Benefits of Ashwagandha for Hair Growth and Restoration
Learn about the ashwagandha benefits for hair in this detailed blog. For generations, people have used Ashwagandha, an herb, in traditional medicine to improve health and well-being. Ayurveda medicine frequently utilizes it as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress and promote overall balance. Additionally, it is known as Withania somnifera. However, scientists have recently begun examining the potential benefits of ashwagandha for healthy hair. This blog post will explore the various ways in which ashwagandha can promote strong hair growth and overall hair health.
What is Ashwagandha?
Native to North Africa, the Middle East, and India, ashwagandha is a shrub. The plant’s root and berry are used in traditional medicine to cure a number of conditions, such as stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Ashwagandha is referred to in In Ayurveda medicine, practitioners use the term Rasayana to describe compounds that boost overall health and lifespan. Ashwagandha, being an adaptogen, can help balance the endocrine system and aid the body in coping with stress. These effects can be advantageous for the health of the hair.
Benefits of Ashwagandha for Hair
1 – Promotes Healthy Hair Growth
Research has demonstrated that the withanolides present in ashwagandha have a positive impact on hair growth. These compounds are known to promote the faster production of keratin, the protein responsible for building hair, skin, and nails. Additionally, they can enhance blood flow to the scalp, potentially stimulating strong hair growth.
2 – Strengthens Hair Follicles
Ashwagandha can support stronger hair follicles in addition to encouraging hair growth. It has been demonstrated that the withanolides in ashwagandha encourage the synthesis of collagen, a protein that is necessary for strong hair follicles. Hair follicles benefit from collagen’s ability to provide them structure and protect them from becoming frail and fragile.
3 – Reduces Hair Loss
Millions of individuals worldwide struggle with hair loss, which is a widespread issue. Thankfully, research has indicated that ashwagandha can help prevent hair loss. Cortisol is a hormone that has been linked to hair loss in studies, and it has been discovered that ashwagandha can help lower cortisol levels in the body. Ashwagandha can help to stop hair loss and encourage healthy hair growth by lowering cortisol levels.
4 – Improves Scalp Health
For healthy hair development, your scalp has to be in good condition. According to research, ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory qualities that may aid to lessen scalp inflammation. Moreover, it possesses antibacterial qualities that may aid in preventing scalp infections that may contribute to hair loss. Ashwagandha can aid in fostering healthy hair growth by enhancing scalp health.
5 – Reduces Dandruff
A frequent issue that many individuals deal with is dandruff. Several things, including an abundance of yeast on the scalp, can contribute to its development. Thankfully, the antifungal qualities of ashwagandha can aid in reducing the development of yeast on the scalp. This can lessen dandruff and improve the general condition of the scalp.
Ashwagandha Study
“A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults.”
While there is limited research on the effects of Ashwagandha on hair specifically, a 2012 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine explored the herb’s effects on stress and anxiety, which can be contributing factors to hair loss.
The study followed 64 participants between the ages of 18 and 54 who reported having moderate to severe anxiety. Half of the participants were given a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root (600 mg per day), while the other half were given a placebo.
After 60 days, the group taking Ashwagandha showed significant improvements in stress levels and overall quality of life compared to the placebo group. While the study did not specifically measure hair growth or hair loss, reducing stress and anxiety levels can potentially have positive effects on hair health.
Overall, this study suggests that Ashwagandha may have benefits in reducing stress and anxiety, which could indirectly contribute to improved hair health. However, further research specifically on Ashwagandha’s effects on hair is needed to draw more definitive conclusions.
How to Use Ashwagandha for Hair
Ashwagandha can be applied to hair in a variety of methods. Taken as a supplement, ashwagandha is one of the most well-liked methods. To support general health and wellbeing, including healthy hair development, these nutrients are available in pill form and can be taken daily. Using ashwagandha topically is an additional method of using it for hair. Ashwagandha powder can be applied straight to the scalp by combining it with coconut oil or another carrier oil. After letting it sit on for at least an hour, gently shampoo it off.
It’s important to note that while ashwagandha is generally safe for most people, it can interact with certain medications. If you are taking any medications or have any underlying health conditions, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha.
For more information on supplements for hair, click here!
SUMMARY
Finally, ashwagandha is a plant that has been employed for many years in traditional medicine. It has been used to support general health and wellbeing. It is an adaptogen that can help the body deal with stress and encourage endocrine system equilibrium. Both of which can be advantageous for the health of the hair. Ashwagandha can lessen dandruff, strengthen hair follicles, lessen hair loss, and stimulate healthy hair development. It’s a natural and secure way to support good hair and general wellbeing, whether you decide to take an ashwagandha pill or apply it topically.
