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Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)


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Subtle Causes of Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

Mahabhut Hetu | Elemental Causes

  • Vayu
  • Prithvi
  • Tej

Guna Hetu | Attribute Causes

  • Snigdha
  • Drava
  • Sthira

Rasa Hetu | Taste Causes

  • Amla
  • Lavana
  • Kashaya

Imbalance of Dosha, Dhatu, Mala in Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

Dosha

  • Pitta ↑

Dhatu

  • Meda
  • Asthi

Mala

  • Sweda

Imbalance of Agni, Systems, Organs in Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

Agni

  • Rasa Dhatvagni Mandhya

Srotas | Systems

  • Purisha

Organs

  • Danta

Vyadhi mode of Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

Mode of Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

Apatarpan

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Vyakhyam | Defination

Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya) Defination

Pālitya refers to greying of hair. Akāla-Pālitya = premature greying before age 30. Ayurveda attributes it to vitiation of Pitta doṣa, particularly Bhrajaka Pitta and Rakta Dhātu dushti, along with Dhatukṣaya. Genetic and lifestyle factors also play a role.

"पित्तप्रकोपाज्जायन्ते पाण्डुपालितकेशिनः ।"
(सुश्रुत संहिता, चिकित्सास्थान २०/३३)

Varnanani | Description

Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya) Description

Pālitya is a Tridoṣaja vyādhi but predominantly Pittaja. Classical texts describe it as premature whitening of scalp hair due to Rakta dushti and Pitta aggravation. In some cases, Kapha avarana and Vāta-induced dhatu kṣaya also contribute. Modern science equates it with melanin pigment depletion in hair follicles, oxidative stress, and genetic predisposition.

Aahar Hetu | Food Causes

Food related causes Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

  • Ati-amlā, lavaṇa, kaṭu sevana (excess sour, salty, pungent foods) → Pitta prakopa.
    "अत्याम्ललवणं पित्तं प्रदूष्य पालयत्यलम् ।"
    (चरक संहिता, चि.२६/८९)
  • Excessive intake of fermented, spicy, oily foods.
  • Ati-madyapāna (excess alcohol).
  • Rūkṣa ahāra, undernutrition (leading to dhātu kṣaya).

Vihar Hetu | Behavioral Causes

Behavioral Causes of Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

  • Ati-tapasevana (excess sun exposure, heat) → Pitta vriddhi.
  • Rātrijāgaraṇa (night vigil) → vitiates Vāta and Pitta.
  • Diwasvapna (day sleep) → Kapha imbalance affecting hair follicles.
  • Stress, anger, grief (Mānasa nidāna) → trigger premature greying.
  • Ati-vyayāma (excess exertion) → dhātu kṣaya.

Samprapti | Pathogenesis

Pathogenesis Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

Pitta prakopa + Rakta dhātu dushti → Bhrajaka pitta dysfunction in scalp skin → melanin depletion → greying. Vāta aggravation causes dhātu-kṣaya; Kapha deficiency weakens hair roots. Genetic (bīja-dosha) factor accelerates.

"रक्तदोषात् पित्तदोषाच्च पाण्डुपालितकेशिनः ।"
(अष्टाङ्गहृदय, उत्तर तन्त्र २४/४३)

Nidan | Diagnosis

Diagnosis Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

Ayurveda: Diagnosis based on premature greying, dhātu kṣaya, pitta prakopa, and family history.
Modern: Clinical observation, trichoscopy, ruling out nutritional deficiency (B12, copper, folate, zinc).

Purva rupa | Presymptoms

Presymptoms of Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

  • Dry, rough hair
  • Loss of lustre
  • Occasional itching/burning scalp

Rupa | Symptoms

Symptoms of Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

  • Premature greying of hair (before 30 years)
  • Progressive loss of natural black pigment in scalp hair
  • Associated hair fall or thinning in some cases
  • Dry, rough, brittle hair strands
  • Scalp burning or itching (in Pitta-dominant type)
  • Early greying with familial/genetic predisposition
  • Psychological distress, anxiety, low confidence

Rupa varnanani | Symptoms descriptions

Symptoms descriptions of Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

  • Premature greying of hair (Akāla-Pālitya)
  • Progressive whitening of scalp hair
  • Associated hair fall and thinning

Vyadhi Types | Types

Types of Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

  • Akāla-Pālitya — premature greying before age 30.
  • Kāla-Pālitya — age-related greying.
  • Beeja-doshaja — hereditary greying.

