Ayurveda to treat baldness: How some remedies can stimulate hair growth
Baldness, also known as Khalitya in Ayurveda, has become an increasingly common problem owing to a number of factors. Be it the simple dietary changes that men and women have gone through, to the stress and sedentary lifestyles, all of them contribute in some way.And while hair loss is often seen as a cosmetic issue, Ayurveda sees it as a reflection of deeper imbalances in the body, particularly involving the three doshas—Pitta, Vata, and Kapha, along with disturbances in Rakta.According to classical Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya, Khalitya is usually triggered by an aggravated Pitta dosha, and the excess heat in the body can weaken hair roots, shrink follicles, and lead to various forms of alopecia, like patchy hair loss, total scalp hair loss, or full-body hair loss.Hair loss and baldnessHair loss in Ayurveda is often attributed to poor nutrition, toxin buildup, and stress—all of which disrupt the natural balance of doshas. The weakening of hair roots and shrinking of follicles results in thinning and bald spots, and over time, these imbalances can lead to chronic conditions unless corrected through natural means.The treatment recommendedAnd while most experts would suggest transplants and surgeries when it comes to dealing with hair loss, Ayurveda treats it a tad bit differently.According to 'Holistic Health: Law and Facts', a book by Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, Khalitya (baldness and hair loss) can be treated by aiming to restore dosha balance, improve blood circulation to the scalp, and nourish the hair roots. And in Ayurveda, this is done by a mix of oral medications, herbal oils, detox therapies, and dietary changes.Options to choose fromAccording to the book, some of the most commonly prescribed formulations to treat baldness are - Narasimha Rasayana, Ashwagandha Churna, Bhringraja Rasayana, Aarogya Vardhini Vati, and more.These natural treatments help strengthen hair, promote regrowth, improve systemic balance, improve hair density, help in detoxifying the blood, and much more.There are also natural oils like Bhringraja taila (oil), massaging which to the scalp daily helps reduce hair fall and improves follicular health.Then there is the Kesheraja taila, for which clinical studies have shown that using it consistently reduces symptoms like dandruff, dryness, and scalp irritation, and encourages regrowth.In some cases, as mentioned in the book, external therapies like Raktamokshana, which is basically bloodletting, is also used.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
9 hours ago
- NDTV
Why Nutritionists Recommend Ragi Roti For Everyday Health
Roti is a staple in Indian households, and for many of us, it's hard to imagine a day without it. Whether paired with dal or sabzi, it's a comforting food that completes our meal. Traditionally, roti is made with whole wheat flour (atta), but with the growing demand for gluten-free options and diverse diets, many are turning to alternative flours. One such option gaining popularity is ragi (finger millet), a nutritional powerhouse that offers incredible health benefits. From weight management to bone health, let's explore the benefits of incorporating ragi roti into your daily diet. But first, let's address some common questions you might have about ragi. Also Read: 5 Smart And Tasty Ways To Add Ragi Flour To Your Child's Diet Why Ragi Is Winning Hearts (And Health Goals) Worldwide? Ragi is loved for more reasons than one. This wonder millet boasts a rich nutritional profile, making it excellent for our overall health. It is rich in fibre, protein and vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B, calcium, iron and magnesium. The best part? Ragi is gluten-free, making it a great choice for people with gluten sensitivities. Is Ragi Heating Or Cooling In Nature? As per Ayurveda, ragi is considered to be a cooling food. It helps cool down the body from within, making it great for consumption during hot summer months. Photo Credit: iStock Ragi Roti Benefits | Here Are 5 Health Benefits Of Eating Ragi Roti Daily: In Weight Management Struggling to shed those extra pounds? Ragi roti could be a great addition to your daily diet. Rich in fibre and protein, ragi roti promotes a feeling of fullness, thus preventing binge eating and supporting your weight loss journey. What's more, ragi is also rich in calcium and antioxidants, making it even healthier. 2. Helps Manage Blood Sugar Levels Ragi roti can help regulate blood sugar levels, thanks to its low glycaemic index. According to Dr. Anju Sood, a Bangalore-based nutritionist, incorporating ragi into your morning meal or lunch can keep your system in check. This is especially beneficial for people with diabetes or those who want to maintain stable energy levels. 