Vol.01, Issue-06, December 2024
Author: Dr. Manasa B., MD Ayurveda
Abstract
Diseases of the hair and scalp represent common dermatological conditions that are often neglected in daily clinical practice. Hair loss is a problem of great significance to both men and women. Among the younger generation, common hair disorders include hair fall (khalitya), premature graying of hair (palitya), alopecia areata (indralupta), and dandruff (darunka). These conditions are believed to be affected by an imbalance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. Since ages, herbs and natural products are being used to treat hair loss or other hair-related problems. This article reviews and describes the definition and etiopathogenesis, clinical features, pathology, and the treatment aspect of khalitya.
Keywords: Ayurveda, Abhyanga, Khalitya, Kshudraroga, Alopecia
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Aims and Objectives
- Materials and Methods
- Etymology
- Definition
- Synonyms
- Varieties of Khalitya
- Nidana (Etiology)
- Purvarupa (Prodromal Symptoms)
- Rupa (Symptoms)
- Samprapti (Pathogenesis)
- Sadhyasadhyata (Prognosis)
- Upashaya Anupashaya (Therapeutic Approaches)
- Common Line of Treatment
- Research on Extracts from Herbal Drugs with Hair Growth Potential
- Pathyapathya (Do's and Don'ts)
- Conclusion
- References
Introduction
Hair loss can range from mild hair thinning to total baldness. Hair loss can affect the scalp or entire body. Ayurveda has described hair diseases in three words:
- Indralupta: Refers to alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, and alopecia universalis.
- Khalitya: Means loss of hair.
- Palitya: Means premature hair graying.
The word “khalitya” is the medical term for hair loss in Ayurveda. Hair fall has been described in almost all the Ayurvedic literatures as khalitya. It has been included in Shiroroga by Acharya Charaka and Ashtanga Hridayakara. Sushrut Samhita, Ashtanga Samgraha, and Yoga Ratnakara have included khalitya diseases under kshudraroga.
Hair fall is one of the most common problems which one experiences in everyday life. However, some amount of hair loss is considered normal. Hair health depends on biological, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Multiple factors contribute to hair loss, including genetics, hormones, environmental exposure, medications, and nutrition. Hormonal imbalances, especially androgens, affect hair health (androgenetic alopecia). Nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc, vitamins) and psychological stress impact growth (telogen effluvium). External factors like UV radiation, pollution, and harsh treatments worsen damage, leading to dryness and breakage. Heat styling and harsh hair care weaken strands.
The traditional Ayurvedic herbs are revered for their profound healing properties. A holistic approach, like Ayurveda, addresses internal and external factors with dietary changes, stress management, and gentle products. Ayurveda is considered as one of the very best alternative systems for treating hair loss.
In Western medicine, hair loss is known as alopecia. It can occur gradually or suddenly and present itself in many different forms. Treatment of hair loss requires a multimodal approach, and the use of Ayurvedic line of management provides added benefits. Vitamins and trace minerals are vital to the hair follicle cycle and maintain homeostasis as enzyme cofactors, hormones, antioxidants, and immunomodulators. Botanical products regulate inflammation, minimize oxidative stress, and control hormone levels (i.e., dihydrotestosterone). Beyond supplementation, mind and body practices, including purification procedures and massage, help to reduce physiologic and emotional stress, which contributes to hair loss.
Aims and Objectives
- To understand the concept of Khalitya.
- To understand the etiopathogenesis of Khalitya.
- To know the common Ayurvedic line of treatment in the management of Khalitya.
Materials and Methods
- Type of Study: This is a conceptual study.
- Source of Data: For this study, textual material is used from the classical texts and internet from which various references are collected.
Etymology
In Ashtanga Hridaya, Acharya Vagbhata has mentioned:
“(A.H. U.23/26)”
Khalitya suggests gradual hair loss.
In Shabdakalpadrum and Vachaspatyam, khalitya has been mentioned as:
- “KHALATI – SKHALAYANTI KESH ASMAT” and “KHALASANKHALANE”
(S. K. IInd Vol. Page – 278) (Vach. IIIrd Vol Page – 2476)
Definition
According to Charaka:
“The Thermal element (tejas), combined with the vata and other humors, reaches up the scalp and produces alopecia (Khalitya).”
(Ca. Chi.26/132)
Sushruta Samhita states:
“Pitta along with Vata by involving the roots of hair (Romakoopa) causes fall of hairs, and thereafter Kapha along with Rakta obstructs the channel of Romakoopa leading to the stoppage of the regeneration of the hair; this condition is known as Indralupta, Khalitya, or Ruhya.”
