Ancient Healthy Hair Growth Secret: Shikakai
It’s known as, “fruit for hair”, conditions from the hair root and is used as a mild cleansing shampoo in India. Shikakai powder is similar to soap nuts in that it doesn’t produce the amount of lather a sulfate-containing shampoo would. However, it is an excellent cleanser for natural hair. It’s very mild with a naturally low pH. It doesn’t strip hair root of natural oils and since it also acts as a detangler, it usually doesn’t need to be followed up with a conditioner. However, it’s important to remember that, traditionally, prior to washing the hair with plants containing Saponin (like soap nuts or the healthy hair growth plant, Shikakai) the user massages the scalp at the hair root with coconut oil or castor oil.
Shikakai Plant Anatomy
Acacia concinna is also known as Shikakai or Satla has been used in the Indian Subcontinent since ancient times for hair root care and to promote healthy hair growth. In fact, it is one of the Ayurvedic medicinal plants. Acacia concinna * extracts are used in natural shampoos or hair powders, since it has cleansing properties similar to soap nuts. The tree is now grown commercially in India and Far East Asia. Leaves are double-pinnate; containing a cluster of 2 or 3 stalked rounded pink flower heads. Flower heads about 1 cm in diameter when mature. Pods are thick, somewhat flattened, stalked, 8 cm long, 1.5-1.8 cm wide. The bark contains high levels of saponins, which are foaming agent s that are found in several other plant species like soap nuts. Saponin-containing plants (like soap nuts) have a long history of use as mild cleaning agents in natural hair care. To prepare it in the fruit pods, leaves and bark of Acacia concinna are dried, powdered and made into a paste.
Shikakai Hair Benefits
Acacia concinna is also known to promote healthy hair growth by nourishing the scalp at the glandular level. It also can strengthen the hair root. (This is good news for anybody transitioning from a chemical perm or relaxer to natural hair). It is rich in vitamin C and vitamin D, along with other nutrients that nourish the natural hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. It can be used by itself or mixed with other natural ingredients in powder form, along with water to form a paste that is then applied to the hair.Did you know that 100% All Natural Lustrous Henna® hair dye contains Shikakai?
Lustrous Henna® also contains other natural plants and herbal extracts used since ancient times. It is a superior all natural henna hair dye, that not only colors your hair, and it actually nourishes your hair with the fruit for hair –that grows on trees!
Lustrous Henna® is the brainchild of Syed Abbas, who states, “We list all of our ingredients on every package for your convenience. You can always go online and check the ingredients, too.”
Pure Shikakai Powder is also available from Saba Botanical of USA. For a natural hair boost, contact Saba Botanical for more information on this wonderful flowering plant.
Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna® user.)
©2012. L.J. O’Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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*Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.
