Shikakai: Uses, Side effects, Health benefits, Dose, Interactions

Shikakai (Acacia concinna)

Shikakai, which suggests fruit for hair,” belongs of Ayurvedic medicine in India.(HR/1)

It’s a herb that’s very good for preventing hair loss and dandruff. Due to its cleaning and antifungal characteristics, shikakai can be used alone or in conjunction with reetha and amla as a shampoo to help manage hair fall and prevent dandruff. It adds lustre to the hair and keeps it from greying. Shikakai powder, when mixed with rose water or honey and applied to wounds, promotes speedier healing due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cooling) properties, according to Ayurveda. Because of its Rechana (laxative) properties, Shikakai infusion can aid with constipation. Due to its Kashaya (astringent) properties, it is also useful for bleeding piles. “

Shikakai is also known as :- Acacia concinna, Carmakasa, Satala, Vimala, Vidula, Bhuriphena, Amala, Bahuphena, Phena, Dipta, Visanika, Svargapuspi, Putraghna, Ban reetha, Cikakai, Chikaki, Kichi, Kochi, Hikakai, Saatala, Shika, Amsikira, Kachuai, Pasoi tenga , Suse lewa, Ban ritha, Cige, Manda-otte, Mandashige, Ollegise, Sage, Seegiballi, Seegay, Shige, Shiyakai, Sige, Sheegae, Shige kayi, Sigeballi, Sige-kai, Sikiaro, Wallasige, Wollesige, Naangaa maanyi paot, Carmalanta, Chikaka, Chinikka, Cikkakka, Cinikka, Civikka, Cheenikai, Chinik, Chinnikayi, Cikakayi, Ciyakayi, Inna, Cheenikka, Cheeyakayi, Chinik-kaya, Shikai, Shikekai, Vimala, Chikkai, Cikkay, Gogu, Siikaya

Shikakai is obtained from :- Plant

Uses and benefits of Shikakai:-

As per several scientific studies, uses and benefits of Shikakai (Acacia concinna) are mentioned as per below(HR/2)

  • Loss of appetite : When Shikakai is used on a regular basis, it aids in the improvement of appetite. Agnimandya, according to Ayurveda, is the cause of loss of appetite (weak digestion). It is produced by the aggravation of the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, which causes food digestion to be inadequate. This results in insufficient gastric juice secretion in the stomach, leading in appetite loss. Shikakai’s Deepan (appetiser) property promotes digestion and improves appetite. a. After crushing the Shikakai fruit, remove the seeds. c. Soak it for at least 1 hour in 1 glass of water. c. To increase appetite, drink 1/4 glass of this infusion before eating.
  • Bleeding piles : In Ayurveda, piles are referred to as Arsh, and they are caused by a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. All three doshas, particularly Vata, are harmed as a result of this. Constipation is caused by an exacerbated Vata, which has a low digestive fire. This causes rectum veins to expand, resulting in pile formation. This disorder can sometimes result in bleeding. Shikakai aids in the management of bleeding. This is owing to its astringent (Kashya) quality. a. After crushing the Shikakai fruit, remove the seeds. c. Soak it for at least 1 hour in 1 glass of water. c. To treat bleeding piles, drink 1/4 glass of this infusion before going to bed.
  • Constipation : When shikakai is consumed after soaking in water, it aids in the management of constipation. Constipation is caused by eating too much junk food, drinking too much coffee or tea, sleeping too late at night, stress, and sadness. Shikakai promotes bowel movement by adding bulk to the stool. This is because to its laxative (Rechana) properties. a. After crushing the Shikakai fruit, remove the seeds. c. Soak it for at least 1 hour in 1 glass of water. c. To relieve constipation, drink 1/4 glass of this infusion before going to bed.
  • Hair loss : Shikakai is an Ayurvedic herb that is used to treat hair-related issues, including hair loss. Shikakai promotes hair development while also removing impurities and excess oil from the scalp. This is owing to its astringent (Kashya) quality. a. Apply 5-10 drops of Shikakai-based oil to your palms. b. Apply to the scalp and leave on for at least one night. c. The next day, wash your hair with herbal or Shikakai base shampoo. d. Do this method twice or three times per week.
  • Anti-dandruff : Because of its unique capacity to cleanse without irritating the scalp, shikakai is effective as an anti-dandruff agent. It’s especially good for treating chronic dandruff caused by too much oil on the scalp. When applied on a daily basis, Shikakai helps to eliminate excess oil from the scalp and reduces dandruff. a. Apply 5-10 drops of Shikakai-based oil to your palms. b. Apply to the scalp and leave on for at least one night. c. The next day, wash your hair with herbal or Shikakai base shampoo. d. Do this method twice or three times per week.