Upadrav | Complications

Complications due to Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

  • Hair fall (Khalitya)
  • Psychological distress

Sadhya Asadhyatv | Curable or Non curable

Curable or Non curable probability of Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

Akāla-pālitya is generally kṛcchra-sādhya (difficult to cure). Kāla-pālitya is considered asādhya (natural ageing). Management aims at slowing progression and nourishing dhātus.

Chikitsa | Treatment

Treatment of Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

चिकित्सा — Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya (Hair Greying)

सिद्धान्त (Principles): पित्त-शमन (Pitta pacification), रक्त-शुद्धि (Rakta prasādana), रसायन (Rasāyana) तथा केश्य-द्रव्यैः पोषणं। उद्देश्यः—भ्राजक-पित्तस्य समतुल्यतया केशकुण्डलीयोः मेलेन मेळनं प्रतिषेधः च।

“रक्तदोषात् पित्तदोषाच्च पाण्डुपालितकेशिनः ।”
(अष्टाङ्गहृदय / सुश्रुत – संदर्भानुसार)

1. पूर्व-शोधन (Panchakarma — primary Śodhana)

  • विरेचन (Virechana) — पित्तप्रवृत्तेः रुधिरदोषशुद्धये। प्रमाणपूर्वक् त्रिवृत्/अरग्वध/अविपत्तिकरादि सेवनं। Indicative: सत्रादिनिर्देशानुसार परिग्रहः।
  • बस्ती (Basti) — वातप्रधान केश-क्षयेषु अनुवासना (तैलबस्ती) वा निरूह बस्ती (दशमूल/बलादि नीरूहा)।
  • नस्य (Nasya) — भृङ्गराज-तैल, नीलीभृङ्गगदी तैल अथवा अनुपति-तैलः प्रतिदिनं 6–8 बिन्दु प्रति नासारन्ध्रं (कर्थक परामर्शात्)।
  • शिरो-धारा / शिरोबस्ति — तनाव/मस्तिष्कजित कारणे शिरोधारा (क्षयरोगी तैलैः) वा शिरोबस्ती (घृत/तैलयुक्त) — 20–30 मिनिट्।
  • रक्तमोक्षण (Raktamoksha) — स्थानीयकृत इन्द्रलुप्तवात्/अस्थायी पैचेज् इत्यादिषु लेक्चर/निर्देशानुसार जलौक-चिकित्सा अथवा शिरस्त्राणात् सूक्ष्म रक्तमोक्षणम् (सुस्पष्ट परिस्थिति)।

2. अन्तर्निर्देश (Internal medicines — Kwāth / Churna / Vati / Ghṛta / Rasāyana)

नीचे क्लासिकल व आधुनिक प्रपत्रों के साथ औषधीय सुझाव दिये गये — खुराक सामान्य रोगी हेतु संकेतः; रोगनिदान, वयः, बल, तथा चिकित्सक-निर्देशानुसार समायोज्य:

Kwāth (Herbal Decoctions)

नाम सामग्री (मुख्य) प्रयोग खुराक (सूचक)
Bhringarāj Kwāth Bhringarāja (Eclipta alba), Amalaki, Yaśṭimadhu Pitta-shamana, keshya (Rakta-purifying support) 40–60 ml, द्विवारं (twice daily) गर्म
Triphala Kwāth Haritaki, Vibhitaki, Amalaki Agni-dīpana, Rasa-rakta शोधन 40–60 ml, रात्रि पूर्वं
Nīmbā + Amalaki + Bhringarāj Kwāth Nimba, Amalaki, Bhringarāj Topical wash (external) और आंतरिक—Pitta/Rakta संतुलन External: हल्का शीत/गर्म काढ़ा; Internal: 30–40 ml

Churna (Powders)

