Premature graying of hairs: Ayurveda perspective

Abstract

One of the unavoidable stages of human existence is aging, which is characterized by ongoing catabolic changes in the body. One of the distinguishing features of animals is hair and greying of hairs is a complex physiological phenomenon that occurs with normal ageing. The hair follicle undergoes both intrinsic (chronologic) and extrinsic (environmental) ageing, similar to the skin. Untimely ageing, also known as Akalaja vriddhavastha (early ageing), is the term used to describe the alterations brought on by a poor diet and lifestyle. Although clinicians frequently observe premature greying of the hair, they have relatively little to offer the patient. The classical Ayurveda as well as contemporary texts are utilized to gather data on pertinent subjects. Ayurveda management of greying of hair is different from contemporary science and it includes principles of Dincharya (daily regimen), Swasthavritta (preventive and promotive health), Achara rasayana (rejuvenation through the right code of conduct), Rasayana (rejuvenation), and use of Keshya (hair growth promoting) drugs. Ayurveda pharmacodynamics (Rasa panchaka) and reported actions on individual herbal drugs give an idea of the potential of Ayurveda to treat the premature greying of hairs efficiently.