(Su. Ni. 13)
Vagbhata specifies:
“Gradual falling of hair should be called khalitya. This gradual falling of hair slowly leads to baldness.”
(A.H.U. 23/26)
Synonyms
- Charaka: Khalitya, Khalati
- Sushruta: Khalitya, Indralupta, Ruhya
- Ashtanga Hridaya: Khalitya, Chacha
- Ashtanga Sangraha: Khalitya, Rujha
- Madhav: Khalitya, Indralupta
- Bhoja: Indralupta, Ruhya
- Harita: Keshaghna
Varieties of Khalitya
Table 1: Varieties of Khalitya
Reference | Types |
---|---|
Ashtanga Hridaya | Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Sannipataja |
Ashtanga Sangraha | Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Sannipataja |
Harita | Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Raktaja, Sannipataja |
Nidana (Etiology)
In Ayurvedic literature, there is no clear-cut reference regarding the causative factors of Khalitya. Following are the causes of shiroroga (head diseases). To make a complete study of causes and pathogenesis of khalitya, it is necessary to study the causes of shiroroga.
Table 2: General Etiological Factors of Shiro Roga
No. | General Etiological Factors | Cha. Sa. | A.H./A.S. | Y.R. | Harita |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Vegavarodha (Suppression of natural urges) | + | + | + | + |
2 | Divasvapa (Day sleep) | + | + | + | |
3 | Ratrijagarana (Awakening during night) | + | + | – | |
4 | Madya (Alcohol) | + | + | – | |
5 | Uccha Bhashana (Speaking aloud) | + | + | + | |
6 | Avashyaya (Exposure to eastern wind) | + | + | – | |
7 | Purva Vata (Exposure to eastern wind) | + | – | – | |
8 | Atimaithuna (Excess sexual indulgence) | + | + | – | |
9 | Asatmya Gandha (Undesirable smell) | + | + | – | |
10 | Aghata (Injury) | + | – | – | |
11 | Raja (Exposure to dust) | + | – | – | – |
12 | Hima (Exposure to snowfall) | + | – | – | |
13 | Dhuma (Exposure to smoke) | + | + | + | – |
14 | Atapa (Exposure to sun & heat) | + | + | + | – |
15 | Guru Ahara (Heavy food) | + | – | – | – |
16 | Amla Ahara (Sour food) | + | – | – | |
17 | Harita Dravya Sevana (Rhizomes) | + | – | – | – |
18 | Ati Shita Ambu Sevana (Excess cold water) | + | + | + | – |
19 | Shiro Abhighata (Head injury) | + | – | – | |
20 | Dushta Ama (Vitiated ama) | + | + | + | – |
21 | Rodana (Grief) | + | + | + | – |
22 | Ashru Vega Nigraha (Suppression of tears) | + | + | + | – |
23 | Meghagama (Advent of cloud) | + | – | – | – |
24 | Manastapa (Mental stress) | + | – | – | – |
25 | Desha Viparyaya (Regimen contrary to locality) | + | – | – | |
26 | Kala Viparyaya (Regimen contrary to season) | + | – | – | |
27 | Utsveda (Excessive sweating) | – | + | – | + |
28 | Krimi (Worms) | – | + | + | + |
29 | Upadhana Dvesha (Avoidance of pillow) | – | – | + | + |
30 | Abhyanga Dvesha (Aversion to massage) | – | + | + | + |
31 | Pratatekshana (Constant seeing) | – | + | + | – |
32 | Utsedha (Swelling) | – | – | + | – |
Other Causes of Khalitya
- Skin Disease (Kusta) and Khalitya: Skin diseases arising due to vitiated Pitta lead to loss of hair in that particular area. Burning sensation is also caused along with hair fall in that area. When it is over the scalp, it will cause khalitya due to skin disease.
- Excessive Consumption of Salt: Leads to khalitya and palitya early. Even a person who is used to eating too much salt suffers from these entities.
- Excessive Consumption of Kshara: Leads to khalitya and palitya.
- Not Following Rules After Taking Nasya: Getting angry, laughing, talking too much, sneezing, overexertion after taking nasya leads to khalitya and palitya.
- Signs of Dushta Pratishaya: According to Charakacharya, hair fall occurs, and the hair of the head becomes like that of a monkey.
- Combing Hair Excessively During Ovulatory Period of Mother: As per Acharya Sushruta, this leads to hair fall in the child.
- Vitiation of Pitta Due to Improper Diet During Pregnancy: Leads to hair fall in the child, as mentioned by Acharya Vagbhata.
