The Ancient Secrets of Hair Care With Jatamansi And Shikakai

Introduction

All of us want voluminous, long, and shiny black hair. It improves our beauty and always remains timeless and in fashion. Thin hair looks dull and lifeless and represents our lack of proper hair care we take for our hair. Also, proper food intake and protection from pollution are the mandatory steps we must follow to maintain our hair health. With the severe hair fall issue everyone is facing these days, most of the people are turning to ancient remedies that have stood the test of time. Among these ancient treasures are Jatamansi and Shikakai, two sacred ingredients with a rich history in traditional Indian hair care. Let us understand the depths of our ancient secrets and explore how they can transform our modern hair care routines.

What Is The Power of Jatamansi In Ancient Times On Hair

Jatamansi is scientifically termed as Nardostachys Jatamansi. It has wonderful healing properties, and it has been cherished for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It is derived from the rhizomes of the Jatamansi plant. It can promote hair growth, soothe scalp ailments, and enhances the overall hair health. Jatamansi has calming effects on the mind and body, making it a staple in holistic wellness practices.

What Is The Power Of Shikakai In Ancient Times For Hair

Shikakai is used for hair, to treat dandruff and other skin disorders by our ancient India. Shikakai is termed as the “fruit for the hair." Its name, which translates to "fruit for hair," reflects its esteemed status in traditional Indian hair care. Shikakai is known for its anti-dandruff potential. Shikakai pods contain saponins, natural surfactants that impart cleansing and conditioning properties to the hair. As it has natural conditioning effect on hair, unlike commercial shampoos that shed its natural oils from the hair, Shikakai gently cleanses the scalp and maintains its PH balance and leaves hair soft, shiny, and manageable without use of any external conditioner. Shikakai has the power to strengthen the roots, reduce dryness and scalp scaling and so the usage of Shikakai was more in the ancient times in natural form.

What Is Jatmanasi?

Jatamansi is a great Ayurvedic herb, grown naturally in the Himalayan range throughout the year. Belonging to the Valerian family, it flourishes at elevations of 3000 to 4000 meters above sea level. This plant species is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN list of medicinal plants due to its significance and scarcity. It is characterized by small, pink flowers with bell-shaped structure. Jatamansi plant offers aesthetic appeal as well as medicinal benefits. Its roots and rhizomes, which are edible, have been integral to Ayurvedic medicine for generations, revered for their therapeutic properties. Jatamansi is known by several names across different cultures. In Ayurvedic, it is referred to as ‘tapaswini’. In English, it is commonly known as ‘Indian spikenard’, while in Tamil, it goes by the name ‘jatamansi’. Regardless of its nomenclature, the medicinal power of jatamansi remains widely acknowledged and cherished.

What Are The Forms Of Jatamanasi?

For general usage, a diverse array of commercial formulations containing jatamansi is readily accessible. Whole jatamansi roots can be consumed by boiling them in water in the form of decotion, for a convenient method of intake. It is available in powdered form, known as Jatamansi churna, that provides versatility in consumption. Jatamansi oil is extracted from the rhizomes and roots of the plant. This oil is highly valued for its therapeutic properties and can be applied topically or ingested orally, depending on the desired benefits. Jatamanasi tablets offer a convenient and standardized dosage, making it easier to incorporate into daily wellness routines.

What Are The Benefits & Usage Of Jatamanasi For Hair?

Jatamansi with its medicinal properties, offers a range of benefits when consumed for hair and skin.

Accelerates Hair Growth Cycle

Jatamansi plant when consumed is a bitter tonic, has been linked to reducing the hair growth cycle. Studies suggest that Jatamansi promotes hair growth in individuals with male pattern baldness and cancer patients’ post-chemotherapy.

Prevents greying & scalp Infections

Medicinal hair oil extracted from the Jatamansi is very effective to prevent hair greying and manage scalp infections. Its potent antioxidants and antifungal properties add to these benefits.

Enlarges hair follicular size

Jatamansi aids in hair development by extending the hair growth phase and promotes a number of new hair follicles.

