Shikakai – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!
By Dr Siddharth Gupta +2 more
Last updated: Oct 22, 2024 Published on: Jan 18, 2022
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By Dr Siddharth Gupta +2 more
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Shikakai, also known as Shika in Tamil, Seekaaya in Telugu, and Soap pod in English, is a powerful ayurvedic plant that has been used for generations as a cleanser for healthy, long hair, dandruff management and relief of skin diseases.
Shikakai, also known as Acacia concinna in scientific terms, is a shrub-like tree native to Central India. Acacia concinna (Leguminosae), a climbing shrub with oblong-shaped dark brown pods, bipinnate leaves, and pink flowers. It is typically found in the Indian subcontinent’s tropical woods.1
Shikakai is a plant that is used in India for hair, dandruff, and skin disorders
This herb has been studied to have a potential effect on constipation, jaundice, gum infections, leprosy, malarial fever, and ingredient of contraceptives.1, 2
Shikakai is also known to have many beneficial properties:3
I would say shikakai is a natural remedy right at your fingertips. It is like a secret weapon against these pesky skin issues. This magical herb has been used for centuries to possibly manage leprosy and various skin-related conditions like oedema.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Natural surfactant soap pods have been used for cleansing the scalp, strengthening the hair from the roots, offering relief from scaling, and reducing irritation, dryness, greasiness, and scaling of the scalp since ancient times.1 Shikakai means “fruit for hair”.4
When it comes to hair care, natural herbs are preferred. Shikakai has been utilized for skin and hair care since ancient times, and Ayurveda recognizes its advantages. Shikakai fruit pods that contain tiny seeds are used. Shikakai is a powerful plant that can help with a variety of diseases.4
Shikakai may naturally soften and smoothen hair by releasing essential oils and vitamins that are important for hair growth. It may encourage hair development and may help maintain hair silky and lustrous. When used for hair, shikakai may help with the restoration of hair’s glossy texture, thickness, and length.
Shikakai is high in important nutrients, thus it may keep hair healthy and prevent breakage and brittleness, which are two of the most prevalent causes of hair loss.
Also Read: 15 Home Remedies for Dandruff
Also Read: 5 Ayurveda Herbs That Are Great for Hair
Shikakai may help to treat minor scrapes and bruises on the scalp due to its potential characteristics. Shampoos and other lotions can irritate sensitive scalp skin but ground roasted shikakai paste may provide significant relief.
A smooth paste of shikakai powder with turmeric and fresh neem leaves can be used to heal minor scalp cuts and wounds. This property would need further research to identify the benefits of shikai for healing wounds in humans.
Shikakai may be used to treat scabies as an antibacterial wash. To create the wash, you may soak turmeric in hot water for a few minutes and then mash it into a paste. Burn a long slice of shikakai directly in the fire until it gets dark. Allow it to cool before grinding it into a fine powder. Boil water and combine ground turmeric paste and ground shikakai powder. Strain and apply to the afflicted area as an antiseptic wash.
Shikakai and turmeric both may have antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties, making this a good scabies wash. You must consult a doctor before using shikakai for scabies.
Mixing a tablespoon of shikakai powder with a tablespoon of cream, almond powder, and turmeric may help to remove dead skin cells and give skin a natural glow. You must discuss with your dermatologist before using shikakai for any skin issues.
The potential suppository and purgative (laxative) properties of shikakai pods may be helpful in treating constipation and reducing indigestion, abdominal cramps, and flatulence. It aids in the digestion of meals and the passage of faeces through the body. These properties of shikakai may be studied extensively to identify its full potential for human conditions such as constipation.
Shikakai’s may have anti-bacterial properties that are crucial in preventing tooth and gum infections.
It may also help with tooth decay and plaque build-up, as well as gingivitis and other gum diseases. These conditions may be studied for humans.
Ayurveda states the efficacy of shikakai in the treatment of jaundice. It may help to stimulate the liver. However, if you are suffering from any condition related to the liver, consult with a doctor before using shikakai.
Shikakai powder may help to regulate blood sugar levels to a normal level. It may have effect on keeping the blood sugar level balanced. However, this potential property of shikakai needs to be tested further for humans. It is suggested that you must consult a qualified doctor.
