5 Ayurveda Herbs That Are Great for Hair Growth!

Introduction

Most people experience hair fall at some point in their lives. Sometimes, the amount of hair shedding is so alarming that they fear they will go bald.

However, hair fall is often manageable. There are several approaches that may help reduce hair fall. Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that focuses on natural and holistic care, and it is believed to be one of the better ways to help improve hair growth and hair health.

What Does Ayurveda Say About Hair?

The Ayurvedic system of medicine is based on the principle that the body is composed of three doshas, namely vata, pitta, and kapha¹. According to Ayurveda, hair problems result from the exacerbation of pitta dosha.

Ayurvedic Herbs for Hair Growth

In Ayurveda, several herbs are used for hair care as they are known for their moisturising and nourishing properties. These herbs may help reduce hair fall and help promote hair growth. Here is a list of the commonly used Ayurvedic herbs for hair care.

1. Bhringraj

Bhringraj, also known as false daisy, is an Indian herb that usually grows in moist areas. It is rich in vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and iron². Bhringraj may help:

• Promote hair growth and reduce hair loss.
• Soothe the scalp by increasing blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles.
• Activate hair roots and follicles to induce natural hair growth.
• Nourish your hair naturally and make it healthy and shiny^2,3.

How to use: You can make bhringraj oil by adding bhringraj extract to coconut or sesame oil. Regular use of this oil may also help reduce stress by increasing blood circulation to the scalp.

Did you know dandruff can lead to hair breakage and hair loss? Bhringraj leaves extract might help in reducing dandruff, which may eventually lead to less hair fall.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

2. Brahmi

Brahmi has been traditionally used in Ayurveda for hair growth, supporting scalp health, and managing thinning of hair. It contains alkaloids and flavonoids that may help activate certain proteins in your body that support hair strength. Brahmi oil may help:

• Promote hair growth and improve scalp health.
• Soothe dry and damaged scalp and strengthen hair follicles⁴.
• Reduce stress and improve your mood.
• Reduce cortisol a stress hormone in your body⁵ as high cortisol levels are one of the reasons for hair fall.

How to use: Boil brahmi leaves in coconut oil and store it. Massaging the scalp with Brahmi oil has a very soothing effect.

Long-term use of Brahmi oil may help improve the cognitive function of the brain. It may also improve the visual processing of the brain, memory and concentration.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

3. Amla

Vitamin C-loaded amla is an essential part of hair care and skincare routine. Amla may support overall hair and scalp health, as it may help remove dandruff, grease, and dirt from hair follicles. Massaging the scalp with amla oil may also help increase blood circulation.

• It contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants that may help strengthen hair follicles and make your hair strong and lustrous.
• It provides essential nutrients to hair follicles and blocks free radical damage, which may help promote hair growth.
• It may also help in reducing premature hair loss⁶.

How to use: You can massage your scalp with amla oil for natural hair growth and improving blood circulation. You can also take amla juice in the morning, which may help with digestion, hair nourishment, and overall health⁶.

4. Fenugreek or Methi Seeds

Fenugreek, also known as methi seeds, is a common spice in every Indian kitchen.

• Methi seeds are rich in vitamins including vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C, proteins, and folic acid, and it may have several potential health benefits⁷.
• Fenugreek seeds contain nicotinic acid, a protein that is known to be effective against hair fall, dandruff, and various types of scalp problems.
• It may promote hair growth by nourishing your hair⁸.

How to use: Soak methi seeds overnight, grind them to a fine paste, apply to the hair and scalp, and leave it on for half an hour. Then wash it with lukewarm water. Repeat this thrice a week for better results.

5. Shikakai

Remember those days when your mother gave you shikakai to wash your hair? Shikakai is a traditional herb commonly used in hair care and is often known as a natural cleanser used in place of shampoo. It may support overall hair health as it:

• Gently cleanses the hair and scalp without stripping natural oils.
• Contains antioxidants that may help nourish the hair by reducing cell damage.
• May help improve the hair’s smoothness and natural shine.
• May support healthy hair growth with regular use^9,10.

How to use: Make shikakai powder by simply grinding it. Add 2 tablespoons of this powder in coconut oil and store. Massage your hair with this oil at least twice a week. Also, you can wash your hair with shikakai powder as an alternative for shampoo.

Also Read: 7 Health Benefits of Amla

Conclusion

Hair fall is a common problem that may often be managed with natural Ayurvedic practices. Herbs like bringaraj, brahmi, amla, fenugreek, and shikakai may be helpful in reducing hair problems such as hair fall, hair loss, and dandruff. With regular use, these herbs may help thicken your hair, improve shine, and promote scalp health and hair growth.

References

1. Shilpa S, Venkatesha Murthy C. Understanding personality from Ayurvedic perspective for psychological assessment: A case. AYU. 2011;32(1):12. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.85716. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3215408/
2. Jha U, Singh K, Singh A. Phytochemical and pharmacology activity of Bhringraj: A review. ijhs. Published online June 7, 2022:11113-11125. doi:10.53730/ijhs.v6nS3.8560. Available from: https://www.academia.edu/105547682/Phytochemical_and_pharmacology_activity_of_Bhringraj
3. Timalsina D, Devkota HP. Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. (Asteraceae): Ethnomedicinal Uses, Chemical Constituents, and Biological Activities. Biomolecules. 2021;11(11):1738. doi:10.3390/biom11111738. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8615741/
4. Guddetwar SV, Khan . Saqlain Khan Gaffar, Tekale VK, Naik KK, keskar JA. Dveloping and Assessing Herbal Oil for Promoting Scalp Helath: Brahmi Oil. 2024;12(5). Available from: https://www.ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2405969.pdf
5. Mathur D, Goyal K, Koul V, Anand A. The Molecular Links of Re-Emerging Therapy: A Review of Evidence of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera). Front Pharmacol. 2016;7. doi:10.3389/fphar.2016.00044. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4778428/
6. Kundalik K, M V H. A Review Artical on Indian Gooseberry Uses on Haircare. IJARSCT. 2025;5(5). Available from: https://ijarsct.co.in/Paper30018.pdf
7. Ahmad A, Alghamdi SS, Mahmood K, Afzal M. Fenugreek a multipurpose crop: Potentialities and improvements. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences. 2016;23(2):300-310. doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2015.09.015. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4894452/
8. Sakthi D. Effectiveness of Fenugreek Seed Paste on Adolescent Girls in Selected Women’s Hostel, Coimabtore. 2014;2(2). Available from: https://ijneronline.com/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=International%20Journal%20of%20Nursing%20Education%20and%20Research;PID=2014-2-2-13 9.
9. Shikkakai Powder. 2011. Available from: https://www.moice.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Herbal-Shikkakai.pdf
10. Sang SH, Akowuah GA, Liew KB, et al. Natural alternatives from your garden for hair care: Revisiting the benefits of tropical herbs. Heliyon. 2023;9(11):e21876. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21876. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10685248/

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