of scalp and hair
- Hibiscus/Jaswand - Stops dandruff and premature graying; antioxidants preserve natural hair color and increases growth; reduces frizz and increases shine
- Neem oil - antimicrobial, anti-parasitic; anti-inflammatory; keeps scalp clear; treats scalp conditions (dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis)
- Tulsi/Holy Basil - improves scalp circulation, protects against breakage; stops scalp itching and irritation; treats scalp conditions (dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis)
- Neelibringahdi/Indigo - Stops hair loss and excessive shedding; prevents split ends; treats itching, and dandruff
- Henna/Mehendi - penetrates and strengthens the hair, balances scalp pH; treats scalp conditions (dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis); deposits color; acts similar to a protein treatment
- Chameli/Jasmine - moisturizes hair, provides softness and shine
- Methi/Fenugreek - stimulates circulation to scalp, stimulates hair growth,softens and detangles hair, stops scalp itch
- Mahabringaraj/Maka/False Daisy - anti-inflammatory, promotes sound sleep, darkens hair, stimulates growth in balding areas (similar to minoxidil/Rogaine), stops gray hair; anti-parasitic
- Jatamansi/Spikenard - calming effect; reduces stress; heals damaged follicles; promotes hair growth; coats and lubricates hair
- Gulab/Rose - anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, mild astringent and toner for scalp and hair; heals skin condtitions (acne, boils,cuts , scrapes, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis)
- Khus Khus/Vetiver - moisturizes hair and scalp
- Shikaikai/Acacia & Aritha/Soapnut - These herbs produce saponins (substances that lather like soap). Both are natural cleansers that also condition. Shikaikai is milder than Aritha.
Some sources:
Herbal cosmetics in ancient India, Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery -
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2825132/
Nutritional and health care benefits of Amla, Journal of Pharmacognosy -
http://www.bioinfopublication.org/files/articles/3_2_27_JP.pdf
Minoxidil Vs. Mahabringaraj studies
Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats -
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00403-008-0860-3
Eclipta alba extract with potential for hair growth promoting activity -
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19481595?dopt=Abstract
Can Bhringraj Really Promote Hair Growth Like Minoxidil? -
http://ezinearticles.com/?Can-Bhringraj-Really-Promote-Hair-Growth-Like-Minoxidil&id=6832228
Eclipta Alba Extract Grows Hair Quicker than Minoxidil -
http://inhumanexperiment.blogspot.com/2009/07/eclipta-alba-extract-grows-hair-quicker.html
Christina from the Mane Choice Blog details how she uses henna to successfully treat her psoriasis
http://www.maneobjective.com/2012/07/scalp-challenges-psoriasis.html
http://www.maneobjective.com/2012/11/fighting-flakes-this-winter-part-i.html
http://www.maneobjective.com/2012/10/adventures-with-henna-pic-heavy.html
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlr...2/brighten-your-natural-haircolor-with-henna/