Shikakai

1. Constipation
Shikakai helps to manage constipation when it is taken after soaking in water. Constipation is mainly due to frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. Shikakai increases bulk in the stool and improves bowel movement. This is due to its Rechana (laxative) nature.
Tips:
a. Remove the seeds of Shikakai after crushing the fruit.
b. Soak it in 1 glass of water for atleast 1 hour.
c. Take 1/4 glass of this infusion before sleeping to control constipation.

2. Bleeding piles
Piles are known as Arsh in Ayurveda which is caused by an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata. An aggravated Vata causes a low digestive fire, leading to constipation. This causes swelling in the veins in the rectum area leading to pile mass. Sometimes bleeding can also occur in this condition. Shikakai helps to control bleeding. This is due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Tips:
a. Remove the seeds of Shikakai after crushing the fruit.
b. Soak it in 1 glass of water for atleast 1 hour.
c. Take 1/4 glass of this infusion before sleeping to manage bleeding piles.

3. Loss of appetite
Shikakai helps to improve appetite when it is made a part of the daily diet. In Ayurveda, loss of appetite is due to Agnimandya (weak digestion). It is caused by an aggravation of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas leading to incomplete digestion of food. This causes insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach resulting in appetite loss. Shikakai stimulates digestion and improves appetite due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.
Tips:
a. Remove the seeds of Shikakai after crushing the fruit.
b. Soak it in 1 glass of water for atleast 1 hour.
c. Take 1/4 glass of this infusion before food to improve appetite.

1. Shikakai Infusion
a. Remove the seeds of Shikakai after crushing the fruit.
b. Soak it in 1 glass of water for atleast 1 hour.
c. Take 1/4 glass of this infusion before sleeping to control constipation and piles.
d. Or, have it before food to improve appetite.

1. Hair loss
Shikakai is one of the most useful Ayurvedic herbs that is used for hair related problems especially hair fall. Shikakai helps to remove dirt and excess oil from the scalp as well as promote hair growth. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Tips:
a. Take 5-10 drops of Shikakai based oil.
b. Apply on the scalp and leave it overnight.
c. Wash your hair with herbal or Shikakai base shampoo the next day.
d. Repeat this process twice or thrice a week.

2. Anti-dandruff
Shikakai is useful as an anti-dandruff agent because of its unique ability to cleanse without irritating the scalp. It is especially useful for controlling chronic dandruff which is due to excessive oil on the scalp. Applying Shikakai helps to remove excess oil from the scalp and controls dandruff when used regularly.
Tips:
a. Take 5-10 drops of Shikakai based oil.
b. Apply on the scalp and leave it overnight.
c. Wash your hair with herbal or Shikakai base shampoo the next day.
d. Repeat this process twice or thrice a week.

3. Wound healing
Shikaikai helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property. Shikakai also helps to reduce inflammation and burning sensation when applied to the wound. This is because of its Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon Shikakai powder.
b. Make a paste with honey or rose water.
c. Apply it to the affected area once or twice a day for quick healing of the wound.

4. Stomatitis
Stomatitis is a condition of painful swelling inside the mouth. It is referred to as Mukhapaka in Ayurveda. Mukhapaka involves all the three doshas (mainly Pitta) and is also associated with Rakta (bleeding). Shikakai powder improves the healing process due to its Ropan (healing) property and also reduces inflammation due to its Pitta balancing nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon Shikakai powder.
b. Make a paste with honey or rose water.
c. Apply it on the affected area once or twice a day for quick healing of stomatitis.

1. Shikakai Powder
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Shikakai powder.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Also, add water to form a paste.
d. Use for quick wound healing.

2. Shikakai Oil
a. Take 10-15 drops of Shikakai based oil.
b. Add amla oil to it.
c. Gently massage on the hair and scalp.