The benefits of Shikakai are extracted from the pods of shrub botanically referred to as Acacia Concinna. It is found to be growing in abundance in the hot, dry climates of Central Asia and the Far East. The pods of this plant are distinctive on account of the fact that they are rich in soponins which are the foam forming substances. Soponins are traditionally known to be mild detergents and as marine poisons often used to kill the fish. Interestingly soponins from the bark of Shikakai plant have potent spermicidal effects and serve as effective birth control remedy.
Shikakai pods have been used traditionally by the Indians for washing hair and for bath. They can either be ground into powder or paste and applied on hair. Else they can be soaked overnight in water and subsequently boiled and cooled for washing. Soponins are natural cleansers and function without striping the scalp of its natural oils. They are mild and have low pH. They are special because besides cleansing they simultaneously serve as excellent conditioners and detangler. The term Shikakai translates into 'fruit for the hair' on account of its wholesome superior qualities. A wash with water in which Shikakai nuts/pods have been soaked removes oil and dirt from the hair, promotes hair growth besides leaving the head hair sans of fungal infections.
Use of Shikakai especially in the summer months helps keep body cool and keeps the scalp moist. It can be used alongside henna and amla powder overnight in a iron container or utensil and applied on hair for 2 hours before rinsing. It has been found better than any expensive artificial color or conditioners sold in the market. Shikakai is the natural astringent for the hair giving it the necessary bounce and vigor.
The leaves of Shikakai plant are acrid and are used by local people to make chutneys, to treat dandruff and keep the skin off diseases and detrimental effects of pollution of various kinds. An excellent remedy to keep wrinkles at bay is. Soak 2-3 pods of Shikakai in a bowl or glass of water and wash your face in the morning with the decocted water.
Decoctions of Reetha and Shikakai have been used to wash clothes made of delicate fiber such as cashmere, silk and pure cotton.
Shikakai pods have been used traditionally by the Indians for washing hair and for bath. They can either be ground into powder or paste and applied on hair. Else they can be soaked overnight in water and subsequently boiled and cooled for washing. Soponins are natural cleansers and function without striping the scalp of its natural oils. They are mild and have low pH. They are special because besides cleansing they simultaneously serve as excellent conditioners and detangler. The term Shikakai translates into 'fruit for the hair' on account of its wholesome superior qualities. A wash with water in which Shikakai nuts/pods have been soaked removes oil and dirt from the hair, promotes hair growth besides leaving the head hair sans of fungal infections.
Use of Shikakai especially in the summer months helps keep body cool and keeps the scalp moist. It can be used alongside henna and amla powder overnight in a iron container or utensil and applied on hair for 2 hours before rinsing. It has been found better than any expensive artificial color or conditioners sold in the market. Shikakai is the natural astringent for the hair giving it the necessary bounce and vigor.
The leaves of Shikakai plant are acrid and are used by local people to make chutneys, to treat dandruff and keep the skin off diseases and detrimental effects of pollution of various kinds. An excellent remedy to keep wrinkles at bay is. Soak 2-3 pods of Shikakai in a bowl or glass of water and wash your face in the morning with the decocted water.
Decoctions of Reetha and Shikakai have been used to wash clothes made of delicate fiber such as cashmere, silk and pure cotton.
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