I’ve recently been thinking about trying to incorporate Ayurvedic treatments into my regimen for the Fall, so I’ve been doing a lot of research on the subject. One of the first things that threw me off about Ayurvedic treatments was all the powders. If you had to ask me how to pronounce them, I doubt I’d say it correctly, so of course I had to find out what each of the powders do. After reading through the forums, I managed to compile a list of commonly used herb powders that naturals have incorporated into their routines. Check it out–
Amla Known for having the highest content of vitamin C, Amla is especially good for boosting the immune system. In hair care, Amla is used in oil infused tonics or in powder form to provide added strength to hair roots, to add shine, encourage hair growth and addresses premature greying. In skin care, face masks using amla paste provides nourishment and reduces dullness.
Bhringraj Bhringraj is an ancient Ayurvedic herb widely known for its effectiveness against hair ailments. In Ayurveda, the herb is used for treating hair loss, improving hair texture, and to stop premature balding and graying and various skin allergies. Alopecia sufferers will also find bhringraj to be beneficial in promoting hair regrowth. Even without suffering any ailments, bhringraj aids in luxurious hair growth. Infusing bhringraj in an oil such as coconut or sesame oil to massage onto the scalp will help with baldness and can cause a regrowth of hair. Use as a paste in combination with amla, brahmi, shikakai, tulsi, and/or neem to see wonderful growth and hair conditioning benefits.
Brahmi Brahmi is best known traditionally for its rejuvenating properties affecting brain cells and bringing improvements to memory functions. For hair care, Brahmi is best used in combination with amla, bhringraj, shikakai, tulsi &/or neem powders to provide not only stronger roots, but also thicker hair and relief from itchy scalps. Brahmi can be used in a paste, a tea spritz for hair or in an oil infusion.
Cassia Cassia, also known as neutral henna, is used by many who want the benefits of conditioning that comes from henna, but without dramatic color changes. Cassia will turn gray hairs a pale blondish color, but shows no color difference on darker hair.
Henna
Henna works to stop breakage by strengthening the hair shaft. Henna also works to seal and repair the cuticle which makes for more manageable hair, a plus when it comes to detangling. Although Henna is mainly known as a mega strengthener, Henna has conditioning properties as well, which leaves the hair shiny, soft and fully of body.
Hibiscus Petal
In Ayurveda, Hibiscus (Jaswand) is known as one of the best secrets to beautiful and healthy hair. Hibiscus promotes hair growth, stops hair fall, gives hair a healthy luster with bounce, and delays premature graying. Hibiscus has been a wonderful ingredient in hair treatments that combine other Ayurvedic herbs such as Amla and brahmi. For henna color treatments, hibiscus is used to achieve a burgundy to black cherry color on hair. It is also slightly acidic and helps to aid in a faster henna dye release. As a drinkable tea, hibiscus is a natural body coolant and makes a great refreshing drink. Even better is using hibiscus powders and in a tea rinse for hair!
Kapur Kachri
Kapur Kachri promotes growth by stimulating the roots. It also has antiseptic properties benefiting the scalp.
Kalpi Tone
Neem Powder
Neem is known in Ayurveda for its powerful effectiveness in fighting diseases. Its properties are naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral.
In skin care, a paste made with neem will remove excess oils from the face and clear pimples. It will also aid with scars. When used in a soap or oil, neem can help to relieve dry skin as well as the itchiness and redness from eczema. In a salve or cream, neem’s antiseptic properties aid in healing cuts and minor wounds. Using neem to make a tea or face mask will help to treat acne.
In hair care, neem promotes shiny, healthy hair, combats dryness of scalp, and fights scalp infections and dandruff. Undiluted neem oil will help treat head lice.
Orange Peel
Reetha
Shikakai
Shikakai is an herb known in ayurveda for its cleansing properties and natural mild foaming properties. Literally meaning “fruit for hair”, it has been traditionally used for beautiful and healthy hair as a mild shampoo. Shikakai has anti-dandruff properties and is known to aid with detangling of hair. Mixing shikakai with amla promotes hair strengthening and conditioning. This naturally astringent herb will also promote a healthy scalp and stronger roots.
Best for all hair types. However, for hair that is prone to dryness, shikakai is best used sparingly and mixed with an additional herb, such as amla.
