White hair, sooner or later, makes its appearance. It can be said that in the vast majority of the population they do not show up before the age of thirty but there is also a small group of people who witness an early graying – before the age of twenty – or late (after forty). To whatever group you belong, know that there are some small remedies to minimize their occurrence, even if no truly miraculous remedy is known for the moment. White hair
Hair is born, grows, nourishes and ages, just like any other part of the body. They receive nourishment thanks to the oily substances that are secreted by the sebaceous glands, but the color is determined by the more or less high presence of melanin. When the latter decreases due to a lack of efficiency or quantity of melanocyte cells, the color begins to change until it reaches white, or the total absence of color. Acting on this factor, however, is not very easy because according to science it is determined by various causes. These also include stress, circulation problems and the presence of viruses or bacteria that modify the functioning of the immune system. Also people who smoke,What Ayurvedic medicine thinks
Unlike Western medicine, Ayurvedic medicine is a much broader discipline that should be followed very carefully and personalized according to the patient. According to Ayurveda, for example, it is very likely that the lack of hair color is caused by a reduction in the pitta dosha. Like the medicine of Hippocrates and Galen, in fact, it provides for the presence of three humors, called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Pitta is the mood linked to metabolism, enzymatic capacity, digestive processes and all the chemical reactions of our organism. But, above all, it is the dosha that determines the color. Eclipta alba to avoid graying
We know it by the name of Eclipta Alba, Ayurveda calls it Maka or bhringraj. She is also nicknamed the queen of hair, in fact the plant is known to counteract graying of the hair, purify the scalp and delay premature graying. But not only: using it consistently you get shiny and soft hair. It can be used in the form of a compress by mixing the powder of the plant with hot water and applying it to the hair for a minimum of half an hour before the traditional shampoo. If, on the other hand, you have short hair, you can opt for the preparation of an infusion to be used daily with a spray container. If you also want to get a coloring effect, you can use it in combination with pink hibiscus.Indian ginseng to stimulate melanin
Whitania somnifera is called Ashwagandha and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. According to this discipline, it would reduce the loss of melanin in the hair by preventing premature graying. This is probably made possible thanks to the presence of antioxidants and amino acids. It is advisable to use the plant both for external use, in the form of a compress, and orally. Ashwagandha also boosts the immune system’s defenses and reduces anxiety. Several studies have shown a rejuvenating effect. Shirodhara against white hair
Another treatment used for millennia is shirodhara which, in addition to avoiding graying of the hair and fortifying the hair, acts as a general relaxant of the mind and body. It should only be performed by trained personnel and consists of a continuous stream of hot sesame oil often combined with herbs, in the center of the head. It deeply nourishes the scalp and tones the nervous system, reducing anxiety and insomnia. Better still when combined with shiro abhyangha – the head massage. Chilli pepper against hair loss and graying
A decidedly more Western remedy but as old as man is to use rubefacant substances in order to improve the circulation of the scalp and improve the growth and vitality of the hair. Once upon a time, an onion and pepper-based compress was used, while today people are more inclined to take advantage of the benefits of capsaicin, a main component of chilli – or rosemary extract. It goes without saying that it is important not to use excessive doses to avoid causing severe irritation to the scalp. In the right quantity, however, it causes a slight redness due to an increase in peripheral circulation. This would allow for a better blood flow to the area and, consequently, more nutrients and oxygen for the hair follicles. In principle, an oleolite is prepared based on 500 ml of sesame oil combined with 25 grams of dried chilli. Before using it, however, it is good to test a small amount on the scalp in order to avoid persistent irritation. Scientific studies have also shown that subcutaneous administration of capsaicin together with isoflavones promotes hair regrowth. Finally, it is important to underline that some of the remedies described in the article are the result of millenary knowledge deriving from ancient medicines, but not all of them have been confirmed by today’s science. Scientific studies have also shown that subcutaneous administration of capsaicin together with isoflavones promotes hair regrowth. Finally, it is important to underline that some of the remedies described in the article are the result of millenary knowledge deriving from ancient medicines, but not all of them have been confirmed by today’s science. Scientific studies have also shown that subcutaneous administration of capsaicin together with isoflavones promotes hair regrowth. Finally, it is important to underline that some of the remedies described in the article are the result of millenary knowledge deriving from ancient medicines, but not all of them have been confirmed by today’s science.
[1] Bioinformation. 2008; 3(3): 100–110. Published online 2008 Nov 2. PMCID: PMC2639691 PMID: 19238245 A compilation of Bioactive Compounds from Ayurveda Ramar Perumal Samy,1 Peter Natesan Pushparaj,2 and Ponnampalam Gopalakrishnakone
[2] Growth Horm IGF Res. 2007 Oct;17(5):408-15. Epub 2007 Jun 13. Administration of capsaicin and isoflavone promotes hair growth by increasing insulin-like growth factor-I production in mice and in humans with alopecia. Harada N1, Okajima K, Arai M, Kurihara H, Nakagata N.
[3] Glob Adv Health Med. 2014 Jan; 3(1): 75–80. Published online 2014 Jan 1. doi: 10.7453/gahmj.2012.086 PMCID: PMC3921608 PMID: 24753997 Ayurvedic Therapy (Shirodhara) for Insomnia: A Case Series Sivarama Prasad Vinjamury, MD (Ayurveda), MAOM, MPH,corresponding author Manjusha Vinjamury, MD ( Ayurveda), MAOM, Claudia der Martirosian, PhD, and Judith Miller, MAOM (C)
