Premature greying of hair, known in Ayurveda as Palitya, is believed to occur due to an imbalance in the Pitta Dosha.

Unlike many modern treatments that simply hide grey hair using chemical dyes or colours, Ayurveda focuses on addressing the root causes of the condition. Through balancing the body’s doshas and using herbal remedies, Ayurveda aims to restore overall health and support natural hair pigmentation.

Causes of Premature Greying According to Ayurveda

According to Ayurvedic principles, the aggravation of Pitta Dosha is the main cause of premature greying of hair.

Several lifestyle and emotional factors can increase Pitta in the body, including:

• Excessive anger
• Chronic stress and anxiety
• Overthinking
• Lack of proper rest
• Excessive physical exertion

These factors generate excess internal heat in the body. When this heat rises toward the scalp, it weakens the hair roots and reduces melanin production, leading to early loss of hair pigmentation.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Premature Greying

Many cosmetic treatments can temporarily make hair appear black and shiny again, but they do not restore the natural pigmentation of hair from the roots.

Ayurveda, however, focuses on nourishing the scalp, strengthening hair roots, and balancing the internal systems of the body.

In the book Holistic Health: Law and Facts,  mention several natural treatments based on ancient Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Chikitsa and Bhavaprakasha Chikitsa.

Some of these treatments include:

Nasya Therapy

One recommended treatment is Nasya Therapy, which involves administering medicated oils through the nasal passages.

Regular use of Anu Taila as nasal drops helps:

• Nourish the brain
• Strengthen the nervous system
• Improve circulation to the scalp

This therapy may help slow down premature greying by strengthening hair roots and supporting overall scalp health.

Herbal Oil Preparation

Another traditional remedy involves preparing Sahacaradi oil , which is made by combining:

• Cow’s milk
• Sahacara juice
• Bhringraj juice
• Tulsi juice
• Sesame oil
• Licorice paste

These ingredients are boiled together, filtered, and stored properly. Regular head massage or nasal application with this oil may help reduce premature greying and strengthen hair follicles.

Triphala and Bhasma Treatment

Another remedy mentioned in Ayurvedic texts involves a herbal paste made using:

• Triphala
• Lauha Bhasma
• Mango seed kernel
• Amla
• Haritaki
• Bibhitaki

These ingredients are cooked in sesame oil to form a therapeutic paste. When applied regularly to the scalp, it is believed to help restore hair pigmentation and strengthen the roots.

 

Also Read The Benefits of Triphala : A Powerful Ayurvedic Detox for the Body

Coconut Herbal Treatment

Another traditional preparation includes mixing:

• Triphala powder
• Lauha Bhasma
• Bhringraj juice

The mixture is poured into a hole in a coconut, sealed, and stored for about a month. Over time, it turns into a thick paste.

This paste is then applied to the scalp and wrapped with banana leaves. According to Ayurvedic texts, this treatment nourishes hair roots and may help darken prematurely grey hair.

Patience Is Essential in Ayurvedic Healing

Ayurvedic treatments are natural and holistic, but they require consistency and patience. Unlike quick cosmetic fixes, these remedies work by gradually balancing the body's internal systems.

For better results, Ayurvedic practitioners also recommend lifestyle changes such as:

• Managing stress effectively
• Following a Pitta-pacifying diet
• Maintaining a regular daily routine
• Getting adequate sleep
• Practicing yoga or meditation

When combined with herbal remedies, these lifestyle adjustments can support healthier hair and help slow down premature greying.