Herbs and Herbal Remedies for Shining, Long Hair

Dull, rough or lusterless hair, hair fall, dandruff or flaky scalp! Hair problems never seem to end. We all keep trying various hair products and hair care synthetic cosmetics to treat the hair problems and maintain their health and keep them lustrous and silky.

Common Herbs used in hair care

Herbs have been used in Ayurveda and Chinese traditional medicine. They are not associated with any side effects or remedies. There are many herbs, herbal remedies and homemade hair tonics which have been used for healthy hair. It is also argued that regular massaging of your scalp with oil provides shine and removes dullness from your hair. The massage allows for the penetration of the oil and hence helps in strengthening the roots of your hair and also prevents hair fall and make them healthy and free from hair problems. Some of the herbs which have been used for healthy hair are;

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera contains a chemical which acts as a stimulant of hair growth. Aloe is also effectively used as hair conditioner and helps in soothing the scalp and regenerating the hair cells. The fresh pulp and juice of Aloe Vera can be applied on the scalp and hair for some time to promote natural hair growth. It is left for about 30 minutes and then washer off with water, This herb is enriched with moisture which offers best results when used in its fresh form.

Arnica: Arnica is an herb which is useful in promoting growth of hair and also provides nutrition to the shaft of the hair. Arnica has been found to be extremely effective in treating the dandruff and prevents the problems related with the scalp.

Rosemary: Rosemary is a herb which is an effective herb for enhancing the growth of the hair. Rosemary is useful in nourishing the flaky and dry scalp and also moisturizes the scalp. It solves the dandruff problem. Rosemary can also treat premature graying of hair and loss of hair. According to researchers and clinicians, rosemary not only stimulates the growth of hair but is equally responsible in fighting off dandruff and in rejuvenating the lack luster hair. Rosemary can be used in cooking food and it can also be taken in the form of rosemary water to create a hair wash or hair rinse.

Marigold: A commonly found herb, Marigold is useful in giving a healthy look and shine to completely dull hair. Marigold is an effective herb for all types of hair including oily hair, fine hair and dry hair.
Tea tree: The extracts of Tea tree and its oil are antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal in nature and can help in reducing the problems of dandruff and other infections of the scalp.

Chamomile: This herb serves as an effective hair conditioner for providing moisturisation and softening of the damaged and dry hair. It is generally used for hair rinsing following shampooing of the hair and brings out highlights in naturally colored hair such as blonde. Chamomile is also helpful in providing strength to the hair, prevent breakage of hair, tangling and split ends.

Hibiscus flower: Hibiscus is another herb, the flowers of which are used to provide shine to the dull hair and also provides protection against grey hair. Hibiscus flower petals is heated with oil such as olive oil, coconut oil or castor oil and applied on scalp and hair for approximately 30 minutes after which a hair wash is important for positive results.

Some home remedies using herbs

There are many home remedies using various herbs which have been found to be commonly used in folklore medicine and are also supported with anecdotal evidence of their utility. Some of these are discussed below which you can use and test for yourself.

Rosemary leaves are taken and boiled in a pot of water; the heat is then reduced and left to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The rosemary herb is strained and the left over water is allowed to cool. This pure rosemary oil is used as a hair rinse to be used on shampooed hair.

Make a paste of amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Brahmi (Centella Asiatica) and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) taken in their powdered forms with water. This paste is applied twice a week on head and left for 1 hour. After an hour, the paste is rinsed off with water or a mild shampoo can also be sued. The use of this paste regularly improves the texture of your hair and makes it more manageable, soft, and shiny and also results in the growth of the new hair within a month of its use.

Another remedy which is great for increasing the length of your hair and maintains their shine and luster uses egg white and yogurt. A paste of white of an egg and half a cup of yogurt is prepared and applied on the scalp and hair. After leaving the paste on the hair and scalp for 20 to 30 minutes, the paste is rinsed off with the help of lukewarm water. Diluted apple cider vinegar can also be sued to rinse off the paste form the hair.

You can add on to the volume of your hair and also increase its length by using black pepper and lemon seeds on your hair. A tea spoon of lemon seeds and black pepper is finely powdered and made into a thick paste with the help of olive oil. This paste is then applied on your scalp and hair and allowed to stay for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Following this, the mixture is rinsed off with the help of tepid water. This remedy provides Vitamin A to your hair which is very good for healthy hair and provides it strength from inside.

Category: HERBAL REMEDIES