3. Promotes Bone Health Ragi's high calcium content makes it an excellent choice for bone health. A study published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that consuming ragi increased calcium levels in premenopausal women, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. If you swap regular roti with ragi roti, it can benefit your bone health in the long run. 4. Good For Hair Growth Ragi is beneficial for hair growth due to its rich nutritional profile. It contains amino acids, calcium and iron, which nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. A study in the Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications found that finger millet extract promoted hair growth in mice, suggesting its potential benefits for humans. 5. Reduces Risk Of Heart Disease Did you know ragi roti can also help reduce the risk of heart disease? Yes, it's true. Since ragi is rich in fibre and antioxidants, it can help lower cholesterol levels. A study by NIH states that this can prevent the formation of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Photo Credit: iStock Word Of Caution: Side-Effects Of Too Much Ragi While ragi is great for our health, excessive consumption can cause several side effects. Since it is high in fibre, eating too much of it can cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas and constipation. Not only this, ragi can also increase the risk of kidney stones and interfere with your thyroid function, as it contains compounds oxalates and goitrogens. Also Read: This 2-Minute Ragi Chocolate Mug Cake Is The Perfect Sweet Fix - And It's Healthy How To Make Soft Ragi Roti At Home Use hot water for kneading: This helps soften the dough and makes it easier to roll. Add ghee or oil: This adds moisture and improves texture. Let the dough rest: Cover and keep it for 30 minutes, This helps the flour absorb moisture evenly, making the rotis softer. Roll gently: This will help avoid cracks. Also use a bit of dry ragi flour to prevent sticking. Cook on medium heat: Press the roti on both the sides gently to help it puff up. Store immediately: Transfer the hot rotis directly into an insulated container. This traps steam and keeps them soft for long. Ragi Roti: A Simple Daily Fix For Better Health Incorporating ragi roti into your daily diet can have a significant impact on your overall health and wellbeing. So, consider swapping it with regular roti today! Advertisement For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Ragi Roti Ragi Roti Benefits Health Benefits Of Ragi Roti Show full article Comments
Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Indian Express
Mira Kapoor on creating her luxury wellness sanctuary in Mumbai's Bandra
When Mira Kapoor (nee Rajput) was five, she gravitated towards the piano, playing nursery rhymes like Yankee Doodle by ear. Recognising her talent, her parents enrolled her in formal lessons, but the structure of education took away the joy of playing, and she soon dropped out. Over the years, whenever she saw a piano, she would sit and play. A few years ago, the instrument finally found its way into her Mumbai home, which she built with her actor-husband Shahid Kapoor. Since then, she has been self-learning via YouTube tutorials. More recently, music became integral to her wellness venture, Dhun, which represents the union of her love for music and wellness. 'An important aspect of wellness is finding stillness in all the noise that surrounds us. That is the first step to finding yourself,' she says, sitting at the store on a rainy afternoon, ahead of the official launch of her new venture – a luxurious wellness sanctuary in Bandra, Mumbai. 'It is why Dhun has spaces where people are encouraged to do nothing—like the resonance room, where you can immerse yourself in sounds from various instruments or simply sit in silence.' Kapoor, who hails from Delhi, shares that wellness has been a part of her life since childhood. Watching her mother begin the day with a warm breakfast, avoid mixing fruits with milk, and apply oil to her hair were among the early wellness rituals that shaped her own. Now 30 and a mother of two, Kapoor starts her mornings with a glass of water with soaked raisins and saffron, and ends her day by applying ghee or oil to her feet. Despite having visited renowned wellness centres across the world, she admits she doesn't currently have the luxury of a week-long retreat. 