Ashwagandha Benefits

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India. This effective remedy has been helping people promote better well-being. Ashwagandha has stood the test of time to date among the ancient herbs and remedies. 

The use of Ashwagandha is now more important than ever, considering hair loss still affects up to 50% of people. Ashwagandha benefits for hair are many and have helped many over centuries to stimulate hair growth.

Ashwagandha products are the perfect elixir to enhance your hair health and stimulate growth. This effective herb does an excellent job of reducing anxiety and stress while targeting underlying issues that contribute to hair loss. This blog will look deeper into Ashwagandha's benefits for hair to help you make the most of it. So let’s get started!

Did You Know!

  1. The use of Ashwagandha is now more important than ever, considering hair loss still affects up to 50%.
  2. In terms of chemical composition, Ashwagandha has alkaloids, withanolides, saponins, and numerous other bioactive compounds.
  3. It also helps enhance blood circulation to the scalp, which delivers all the essential nutrients to promote hair growth with Ashwagandha.
  4. Most doctors recommend you limit the use of Ashwagandha to 12 weeks.

But what exactly is Ashwagandha all about?

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, is a medicinal herb belonging to the Solanaceae family. It is native to India and parts of Africa and thrives in warm and dry climates. People usually use the roots and leaves of Ashwagandha for different medicinal purposes, including promoting better hair growth. 

In terms of chemical composition, Ashwagandha has alkaloids, withanolides, saponins, and numerous other bioactive compounds. Thanks to the unique chemical composition of Ashwagandha, this herb aids in promoting better hair growth and potentially preventing hair loss.

How does Ashwagandha help promote better hair health?

Ashwagandha offers a wide range of benefits that help enhance hair growth and volume. The herb has many essential adaptogenic properties that help reduce stress, a major culprit behind hair loss. These effective properties regulate the stress hormone cortisol, which is imperative for strengthening hair follicles.

Ashwagandha for hair loss is the perfect solution, with antioxidants doing their jobs to prevent free radicals from damaging hair follicles. It also helps enhance blood circulation to the scalp, which delivers all the essential nutrients to promote hair growth with Ashwagandha. 

Finally, Ashwagandha also plays a key role in combatting dandruff and dry scalp issues. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation and address issues related to an irritated scalp, creating the perfect environment for hair growth.

Hair Problems and Ashwagandha benefits

Hair Problem

Ashwagandha Benefits

Usage

Hair Loss

Reduces hair fall, stimulates growth

Ashwagandha oil massage, oral supplements

Thinning Hair

Promotes thicker hair

Ashwagandha powder in smoothies or juices

Weak Hair Follicles

Strengthens and nourishes hair follicles

Ashwagandha hair mask, oil application

Dandruff

Reduces scalp inflammation, fights dandruff

Ashwagandha-infused shampoo, oil treatment

Premature Greying

Delays greying maintains the natural colour

Ashwagandha tea, oral intake

Ayurveda and Ashwagandha: Ensuring effective hair care

hair care

Ashwagandha’s mention in ancient texts is as prevalent as it gets, highlighting the herb’s effectiveness even in its early stages. The plant promotes hair growth and treats issues related to your skin, cold, and cough. However, even the ancient texts agree that Ashwagandha’s root extracts are the plant's most essential and beneficial part.

Ayurvedic texts highlight that the physiology of the human body is a collaboration between three different doshas. These doshas, including Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, have unique ratios among different individuals. Even the slightest change in the ratios of these three doshas makes way for different diseases resulting from the variation, including issues related to scalp and hair.

According to Ayurveda, maintaining the proper balance between the ratios of these doshas is imperative to maintaining proper physical and mental health. Unsurprisingly, this is another area where Ashwagandha helps establish proper harmony between the three doshas. The plant calms the Vata and Kapha doshas to promote better hair growth and health.

Is there any Scientific Evidence backing Ashwagandha’s effectiveness?

Thanks to years of research on the effectiveness of Ashwagandha, scientists worldwide have verified its effectiveness. Numerous studies show that Ashwagandha is an effective way to address issues related to stress, anxiety, and sleep. Addressing these factors allows Ashwagandha to work magic, balance all doshas, and promote better hair health.

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Ways to use Ashwagandha for hair growth

Ashwagandha

You can use Ashwagandha and leverage its potential to promote better hair growth in numerous ways. You can take it as an oral supplement and consume it as gummies and capsules. Then, there’s the Ashwagandha powder that you can mix with water to create a paste and apply it directly to your scalp.

