Ayurvedic Insight
Issue #35, September 2004
In This Issue
Ayurvedic Tips for Beautiful Hairs
by Shannon Mooney
Traditionally, beautiful hair has long been associated with
health and well-being. According to Ayurveda, hair is
considered a secondary vital tissue closely linked to both
bone marrow and the central nervous system. Ayurvedic herbs
and oil treatments do not only produce healthy lustrous
hair, but can also bring peace of mind. According to this
ancient system of medicine, long luxuriant hair functions as
a type of energetic antennae to harness subtle energies of
the body, control the senses and prepare the mind for
meditation.
The Ayurvedic herb bhringaraj, known as the “lord of hair”
has been used since ancient times to rejuvenate hair and
skin. Bhringaraj helps to calm and cool down pitta dosha,
strengthening resistance to stress. Premature hair loss and
graying is considered a pitta imbalance. Bhringaraj is a
rejuvenative for liver and kidneys. It cleanses impurities,
improves complexion of the skin and restores color and
luster to the hair.
Brahmi, also known as gotu kola, is another powerful herb
that helps balance the mind while nourishing hair and scalp.
The Banyan Botanicals’ formula Healthy Hair synergistically
blends these two certified organic botanicals with amalaki,
a detoxifying herb to help cleanse excess pitta from the
body. Follow a recommended dosage of one to three tablets
once or twice daily or as directed by your ayurvedic
practitioner to promote a healthy head of hair.
Treat the scalp topically with a warm oil massage with
Bhringaraj and Brahmi oils. Both are good herbal food for
the scalp. Bhringaraj, in a sesame oil base, is balancing
for all doshas. Brahmi, in a coconut oil base, is
particularly cooling for the pitta mind and enhances
peaceful meditation. Apply oil to the head and gently
massage into the scalp with the pads of the fingertips. Let
the oil penetrate for one hour or leave on overnight to help
promote sound sleep. Wash out in the morning. The oil
massage helps to improve circulation throughout the scalp
while strengthening the roots of the hair. Practice this
nourishing scalp massage one to three times per week.
Helpful hair care tips:
- Include a diet rich in calcium and iron including green
leafy vegetables, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, carrots,
beets, tahini, milk, fresh yogurt, coconut and sweet, juicy
seasonal organic fruits.
- Cook with spices of cumin, black pepper, and turmeric to
provide nourishment to the hair. Sauté 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon
of each spice in one teaspoon of ghee or sesame oil and add
to cooked vegetables or soups. Dry roasted cumin and freshly
ground black pepper can be sprinkled over fresh yogurt.
- Wash hair every other day. Washing every day can strip
hair of its protective oils and over time can lead to dry,
split vata hair.
- Avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals. Choose
gentle, natural shampoos and conditioners that contain
nourishing botanicals such as amalaki, shikai and aloe.
- Always condition the hair after shampooing to help seal
the hair cuticle, keeping moisture in while protecting from
the elements.
- Protect from excessive exposure to sunlight.
- Choose herbal/vegetable based dyes to enhance hair color.
- Avoid heat styling. Let your hair dry naturally, if you
can, and then brush into place.
- Brush hair regularly in all directions using smooth long
strokes from scalp to hair ends.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga and
meditation. Stress can be detrimental to hair and overall
health.
- Get adequate, restful sleep each night to allow the body
essential time to renew and rejuvenate.
These simple ayurvedic recommendations help to beautify and
promote hair health beginning from the inside, working out.
Nourishing your hair and scalp through diet, ayurvedic herbs
and oils can not only produce healthy lustrous hair, but can
also calm the mind, balance the nervous system and
strengthen your meditation practice.
Recipe: Crunchy Coconut Cookies
Sattvic, 0 Vata, - Pitta, 0 Kapha
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 c. date sugar or cane sugar
- 1 c. chopped dates (optional)
- 1/4 c. dried unsweetened, unsulphured papaya, finely
chopped
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/3 c. toasted cashews (optional)
- 2 c. unsweetened flaked coconut
- toasted sesame seeds
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Beat egg whites until they peak. Fold sugar gently into egg
whites. Fold in dates, papaya, vanilla, cashews and coconut.
Spoon onto a non-stick or well oiled cookie sheet and
garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
Bake for 12-15 minutes.
Recipe reprinted with permission from Ayurvedic Cooking for
Westerners by Amadea Morningstar, Lotus Press, P.O. Box 325,
Twin Lakes, WI 53181.©1995 All Rights Reserved.
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