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Precautions to be taken while using Shikakai:-

As per several scientific studies, below precautions should to be taken while taking Shikakai (Acacia concinna)(HR/3)

  • Special precautions to be taken while taking Shikakai:-

    As per several scientific studies, below special precautions should to be taken while taking Shikakai (Acacia concinna)(HR/4)

    • Breastfeeding : Shikakai ought to be stayed clear of or utilized just under medical supervision when nursing.
    • Pregnancy : During pregnancy, stay clear of Shikakai or use it just under clinical supervision.

    How to take Shikakai:-

    As per several scientific studies, Shikakai (Acacia concinna) can be taken into the methods mentioned as per below(HR/5)

    • Shikakai Infusion : Remove the seeds of Shikakai after crushing the fruit. Soak it in one glass of water for atleast one hourTake one fourth glass of this infusion prior to resting to control uneven bowel movements as well as additionally piles. Or, have it before food to enhance hunger.
    • Shikakai Powder : Take one to 2 tsp of Shikakai powder. Include honey to itAlso, include water to form a pasteUse for fast injury recuperation.

    How much Shikakai should be taken:-

    As per several scientific studies, Shikakai (Acacia concinna) should be taken into the amounts mentioned as per below(HR/6)

    • Shikakai Powder : One to two teaspoon or according to your demand.
    • Shikakai Oil : to 10 drops or based on your need

    Side effects of Shikakai:-

    As per several scientific studies, below side effects need to be taken into consideration while taking Shikakai (Acacia concinna)(HR/7)

    • There is not enough scientific data available about side effects of this herb yet.

    Questions asked frequently Related to the Shikakai:-

    Question. Can we use Amla and Shikakai together for hair nourishment?

    Answer. Amla as well as Shikakai can, actually, be combined. Shikakai gives toughness as well as nourishment, while Amla stops premature greying of the hair. Both are included in the majority of hair packs on the market.

    Question. Can Shikakai be used every day on hair?

    Answer. Yes, Shikakai can be used to wash your hair every day. In fact, Shikakai is superior than commercial shampoos when it comes to hair. Because it contains natural saponins, shikakai helps to cleanse the hair. This is due to the fact that commercial shampoos include chemicals that may destroy your hair. To make Shikaki shampoo, follow these instructions: 1. Combine 20 tablespoons Shikakai, 10 teaspoons Reetha, 5 teaspoons Tulsi, and 5 teaspoons Neem powder in a mixing bowl. 2. Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. 3. Mix 1-2 tablespoons powder with a little water to produce a paste whenever needed. 4. Massage into damp hair and scalp. 5. Gently massage the area. 6. Use cool tap water to wash your hair.

    Question. Can Shikakai be used on the skin?

    Answer. Shikakai can be put on the skin. It has excellent anti-bacterial top qualities. Shikakai can help shield your skin from a variety of infections.

    Question. How to use Shikakai powder as shampoo?

    Answer. 1. Measure out 1 tablespoon of Shikakai powder or as needed. 2. Add 1 cup of water to the mixture. 3. Bring the contents to a boil for around 5-7 minutes. 4. Allow it to cool before gently massaging it into your hair and scalp. 5. For around 5 minutes, massage the hair roots. 6. Set aside for 15 minutes. 7. Finish by rinsing with plain water. 8. Do this at least once a week.

    Question. How to make Shikakai powder at home?

    Answer. 1. Combine 12 kg Shikakai, 100g Reetha, 100g Fenugreek seeds, a handful of Tulsi leaves and Hibiscus flower petals, and a few Curry leaves in a large mixing bowl. 2. Dry all of the ingredients in the sun for 2 days. 3. Pulverize the ingredients into a fine powder. 4. Keep the freshly made Shikakai powder in an airtight container until needed.

    Question. Is Shikakai good for asthma?

    Answer. Yes, Shikakai’s Kapha stabilizing residential property help in the reduction of asthma signs. It alleviates asthmatic signs and symptoms by getting rid of extra mucus from the lungs.

    Question. Is Shikakai good for contraception?

    Answer. Shikakai, as a result of its spermicidal residential properties, may be used for contraception. Shikakai bark contains substances that have the power to harm sperm. Shikakai has the capacity to coagulate sperm.

    Question. Is Shikakai good for constipation?

    Answer. In spite of the absence of clinical evidence, Shikakai has actually been made use of in traditional medicine to deal with irregularity due to its laxative residential or commercial properties.

    Question. Is Shikakai good for cough?

    Answer. Shikakai has actually been utilized in standard medication to deal with coughings, despite the absence of scientific evidence.

    Shikakai’s Kapha-balancing homes make it efficient for coughing alleviation. It soothes coughing by eliminating added mucus.

    Question. Is Shikakai good for dry hair?

    Answer. Shikakai might be beneficial to dry hair. Shikakai is a mild cleanser that does not strip the hair as well as scalp of its all-natural oils.

    SUMMARY

    It’s a natural herb that’s very good for protecting against loss of hair as well as dandruff. Because of its cleansing as well as antifungal characteristics, shikakai can be used alone or in conjunction with reetha and also amla as a hair shampoo to assist take care of hair autumn and avoid dandruff.