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Introduction
Benefits
Precautions
How to use
FAQs
References
Author Details
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Ayurvedic View By
Dr. Deepak Soni
BAMS
Scientific View By
Deepa Sarkar
M.Pharm, B.Pharm
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)
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Shikakai
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].
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
1. Loss of appetite
Shikakai helps to improve appetite when it is made a part of the daily diet. In Ayurveda, loss of appetite is due to Agnimandya (weak digestion). It is caused by an aggravation of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas leading to incomplete digestion of food. This causes insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach resulting in appetite loss. Shikakai stimulates digestion and improves appetite due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.
Tips:
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 food to improve appetite.
2. Bleeding piles
Piles are known as Arsh in Ayurveda which is caused by an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata. An aggravated Vata causes a low digestive fire, leading to constipation. This causes swelling in the veins in the rectum area leading to pile mass. Sometimes bleeding can also occur in this condition. Shikakai helps to control bleeding. This is due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Tips:
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 manage bleeding piles.
3. Constipation
Shikakai helps to manage constipation when it is taken after soaking in water. Constipation is mainly due to frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. Shikakai increases bulk in the stool and improves bowel movement. This is due to its Rechana (laxative) nature.
Tips:
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.
Shikakai helps to improve appetite when it is made a part of the daily diet. In Ayurveda, loss of appetite is due to Agnimandya (weak digestion). It is caused by an aggravation of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas leading to incomplete digestion of food. This causes insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach resulting in appetite loss. Shikakai stimulates digestion and improves appetite due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.
Tips:
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 food to improve appetite.
2. Bleeding piles
Piles are known as Arsh in Ayurveda which is caused by an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata. An aggravated Vata causes a low digestive fire, leading to constipation. This causes swelling in the veins in the rectum area leading to pile mass. Sometimes bleeding can also occur in this condition. Shikakai helps to control bleeding. This is due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Tips:
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 manage bleeding piles.
3. Constipation
Shikakai helps to manage constipation when it is taken after soaking in water. Constipation is mainly due to frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. Shikakai increases bulk in the stool and improves bowel movement. This is due to its Rechana (laxative) nature.
Tips:
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.
Precautions when using Shikakai
Breastfeeding
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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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.