'My kids are very young,' she says. The idea for Dhun germinated during a conversation with a friend when she was talking about wellness and sharing how she wished there was a place where she could participate without switching off from the world, 'something that marries the touch-led practices of the East with the technology-driven ones of the West'. 'My friend said, 'why don't you make one?'' says Kapoor. She hesitated. 'I'm trying to find myself, and who I am after being a mom. I finally feel like I have a little bit of space for myself. The advice I got was: give yourself a deadline and put it down on paper.' The last two years were spent building Dhun from the ground up. 'Wellness trends are peaking, and I believe they will continue to do so. But I also felt that the essence of healing — especially touch-led practices — had got lost because they were considered old-school or outdated,' she says. 'People dismiss things as 'nuskhas', but what they're referring to is Ayurveda, which is a science. I wanted to bring this time-tested wisdom of Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, Tibetan medicine, and other holistic practices that honour the body's constitution, into an urban space. At the same time, I wanted to integrate cutting-edge Western technologies like cryotherapy and red light collagen beds, which promote cellular regeneration and fast recovery. You shouldn't have to choose between slow and fast. You should be able to create your circuit,' adds Kapoor. The space has been designed by architect Ankur Khosla, who also designed her residence. The soft furnishings have been custom-woven by Delhi-based Bandhini Home, and Kapoor has also developed a signature scent in collaboration with Seva Home. 'Every carpet, fabric, curtain, texture, and light has been handpicked by me. I see Dhun as an extension of myself,' she says. Last year, Kapoor had also launched her skincare brand, Akind. When asked if there's more in store, she says, 'Right now, I am in postpartum, this feels like my fourth baby.' She adds, 'I want to see them flourish — and for Dhun to grow across India and the world as a pioneering urban wellness centre, rooted in healing and harmony, with the best practices, partners, and experts at its core.'
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
Ujjain to host Spiritual & Wellness Summit, showcasing India's holistic future
Advertorial Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads (This article is generated and published by ET Spotlight team. You can get in touch with them on etspotlight@ The revered city of Ujjain, nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, is poised to become the epicentre of a transformative dialogue on June 5 as it hosts the Spiritual & Wellness Summit. Designed as a confluence of ancient traditions and contemporary health paradigms, the summit will be attended by renowned spiritual leaders, wellness practitioners, Ayurveda experts, yoga masters, mental health professionals, sustainability advocates, and summit will be inaugurated in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, whose keynote address will reflect on Ujjain's spiritual legacy and its emergence as a modern-day nucleus for yoga, Ayurveda, and meditative day's agenda will be anchored by compelling panel discussions that aim to bridge time-honoured wisdom and modern wellness. One of the cornerstone dialogues, titled 'Ideating The Partnership Model', will bring together thought leaders such as Raghwendra Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, DIPIP; Mukund Prasad, Director, Leisure Hotels Group; Swami Chaittanya Hari, Founder of Yoga Nisarga undefined Dr. Ramesh Varier, MD, AVN Group; and Dr. Megha KL, Lead, Strategic Projects, Apollo AyurVAID. The conversation will focus on evolving collaborative frameworks that harmonise traditional health systems with contemporary wellness key highlight will be the session on 'Building Wellness Ecosystem undefined Dheeresh Khare, President, CREDAI Madhya Pradesh; Mona Walia, Vice President, Kairali Ayurvedic Group; Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore; Vijay Thakkar, celebrity fitness and wellness expert; and Shubham Agnihotri, Co-founder & Vice Chairman, Taiwan India Ayurveda sessions will dive deep into the integration of spirituality with mental health, sustainable living, and holistic wellness ecosystems, shaping a shared vision for individual and collective policymakers and wellness innovators gather in Ujjain, the summit not only underscores the city's evolving identity as a spiritual and wellness destination, but also reinforces India's broader commitment to holistic, inclusive, and sustainable health. This landmark event is expected to catalyse new partnerships, ignite transformative ideas, and carve a future where tradition and innovation walk hand-in-hand on the path to well-being.
