Did You Know: That hair oiling is a 5000 year old timeless haircare ritual religiously practiced by 1.4 Billion people in india. Yes, That is astounding but it is correct. Talk to any Indian and they will share with you their fond memories of their grandmas, moms and sisters giving them decadent scalp and hair massages with warmed up oil, while catching up on all the family gossip and weekly updates. This is a tradition passed over generations. They will also tell you that they have stopped oiling their hair after they came to America and that is why their hair is falling out, is dry, thin and lacks shine and health. Furthermore, it was common wisdom and moms and grandmas would mix powdered amla, bhringraj and other Ayurvedic herbs, aka use amla and bhringraj oil to combat any and every hair issue - hair fall, dandruff, damage, hair loss and to make the hair super healthy, strong and grow again. So what is amla and bhringraj oil. 

Well - For starters, it's not just any oil! It's the secret behind luscious, flourishing hair of billions of Indians that has stood the test of time!

So, what is Amla and Bhringaraj? Why are they so popular in India and slowly gaining recognition in the natural wellness community here in the western world? 

Let’s uncover the secret of Amla & Bhringraj Oil and discover their exceptional benefits for hair growth, and learn how to seamlessly incorporate it into your hair care routine.

 

What is Amla?

Amla, scientifically known as Phyllanthus emblica or Indian gooseberry is a superfruit in Ayurveda, an ancient health practice from India. It's really good for your hair, helping it grow and keeping it strong. You can get Amla oil by pressing the fruit to get its juice and oils out, or by drying the fruit and making it into a powder that can be added to hair products.

Besides helping with hair care, Amla is also great for your overall health. It has a lot of vitamin C, which helps your body in many ways, like boosting your immune system and making your skin look better.

People use Amla oil by putting it directly on their hair and scalp. It's also put into many hair care products you can buy, like shampoos and conditioners. If you don't want to use the oil, you can also eat Amla fruit or take it as a powder or pill to get the benefits from the inside out. Whether you eat it or put it on your hair, Amla is a natural way to take care of yourself.

What is Bhringraj?

Bhringraj, scientifically known as Eclipta prostrata or false daisy, belongs to the sunflower family and thrives in the moist, tropical regions of India. This herb is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is esteemed not only for promoting hair growth but also for its versatility in addressing a multitude of hair concerns. Celebrated for fortifying hair strands, delaying the onset of gray hair, and minimizing the occurrence of dandruff, Bhringraj stands out as a holistic hair care solution.

The preparation of Bhringraj oil involves a meticulous process where the leaves of the Bhringraj plant are infused with a carrier oil, typically coconut or sesame oil, and then slowly heated to allow the medicinal properties of the leaves to transfer into the oil. This potent oil can be used as a standalone treatment or as part of a more complex hair care regimen.

Beyond its topical application, Bhringraj is also available in consumable forms such as capsules or powders, which can be incorporated into daily diets to provide systemic benefits that further enhance its effects on hair health. These alternative forms are convenient options for those looking to reap the herb's benefits from within, complementing the external use of the oil on the scalp and hair. Whether used topically or ingested, Bhringraj's multifaceted benefits make it an invaluable addition to natural hair care and overall wellness practices.

 

Benefits of Amla Oil for your Hair

The scientific understanding of amla's benefits for hair is expanding, with several compelling reasons to incorporate it into your hair care routine.

• Rich in Vitamin C: Helps boost immunity, enhance skin health, and improve absorption of iron.
• Hair Health: Promotes hair growth, reduces hair loss, and prevents premature graying.
• Digestive Health: Aids digestion due to its high fiber content and helps relieve constipation.
• Eye Health: Contains carotene, which improves vision and prevents age-related eye conditions.
• Heart Health: Helps reduce cholesterol levels and supports heart function.
• Blood Sugar Control: The chromium in Amla helps manage diabetes by regulating carbohydrate metabolism.
• Skin Health: Vitamin C and antioxidants in Amla can help rejuvenate the skin and reduce pigmentation.
• Detoxification: Works as a natural detoxifier, especially beneficial for the liver.
• Mental Clarity: Believed to enhance cognitive function and memory.
• Antioxidant Power: Protects the body from oxidative stress and reduces inflammation.

