Treatment for White Hair in Ayurvedic Medicine

Aging is a natural process and greying of hair is one of the most prominent signs of aging. While some people embrace the process, others find it difficult. There is yet another group of people who have to deal with premature greying of hair. It can be quite difficult to handle the signs of aging showing up prematurely.

Chemical coloring Vs Ayurvedic treatment for white hair

Some people in their 20s or 30s choose to color their gray hair. However, it is neither a safe nor economical option. Colors have chemicals that can produce side-effects. Hair dyes commonly contain ammonia and peroxide which are dangerous for the skin. Also, they fade away soon and you need to frequently recolor your hair.

Ayurvedic medicine for white hair is purely natural and does not cause any harmful reaction. Most of the remedies can be prepared at home with easy to access fresh herbal ingredients. Thus, white hair treatment in Ayurveda is safe and inexpensive. Home remedies or ayurvedic solutions take time to work. If you want to see positive results, you have to follow the schedule consistently. Only with patience and regular efforts will you be able to prevent further damage to your hair.

Premature white hair treatment in Ayurveda

Before learning about white hair treatment in Ayurveda, let us establish clarity on one thing. No form of medicine can completely reverse the process in all cases. Mostly, you can only slow it down so that the remaining strands do not turn white quickly. However, in some cases, if you take care of your diet consistently for a long time, the white strands may turn black again.

According to Ayurveda, our lifestyle, our physical and mental health is responsible for the early onset of greying of hair. Grey hair implies that your pittais at an increased level. What is pitta? It is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda (the other two being Vata and Kapha). A healthy body has a good balance of the three doshas. The role of pittadosha is to digest the food consumed, absorb the nutrients for the nourishment of the body, get rid of the waste and stimulate hunger and thirst.

To tackle the premature greying of hair, we must understand what causes an aggravated pitta. Once we get to the roots, we can fix the problem easily. Given below are the reasons that cause an imbalance in pitta dosha.

• Increased exposure to sunlight

Overexposure to the sun, especially the rays at noon can aggravate pitta. A pitta imbalance usually occurs after a beach holiday. If no attempt is made to balance out the dosha, it can lead to the early greying of hair.

• Consuming hot, spicy food

Eating food with large amounts of salt, sourness or spice aggravates the pitta dosha. If you are experiencing premature greying of hair, try cutting down foods that contain chillies, vinegar, tamarind, etc…

• Stress

Grief and stress cause an imbalance in our doshas. If you are frequently stressed, nervous or anxious, expect more white strands to appear soon. Say goodbye to excessive anger and work against the biological clock. Distress yourself. Try to inculcate a relaxed lifestyle.

• Undergoing treatments that involve heat

Certain treatment procedures for the hair and the skin involve exposure to heat and UV rays. These procedures increase pitta. Laser-based treatments, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy also aggravate pitta dosha. To maintain balance after undergoing procedures involving heat, it is important to follow a proper diet. Avoid foods with an increased salt content or spice.

 

Ayurvedic oil for white hair

White hair treatment in Ayurveda consists of certain oils that will keep the white hair at bay.

• Coconut oil

Coconut oil acts as a cooling agent against the aggravated pitta. It is mixed with one of the following and applied to the hair –

• Curry leaves – Curry leaves contain iron and vitamins. They can either be consumed or heated with coconut oil until you get a black mixture. Then apply it to your hair. (Curry leaves can also be mixed with buttermilk and applied to the hair).
• Aloe vera gel
• Amla powder – Mix amla powder and coconut oil. Heat it until it turns black. Let it cool down. Then apply it on the hair

Smear your palms with the oil mixed with curry leaves/aloe vera gel/amla powder. The scalp has to be massaged. Do this a couple of times every week.

• Hibiscus

Hibiscus flower is commonly used to prevent greying of hair and to treat dormant hair follicles in bald patches. It makes your hair darker and even stimulates hair growth. Soak the flower petals and leaves in water overnight. The water would have absorbed the nutrients which keep your hair dark. Wash your hair using the water.

• Sesame seed oil

Carrot seed oil is blended with sesame seed oil in the proportion of 0.5: 4. Massage the scalp with this mixture of oils. After some time, wash your hair with shampoo. Sesame seed oil is also mixed with other ingredients like olive, almond oil or mustard seed. Sesame seeds have antioxidant properties. They contain vitamins that prevent hair from turning white. Also, if none of the other ingredients are available, plain sesame seed oil applied to the hair works just fine. It is recommended to include sesame seeds in your diet as well.

• Shikakai

Shikakai, with its proven benefits, is great for the hair. Washing your hair with a mixture of shikakai powder and powder of methi  (fenugreek) seeds is good for your scalp.

One more remedy is to mix finely ground shikakai with curd and apply it as a hair pack. Wait for about 15 minutes and then wash your hair thoroughly. Shikakai contains Vitamin C and antioxidants. Vitamin C stimulates hair growth while antioxidants work to prevent hair damage. Apart from preventing greying of hair, it makes the hair soft and nourishes the scalp.