Tulsi
Tulsi, or Holy Basil, is known to promote health and for having healing properties. It is a purifying herb and additionally has antiseptic properties. The powder form has a purifying action for the blood. It addresses all sorts of skin diseases when prepared properly, such as ringworm, skin eruptions, scabies, eczema, minor wounds, itching, and scalp irritations and infections. In beauty, tulsi is effective in removing blemishes, treating acne, and for removing dirt deep in pores. Now that I’m a little more familiar with what each does, I will begin experimenting with them as the months pass. I still have to do my Henna + Amla mix, so I guess that’s a great place to start.
@kwnatural I got most of my information from MopTop Maven. I started with a challenge she had at the beginning of the year. Her blog has been idle for a minute, I hear due to sickness. But it is still a wealth of information. Here are couple of links you may be interested in.
http://moptopmaven.blogspot.com/2010/08/regimen-building-go-ayurvedic-part-1.html
http://moptopmaven.blogspot.com/2010/08/regimen-building-go-ayurvedic-part-2.html
I don't use the Ayruvedic system for my hair, but I'm surely looking into it. I've seen nothing but positive outcomes from those such as, HENNA. I am seriously looking into it. I've fallen in love with my Vatika Oil (which contains henna), my hair is extremely soft and has held onto a nice shine/sheen. I'm loving it, I cannot wait to change my regimen to nothing but Ayurvedic products! 🙂 Sure, I'll use other things as well …
I'm starting to notice some gray hair strands in my hair (I'm 34 years old, so I consider only a few strands of gray hair a blessing, as it could be worse than that), so henna is definitely on my to do list this year. I want to color my hair, without all of the harsh chemicals, so I'm grateful that I now know about henna.
I have used henna and amla, but nothing else.
For those of you who use these powders, how did you learn your method? By the way, what is your method?
I am interested in the hibiscus petal… I wonder if it will color hair similar to the way henna colors hair….
@AishaSaidIt,
Thank you sooooo much for the suggestions! I will check out those recommended sites now!
I get most of my herbs from http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/ as far has Hibiscus, Marshmallow root, and Fenugreek seed powders go. I get the Indian powders from my local Indian store but here is a site I tried once, www.theindianfoodstore.com. WORD OF CAUTION, be careful buying the indian powders online because they cost twice as much. (a rip off) Also I http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com/shambar.htm has an awesome Ayurvedic shampoo bar.
And I get Bhringraj Powder from http://www.ayurnaturalbeauty.com/products/Bhringraj-Powder.html. Whew… I also traded Henna for Rhassoul clay (for now). I think that's pretty much it. Oh and I get shea butter from http://www.nasabb.com/ has nothing to do with the article but I can't live without the stuff. 🙂
Do you use an Ayurvedic Regimen for your hair?
Yes, every week. And I will never go back. I started with the MopTop Maven challenge and it has been the best thing I have ever done for my hair. I actually wrote a document on what I do weekly (with info from MopTop) for me to remember, and some family members. Because of the mixing it can be time consuming and at times a mess. But I think the results are totally worth it. My time, my mess, my hair, no apologies.
I'm eager to give these a try-is there a site where I can order these powders and oils inexpensively? Or, fellow natural New Yorkers, is there a place I can actually go to get these ingredients? Thanks!
I actually add BRAHMI oil to my Henna. I like the creamy consistency it gives and I think it makes it a little easier to wash out. It doesn't affect the stain.
I pre-poo with VATIKA oil (which contains many of the powders listed). In my opinion, it doesn't smell too hot but I love the way it makes my hair feel. Very soft!
Sometimes I'll do a treatment with KALPI TONE. I'll add a little water to make it muddy let it sit for about 30 minutes before washing out.
I've tried to wash with Reetha but I just can't seem to get past the idea of washing my hair with powder. Personally the SHIKAKAI is a weee bit drying to the hair, so whenever I use it, I do so sparingly.
Overall, I actually like all of the products I've used so far.
I use Bhringraj 2/3 and 1/3 Amla, warm water and olive oil. I mix it into a nice paste and let it sit for about an hour under a plastic cap. As a person with alopecia, I can definately feel the difference in my hair, no scalp itching. I just wish I could find a B&M store where I can purchase. I do this routine weekly.
I just used my first Ayurvedic mixture this weekend! I must say that my hair is more shiny and softer than ever! I used the Shikakai and Alma and left it on my hair for an hour and half. I loved the results and will put this into my regimen! *This method will not change your hair color. It just makes your hair shine!*
What does your routine look like?
I use all the powders listed. I always thought that Reetha was Aritha, but im sure they are the same thing. I have noticed since I started using the powders (it has been about a year now) my hair is stronger, healthier with great shine. I love the Ayurvedic powders! I use them faithful each month.