Bhringraj Oil Benefits for Hair Growth

Bhringraj benefits are revered in Ayurveda for promoting lush, healthy hair growth and combating hair loss. Eclipta alba, commonly known as Bhringraj, is not just a cornerstone of hair care but also enhances liver function and skin health. This powerful herb, often hailed as the 'king of herbs' for hair, offers a natural solution for those seeking to improve their hair health and overall well-being.

1. Hair Growth: In a notable 2008 study conducted on male albino rats, bhringraj oil displayed a remarkable ability to increase the number of hair follicles. Intriguingly, it even outperformed minoxidil, a key ingredient in hair loss products like Rogaine, in this animal study. It does so by promoting improved blood circulation to hair follicles, facilitating nutrient delivery, and potentially reducing oxidative stress due to its vitamin E content. 

2. Dandruff Reduction: Bhringraj oil is known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Its chemical composition helps combat the microorganisms responsible for dandruff. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory attributes may assist in alleviating scalp conditions such as psoriasis.

3. Gray Hair Management:  Anecdotal evidence hints at bhringraj oil's potential to slow or mitigate the graying process due to the way it interacts with  melanin. 

In addition to these specific hair-related benefits, bhringraj oil is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, vitamin D, magnesium, calcium, and iron, all linked to hair health. 

4. Relaxation and Sleep: Bhringraj oil contains magnesium, a well-known mineral with a reputation for promoting muscle relaxation, improving mood, and enhancing sleep quality. The scientific basis for these effects lies in magnesium's ability to regulate neurotransmitter function and modulate the sleep-wake cycle

5. Enhances Blood Circulation: Applying Bhringraj oil on the scalp is thought to improve blood circulation, nourishing the scalp and hair follicles.

6. Liver Detox: Considered a powerful liver cleanser in Ayurveda and may help in improving liver function.

Note: While both Amla and Bhringraj have overlapping benefits for hair health, such as promoting hair growth and preventing graying, Amla is more commonly recognized for its high vitamin C content and its corresponding systemic health benefits. Bhringraj, on the other hand, is especially noted for its direct benefits to the hair and scalp and is often regarded as a primary herb for hair treatment in Ayurveda.

How to Incorporate Amla & Bhringraj Oil Into Your Hair Routine? 

Let's discuss how to incorporate Amla & Bhringraj Oil into your hair routine. This oil can be applied through various methods, including scalp massages and alongside other products. Here's how to use it effectively:

• Hair Oil Scalp Massage: Scalp massages increase blood flow to hair follicles, promote hair growth, and enhance overall scalp health. They also reduce stress and tension, improving relaxation and well-being. To start,  warm the oil, part your hair into sections, apply oil  to your scalp and hair, massage gently for 5-10 minutes, leave it in for at least 30 minutes and wash. For a Hair Mask deep conditioning and nourishment benefit - be liberal with the amount of oil you use and leave it in overnight. Shampoo and condition as usual.

• Hot Turban Towel Therapy: This ancient Indian hair care tradition offers warmth, relaxation, and clinical detoxification of the scalp. It boosts blood circulation and aids hair growth. To start, warm the oil, apply it to your hair and scalp, soak a clean towel in hot water, wring out the excess, wrap it around your head, and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Then shampoo and condition as usual.

• Mix with Your Shampoo or Conditioner: A simple method to enhance your regular shampoo or conditioner, is by adding a few drops of Amla and Bhringraj oil to the product just before application. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of the oil without the need for a separate treatment. Make sure to mix well and apply as usual.
  
  
• Leave-in Conditioner: If you have dry, curly or frizzy hair or ethnic hair, Amla and Bhringraj oil can be used as a daily leave-in moisturizer to tame that frizz. Apply oil into the scalp, roots, hair and ends -  as needed, and style as usual. This will keep your hair hydrated, tamed, protected and lustrous troughout the day

Final Words

In conclusion, Amla & Bhringraj Oil, the dynamic hair duo, are natural herbs that have stood the test of time, have a magnitude of Hair benefits AND is completely natural, welcome break from conventional treatments like minoxidil or finasteride. 

So, whether you choose to indulge in a calming scalp massage, embrace the warmth of a hot turban towel therapy, or simply mix these oils with your regular hair care routine, grab a bottle of HairSmart Ayurvedic therapy oil which is a rich blend of carrier oils infused with Amla, Bhringaraj and Neem to kickstart your hair growth and repair and achieve strong, thick and healthy hair again.

Also Read: Rosemary vs Amla vs Bhringraj