• Bhringamalakadi Tailam 

It is an Ayurvedic oil for white hair that fights greying of hair by getting to the root of the problem. It balances the Vata and pitta in the body. The oil is made up of herbal extracts, cow milk, and sesame oil. Its ingredients are such that, when used, it cools down the scalp to prevent further greying of hair.

The oil provides adequate nourishment for the root and the scalp. It also enhances blood circulation to the ends of the nerves. Thus, a massage with this oil will guarantee dark healthy hair. Wait for at least 30 minutes before washing the hair. Use cold water or lukewarm water to wash off the oil.

• Henna

Henna has been used as a natural hair coloring product for a long time. Henna is a natural dye. Make a paste of henna, coffee/tea powder, and lime juice. Mix the paste with hot water and apply it to your hair. Wait for 45 – 60 minutes and then wash your hair thoroughly. Henna nourishes the hair well and boosts hair growth. It improves follicle health, which in turn reduces thinning of hair and hair fall. Henna powder can also be mixed with hibiscus or egg for better results.

Panchakarma procedures for white hair treatment in Ayurveda

Panchakarma procedures cool down the body and bring back the balance of the doshas. The following procedures are used to treat white hair.

• Nasya

Nasya is a panchakarma procedure for the nourishment of the head. It purifies the head, nose, and throat regions. Nasya is an herbal liquid. Five drops of Nasya is administered into each nostril while in the lying position. The procedure is classified into 3 types depending on the ingredients used to prepare the nasya and the problem it is used to treat. The three types of Nasya are – virechana, bruhana, and shaman.

Out of these, shamana nasya is for treating hair problems. The nasya is prepared is a mixture of herbal extracts, oils, and medical decoctions. The mixture fixes the imbalance in the doshas. It prevents hair loss and premature greying.

• Takradhara

Takradhara is a procedure used to treat various hair and skin problems. It provides a soothing effect on the body and releases stress and hypertension. Initially, the patient is made to lie down. Oil is applied to his/her body. A vessel with medicated buttermilk is hung over the patient’s head. The buttermilk is poured onto the patient’s forehead through a small hole at the bottom of the vessel. Care is taken to avoid the liquid from entering other parts of the patient’s face. Takradhara is a great remedy for premature greying of hair./p>

Vanshveda – A solution with a holistic approach

Vanshveda provides solutions to common health issues through a holistic approach to the overall well-being of the individual. The primary aim is to get rid of the problem by getting to its roots and preventing it from recurring. The ingredients of the products are organic and purely herbal. They do not result in any harmful side effects.

Vanshveda products for premature white hair treatment in Ayurveda

The hair dream kit is a pack of 3 products –the hair dream oil, shampoo, and capsules. This is a 100% Ayurvedic solution to combat premature greying. The products nourish the hair follicles and control hair fall. The Ayurvedic ingredients strengthen the roots well while delaying the whitening of hair.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Ayurvedic treatment for white hair

Can Ayurveda reverse grey hair?

Although certain clinics claim that their treatments reverse the process, it is highly unlikely that your white hair will turn black again. Along with your treatment, the changes in your lifestyle also matter. Focus on mental health and a nutritious diet to prevent further greying. In some cases, early intervention can reverse the process.

What is the best medicine for white hair?

Ayurvedic oils are the best medicine to prevent premature hair whitening. Also, home remedies like henna, amla, coconut oil, curry leaves, and aloe vera work well, without producing any harmful side effects.

Can white hair turn black naturally?

If white hair is because of aging or genetic reasons, it cannot be reversed. White hair due to stress or bad lifestyle can turn black naturally with early intervention.

Does the sun cause white hair?

The sun emits UV rays, which have a damaging effect on the scalp. This leads to your hair greying quicker. Do not expose your hair and skin to sunlight for long periods, especially during midday.

Does saltwater cause GREY hair?

Saltwater can make the hair coarse and dry. However, it does not turn the hair white. Numerous people living along the coastlines have hair that comes in contact with salt water every day. The hair usually remains unaffected.

Which oil is best for white hair problem?

Although there are several oils in Ayurveda to treat the problem, Amla hair oil has proved to work wonders.

What should we eat to avoid white hair?

Nutritional deficiencies are one of the main reasons for premature greying of hair. Consuming foods loaded with vitamins, iron and good cholesterol can keep the white strands at bay. Also, include antioxidant-rich foods in your diet (green tea, fruits and vegetables, olive oil and fish).

How can I increase melanin in my hair naturally?

Melanin is responsible for pigmentation. Therefore, if you are can increase melanin levels, your hair will naturally have darker pigmentation. To naturally increase melanin, eat foods that are rich in Vitamin A (carrots, spinach, peas, sweet potatoes etc…).

How can I turn my white hair into black naturally?

White hair can be turned back to black hair if proper changes are made in your lifestyle. Quit smoking altogether. Use Ayurvedic oils, home remedies or panchakarma procedures. Consume nutritious foods. Be consistent with your efforts.

Can coconut oil reduce white hair?

Yes, coconut oil is better than any chemical product available in the market. It keeps hair fall under control and slows down the greying of hair.

How can I increase melanin in my hair?

Consume foods rich in proteins and vitamins. Consuming seafood is also good for hair.