AYURVEDIC HAIR CARE TIPS

How to Delay Premature Greying of Hair

In Ayurveda, hair fall is referred to as ‘khalitya,’ and premature graying of hair is termed ‘Palitya.’ Both khalitya and Palitya are considered pure painted (arising out of ‘pitta’) disorders. Premature greying, known as 'Akala Palitya' in Ayurveda, is the outcome of a disturbance in Pitta-Vata doshas. It means when you continuously disturb ‘pitta’ (heat in your body), it can gray your hair.
It is associated with melanocytes that generate melanin pigment responsible for your hair's natural color.

PITTA-DOMINANT HAIR

Moderate in thickness but soft and predictable to manage. Pitta imbalances can lead to early greying of hair, bacterial overload in the follicles, and redness or soreness.

The Five Subdoshas of Pitta

Bhrajaka Pitta: The Subdosha Bhrajaka Pitta controls the skin, its metabolism, and the sense of touch.

Alochaka Pitta: Alochaka Pitta governs the organ of sight, including the functioning of rod cells and cone cells within the retina.

Sadhaka Pitta: Sadhaka Pitta governs the brain and the heart and determines the digestion of emotions, life experiences, and stress.

Ranjaka Pitta: Ranjaka Pitta is located in the internal organs that are responsible for the formation of plasma and blood cells and their circulation via the liver, spleen, stomach, and heart.

Pachaka Pitta: Pachaka Pitta controls the stomach and plays a significant role in all other parts of the digestive tract.

Bhrajak pitta

Pitta has five subtypes. Among them, “Bhrajak pitta” is responsible for the color and complexion of the skin and hair. Suppose there is any inequality in the Bhrajaka Pitta. This inhibits the production of melanin in the hair and results in premature greying and insufficient melanin production in western science.
Ayurveda is an excellent alternative remedy for premature greying. It is natural, and it has no side effects.

Binomial name: Bacopa monnieri

Brahmi Leaf

Brahmi is one of the Ayurvedic herbs for hair that supports average hair growth by rejuvenating the scalp. The most active component in Brahmi is the triterpenoids which influence collagen synthesis and hence provide nourishment to malnourished hair follicles and prevent greying. It contains a group of intense compounds called bacosides [1], a kind of triterpenoid saponins that positively affects the body.

Binomial name: Phyllanthus emblica

Amla Fruit

Amla is a natural storehouse of Vitamin C and antioxidants, enriched with high levels of Iron content, making it an indispensable component in hair care products. It is also rich in elements like Ellagic Acid and Gallic Acid [2], which work in tandem to improve blood circulation in the scalp area, stimulating hair growth and strengthening the hair follicles.

bacosides

It helps rejuvenate the scalp and promotes the regeneration of healthy hair. Additionally, bacosides in the plant are anti-inflammatory.

Ellagic Acid

In nuts, vegetables, and fruits, ellagic acid was found to obstruct the production of collagen-damaging MMP enzymes and inhibit ICAM, a molecule that plays a part in inflammation.

Galic Acid

Oxidative stress may be a key mechanism contributing to hair graying. Gallic acid is a phenolic acid found in fruits, nuts, wine, and tea. It has antioxidants.

REFERENCES

1. Assessing the Anti-inflammatory Effects of Bacopa-Derived Bioactive Compounds Using Network Pharmacology and In Vitro Studies : https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.2c05318

2. Mysore, V., & Arghya, A. (2022). Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited. International Journal of Trichology, 14(3), 84-90. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_189_20

3. Dietary compound ellagic acid alleviates skin wrinkle and inflammation induced by UV-B irradiation https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20113347/

4. Shi, Y., Luo, F., Liu, M., Zhou, Q., Xu, Z., & Lei, C. (2013). Premature Graying as a Consequence of Compromised Antioxidant Activity in Hair Bulb Melanocytes and Their Precursors. PLoS ONE, 9(4). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0093589

5. Zhao, P., Park, N. H., Alam, M. B., & Lee, H. (2022). Fuzhuan Brick Tea Boosts Melanogenesis and Prevents Hair Graying through Reduction of Oxidative Stress via NRF2-HO-1 Signaling. Antioxidants, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11030599

Organic Brahmi Leaf Powder