Bhringaraj an alternative to Minoxidil for preventing Hair Loss

Introduction

Bhringaraj aka False Daisy, Eclipta Alba is grown throughout India. It grows mostly in marshy places and has been given significant importance in Ayurveda.

Uses of Bhringaraj 

Bhringaraj is mostly used a hair tonic, liver tonic, pain reliever, skin disorders, skin infections, diabetes, blood pressure and other diseases. 

Read: Hair loss an ayurvedic and an allopathic perspective

A study was carried out by R K Roy 1, Mayank Thakur, V K Dixit et. to find out the efficacy of Bhringaraj in encouraging hair growth and preventing hair loss.

Typically minoxidil is used for sustaining hair growth in case of androgenic alopecia. But the drawback is that the treatment has to be continued indefinitely and also the cream has some adverse effects. 

Here, an ethanol extract of Bhringaraj was obtained and were incorporated into an oleaginous cream i.e a water in oil cream base. The cream was applied topically on the male albino rats. It was noted that the time required for the hair growth initiation as well as the completion of hair growth cycle was significatly reduced. Minoxidil lotion was used as a positive control. The results showed that after treatment with petroleum ether extract (5%) exhibited greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase (69 +/- 4) which were higher as compared to control (47 +/- 13). The result of treatment with 2 and 5% petroleum ether extracts were better than the positive control minoxidil 2% treatment.

Read: Herbal shampoo to achieve thick hair.

Bottomoline:

Bhringaraj outperformed minoxidil and hence can be used as an alternative to minoxidil to prevent hair loss. 

Irimedadi Taila | Arimedadi Taila | Arimedas Taila for oil pulling and dental care

Introduction : -

Irimedadi Taila aka Arimedadi Taila or Arimedas Taila is a medicated ayurvedic oil. It is the most preferred oil when it comes to oil pulling and dental care. The oil contains extracts of the herbs having astringent, analgesic, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which makes it a good choice for the dental hygiene and oil pulling.

(Read : How to do oil pulling )

Ingredients :-
Yashti, Trijatha, Manjishta, Gayatri, Lodhra, Katphala, Kshirivrikshatwak, Irimeda twak, Musta, Agaru, Shvetachandana, Rakta chandana, Karpoora, Jati, Takkola, Mamsi, Dhataki, Gairika, Mrinala, Mishi, Vaidedi, Padmakesara, Kumkuma, Laksha, Samanga, Manjishta, Brihati, Bilvapatra, Suradruma, Shaileya, Sarala, Sprikka, Palasha, Rajani, Daruharidra, Priyangu, Tejani, Pradhakaleya, Pushkara, Jaya, Vyaghri, Madana, Tila taila1.

(Read : Maintaining Oral Hygiene)

How to use?

A little quantity of irimedadi oil is put in the month and swished for 3-5 minutes and then spit out. The Gums can also be gently massaged with the oil.


Research

A research conducted on irimedadi oil concluded that the efficacy of Irimedadi taila was comparable to that of 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate in Prevention of Plaque and Gingivitis and has minimal to no side effects when compared to the chemical based mouth wash used for oral care2.

Results in another study indicated that Irimedadi taila when used as an adjunct to dental scaling was effective in reducing gingival index and gingival bleeding index scores in comparison to scaling alone and that Irimedadi taila is effective in treatment of plaque induced gingivitis and can be effectively used as an adjunct to mechanical therapy3.

(Read: How to use neem twigs for brushing teeth)

Benefits :

1. Helps prevent Plaque and Gingivitis.
2. Strengthens gums.
3. Prevents Dental Carries.
4. Prevents gum bleeding
5. Prevents Periodontitis
6. Reduces stains on the teeth
7. Helps whiten teeth. 


References :-

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5884173/#bib13
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5020187/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5884173/

What is Gandusha|Kavala or Oil Pulling ? How is it done ? What are the materials to be used ?

Introduction

Kavala and Gandusha which have been practiced since ancient times are the two techniques of oil pulling in Ayurveda. Kavala is one, where, a little quantity of oil is held in the mouth, swishing is done for 3-5 minutes and is then spit out, while, Gandusha is a method of holding of medicated oil in the mouth to the fullest capacity for a specific time, then spitting it out. 

Some people also brush their teeth with a little quantity of oil still in mouth, which is also beneficial in cleaning the stains and tartar.

Hair Loss : An Allopathy and Ayurvedic perspective - Causes and treatment

Introduction

Hair loss per se isn't a disease, but a benign condition, where, there is a loss of hair from the scalp. Ideally, a person loses somewhere between 50-100 hair strands per day as a part of a normal hair growth cycle. When the hair cycle gets disrupted, the hair falls out without a new hair growing in its place.

Let us understand the Hair loss from the view point of Allopathy as well as Ayurveda.