Shikakai pods can be used to clean the skin after being soaked in water. This may help to make your skin look healthier if you apply it on a regular basis. It may also have some beneficial effects on symptoms of aging.
However, skin is a sensitive organ and you must consult your dermatologist before applying anything on your skin even if its a natural product.
Also Read: Foods to Eat & Avoid for Malaria
Though studies show the benefits of beetroot against various disease conditions, these studies are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of beetroot on human health.
In my opinion, shikakai is a true game-changer! It has proven to be a successful source of novel anti-hepatitis inhibitors. This incredible herb might hold a promise for innovative treatments and offers hope in the fight against hepatitis.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Shikakai is available in five different forms5
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor. Your doctor will prescribe you the appropriate form based on your individual needs.
I just read a research that suggested a saponin combination found in shikakai may be a fantastic weapon against obesity. It works by blocking an enzyme called pancreatic lipase, which stops our bodies from absorbing too much fat from food and may help prevent weight gain. While some saponins might not get fully absorbed by our bodies, studies have shown that many saponins might still fight obesity.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
The majority of studies have determined that shikakai may be safe to eat. However, excessive shikakai use can result in some of the adverse effects described below.5
Even Ayurvedic herbs may have specific side effects and may react differently in every person. Ensure that you consult an Ayurvedic physician before using it for proper guidance.
If you have one or more of these conditions, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking shikakai.5
Kindly do not self-medicate. Do not substitute, alter, or discontinue any ongoing treatment on your own.
Shikakai is a traditional Indian medicinal herb that is particularly effective at preventing hair loss and dandruff.1
Take 500 grams of shikakai, 100 grams of reetha, 100 grams of fenugreek seeds, tulsi leaves, hibiscus petals, and curry leaves. Allow two days for all of the components to dry in the sun. Grind them thoroughly, then store the shikakai powder in an airtight container until needed.3
Overnight soak shikakai pods, reetha, and amla in water. The next day, bring the water to a boil until all of the ingredients have softened. Strain the mixture thoroughly and use it to wash hair like a shampoo.3
For hundreds of years, Shikakai has been used in India for hair treatment. The Shikakai tree’s pods, leaves, and bark are high in vitamins A, C, D, E, and K. It can be used as a shampoo to clean hair, as hair oil, or even as a hair mask to nourish and speed up the growth of hair.1
Yes, bathing hair with shikakai every day is fine. In fact, shikakai maybe superior to commercial shampoos when it comes to hair. Because it contains natural saponins, shikakai helps to cleanse the hair.3 Kindly do not self-medicate, consult your Ayurvedic physician for detailed prescription.
Shikakai is a fantastic tonic for all hair issues. Although Shikakai does not cause hair loss, too much of it might cause the hair follicles to dry up and become brittle.4 Please follow instructions and advice given by your doctor while using shikakai.
Because of its unique capacity to cleanse without irritating the scalp, shikakai may be helpful as an anti-dandruff agent. It’s maybe especially good for treating chronic dandruff caused by too much oil on the scalp. When applied on a daily basis, Shikakai may help to eliminate excess oil from the scalp and reduce dandruff.4 However, any herb should not be used without proper consultation with a doctor.
Because shikakai shampoo does not strip the hair of its natural oils during the washing process, a conditioner is usually not required afterward. The shampoo can also be used to detangle hair.3 More research is needed to understand the extent to which shikakai would benefit humans.
Due to its potential cleaning and anti-fungal characteristics, shikakai might be used alone or in conjunction with reetha and amla as a shampoo to help manage hair fall and dandruff. Moreover, because of its laxative properties, drinking shikakai infusion can aid with constipation.3
No, shikakai does not cause dandruff; rather, its unique ability to cleanse without hurting the scalp makes it an effective anti-dandruff agent.4
Shikakai has strong moisturizing, conditioning, and hydrating characteristics that assist in preventing hair from becoming dry and frizzy. As a result, shikakai does not cause hair to dry out.4
Overnight soak shikakai pods, reetha, and amla in water. The next day, bring the water to a boil until all of the ingredients have softened. Strain the mixture thoroughly and use it as a hair shampoo.6
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