Shikakai (Acacia concinna)

Shikakai, which means fruit for hair,” is a component of Ayurvedic medicine in India.^(HR/1)

It’s a herb that’s very good for preventing hair loss and dandruff. Due to its cleaning and antifungal characteristics, shikakai can be used alone or in conjunction with reetha and amla as a shampoo to help manage hair fall and prevent dandruff. It adds lustre to the hair and keeps it from greying. Shikakai powder, when mixed with rose water or honey and applied to wounds, promotes speedier healing due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cooling) properties, according to Ayurveda. Because of its Rechana (laxative) properties, Shikakai infusion can aid with constipation. Due to its Kashaya (astringent) properties, it is also useful for bleeding piles. “

Shikakai is also known as :- 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

Shikakai is obtained from :- Plant

Uses and benefits of Shikakai:-

As per several scientific studies, uses and benefits of Shikakai (Acacia concinna) are mentioned as per below^(HR/2)

• Loss of appetite : When Shikakai is used on a regular basis, it aids in the improvement of appetite. Agnimandya, according to Ayurveda, is the cause of loss of appetite (weak digestion). It is produced by the aggravation of the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, which causes food digestion to be inadequate. This results in insufficient gastric juice secretion in the stomach, leading in appetite loss. Shikakai’s Deepan (appetiser) property promotes digestion and improves appetite. a. After crushing the Shikakai fruit, remove the seeds. c. Soak it for at least 1 hour in 1 glass of water. c. To increase appetite, drink 1/4 glass of this infusion before eating.
• Bleeding piles : In Ayurveda, piles are referred to as Arsh, and they are caused by a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. All three doshas, particularly Vata, are harmed as a result of this. Constipation is caused by an exacerbated Vata, which has a low digestive fire. This causes rectum veins to expand, resulting in pile formation. This disorder can sometimes result in bleeding. Shikakai aids in the management of bleeding. This is owing to its astringent (Kashya) quality. a. After crushing the Shikakai fruit, remove the seeds. c. Soak it for at least 1 hour in 1 glass of water. c. To treat bleeding piles, drink 1/4 glass of this infusion before going to bed.
• Constipation : When shikakai is consumed after soaking in water, it aids in the management of constipation. Constipation is caused by eating too much junk food, drinking too much coffee or tea, sleeping too late at night, stress, and sadness. Shikakai promotes bowel movement by adding bulk to the stool. This is because to its laxative (Rechana) properties. a. After crushing the Shikakai fruit, remove the seeds. c. Soak it for at least 1 hour in 1 glass of water. c. To relieve constipation, drink 1/4 glass of this infusion before going to bed.
• Hair loss : Shikakai is an Ayurvedic herb that is used to treat hair-related issues, including hair loss. Shikakai promotes hair development while also removing impurities and excess oil from the scalp. This is owing to its astringent (Kashya) quality. a. Apply 5-10 drops of Shikakai-based oil to your palms. b. Apply to the scalp and leave on for at least one night. c. The next day, wash your hair with herbal or Shikakai base shampoo. d. Do this method twice or three times per week.
• Anti-dandruff : Because of its unique capacity to cleanse without irritating the scalp, shikakai is effective as an anti-dandruff agent. It’s especially good for treating chronic dandruff caused by too much oil on the scalp. When applied on a daily basis, Shikakai helps to eliminate excess oil from the scalp and reduces dandruff. a. Apply 5-10 drops of Shikakai-based oil to your palms. b. Apply to the scalp and leave on for at least one night. c. The next day, wash your hair with herbal or Shikakai base shampoo. d. Do this method twice or three times per week.

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Precautions to be taken while using Shikakai:-

As per several scientific studies, below precautions should to be taken while taking Shikakai (Acacia concinna)^(HR/3)

Special precautions to be taken while taking Shikakai:-

As per several scientific studies, below special precautions should to be taken while taking Shikakai (Acacia concinna)^(HR/4)

• Breastfeeding : Shikakai should be avoided or used only under medical supervision when nursing.
• Pregnancy : During pregnancy, avoid Shikakai or use it only under medical supervision.

