Ayurvedic Plants: What They Are and Their Cosmetic Properties

In the previous article, we explained the origin and philosophy of Ayurveda.
In this section, we will go into more detail, describing some of the most famous and widely used Ayurvedic herbs worldwide.

Let's start with a plant that many of you probably already know and may use in the kitchen, but without knowing that it can also be used to dye hair: Turmeric.

Originating in Southeast Asia, it is widely used as a spice in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is, for example, the main ingredient in curry. It has soothing and antioxidant properties, but at the same time it also has a wonderful coloring power . Its intense yellow pigment has always been used to dye fabrics, as well as hair. It can therefore be found as an ingredient in many dyeing mixtures, especially to obtain blonde nuances. On its own, it gives a cold, acidic yellow, and for this reason it is often not used pure on hair, least of all on very light hair, to avoid the "Simpson effect". Like spices in cooking, it must be handled carefully because it can ruin a dish or make it shine depending on the hand that doses it!

Ideal for oily skin or dandruff, for skin impurities and even against lice, is the Neem tree , a majestic tree native to India and Burma, considered so rich in beneficial properties that it has been nicknamed "the village pharmacy".

For fragile, thin, or chemically treated hair that tends to fall out too easily, we can use plants like Brahmi. Rich in natural antioxidants, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, this plant strengthens the hair fiber from root to tip.
In Asia, it is widely used as a medicinal herb and is considered to be of enormous importance. Consider, for example, that the name Brahmi means "pure consciousness" and derives from the Hindu deity Brahma, creator of the Hindu Pantheon.

Nutritious, antioxidant, and strengthening: let's talk about Amla . The so-called "Indian gooseberry," similar to a plum, is famous for being one of the foods with the highest amount of vitamin C in nature. In ancient Eastern medicine, it was considered a valuable aid for heartburn, colds, or respiratory infections, for keeping blood sugar levels under control, and for slowing down cellular aging. Its powerful antioxidant properties are also useful for keeping skin and hair young and healthy.

It's no coincidence that Amla or Amalaki is one of the three components (along with Bibhitaki and Haritaki) of one of the most famous and widely used Ayurvedic mixtures: Triphala.
The fame of this blend is linked to its power to rebalance the Doshas, which in Ayurveda are the vital and energetic centers.
In cosmetic use, it is used as a nourishing, strengthening, and anti-hair loss treatment for hair.

Next, we come to a plant rich in other beneficial properties and with a somewhat complicated name: Ashwagandha. According to Ayurvedic medicine, when used as a dietary supplement, it helps reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue, and improves sleep quality. In cosmetics, however, its powder is used for strengthening hair packs and anti-aging treatments for the skin.

Finally, we cannot fail to mention one of the plants most beloved by herbal remedy enthusiasts. Its scientific name is *Trigonella foenum-graecum*, and it is practically a constellation of active ingredients, including flavonoids, mucilages, mineral salts, vitamins, and alkaloids. We are talking about fenugreek, also known as methi by many. This plant has countless properties: strengthening, antioxidant, moisturizing, emollient, and soothing. It is therefore not surprising that it is one of the most widespread and used.

Of course, there are many other Ayurvedic plants that we haven't mentioned here, each with one or more stories to tell, as well as countless beneficial properties and specific active ingredients . The only way to truly know them, to find an intimate dialogue with their nature and receive their benefits, is to experiment, to let yourself be transported and pampered by these 100% plant-based treatments.

The combinations between different plants and mixtures are virtually endless. You have to try to understand which synergies are most suited to your hair and find the solutions that best suit your needs. The reward will be a beautiful and healthy head of hair, in a sustainable way!