  • Triphala Churna — 3–5 g रात्रि में गुनगुने जल के साथ (Agni सुधारक)।
  • Bhringarāj Churna — 2–3 g + मधु/दुग्ध (रोज़ सुबह/रात्रि)।
  • Trikatu Churna — 1–2 g (digestive stimulant, āma-pācana) भोजन के साथ।

Vati / Tablet (Classical Tablet Formulations)

नाम (Classical/Popular) संरचना (Indicative) क्रिया खुराक
Arogyavardhinī Vati Triphala, Katuki, Kutaja (classical yogas) Jatharāgni समर्पण, रक्त-प्रसादन 250–500 mg, द्वौ–त्रय: दिन में
Kesharāj Vati / Keshya Vati Bhringarāj, Yashtimadhu, Amalaki अर्थ केश-समर्थन (केश्य) 1–2 Vati, twice daily (clinician directed)
Triphala Guggulu Triphala + Guggulu Detox & Rakta srotoshodhana 500 mg–1 g, twice daily

Ghṛta / Avaleha (Medicated ghee & jams)

  • Amalaki Rasāyana / Amalaki Ghṛta — Rasāyana, Pitta-shamana; 5–10 ml (1 teaspoon) before sleep with warm milk.
  • Bhringarāj Ghṛta / Mahā-Bhringarāj Ghṛta — internally 5–10 ml daily for keshya effect (rastayanic support).
  • Chyavaprāśa Avaleha — 5–10 g daily as general rasāyana.

Rasa / Bhasma (If indicated, under Rasashastra supervision)

Preparation Action / Rationale Typical dose
Abhraka Bhasma Rejuvenative, rasāyana (improves vitality) 125–250 mg with honey/ghee (clinician directed)
Loha Bhasma Rakta-sodhana & hematinic effect (use if indicated) 50–125 mg with Rasayana (only under expert supervision)
Vasant Kusumakar Rasa Metabolic rasāyana for early greying with debility As per classical rasashastra dose (physician)

3. बाह्योपचार (External/local therapies)

Daily & Weekly Routine

  1. दैनिक शिरो-अभ्यँग (Daily Scalp Massage): Use Neelibhringadi Taila, Mahā-Bhringarāj Taila. Massage 10–15 minutes before shampoo; leave 30–60 minutes or overnight.
    Benefits: Improves microcirculation, nourishes follicles, calms Bhrajaka Pitta.
  2. शिरोधारा / तैल-बस्ति (Shirodhara / Taila Basti): Weekly 1–3 sessions (depending on strength). For stress-induced progression.
  3. शिरो-पिच्छु (Shiro Pichu): Cotton pledget soaked in Keshya Taila placed on bald/affected patches for 20–40 minutes daily.
  4. लोकल-लेप (Topical pastes): Indralupta lepa (Jatamansi + Haritaki paste), apply to patches, leave 30–60 min, wash with lukewarm Triphala decoction — alternate days.

Hair-wash (Śirōprakṣālana) formulas — Classical & Practical

Use lukewarm decoctions; avoid harsh detergents. After wash, apply mild keshya oil on damp hair and leave 1–2 hours.

Recipe Ingredients & Preparation Use
Triphala + Shikakai + Bhringarāj Kwāth Boil 20 g Triphala + 10 g Shikakai + 10 g Bhringarāj in 1 L water → reduce to 200–300 ml. Cool, strain. Use as shampoo/last rinse 2–3 times weekly. Strengthens follicles, prevents Pitta aggression.
Aritha (Soapnut) + Amla + Neem Kwāth Reetha 20 g + Amalaki 10 g + Neem leaves 10 g decoction. Strain. Antimicrobial, reduces dandruff, external Pitta/Kapha balance.
Hibiscus / Mehendi + Bhringarāj rinse Boil hibiscus leaves/flowers or mehendi powder with bhringaraj; strain. Color-preserving, cooling; use weekly.
Milk + Triphala wash Small amount of warm cow’s milk mixed with Triphala kwāth (cooled). Occasional nourishing rinse (improves luster), avoid in Kapha-excess patients prone to greasiness.