- Excessive Consumption of Lavana Rasa During Pregnancy: Causes khalitya early in the child.
- Characteristics of Prakruti in Relation to Hair: In pittaja prakruti, hair fall (khalitya) starts at an early age; individuals become bald early.
- Kshaya of Asthi Dhatu: Causes hair fall.
Purvarupa (Prodromal Symptoms)
Purvarupa are the premonitory symptoms of the disease observed before its complete manifestation. According to ancient treatises, most diseases have specific purvarupa; however, in some disorders, there is an absence of purvarupa. Khalitya is one of those which has no premonitory signs and symptoms.
But the appearance of symptoms in a very mild form, like occasional loss of some hair, may be considered as a purvarupa of khalitya.
Rupa (Symptoms)
Regarding the rupa (symptoms) of khalitya, limited explanations are found in Ayurvedic classics:
- Acharya Charaka: When the teja along with vatadi doshas reaches the kesh bhoomi (scalp), it causes the fall of hairs.
(Ca. Chi. 26/32) - Acharya Sushruta: The pitta which has gone into the romakoopa gets mixed with vata, causing hair fall. Thereafter, the kapha along with the rakta causes obstruction in the romakoopa, preventing the further growth of new hair.
(Su. Ni. 13) - Acharya Vagbhata: When gradual hair fall occurs, it may be known as khalitya.
Thus, the pratyatma linga (specific symptom) of khalitya may be taken as the gradual loss of hair.
Astanga Samgrahakara describes this disease with four varieties—vataja, pittaja, kaphaja, and sannipataja khalitya. The dominance of a particular dosha denotes the type of disease, and the symptoms occur accordingly.
Table 3: Signs & Symptoms According to Classification of Khalitya
No. | Varieties | Appearance of Keshbhoomi | Colour of Keshbhoomi | Pravruti |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Vataja | Agnidagdha (Burnt appearance) | Shyava (Blackish) & Aruna (Reddish) | |
2 | Pittaja | Surrounded by siras (veins) | Peeta (Yellowish), Neela (Bluish), Harita (Greenish) | All over the scalp |
3 | Kaphaja | Ghana & Snigdha (Thick & Oily) | Similar to skin color or may become whitish mixed |
(A.S.U. 27) (A.H.U. 23)
Table 4: Symptoms According to Acharya Harita
- Vataja: Ruksha (Dry), Pandura (Pale) scalp
- Pittaja: Redness and burning of the scalp
- Kaphaja: Snigdha (Oily) scalp
- Raktaja: Pus (Sapaka)
- Sannipataja: All the characteristics of the three doshas
Samprapti (Pathogenesis)
- Acharya Charaka’s Description:
- Teja (Pitta) with the help of the vatadi humors causes the fall of hairs.
(Ca. Chi.26) - Chakrapani’s Commentary: Teja has two dimensions—dehoshma (body temperature or pachaka pitta) and pitta situated in the scalp. Thus, teja along with vata (i.e., dehoshma pitta and vata) together cause khalitya.
- Teja (Pitta) with the help of the vatadi humors causes the fall of hairs.
- Acharya Sushruta’s View:
- Involvement of all three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha along with rakta in the occurrence of khalitya.
- Deranged vata and pitta go to the hair follicle and cause hair fall. Vitiated kapha combines with rakta dhatu to shut down the follicle, thus preventing hair growth. This is called indralupta.
- Acharya Vagbhata’s Addition:
- Follows the same pathogenic approach as Sushruta but adds that the falling of hair in khalitya is gradual, differentiating it from indralupta.
Dosha Involved
- Pitta Dosha: Especially bhrajaka pitta (localized in the scalp) and pachaka pitta (in form of dehoshma).
- Vata Dosha: Mainly samana vayu (responsible for pachakagni) and vyana vayu (resides all over the body).
- Kapha Dosha: Specifically tarpaka, which dwells in the head (localized vitiation).
Dushyas (Affected Tissues)
- Rasa and Rakta: Circulate in the body, providing nutrition. When vitiated, they contribute to khalitya.
- Asthi Dhatu: May be involved as anomalies occur due to its vitiation.
- Sweda and Kesha: Considered malas (waste products) of meda and asthi dhatu respectively.
Sadhyasadhyata (Prognosis)
Ayurveda classics describe various stages of a disease pertaining to its prognosis. Acharya Charaka emphasizes the importance of knowing curable and incurable types of diseases before commencing treatment.
- Astanga Sangrahakara’s Classification:
- Four types: Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, and Sannipataja.
- Sannipataja (Tridoshaja): Considered Asadhya (incurable).
