Shikakai which means “fruit for hair” is a part of the traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine. It is an herb especially used for controlling hair fall and dandruff.
Shikakai can be used alone or in combination with reetha and amla as a shampoo to help manage hair fall and prevent dandruff due to its cleansing and antifungal properties. It provides shine to the hair as well as prevents its greying.
According to Ayurveda, applying Shikakai powder along with rose water or honey to wounds helps in faster healing due to its Ropan (healing) property and Sita (cold) nature.
Drinking Shikakai infusion helps manage constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) nature. It is also beneficial for bleeding piles due to its Kashaya (astringent) property[1].

What are the synonyms of Shikakai?

Acacia concinna, Carmakasa, Satala, Vimala, Vidula, Bhuriphena, Amala, Bahuphena, Phena, Dipta, Visanika, Svargapuspi, Putraghna, Ban reetha, Cikakai, Chikaki, Kichi, Kochi, Hikakai, Saatala, Shika, Amsikira, Kachuai, Pasoi tenga, Suse lewa, Ban ritha, Cige, Manda-otte, Mandashige, Ollegise, Sage, Seegiballi, Seegay, Shige, Shiyakai, Sige, Sheegae, Shige kayi, Sigeballi, Sige-kai, Sikiaro, Wallasige, Wollesige, Naangaa maanyi paot, Carmalanta, Chikaka, Chinikka, Cikkakka, Cinikka, Civikka, Cheenikai, Chinik, Chinnikayi, Cikakayi, Ciyakayi, Inna, Cheenikka, Cheeyakayi, Chinik-kaya, Shikai, Shikekai, Vimala, Chikkai, Cikkay, Gogu, Siikaya[1].

What is the source of Shikakai?

Plant Based

Benefits of Shikakai

Precautions when using Shikakai

Breastfeeding

Modern Science View

Avoid Shikakai or use only under medical supervision during breastfeeding

Pregnancy

Ayurvedic View

Avoid Shikakai or use only under medical supervision during pregnancy.

How to use Shikakai

1. Shikakai Infusion
a. Remove the seeds of Shikakai after crushing the fruit.
b. Soak it in 1 glass of water for atleast 1 hour.
c. Take 1/4 glass of this infusion before sleeping to control constipation and piles.
d. Or, have it before food to improve appetite.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can we use Amla and Shikakai together for hair nourishment?

Modern Science View

Yes, Amla and Shikakai can be combined together. Amla prevents premature greying of hair and Shikakai provides strength and nourishment. Most of the hair packs available in the market contains both.

Q. Can Shikakai be used every day on hair?

Modern Science View

Yes, washing your hair every day with Shikakai is fine. In fact using Shikakai on hair is better than the shampoos available in the market. Shikakai cleanses the hair because of the presence of natural saponins present in it. This is because commercially available shampoos contain chemicals which may harm your hair.
Tips to make Shikaki shampoo:
1. Take 20 tablespoons of Shikakai, 10 teaspoons Reetha, 5 teaspoons Tulsi and Neem powder.
2. Mix all the ingredients well.
3. Whenever required take 1-2 teaspoons of powder and add some water to make a paste.
4. Apply on wet hair and scalp.
5. Massage gently.
6. Wash your hair with cool tap water.

Q. Can Shikakai be used on the skin?

Modern Science View

Yes, Shikakai can be used on the skin. It has very good antiseptic properties. Washing the skin with Shikakai can protect you from various germs.

Q. How to use Shikakai powder as shampoo?

Modern Science View

1. Take 1 tablespoon of Shikakai powder or as per your requirement.
2. Mix it in 1 cup of water.
3. Boil the contents for about 5-7 minutes.
4. Cool it and apply gently on hair and scalp.
5. Massage the hair roots for about 5 minutes.
6. Then leave it for 15 minutes.
7. Rinse with plain water.
8. Repeat this once a week.

Q. How to make Shikakai powder at home?

Modern Science View

1. Take ½ kg of Shikakai, 100g of Reetha, 100g of Fenugreek seeds, a handful of Tulsi leaves and Hibiscus flower petals and few Curry leaves.
2. Dry all the ingredients in sunlight for about 2 days.
3. Grind the contents to a fine powder.
4. Then, store this freshly prepared Shikakai powder in an airtight container and use required.

References

1
Balkrishna A.Acacia Miller Fabaceae(Acacia concinna Willd.DC).World Herbal Encyclopedia(Angiosperms Part-1).2017;349-354.
2
Mohamed GA, Ibrahim SBR, Al Haidari RA.A review on natural contraceptive agents.Am. J. PharmTech Res.2014;4(3):125-158.
3
Raja AXV, Sama K.Phytochemical and biochemical analysis of the plant extract of Acacia concinna (wild).International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research & Development.2012;3(12):136-139.
4
Wuthi-udomlert M, Vallisuta O.In vitro effectiveness of Acacia concinna extract against dermatomycotic pathogens.Pharmacogn J.2011;3(19):69-73.
5
Hanif MA, Bhatti HN, Jamil MS et al.Antibacterial and antifungal activities of essential oils extracted from medicinal plants using CO2supercritical fluid extraction technology.Asian J Chem.2010;22(10):7787-7798.
6
Akram M, Hamid A, Khalil A et al.Review on medicinal uses, pharmacological, phytochemistry and immunomodulatory activity of plants.International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology.2014;27(3):313-319.
7
Bhaskar K.Ethnobotany and conservation status of saponin rich plants of gangetic plain having both medicinal and cleansing properties.Plant Archives.2018;18(1):81-97.
8
Hazra J, Panda AK.Concept of beauty and ayurveda medicine.J Clin Exp Dermatol Res.2013;4(3):1-4.
9
Wuthi-udomlert M, Vallisuta O.In vitro effectiveness of Acacia concinna extract against dermatomycotic pathogens.Pharmacogn J.2011;3(19):69-73.
10
Utane R, Deo S, Itankar P.Preparation of herbal Shampoo (HS) by green method and their characterization.IJRSSIS.2017;5:254-258.

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.