Health Benefits of Shikakai

Shikakai, also known as a hair fruit, is a plant packed with various nutrients that help produce strong and healthier hair.

Its all-natural and organic properties reassure us of its safety and effectiveness. Let us delve into the nutritional value of 100 grams of shikakai to understand its benefits better.

Shikakai has a host of various essential nutrients that offer various health advantages. Some of the popular benefits of shikakai are listed below:

-Shikakai Improves Appetite

One of the main benefits of shikakai is that it helps in improving appetite. The loss of appetite is mainly a result of poor digestion. When there is insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach, it causes indigestion of food, which results in appetite loss.

Shikakai is known for its appetiser properties, which assist in the digestion process and help in improving the appetite. It is best to take shikakai before food for better results.

-Shikakai Treats Constipation

Frequent consumption of junk food can cause various stomach issues, like constipation. People suffering from constipation or other stomach issues use shikakai because of its laxative nature.

It is best to consume shikakai after soaking it in water for effective bowel movements. Individuals suffering from constipation should consider taking shikakai-infused water at night before heading to bed.

-Shikakai Assists Wound Healing

Another popular Acacia Concinna benefit is that it helps heal wounds. Shikakai is known for its healing property, which helps decrease the swelling on the wound and bring back normal skin texture.

Furthermore, shikakai is also known for its calming and cooling effect on the wound. Applying shikakai powder on affected areas helps in treating wounds up to a certain extent.

-Shikakai Treats Stomatitis

Another benefit of shikakai is that it helps treat stomatitis, a painful swelling inside the mouth. Shikakai is known for its healing properties, which help reduce inflammation.

Furthermore, shikakai is also good for gum health. It is known for its antibacterial properties, which help treat gum and tooth infections.

-Shikakai for Jaundice Treatment

Shikakai is an herb that acts as a liver stimulant and assists in proper bile secretion. This property of shikakai is crucial in treating jaundice with no side effects.

Furthermore, it can also ward off the symptoms of jaundice. To have better results, it is best to consume shikakai twice a day with water.

-Shikakai Improves Hair Texture

Shikakai is well known for its hair properties because it is a hair fruit. Since it is packed with all-natural ingredients and nutrients, it is very beneficial for hair. Applying shikakai shampoo to hair can remove dryness, especially during the winter.

It also helps cleanse hair follicles, which helps in getting soft and shiny hair. For better results, apply shikakai paste to your hair every two weeks.

-Shikakai Removes Dandruff and Lice

Another shikakai shampoo benefit is that it helps ward off dandruff and lice. Pollution, dirt and various other factors contribute to lice and dandruff. Furthermore, many people apply hair shampoo that contains chemicals, which also cause flaking and dandruff.

Shikakai is packed with natural ingredients that also possess antibacterial and antifungal properties. The application of shikakai shampoo can help remove dandruff and lice.

-Shikakai Prevents Hair Loss

Another crucial benefit of shikakai for hair is that it prevents hair loss. Shikakai is known for its astringent properties, which help remove excess dirt and oil from the scalp and promote hair growth. It is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that help prevent hair loss.

It also strengthens the roots and prevents split ends, brittleness and dryness. The antioxidants present in shikakai help prevent free radical activity.

-Shikakai Improves Skin Health

Besides its hair benefits, shikakai is also helpful in improving skin health. This natural herb is packed with organic ingredients that help prevent fine lines, wrinkles and other skin problems.

Furthermore, its antifungal and antibacterial properties help treat various skin disorders, such as scabies. Generally, people prefer to use shikakai scrub every second day for glowing and healthy skin.

Due to its various advantages, shikakai is a versatile herb widely used in everything from shampoos to soaps to oils. Its versatility piques our interest, and we will now explore some of the popular uses of shikakai in Indian households.

-Shikakai Shampoo

-Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of dried shikakai powder

• 5-6 neem leaves

• 2-3 dried amla

• 2 teaspoons of fenugreek powder

-How to Prepare

Step 1: To prepare shikakai shampoo, boil shikakai powder, amla, fenugreek powder and neem leaves in water.

Step 2: Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes on medium flame.

Step 3: Switch off the flame, keep it aside and let the mixture cool.

Step 4: Strain out the liquid and apply it on the hair as a natural shampoo.

-Shikakai Hair Mask

-Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of shikakai powder

• ½ tablespoon of methi powder

• 1 tablespoon of green gram powder

Egg white

-How to Prepare

Step 1: To prepare the hair mask, add shikakai powder, methi powder and green gram powder in a bowl.

Step 2: Mix the powder well and then add egg white.

Step 3: Properly mix the mixture to make a paste.

Step 4: Apply it to the hair and keep it for at least 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 5: Wash the hair pack with water.

-Shikakai Oil

-Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of shikakai powder

• Half a cup of coconut oil

-How to Prepare

Step 1: To prepare shikakai oil, add the shikakai powder in coconut oil.

Step 2: Mix this well and pour it into an airtight container.

Step 3: Keep the oil aside for 2-3 weeks, and in between, keep shaking it.

Step 4: Use the oil 2 to 3 times a week and shampoo well with any shampoo.

Shikakai offers a host of benefits for hair and skin when it is used in adequate amounts. However, excessive consumption of shikakai can cause various disadvantages. Some of the common side effects of shikakai shampoo are:

-Allergic Reactions

While allergic reactions to shikakai are rare, individuals who are sensitive to natural herb or plant-based products may experience one. The allergic reaction may involve redness on the face, dryness on the scalp and more.

-Hair Coloured Alteration

A common side effect of amla reetha shikakai shampoo is that it can cause hair to change its colour. This generally happens with the prolonged use of shikakai shampoo and the application of natural shampoo when the hair undergoes any chemical treatment.

-Scalp Sensitivity

Another known side effect of amla reetha shikakai shampoo is scalp sensitivity. When the shampoo is applied in excessive quantities for prolonged periods, it can lead to an overly sensitive scalp. This is generally common among people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Shikakai is a potent natural herb that not only treats various kinds of skin and hair issues but also significantly treats various ailments such as indigestion, jaundice and more. However, shikakai should be consumed or applied in moderate quantities.

Individuals who are ingesting it should consult their healthcare practitioner to avoid any side effects. Furthermore, before applying it to hair and skin, individuals should consider doing a patch test to know if it is safe to use or not.

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-Can we use shikakai daily?

Shikakai can be used daily, especially if your hair is oily or prone to buildup. It is gentle and natural, helping to cleanse without stripping moisture. However, if you have a dry or sensitive scalp, consider using it a few times a week instead.

-What vitamins are there in shikakai?

Shikakai is rich in vitamins A, C, D, E and K, as well as antioxidants. These nutrients help nourish the scalp, promote hair growth and strengthen hair strands.

-What are the side effects of shikakai for hair?

Shikakai may dry some hair types and irritate sensitive scalps. Additionally, it might fade colour-treated hair.

**Disclaimer:**This is a general guide on the Health Benefits of Shikakai . It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.