Introduction
Table of Contents
Hair health is a reflection of the overall health of our body. According to Ayurveda, our body is made up of seven “Dhatus” (Rasa, Medas, Asthi, etc.). From another perspective, our body is the product of three “Doshas” (Kapha, Pitta, and Vata). These seven “Dhatus“, or three “Doshas“, also affect the health of our hair. In today’s era, premature graying, hair fall, and dandruff have become common. Let us understand how we can ensure proper hair health through an adequate diet.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It must not be treated as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medications or regimes discussed herein.
Inadequate Diet: A Common Cause of Poor Hair Health
The “Bone Tissue”, or “Asthi Dhatu” plays a vital role in the overall health of hair. Calcium, in modern medicine, may come close to the concept of “Asthi Dhatu“. However, “Asthi Dhatu” is an important pillar for overall hair health. As hair is the by-product of Asthi, hair loss is often caused by a person’s deficiency in “Asthi Dhatu“.
Common Food Items for Better Hair Health
Milk ("Dugdha")
Milk has been accepted as an important source of “Asthi” (“Bone tissue“) in almost all Ayurvedic texts. Regular consumption of milk can make hair healthy and shapely.
Milk must be included in children’s diets, especially because children are more able to digest and assimilate milk than adults. It is best to consume milk at night.
People who suffer from indigestion or cough may find it difficult to digest milk. Therefore, such persons should consume less milk. Milk can be cooked with various spices like cardamom, black pepper, ginger, turmeric, etc. to make it easier to digest.
Although milk is naturally sweet, natural sweeteners like jaggery and honey can be used to sweeten it. Avoid the use of refined sugar.
Ghee ("Ghrita")
Ghee is a powerful medium for maintaining hair health. It is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins (A, D, E, K), and antioxidants, which play an important role in providing strength to hair roots.
In Ayurveda, Ghee has been said to nourish all the Dhatus. Excess of “Pitta Dosha” can cause stress, tension, and hormonal imbalances in the body which cause hair loss. The cooling nature of ghee is effective in preventing this.
Ghee can stimulate dormant hair follicles, causing them to grow thicker. Due to its “snigdha” property, it locks the moisture in the scalp, thereby preventing dry and frizzy hair. Its regular use reduces the chances of premature graying of hair.
Consuming 1 to 2 teaspoons of ghee daily is sufficient. Add a little ghee to your daily food. You can mix ghee in your regular hair oil and apply it to your scalp regularly.
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Sesame ("Tila")
Sesame is an excellent food item for optimum hair health. Sesame increases melanin production in the body which is responsible for black hair. A few teaspoons of black sesame seeds can be added to daily meals.
Avoid excessive
consumption as it can overheat the body due to its heating nature.
Regular application of sesame oil on the scalp can reduce complaints like dandruff as it has an abundance of antimicrobial properties.
Curry Leaves ("Krishnanimba")
Curry leaves, widely used in Indian cuisine, are a boon for hair. Curry leaves are considered “rasayana” (rejuvenating) because they promote hair growth, prevent hair fall, and maintain the natural color of the hair.
Curry leaves have a decent amount of calcium, iron, phosphorus, beta–carotene, and other nutrients essential for strengthening the hair from the roots. One can add 8-10 curry leaves to one’s daily diet to replenish overall hair health.
Curry leaves can also be added to one’s regular hair masks and oils to increase their potency. Boil a handful of freshly picked curry leaves in coconut oil on low flame for at least 15 minutes. Strain the oil and use it regularly.
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