Applying Herbal Powders As Hair Pack: Benefits, Herbs, Precautions

Applying herbal powders of Amla, Bhringaraj, Triphala etc is a very famous practice to improve hair quality, to treat dandruff and to prevent hair fall. This will yield better benefits, if some points are considered.

Choice of herbal powders

First, suitable powder is taken.
Amla is chosen to prevent grey hairs, hair fall and to improve hair quality
Triphala Choornam is chosen to prevent grey hairs and to relieve dandruff
Bhringaraj powder is chosen to improve hair length and to prevent hair fall

Aloe vera – to improve nourishment to hair roots, to improve shine and to treat dandruff
Sandalwood – to keep the head cool
Hibiscus leaf and flower powder – to make the hair puffy and to improve shine and also to prevent dandruff
Curry leaves – to treat scalp disorders and to prevent and cure grey hairs
Skin benefiting herbs like Manjishta, Sariva, Khadira – to treat scalp allergies, psoriasis, dandruff, dermatitis etc.
Devadaru – Cedrus deodara, Bala – Sida cordifolia root paste is used for treating headache
Any herbal hair wash powders that are available in the market can also be used as paste to apply.
One, many or all herbs can be taken together. If you are confused about your choice of herbs, consult an Ayurvedic doctor.
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How to prepare the paste?

The herbal powders should be in fine powder form. Most of these herbs are available in herbal stores, readily in fine powder form.
It is added with sufficient quantities of water and a paste is prepared.
Other liquids can be added to prepare paste, based on the need.
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For example,
Coconut oil is added to make paste, if you want to have coolant properties.
Sesame oil is added, to make the oil Vata balancing, nerve soothing.
Lavender / tea tree / rosemary essential oil – for improving hair quality. (just a few drops are added).
If the paste is washed off within 1 hour, then even milk can also be added to make paste. This is useful in dry, frizzy hairs and when there is lack of shine in hairs.
Read related: Why Applying Oil To Hair And Scalp Is Important?

How to apply?

Make a small bowl-full of paste and apply it to the scalp and entire length of the hair.

How long should the paste stay on the head?
If you are making a paste with water, better the wash the hair after 1- 2 hours. Leaving it overnight can cause hair dryness.
If you have extremely oily hair, then you can apply the paste and leave overnight.
If you are using milk then better to wash the hair after one hour.
If you are making a paste with oil and herbs, then it can be left overnight.
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How to wash the hair, after applying the paste?
You can use the same herbal powder to wash your hair.
You can use any herbal hair wash powders to wash off.
You can even use shampoo as a last resort.
Read related: Essential Oils Benefits, Usage, Side Effects, Types, Advantages

Precautions

If you are using coolant herbs like Sandalwood or using coconut oil has base, then some people with Kapha dominance may experience cold, cough, heaviness of head or worsening of sinusitis.
If you use mustard oil, it can cause excess burning sensation
Some people may develop itching, if the paste is left overnight on hair.

Applying oil
If Vata dominant people apply hair pack, it may cause dryness of hair. For them, it is best to prepare paste with oil and then apply it.

Cold water or hot water?

To wash hair, or even to prepare paste, cold water is preferred. Classical text book – Ashtanga Sangraha explains that cold water hair wash is good for hair and eyes, because it keeps Pitta in balance.
– By Dr JV Hebbar.