Palitya is the early whitening of hair due to the aggravation of Pitta dosha, leading to disturbances in Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) and Bhrajaka Pitta (skin pigmentation).

Premature hair greying is an early manifestation of aging caused by an imbalance in Pitta dosha, as described in various Ayurvedic texts. Acharya Charaka mentions that hair and nails are formed as a by-product of bone tissue (Asthi Dhatu) and are influenced by the health of the blood (Rakta Dhatu) and body heat regulation by Pitta dosha.

Reference:

• Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, 7/13: "Asthi dhatwagnimandalād romanakhadi jāyate" (The formation of hair and nails occurs from the essence of bone tissue).

Elemental Cause:

The dominance of the fire (Agni) element in Pitta dosha is responsible for heating and weakening the hair follicles.

Reference:

• Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, 17/118: "Pittamushnam teekshnam dravam sārakam cha" (The qualities of Pitta include heat, sharpness, and liquidity, all of which contribute to the rapid degeneration of hair pigment).

Ayurveda emphasizes the role of diet in aggravating Pitta dosha, which in turn leads to the depletion of Rakta Dhatu and causes premature hair greying.

• Excessive intake of spicy, sour, salty foods is known to aggravate Pitta, leading to imbalances that accelerate the aging process, including hair greying.

Reference:

• Ashtanga Hridayam, Sutrasthana, 11/24: "Amla lavana katu rasa...Pittakrit" (Sour, salty, and pungent tastes aggravate Pitta).

Improper lifestyle factors like stress, lack of sleep, and excessive heat exposure increase Pitta and deplete Rakta Dhatu, leading to premature greying of hair.

Reference:

• Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana, 24/8: "Ati vyavāya shramachintātapa svapna viparyaya" (Excessive sexual indulgence, physical exertion, mental stress, exposure to heat, and irregular sleep aggravate Pitta and harm hair health).

Dosha Effects:

• Pitta: Directly responsible for the heat that causes premature greying.
• Vata: Contributes to dryness and brittleness in hair.
• Kapha: Lesser involvement but may lead to oily scalp when imbalanced.

Reference:

• Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, 6/6: "Pitta rakta samudbhava" (Conditions caused by Pitta and Rakta imbalances).

When Pitta dosha becomes aggravated due to lifestyle and dietary factors, it causes an imbalance in Rakta Dhatu and hair follicles. This leads to early depletion of melanin, resulting in premature hair greying.

Reference:

• Ashtanga Hridayam, Sutrasthana, 11/29: "Pitta rakta pradosha karana" (Diseases due to aggravation of Pitta and Rakta, including hair-related issues like greying).

Diagnosis involves Nadi Pariksha (pulse diagnosis) and an assessment of dietary, lifestyle, and mental health factors. The pulse reveals increased Pitta and imbalance in Rakta Dhatu.

• Dryness and heat in the scalp
• Gradual lightening of hair color
• Increased body heat, particularly in the head

• Thinning Hair
• Early onset of grey or white hair
• acidity, burning sensations, and hot flashes.

• Premature greying of hair
• Dry and brittle hair
• Scalp irritation or sensitivity

• Pitta-Predominant Greying: Rapid greying with heat, burning sensations, and scalp irritation.
• Vata-Predominant Greying: Dry, brittle hair that greys gradually.

• Thinning and hair fall
• Scalp sensitivity
• Early aging signs on skin

With early intervention using Ayurvedic treatments, premature greying can be controlled, but complete reversal is difficult. Regular Rasayana (rejuvenative) therapies and lifestyle management are essential for preventing further damage.

• Premature Hair Greying Control Kit

• Nasya (Nasal Therapy): Administration of Panchagavya ghee or Bhringraj taila or Amla taila helps nourish the scalp and hair roots.

  Reference:

  • Ashtanga Hridayam, Sutrasthana, 22/23: "Nasya karma shiro roga haram" (Nasal therapy is highly beneficial for head-related conditions like hair greying).

• Herbal Remedies:

  • Rasapachak
  • Raktpachak
  • Avipattikar churna
  • Suthshekhar vati
  • Kamdhudha vati
  • Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Known for its potent rejuvenative and cooling properties, it is frequently used in hair care to restore pigmentation.
  • Bhringraj (Eclipta alba): Traditionally used to treat greying and improve hair strength and luster.

• Shirodhara: Pouring of medicated oil over the scalp to pacify Pitta and reduce excess heat.

  Reference:

  • Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, 6/5: "Shiro basti pittasya" (Therapies involving oil over the head pacify Pitta and help hair health).

• Panchakarma (Detoxification):

  • Virechana (Purgation): To expel excess Pitta from the body.

  Reference:

  • Charaka Samhita, Siddhi Sthana, 2/27: "Pittaghna virechana karma" (Purgation is the best treatment for Pitta-related disorders).
• Yoga and Meditation: Practices like Sheetali pranayama and Shavasana to manage stress and cool the body.
• Scalp Massage: Regular oil massages with cooling oils like coconut oil or Bhringraj taila to improve hair health.

• Cooling foods like cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens should be consumed to pacify Pitta.
• Ghee is highly beneficial in cooling and nourishing the system.

Reference:

• Ashtanga Hridayam, Sutrasthana, 10/8: "Tiktam madhuram rasam...Shitam pittaghnam hitam" (Bitter and sweet tastes with cool potency are beneficial for pacifying Pitta).

• Avoid spicy, sour, and salty foods that worsen Pitta.
• Limit sun exposure and heat-inducing activities.

Premature hair greying is linked to oxidative stress, genetic predispositions, and deficiencies in vitamins like B12 and minerals like copper. Ayurvedic treatments, aimed at balancing Pitta, reducing heat, and nourishing the hair, align well with modern strategies to manage oxidative damage and improve melanin production.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, premature hair greying (Palitya) is diagnosed based on a detailed examination of an individual’s dosha imbalance, dietary habits, lifestyle, and mental health. The following investigations may be considered:

1. Nadi Pariksha (Pulse Diagnosis): Helps assess the balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. In Palitya, it often reveals aggravated Pitta with possible involvement of Vata.

   Reference:

   • Sushruta Samhita, Sharirasthana, 4/80: "Nadi pariksha vata pitta kapha vishamya gyanam" (Pulse examination helps in determining dosha imbalances).

2. Examination of Hair Quality and Scalp: Physical inspection for signs of Rakta depletion, dryness, or oiliness, and scalp health is carried out.

3. Prakriti Analysis: Helps identify the individual's basic constitution and Pitta dominance, which may predispose them to early greying.

4. Rakta Dhatu Examination: Observation of the blood tissue quality, as blood depletion (Rakta Kshaya) is considered a root cause of hair greying.

5. Srotas Examination (Channel Blockages): Analysis of the state of nourishment channels (Rasavaha Srotas) and sweat channels (Swedavaha Srotas), which may show blockages affecting hair nourishment.

6. Routine Blood Tests: From a modern perspective, to assess vitamin B12 levels, iron levels, thyroid function (TSH), and overall nutritional deficiencies that could contribute to premature greying.