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Ayurveda
Baldness (Alopecia) and Alopacia Areata and its Ayurvedic Management
by Dr. Gaurang Joshi
 Hair loss or
baldness is usually caused because of genetics (inherited tendency),
disease, medications, stress, injury or damage to the hair. Generalized
hair loss is termed Alopecia whereas small, circular bald patches are
termed as Alopecia Areata. The two conditions have been clubbed here
together because of similarity of symptoms, and the Ayurvedic principles
of treatment for both are described here. It is noteworthy to mention
here that treatment is usually effective for premature hair loss, and
where the cause is amenable to treatment.
In Ayurveda,
baldness is termed as "Khalitya" in Ayurveda. Alopecia areata is
termed as "Indralupta". Ayurvedic herbal treatment is aimed at
treating known causes, immuno-restoration, treating the local scalp
condition and reducing stress.
Ayurveda Treatment:
1. Local Treatment
Medicated oils are used for local application. Some of the commonly used
oils are: Vranashodhan oil, Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba) oil, Amalaki (Emblica
officinalis) oil, Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) oil, Jaswand (Hibiscus
rosa-sinensis) oil, Vatajatadi oil and Bhallatak (Semicarpus anacardium)
oil. Some Ayurvedic physicians use leech therapy at the bald spots
before using the above mentioned local medications. Some advise a course
of enemas of medicated milk (called as "Tikta-Ksheer Basti") in
conditions of extensive hair loss.
2. Immunomodulators
Some medicines which are used orally are: Arogya Vardhini, Gandhak
Rasayan, Laxadi Guggulu, Rasayan [ a combination of Gokshur(Tribulus
terrestris), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Guduchi (Tinospora
cordifolia)].
Ayurveda believes hair to originate from the "Asthi" or bone tissue, and
therefore, to treat hair loss, medicines to strengthen bone are given
orally on a long-term basis. Some medicines used for this purpose are:
Pancha Tikta Ghruta, Mahatikta Ghruta, Praval Panchamruta, Laxa and
Asthishrunkhla (Cissus quadrangularis). Milk and black gram are advised
for consumption in large quantities.
Medicines like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys
jatamansi), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Vacha(Acorus
calamus) are given orally to reduce stress.
3. Detoxification (Panchakarma)
Treatment
It is
believed that regular application of medicated oils in the nose (a
procedure called "Pratimarsha Nasya") has an important role to play in
preventing premature baldness and graying of hair. Anu oil and
Panchendriya Vardhan oil are usually used for this procedure.
October 5,
2008
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Disclaimer:
Information provided in this article is for
the sole purpose of imparting education on Ayurveda and is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you
have a medical condition, please consult your physician.
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