Shikakai

Shikakai (Acacia concinna) as per Bhav Prakash Nighantu

Sanskrit Name: Shikakai (शिकाकाई)
Botanical Name: Acacia concinna
Family: Fabaceae

Bhav Prakash Nighantu highlights Shikakai as a natural and potent herb for maintaining hair health and promoting scalp nourishment. It is revered for its gentle cleansing properties and is considered a traditional Ayurvedic solution for various hair and scalp issues. Known as "fruit for the hair," Shikakai has been used for generations as a chemical-free alternative to synthetic shampoos.

Guna (Properties):

• Rasa (Taste): Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
• Guna (Qualities): Ruksha (Dry), Laghu (Light)
• Virya (Potency): Ushna (Hot)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (Pungent)

Dosha Effects:

• Balances Kapha and Vata doshas

Therapeutic Indications:

1. Keshya (Hair Tonic): Strengthens hair roots and promotes hair growth.
2. Ropan (Healing Properties): Helps heal scalp infections and minor wounds.
3. Kandughna (Anti-itching): Relieves scalp itchiness and irritation.
4. Keshavarnakar (Enhances Hair Color): Helps maintain natural hair color and prevents premature graying.
5. Shodhana (Cleansing Agent): Effectively removes dirt, oil, and product buildup from the scalp.
6. Kapha-Vatahara: Balances excess Kapha and Vata doshas, reducing hair fall and dandruff.
7. Twak Prasadan (Skin Purifying): Supports healthy scalp skin by purifying and detoxifying it.

Modern Ayurvedic Usage:

Shikakai is widely used in hair cleansers, shampoos, and conditioning formulations. Its natural pH maintains the scalp's health without stripping it of natural oils, making it a preferred choice for chemical-free hair care routines.

Other Names

• Hindi: सीकाकाई (Shikakai)
• Sanskrit: सप्तला (Saptala), सिग्रु (Sigru)
• Tamil: சீயக்காய் (Seeyakkai)
• Telugu: సీకాకాయ (Seeka Kaya)
• Kannada: ಶಿಕಾಕಾಯಿ (Shikakai)
• Malayalam: ശികാകായ് (Shikakai)
• Marathi: शिकेकाई (Shikekai)
• Gujarati: શિકાકાઈ (Shikakai)
• Bengali: শিকাকাই (Shikakai)
• English: Soap Pod, Hair Fruit