4. रोज़मर्रा के प्रयोग (Adjunct & Supportive measures)

  • Dietary (Pathya): अम्लकी (Amla), शतावरी, तिल (sesame), मौसमी फल, हरी पत्तेदार सब्जियाँ, घृत अल्प मात्र में। रोज़ाना च्यवनप्राश 5–10 g यदि उपयुक्त।
  • Supplements (modern adjuncts): Vitamin B12, Folate, Copper, Zinc, Vitamin D — if labs indicate deficiency (physician directed).
  • Avoid (Apathya): अत्यधिक तिक्त/कटु/अम्ल/लवण, मद्यपान, रात्रि जागरण, तैलीय/भारी तले-भुने आहार, रासायनिक बाल-उत्पाद।

5. योग / प्राणायाम / मुद्रा / मंत्र

  • आसन: शीरषासन (यदि रोगी को अनुमति हो), सर्वाङ्गासन, मत्स्यासन, भुजङ्गासन (साप्ताहिक / दैनिक अभ्यासनीति)।
  • प्राणायाम: अनुलोम-विलोम (10–15 मिनिट्), शीता-प्राणायाम (Sheetali), भ्रामरी (for stress relief).
  • मुद्रा: प्राण-मुद्रा, आपान-वायु मुद्रा (10–15 मिनिट् दैनिक)।
  • मन्त्र/ध्यान: महामृत्युन्जय मन्त्र / ओम् जप (8–16 बार) — मानसिक-तनाव घटाने हेतु।

6. क्लिनिकल नोट्स — Dosing, Duration, & Safety

  1. शोधने (Virechana / Basti / Nasya) के बाद 3–6 महीनों तक Rasāyana protocol (Amalaki Rasāyana, Bhringraj Ghṛta) निभाया जा सकता है।
  2. Abhraka Bhasma / Loha Bhasma / अन्य रसायन केवल प्रमाणित Rasashastra विशेषज्ञ की निगरानी में।
  3. गर्भवती/स्तनपान कराती महिलायः को विशेष सावधानी; किञ्चित् बदलाव आवश्यक।
  4. हर्बल औषधियों के साथ आधुनिक दवाइयाँ ले रहे रोगियों में drug–herb interactions पर भी ध्यान दें — क्लिनिकल परामर्श अनिवार्य।

7. परस्पर सारांश (Quick Reference Table)

समस्या मुख्य उपचार रूप (dosage/form)
पित्तप्रधान पालित्व (Pitta-dominant palitya) Virechana → Amalaki Rasāyana → Nasya (Bhringraj Taila) Virechana per protocol; Amalaki Ghṛta 5–10 ml/d; Nasya 6–8 drops/nostril
वातादिक कशय (Vata-associated dhatu-kshaya) Basti (Eranda/Anuvasana) → Bhringraj Ghṛta internally Basti course as per strength; Bhringraj Ghṛta 5–10 ml/d
आनुवंशिक / बीज दोष Long-term Rasāyana, lifestyle, targeted supplementation Chyavanaprāśa 5–10 g/d; Abhraka Bhasma under supervision

नोट: ऊपर दी गई सूचनाएँ शास्त्रीय और समकालीन परंपराओं के आधार पर संयोजित प्रशिक्षित आयुर्वेद चिकित्सक के निरीक्षण के लिए हैं। दवा/खुराक चिकित्सकीय परामर्श (clinical supervision) से ही निर्धारित करें।

Pathya | Do's

Do's in Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

  • Amla, sesame seeds, leafy greens
  • Ghee in diet
  • Stress management, yoga

Apathya | Dont's

Dont's in Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

  • Excess spicy, sour, salty food
  • Alcohol, smoking
  • Late nights, stress

Modern Correlation

Modern Correlation of Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

Hair greying = loss of melanin pigment in follicles due to genetic, oxidative, nutritional, or autoimmune causes. Premature greying linked to Vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, stress. Ayurveda explains as Pitta-Rakta dushti, dhatu-kṣaya, and recommends Pitta-shamana, Rasayana, Keshya dravyas, and healthy lifestyle.

Invistigations

Invistigations in Hair Greying (Pālitya / Akāla-Pālitya)

  • Clinical examination
  • Trichoscopy
  • Blood tests: Vitamin B12, folate, zinc, thyroid panel

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