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Many curlies have heard of using henna, amla, or marshmallow root on their hair, but one that is becoming an Ayurvedic favorite is the Bhringaraj herb. It’s no surprise that once we transition to wearing our natural texture and avoiding certain ingredients, many of us become curious about natural alternatives for more of our hair routine – from coloring to hair care to hair growth.
One of the amazing benefits of this holistic healing system is the abundance of Ayurvedic powders that can be incorporated into our healthy hair care system that many curlies have embraced. Ayurvedic herbs or powders have a wealth of benefits and many are drawn to them for natural remedies to everyday ailments.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurvedic medicine, also known as Ayurveda, is one of the oldest holistic healing systems that originated thousands of years ago in India. It believes that health and wellness are connected and dependent on the balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda is India’s primary healthcare system, even today, and more than 90% of the continent’s population uses some form of Ayurvedic therapy. In the United States it has more of a complementary healthcare option when many Americans employing Ayurvedic elements like meditation and cleansing therapies for the body as a whole. Ayurveda means “the knowledge of long life” and addresses the well-being of the entire body both spiritually and physically.
What is Bhringaraj Powder?
Bhringaraj, an Ayurvedic herb found throughout India, is also known as Eclipta alba. Bhringaraj is considered a rasayana or a substance that rejuvenates. It has anti-inflammatory properties, healing properties, and may help to enhance and improve vision and sense of hearing. Bhringaraj can be used in a powder form or as an oil; it is all dependent upon your preference and intended usage.
3 Benefits of Bhringaraj Powder for hair
1. Mask graying hair
For curlies looking to combat the gray naturally, this powder is a useful tool. It is traditionally added to indigo and hemp to make natural hair dyes.
2. Improve hair growth
Bhringaraj powder is considered the best Ayurvedic remedy for hair loss. This powder is great for stimulating growth if you have a medical condition, stress, or filling out a receding hairline. Most use it in this capacity as an oil to massage in the affected areas either as a pretreatment before a shampoo or a nightly ritual.
3. Relieve scalp infections
Bhringaraj powder can also be used as a scalp exfoliator and the anti-inflammatory properties make it great for soothing inflamed scalps and keeping scalp infections at bay. Great at reducing problematic dandruff.
How to Use Bhringaraj Powder on Your Hair
Bhringaraj Powder Scalp Exfoliator
Ingredients:
- 2 heaping tbsp. Bhringaraj powder
- Water (just enough to mix into a thick paste”>
- 1 tsp. of sulfur powder
Directions:
Mix the powder and water into a thick paste. Use a little water at first and add drops as necessary. The desired consistency is a thick paste. Dissolve sulfur powder in a teaspoon of water (it should still be grainy”> and add to Bhringaraj paste. Apply to scalp using circular motions with fingertips after shampooing. Rinse thoroughly, apply moisturizer, and style as usual.
Bhringaraj Scalp Stimulator
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. Bhringaraj powder
- Enough yogurt to mix evenly with powder
Directions:
Mix powder and yogurt well and apply to affected areas and leave on for 15 min. Rinse off, shampoo, and style as usual. Can be used weekly.
Where to Buy Bhringaraj Powder
You can find Bhringaraj in either powder or oil form at Indian or Pakistani stores and grocers, and if you don’t have one in your area you can purchase them online:
- Banyan Botanicals Bhringaraj Powder
- Biotique Botanicals Bhringraj Hair Growth ThERApeutic Oil
- Naturevibe Botanicals USDA Organic Bhringraj Powder
Have you tried Bhringaraj powder or oil and if so what were your thoughts?
This article has been updated to include links to purchase Bhringaraj.