Many people even add Ashwagandha to their shampoo and allow the mixture to sit on the scalp for some time. You can even consider mixing Ashwagandha powder with Brahmi in a bowl and adding milk to create a thick paste without lumps. You can apply it directly on your scalp and leave it there for about thirty minutes before mildly washing it with cold water.

But remember, while Ashwagandha capsules are relatively harmless, it can still be the culprit behind some potential side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, headaches, and diarrhoea. Even pregnant or breastfeeding women must maintain their distance from the herb to avoid its side effects.

Safety Precautions 

Who Should Use Ashwagandha

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women 

Pregnant and breastfeeding women must avoid Ashwagandha.

Long-Term Use

Most doctors recommend you limit the use of Ashwagandha to 12 weeks

Autoimmune Conditions 

Ashwagandha has the potential to stimulate the immune system, making it necessary to practice caution for people with autoimmune diseases.

Thyroid Disorders 

Ashwagandha can interact with thyroid function, making it important to practice caution if you have thyroid.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha is one of the most effective Ayurvedic herbs, and its use for hair loss and health has been passed down to generations for many centuries. Thanks to its unique chemical composition, this effective herb has helped many address issues related to stress, anxiety, and even sleeping complications. 

Ashwagandha plays a vital role in addressing multiple hair-related issues, such as thinning hair, weakened hair follicles, premature greying, and hair loss. Incorporating this unique and effective herb is the best way to address these concerns and promote better hair growth and health.

Following the authentication of Ashwagandha’s effectiveness for different hair-related issues with scientific studies has made it a popular choice for many. You can now get Ashwagandha in powder, supplements, and oil, ensuring convenient use. So, if hair loss has been bugging you lately, use Ashwagandha to address these issues and get the hair you desire.

FAQs

1. Does Ashwagandha really help with hair loss?

While Ashwagandha’s positive effects on treating hair loss have been widely studied and verified, they might still have different effects on different individuals. Of course, this herb can go a long way in aiding hair growth, but it never hurts to consult a physician to verify it aligns with your unique health conditions. 

2. How long does it take for Ashwagandha to show results on hair?

There is no definitive answer to how long Ashwagandha will take to show tangible results with your hair. However, you must remember that consistently using Ashwagandha is your key to enhancing hair growth. 

3. Can I use Ashwagandha oil directly on my scalp?

Ashwagandha oil is safe for direct scalp application. However, you must still consult your physician to avoid any potential side effects resulting from any pre-existing health condition you might have.

4. Are there any side effects of using Ashwagandha for hair?

In most cases, Ashwagandha is safe for most people. However, there are always exceptions, especially for people with thyroids or even pregnant or breastfeeding women. It might also result in some mild symptoms such as drowsiness, diarrhoea, and stomach issues.

5. What is the best way to use Ashwagandha to promote hair growth?

Ashwagandha can be used in many ways, such as oil, paste, and supplements. You can evaluate your unique needs and determine the best way to use the herb and leverage its potential. 

6. How does Ashwagandha compare to other Ayurvedic remedies for hair care?

Ashwagandha is a well-established Ayurvedic remedy that has stood the test of time. However, alternatives, such as amla, Bhringraj, and neem, can also play an important role in promoting hair growth.

7. Can Ashwagandha prevent premature greying of hair?

Taking Ashwagandha tea or oral supplements might delay premature greying of hair, but there is hardly any evidence to suggest that it will prevent greying completely.

8. Is Ashwagandha effective for all hair types?

In most cases, Ashwagandha is effective for all hair types as its characteristics help reduce stress and promote proper hair growth.

9. Can Ashwagandha help with hair thinning?

Consistent use of Ashwagandha can help enhance your hair’s thickness and prevent thinning. 

10. How often should I use Ashwagandha for optimal results?

Consistent use of Ashwagandha is necessary for promoting better hair growth, but you must still consult your physician for safer use.

References:

  1. The use of Ashwagandha is now more important than ever, considering hair loss still affects up to 50% (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. In terms of chemical composition, Ashwagandha has alkaloids, withanolides, saponins, and numerous other bioactive compounds (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). 
  3. It also helps enhance blood circulation to the scalp, which delivers all the essential nutrients to promote hair growth with Ashwagandha. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Most doctors recommend you limit the use of Ashwagandha to 12 weeks (https://ods.od.nih.gov)

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Zandu Ayurvedic Team

Zandu Ayurvedic Team has a panel of over 10 BAMS (Ayurvedacharya), boasting a collective experience of over 50 years. With a deep-rooted understanding of Ayurveda, they are committed to sharing their expertise & knowledge through our blogs.
We use all kinds of Ayurvedic references in our content. Please use the contact form for any editorial queries.

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