- Signs of Incurability:
- The color of the scalp is like nails.
- Appearance of hair and scalp resembles burnt skin, without hair, with severe burning sensation.
Upashaya Anupashaya (Therapeutic Approaches)
- Acharya Charaka:
- First administer Vamana (emesis) and Virechana (purgation).
- Then Nasya treatment, followed by oil massage for hair and scalp.
- Mentions Vidarigandha taila (Desmodium gangeticum) and Tiladi yoga for local application.
- Acharya Vagbhata:
- After shodhana (purification) of doshas, treatments shown in Indralupta and Palitya should be done in Khalitya.
(A.H. U. 28/38)
- After shodhana (purification) of doshas, treatments shown in Indralupta and Palitya should be done in Khalitya.
- Astanga Samgrahkara:
- Application of various pralepas (pastes) following shodhana karma or after prachchhana (bloodletting).
(A.S. U. 28)
- Application of various pralepas (pastes) following shodhana karma or after prachchhana (bloodletting).
- Therapeutic Indications:
- Treatments for premature greying (Palitya) can be applied in Khalitya.
(A.S. U.28/43)
- Treatments for premature greying (Palitya) can be applied in Khalitya.
Common Line of Treatment
- Abhyanga: Oil massage.
- Lepa: External application of medicinal paste.
- Shodhana: Purification therapies.
- Nasya: Nasal administration of medication.
- Rasayana: Rejuvenation therapy.
- Keshya Dravya: Hair-promoting substances.
Examples of Treatments
- Scraping and Application:
- Affected part scraped with karkash (Mallotus philippinensis) leaves.
- Apply medicinal lepa (paste) or oil preparation.
- Lepas (Pastes):
- Gunja (Abrus precatorius) seed powder.
- Hasti-Dantamashi lepa.
- Bhalatakadi (Semicarpus anacardium) lepa.
- Madhukadi lepa: Contains yasthimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), lotus, manuka (dry grapes), oil, ghee, and milk.
- Oil Preparations:
- Malati (Myristica fragrans), Karavira (Nerium indicum), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), and Karanja (Pongamia pinnata) for abhyanga.
- Other Applications:
- Juice (swarasa) of Patola (Trichosanthes dioica) leaves applied for 3 days.
- Snuhidugdha taila (Euphorbia neriifolia) for application.
- Paste of Chameli (Jasminum officinale), Karanja, and Varuna for abhyanga.
- Bloodletting:
- Considered the best therapy in Khalitya to remove impure blood.
- Rasayana Medicines:
- Administered as rejuvenation therapy.
- Examples: Amalaki rasayana, Narasimha rasayana, Shwadanshtradi rasayana.
Keshya Dravyas (Hair-Promoting Substances)
As mentioned in Samhitas, Keshya Dravyas are beneficial for hair. Bhavaprakash lists 16 such drugs:
- Vibhitaka – Terminalia bellirica
- Yastimadhu – Glycyrrhiza glabra
- Bakuchi – Psoralea corylifolia
- Bhallataka – Semecarpus anacardium
- Gambhari – Gmelina arborea
- Sinduvara – Vitex negundo
- Japa – Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
- Bijaka – Pterocarpus marsupium
- Gunja – Abrus precatorius
- Nili – Indigofera tinctoria
- Bhringraja – Eclipta alba
- Sairaiyaka – Barleria prionitis
- Kasish – Ferrous sulphate
- Tila – Sesamum indicum
- Kadali – Banana (Musa acuminata)
- Avi Dugdha – Sheep milk
Research on Extracts from Herbal Drugs with Hair Growth Potential
Table 5: Research on Herbal Extracts
Extract | Botanical Name | Family | Medicinal Part | Observation | Effect | Mechanism of Action | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Petroleum ether or ethanol extract | Cuscuta reflexa | Convolvulaceae | Stem | In vivo, In vitro | Promote hair growth; Upregulate testosterone level | Inhibit 5α-reductase activity | [22] |
Methanol extract | Eclipta alba | Compositae | Whole plant | In vivo | Promote hair growth | Upregulate FGF-7 and Shh expression; downregulate BMP4 to induce anagen phase | [23] |
Petroleum ether extract | Eclipta alba | Compositae | Aerial part | In vivo | Promote proliferation of HaCaT cells | Downregulate TGF-β1 expression | [24] |
Essential oil | Zizyphus jujuba | Rhamnaceae | Seed | In vivo | Promote hair growth | Not investigated | [25] |