How to take Shikakai:-

As per several scientific studies, Shikakai (Acacia concinna) can be taken into the methods mentioned as per below^(HR/5)

• Shikakai Infusion : Eliminate the seeds of Shikakai after crushing the fruit. Soak it in one glass of water for atleast one hourTake one fourth glass of this infusion before resting to control irregular bowel movements and also piles. Or, have it prior to food to improve hunger.
• Shikakai Powder : Take one to two teaspoon of Shikakai powder. Add honey to itAlso, include water to form a pasteUse for quick wound recovery.

How much Shikakai should be taken:-

As per several scientific studies, Shikakai (Acacia concinna) should be taken into the amounts mentioned as per below^(HR/6)

• Shikakai Powder : One to two teaspoon or as per your requirement.
• Shikakai Oil : Five to ten drops or as per your requirement.

Side effects of Shikakai:-

As per several scientific studies, below side effects need to be taken into consideration while taking Shikakai (Acacia concinna)^(HR/7)

• There is not enough scientific data available about side effects of this herb yet.

Questions asked frequently Related to the Shikakai:-

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

Answer. Amla and Shikakai can, in fact, be combined. Shikakai gives strength and nourishment, while Amla prevents premature greying of the hair. Both are included in the majority of hair packs on the market.

Question. Can Shikakai be used every day on hair?

Answer. Yes, Shikakai can be used to wash your hair every day. In fact, Shikakai is superior than commercial shampoos when it comes to hair. Because it contains natural saponins, shikakai helps to cleanse the hair. This is due to the fact that commercial shampoos include chemicals that may destroy your hair. To make Shikaki shampoo, follow these instructions: 1. Combine 20 tablespoons Shikakai, 10 teaspoons Reetha, 5 teaspoons Tulsi, and 5 teaspoons Neem powder in a mixing bowl. 2. Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. 3. Mix 1-2 tablespoons powder with a little water to produce a paste whenever needed. 4. Massage into damp hair and scalp. 5. Gently massage the area. 6. Use cool tap water to wash your hair.

Question. Can Shikakai be used on the skin?

Answer. Shikakai can be applied to the skin. It has excellent antibacterial qualities. Shikakai can help protect your skin from a variety of infections.

Question. How to use Shikakai powder as shampoo?

Answer. 1. Measure out 1 tablespoon of Shikakai powder or as needed. 2. Add 1 cup of water to the mixture. 3. Bring the contents to a boil for around 5-7 minutes. 4. Allow it to cool before gently massaging it into your hair and scalp. 5. For around 5 minutes, massage the hair roots. 6. Set aside for 15 minutes. 7. Finish by rinsing with plain water. 8. Do this at least once a week.

Question. How to make Shikakai powder at home?

Answer. 1. Combine 12 kg Shikakai, 100g Reetha, 100g Fenugreek seeds, a handful of Tulsi leaves and Hibiscus flower petals, and a few Curry leaves in a large mixing bowl. 2. Dry all of the ingredients in the sun for 2 days. 3. Pulverize the ingredients into a fine powder. 4. Keep the freshly made Shikakai powder in an airtight container until needed.

Question. Is Shikakai good for asthma?

Answer. Yes, Shikakai’s Kapha balancing property aids in the reduction of asthma symptoms. It relieves asthmatic symptoms by removing extra mucus from the lungs.

Question. Is Shikakai good for contraception?

Answer. Shikakai, because of its spermicidal properties, may be used for contraception. Shikakai bark contains compounds that have the power to damage sperm. Shikakai has the ability to coagulate sperm.

Question. Is Shikakai good for constipation?

Answer. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, Shikakai has been utilised in traditional medicine to treat constipation due to its laxative properties.

Question. Is Shikakai good for cough?

Answer. Shikakai has been used in traditional medicine to treat coughs, despite the lack of scientific evidence.

Shikakai’s Kapha-balancing properties make it effective for cough relief. It relieves coughing by expelling extra mucus.

Question. Is Shikakai good for dry hair?

Answer. Shikakai may be beneficial to dry hair. Shikakai is a gentle cleanser that does not strip the hair and scalp of its natural oils.

SUMMARY

It’s a herb that’s very good for preventing hair loss and dandruff. Due to its cleaning and antifungal characteristics, shikakai can be used alone or in conjunction with reetha and amla as a shampoo to help manage hair fall and prevent dandruff.