Shikakai, which refers to “fruit for hair,” is a part of traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India. It is also known as Acacia concinna. It is a particularly useful herb for reducing hair loss and dandruff.
Due to its purification and antifungal qualities, It can be used alone or in a shampoo formula with reetha and amla to help manage hair loss and prevent dandruff. In addition to giving the hair shine, it also prevents white hair.
Its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cooling) properties, Shikakai powder is applied to injuries with rose water or honey to speed up the healing process.
Due to Shikakai’s Rechana (laxative) benefits, drinking its solution can help treat constipation. Due to its kashaya (astringent) effect, it is also helpful for bleeding piles.
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Words that are similar to Shikakai
Ban reetha, Cikakai, Chikaki, Kichi, Kochi, Hikakai, Saatala, Shika, Amsikira, Kachuai, Pasoi tenga, Suse lewa, Ban ritha, Vimala, Vidula, Bhuriphena, Amala, Bahuphena, Phena, Dipta, Visanika, Svargapuspi, Putraghna Sage, Seegiballi, Seegay, Shige, Shiyakai, Sige, Sheegae, Shige kayi, Sigeballi, Sige-kai, Sikiaro, Wallasige, Wollesige, Manda-otte, Mandashige, Ollegise, Maanyi paot naangaa, Chikaka, Chinikka, Cikkakka, Cinikka, Civikka, Cheenikai, Chinik, Chinnikayi, Cikakayi, Ciyakayi, Inna, Cheenikka, Cheeyakayi, Chinik-kaya, Shikai, Shikekai, Vimala, Chikkai, Cikkay, Gogu, and Siikaya.
Benefits of Shikakai
Appetite loss
When Shikakai is consumed regularly, it helps to increase appetite. Loss of appetite is related to Agnimandya in Ayurveda (weak digestion). It comes from the aggravation of the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, which prevents proper meal digestion. It results in the stomach’s inability to produce enough gastric juice, which decreases hunger. Shikakai’s Deepan (appetizer) property causes it to improve digestion and increase appetite.
How to use
- After smashing the fruit, take out the seeds from the Shikakai.
- Soak it for at least an hour in one glass of water.
- To increase appetite, consume 1/4 glass of this solution before eating.
Bleeding piles
In Ayurveda, piles known as Arsh are related to a sedentary lifestyle and a poor diet. All three doshas, particularly Vata, are harmed as a result. Constipation results from a low digestive fire brought on by an exacerbated Vata. As a result, the veins in the rectum area enlarge, resulting in pile mass. In this scenario, bleeding can occasionally happen as well. Blood loss can be controlled by shikakai. It is a result of its astringent (Kashya) quality.
Usage
- After smashing the fruit, take out the seeds from the shikakai.
- Soak it for at least an hour in one glass of water.
- To treat bleeding piles, consume 1/4 glass of this mixture before going to bed.
Indigestion
Always used Shikakai after soaking in water. It benefits the management of constipation. Constipation is primarily brought on by eating fast food regularly, drinking too much coffee or tea, staying up late, stress, and sadness. Sheegae helps in bowel movement and gives the stool more thickness. It is a result of its laxative (Rechana) function.
Tips
- After smashing the fruit, take out the seeds from the shikakai.
- Soak it for at least an hour in one glass of water.
- To prevent constipation, consume 1/4 glass of this mixture before going to bed.
Loss of hair
One of the most effective Ayurvedic medicines for hair-related issues, including hair fall. Sikiaro helps clean the scalp of impurities and surplus oil and encourages hair development. It is a result of its astringent (Kashya) quality.
Tips
- Use 5–10 drops of oil with a Shikakai base.
- Apply to the scalp, then let it stay all night.
- The next day, shampoo your hair with a herbal or Shikakai base.
- Do this procedure twice or three times per week.
Dandruff
It can remarkably cleanse without irritating the scalp, making it a good anti-dandruff treatment. Controlling chronic dandruff, brought on by too much oil on the scalp, is a particular benefit. When applied regularly, Acacia concinna helps to reduce dandruff and remove extra oil from the scalp.
Tips
- Use 5–10 drops of oil with a Shikakai base.
- Apply to the scalp, then let it sit there all night.
- The next day, shampoo your hair with a herbal or Shikakai base.
- Do this procedure twice or three times per week.
Healing of wounds
Shikaikai prevents swelling, speeds up wound healing, and recovers the skin’s natural texture. Its Ropan (healing) property is the reason for this. When applied to a wound, shikakai also helps to reduce inflammation and burning feelings. Due to its Sita (cold) nature, this is the case.
Tips
- Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the powdered Shikakai.
- Prepare a paste using rosewater or honey.
- Use it on the affected region once or twice daily to promote wound healing.
Swollen mouth
Stomatitis is a condition that causes painful mouth swelling. In Ayurveda, it is known as Mukhapaka. Mukhapaka is connected to Rakta and involves all three doshas, particularly Pitta (bleeding). Sikiaro powder has a Ropan (healing) quality that enhances the healing process and a Pitta (pitta balancing) quality that lowers irritation.
Tips
- Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the powdered Shikakai.
- Prepare a paste using rosewater or honey.
- To improve the healing of stomatitis, apply it once or twice daily to the affected area.
Shikakai side effects
According to the research, shikakai may be safe to consume. However, using Acacia concinna excessively can have some of the negative effects listed below.
- If used excessively, Acacia concinna might cause asthma and respiratory issues.
- If used frequently, it may cause oiliness on the scalp.
- Shikaki eating in large amounts might result in nausea and even loose stools.
- It can be dangerous to eat these seeds boiled in lukewarm water.
- It can lead to dry skin if taken frequently.
- Bloating is another side effect of shikakai that has been linked to anxiety.
- And it can also be the cause of acidity.
- Even ayurvedic herbs might have particular side effects and can affect people differently. Make sure to speak with an Ayurvedic doctor.
Shikakai Precautions
Before taking shikakai, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you have one or more of these conditions.
- Consuming shikakai while pregnant or nursing can harm the unborn child. It will likely affect the infant’s growth. Women who are expecting or nursing should avoid eating shikakai.
- Shikakai internal dosages used in excess or for a long period may result in sickness, loose stools, and stomach pain.
- It is best to avoid giving saponin-containing products to people undergoing infertility therapy because they have a spermicidal impact.
- It can cause some problems, such as bloating, asthma, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Additionally, it may result in gastrointestinal issues, which can bloat in the stomach.
- Please do not self-medicate. You should not substitute, change, or stop any ongoing treatment.
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Shikaki shampoo preparation tips
1. Combine 20 tablespoons of Shikakai, 10 teaspoons Reetha, 5 teaspoons Tulsi, and 5 teaspoons Neem powder.
2. Mixed up all of the ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Make a paste with 1-2 teaspoons of powder and some water.
4. Massage into wet hair and scalp.
5. Gently massage.
6. Use cool tap water to wash your hair.
How to make Shikakai powder at home?
- Combine half kg Shikakai, 100g Reetha, 100g Fenugreek seeds, a handful of Tulsi leaves and Hibiscus flower petals, and a few curry leaves in a blender.
- Dry all of the ingredients in the sun for 2 days.
- Grind the material to a fine powder in a food processor.
- Keep this freshly prepared Shikakai powder in an airtight container until needed.
Conclusion
Shikakai is a powerful herb, which has always been used as a traditional cure for hair problems, is good for your skin and hair, and is important in treating many illnesses like indigestion, gum infections, and jaundice, etc.
