Human hairs grow and fall ? that's a very normal growing process. But in some people the rate at which hair falls is much greater than the rate at which it grows. If hair falls from the follicles, i.e. the hair roots, then the chances that it will grow back again from that point are almost zero. The result is that the person becomes bald. In the medical world, this condition is called as alopecia.



Alopecia could be local or general. In local baldness, the person loses hair only from certain parts of the body. But in general alopecia, hair may be lost from almost everywhere that it grows on the human body.

When baldness is to a manageable extent, it is called as Indra lupta in Ayurveda. But hair loss that is severe, resulting in total baldness, it is called as khalitya. Baldness is caused due to mental worry, anxiety and anger. If strong emotions are displayed often, chances are that the person may lose his/her hair. This is the prime cause of Indra lupta in Ayurveda. Another major reason for falling hair is excessive dandruff on the scalp.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Baldness

? Alfalfa (Medicago satina)

Alfalfa helps in strengthening the roots of the hair. As a result, not only is the hair fall stopped, but the hair also grows longer.

? Ash Gourd (Benincasa hispida)

Ash gourd helps to combat against dandruff, which is a major cause of hair loss in young people. It also removes excessive dryness of the scalp so that it becomes moist enough for the proper growth of hair.

? Curry leaves (Murraya koenigi)

Curry leaves help in nourishing the hair at the roots. Hair grows luxuriantly. Since curry leaves also work on the pigments that give the hair its color, its use can prevent the premature graying of the hair.

? Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)

Fenugreek seeds have very beneficial properties in the eradication of dandruff which causes hair loss.

? Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary helps in preventing dandruff and premature hair fall.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Baldness

? Hair is composed of keratin, which is a protein. Hence, hair grows better when the diet is rich in proteins. Make eggs, meat, fish, ghee, butter and milk a regular part of the diet.

? Prepare a soup of alfalfa, lettuce and carrot. This juice contains all the elements that are needed for the proper growth and maintenance of hair.

? Curry leaves must be liberally used in the diet. They can be crushed and taken along with buttermilk.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Baldness

? The main medication used for alopecia in Ayurveda is the Bhringaraja. It can be used in the form of its oil, which is available in Maha Bhringaraja and Nilibhringadi. Ayurvedic doctors claim that applying these oils on the scalp and hair an hour before a daily bath will be beneficial. The application should be done like a massage during which the weak hair will fall out first. This application will make the hair thinner in the beginning, but it will grow better later on. Some doctors claim that shaving the head completely and then applying these oils provide the best results.

? If the baldness has set in from a very young age, then Ashwakanchuki rasa is used. This is applied on the head in the afternoon and is allowed to dry up in the sun's heat if possible. The oil should be kept overnight and washed only the next day. However this method is not liked by many people as it can cause irritation on the skull and redness of the scalp.

(4) Home Medications

? Moisten the seeds of fenugreek in water until they become soft. These are then ground into a paste which is applied onto the hair. After leaving it on the hair for about an hour, it should be washed with soap nut. Regular treatment of this kind will eradicate the dandruff and prevent hair fall.

? While having a bath, use a lotion of rosemary branches boiled in water for half an hour as the final rinse on the hair. Let it remain on the hair for about five minutes before drying it off completely.

? Prepare a mixture of honey and lemon juice. Massage this on the scalp and wash it off after half an hour. This will not only prevent hair loss, it will also stop other problems such as dandruff, lice and excessive dryness of hair.

? Mix some lemon juice with amalaki (Indian gooseberry) extract. Apply this on the roots of the hair. It shows good results.