Ethanol extract | Phyllanthus emblica | Euphorbiaceae | Fruit | In vivo | Promote hair growth | Inhibit 5α-reductase activity | [26] |
Fruit extract | Terminalia bellirica | Combretaceae | Fruit | In vivo/In vitro | Reduce oxidative stress; increase angiogenesis | Inhibit SRD5A2 activity; stimulate MAPK pathway | [27] |
Petroleum ether extract | Hibiscus rosa-sinensis | Malvaceae | Flower, leaves | In vivo | Promote hair growth | – | [28] |
Petroleum ether and ethanolic extracts | Semicarpus anacardium | Anacardiaceae | Seed | In vivo | Hair lengthening | Increase blood flow to scalp | [29] |
Petroleum ether and ethanolic extracts | Trigonella foenum-graecum | Fabaceae | Seed | In vivo | Hair lengthening | Increase blood flow to scalp | [29] |
Petroleum ether extract | Indigofera tinctoria | Fabaceae | Flower, leaves | In vivo | Hair growth potential | 5α-reductase inhibition by β-sitosterol | [30] |
Petroleum ether and ethanolic extracts | Abrus precatorius | Fabaceae | Seed | In vivo | Anti-androgenic alopecia activity | Inhibition of 5α-reductase activity by extracts and finasteride | [31] |
Exosome isolation | Allium sativum | Alliaceae | Cloves | In vitro | Induce anagen phase | Via Wnt-1, β-catenin, VEGF, PDGF, TGF-β1 signaling pathways | [32] |
Petroleum ether extract | Glycyrrhiza glabra | Fabaceae | Root | In vivo | Promote hair growth | Not investigated | [33] |
Titrated extract | Centella asiatica | Apiaceae | Whole plant | In vitro | Promote proliferation of human DPCs | Inhibit STAT signaling pathway | [34] |
Pathyapathya (Do’s and Don’ts)
Pathya Ahara (Recommended Diet)
Include the following in the diet:
- Grains: Wheat (Gehu), Barley (Yava), Rice (Shali Chaval), Green Gram (Mudga)
- Vegetables: Jivanti, Kasmard, Pointed Gourd (Patol), Tomato, Bottle Gourd (Lauki), Leafy vegetables (Patrashaka), Carrots, Cucumber, Cauliflower, Cabbage
- Oils: Sesame oil (Tila Taila), Coconut oil for external and internal use
- Fruits: Indian Gooseberry (Amalaki), Pomegranate (Dadim), Citrus (Matulanga), Mango (Amra Phala), Coconut (Narikela), Grapes (Draksha)
- Others: Milk, Sugar, Honey
Pathya Vihara (Recommended Lifestyle)
- Shiro Raksha: Protect the head
- Nasya: Nasal administration of medicated oils
- Ushnisha Dharana: Wearing head coverings
- Shirasana, Sarvangasana: Yogic postures (headstand, shoulder stand)
- Chhatra Dharana: Using an umbrella
- Pada Raksha: Wearing footwear
- Shiro Abhyanga: Head massage
- Maintain Hair Hygiene
Apathya Ahara (Foods to Avoid)
- Excessive intake of Salt (Lavana), Sour (Amla), and Alkaline (Kshara) foods
- Oily, starchy, and fat-rich foods
- Breads, cakes, chocolates, bakery items
- Pickles, curd, tea
- Black gram preparations (Masha Ahara), incompatible foods (Viruddha Ahara)
- Reheated food, fermented foods, papad
Apathya Vihara (Habits to Avoid)
- Excessive Sun Exposure (Atapa Sevana)
- Daytime Sleeping (Divasvapna)
- Anger (Krodha)
- Suppression of Natural Urges (Vega Varodha)
- Fear (Bhaya)
- Excessive Sexual Activity (Ati Maithuna)
- Late Nights (Ratrijagarana)
- Smoking, tobacco, alcohol
- Excessive use of shampoos, hair dyes, creams, lotions
- Exposure to windy, dusty, polluted environments
Conclusion
Khalitya is a common but very challenging disease affecting the global population and can have a profound effect on physical and emotional states. In Ayurveda, various external and internal treatments are described for khalitya. This article has presented extracts and constituents from various plants in the treatment of hair loss. Many Ayurvedic texts have discussed the importance of drugs for enhancing hair growth, known as keshya drugs. Although many natural drugs have been discovered, it is still necessary to search for novel hair promotion agents with more effectiveness and less toxicity. Incorporating lifestyle adjustments and dietary modifications following Ayurvedic principles can significantly contribute to overall hair health. By adopting these Ayurvedic practices, individuals can nurture and enhance the beauty of their hair.
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