The Benefits of Using Ayurvedic Hair Oils for Healthy Hair

Indian Head Massage or Shiro Abhyanga is not just great for the hair, but helps support insomnia, anxiety, general aches and pains. In TCM and other modalities, it is said that doing foot massage will benefit the whole body. In Vedic massage and Ayurveda, we start with the head. Ayurveda uses high-quality organic and cold-pressed oils mixed with herbs is the the choice of oil (tailam) is crucial and is often customized based on the individual's Dosha constitution (Prakriti), their current imbalances (Vikriti), the season, and the specific health concerns being addressed.

Here are some of the common base oils and medicated (herbal-infused) oils used for Shiro Abhyanga, along with their general indications:

1. Base Oils (often used alone or as carriers for herbs):

Sesame Oil

• Sesame Oil (Tila Taila):

  • Qualities: Warming, heavy, nourishing, deeply penetrating. Not indicated for the summer season, however, can be mixed with cooling herbs or cooling essential oils for a vata imbalance (see below)

  • Indications: Excellent for Vata Dosha imbalances (dryness, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, hair fall due to dryness, chronic stress). It's considered Tridoshic (balancing for all three Doshas) when used correctly, making it a universal choice for many.

    

    sesame seeds

• Coconut Oil (Narikela Taila/Kera Taila):

  
  

  • Qualities: Cooling, light. Best base oil for the heat of summer.

  • Indications: Ideal for Pitta Dosha imbalances (irritability, burning sensation on the scalp, premature graying, hair fall due to heat, inflammation, anger). Good for hot climates.

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  Coconut oil

  
  

• Almond Oil:

  • Qualities: Warming, nourishing.

  • Indications: Good for Vata Dosha, nourishing for hair and scalp, can help with dryness and hair fall.

    
    

2. Medicated/Herbal Oils (Tailams):

These oils are infused with specific Ayurvedic herbs to enhance their therapeutic properties for the head, hair, and nervous system. Some of the most commonly used and highly regarded Ayurvedic oils for Shiro Abhyanga include:

• Calendula oil

Calendula or marigold is naturally considered anti-inflammatory, anti fungal and is a natural antiseptic according to herbalists. Calendula and/or Marigold flowers are mentioned in pushpa varga category in the ancient Ayurvedic text called Bhava Prakasha. Below is a video of a Vedic Herbalist and Ayurveda Practitioner <onica Groover, creating an Ayurvedic oil with calendula at home.

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• Brahmi Taila:

  • Key Herb: Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri).

    
    

  • Benefits: Renowned for calming the mind, improving memory and concentration, reducing anxiety and stress, promoting sound sleep, and enhancing mental clarity. It's often Pitta-pacifying.

    
    

• Bhringraj Taila (or Bhringamalakadi Taila / Nilibhringadi Kera Taila):

  • Key Herb: Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata), often combined with Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry) and sometimes Neeli (Indigo).

    
    

  • Benefits: "King of herbs for hair." Excellent for promoting hair growth, preventing hair fall, reducing premature graying, treating dandruff, and nourishing the scalp. It's generally good for balancing Pitta and Vata.

    
    
    
    

• Chandanadi Taila:

  • Key Herb: Chandana (Sandalwood).

  • Benefits: Cooling and very calming, excellent for Pitta imbalances leading to irritability, burning sensations, and headaches.

• Triphaladi Taila:

  • Key Herbs: Triphala (a combination of Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki).

    
    

  • Benefits: A balancing oil, good for Kapha imbalances, helps cleanse and strengthen hair, and supports scalp health.

• Ashwagandhadi Taila:

  • Key Herb: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).

    
    

  • Benefits: An adaptogen, highly nourishing, helps reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue, and promotes restful sleep. Good for Vata imbalances.

    
    

Book a Treatment or Consultation

• Consult an Ayurvedic Practitioner: The most accurate way to select the best oil is to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. They can assess your unique Dosha constitution (Prakriti) and current imbalances (Vikriti) to recommend the most suitable oil or blend. You can contact Monica Groover (the Ayurvedic Practitioner) and get a zoom consultation sliding scale from $25 onwards online.

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Disclaimer: Ayurveda is not recognized by the FDA and is regarded as a complementary and alternative therapy. Practitioners of Ayurveda are not permitted to treat, cure, or prevent diseases. The information in this article is intended for educational purposes and is derived from ancient Ayurvedic texts written millennia ago.