Boosts hair growth

Jatamansi oil, rich in natural antioxidants. It stimulates hair growth and when we massage the oil it improves memory and sleep.

What Is Shikakai?

Shikakai, also known as Acacia concinna, is Ayurvedic remedy for nurturing long and healthy hair. This botanical wonder, found abundantly in the tropical forests of the Indian subcontinent. It boasts a multitude of benefits for hair and overall well-being. Shikakai powder, when applied with rose water or honey, helps in faster wound healing, as per Ayurveda. It has healing (Ropan) property and cooling (Sita) nature. When we Consume Shikakai, it can help alleviate constipation due to its laxative (Rechana) nature. Additionally, it is beneficial for bleeding piles because of its astringent (Kashaya) property.

What Are The Benefits of Shikakai for Hair?

Improves Hair Shine and Softness

Shikakai is rich in essential nutrients and natural ingredients that improve hair texture, particularly in winter. As a natural surfactant, it effectively cleanses hair follicles, removes greasiness, and leaves hair softer and shinier.

Get Rid Of Hair Lice and Dandruff

With potent antifungal and antimicrobial properties, shikakai helps eliminate dandruff and lice from the scalp and hair. It effectively removes dandruff without stripping away essential scalp oils and thus prevents dry scalp problems and flaking.

Makes Hair Stronger and Thicker

As we all thrive for stronger thicker hair, shikakai can help us. The active ingredients in shikakai provide essential oils and vitamins necessary for hair growth. It strengthens hair from the roots, prevents split ends, breakage, and hair fall, promotes thicker and healthier hair.

Heal The Infections

Shikakai possesses calming and soothing properties, making it beneficial for alleviating scalp inflammation and pain. It provides relief from irritation on inflamed or sensitive scalp areas.

Slow Down Grey Hair

Shikakai helps prevent premature greying and retains the natural youthfulness of black hair. Regular application of a hair pack containing shikakai, amla powder, and soap nut can give noticeable results in maintaining hair color. In ancient times, shikakai was extensively used as a natural surfactant as scalp cleanser, hair strengthening, and relieve from scalp itching, dryness, and scaling. Beyond hair care, Ayurveda recognizes shikakai's to treat various ailments like swelling, abdominal distension, jaundice, fever, skin problems, piles, ascites, herpes, and intestinal worm infestations. Apart from hair care Shikakai is used to treat skin and body related health problems like constipation, gum infections, Jaundice, Maintain Blood Sugar Level, For Aging.

What Are The Forms Of Shikakai

Shikakai is available in various forms to suit different preferences and needs

Powder

Shikakai is commonly found in powdered form, made by grinding the dried fruit pods of the Shikakai plant. This powder can be easily mixed with lill warm water or other ingredients to create hair masks, pastes, or infusions.

Pods

The dried pods of the Shikakai plant can be used directly for hair care. These pods can be boiled in water to create a natural shampoo or hair rinse.

Extracts

Shikakai extracts are available in liquid or semi-solid form. These extracts are usually obtained by boiling Shikakai pods in water and then concentrating the solution.

Commercial Products

Shikakai is also a common ingredient in many commercial hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and hair oils. These products often contain Shikakai extracts or powdered Shikakai as one of the key ingredients.

Ancient Rituals, Modern Revival

In ancient times, Jatamansi and Shikakai were integral components of elaborate hair care rituals passed down through generations. Women would grind Jatamansi roots into a fine powder and mix it with Shikakai to create a nourishing hair mask. This potent blend was applied to the scalp and hair, massaged gently, and left to infuse for a rejuvenating experience. Because of hair fall issues all of us are facing these days, these ancient rituals are more in use. People are giving more importance to these natural alternatives for commercial hair care products than with harsh chemicals.

Incorporating Jatamansi and Shikakai into Our Hair Care Routine

To harness the benefits of Jatamansi and Shikakai, consider incorporating them into your regular hair care routine. You can find Jatamansi and Shikakai powders, oils, and hair masks in stores specializing in natural and Ayurvedic products. Alternatively, you can create your own DIY hair treatments using powdered Jatamansi and Shikakai mixed with water or carrier oils like coconut or almond oil.

Conclusion