Brahmi has a long tradition in Ayurveda herbal medicine for its plethora of health benefits. It also goes by the names of Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica. According to WebMD, people use this herb to help to relieve fatigue, anxiety, depression, psychiatric disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, wound healing, trauma, and poor circulation. Many hair products also contain Brahmi because of its fabled reputation as a hair growth stimulant. Brahmi Hair Oil most likely benefits hair growth due to the actions of nutrients it contains like flavonoids and tannins.
Evidence of Hair Growth with Brahmi Hair Oil
In fact, its hair growth reputation is not without at least some scientific evidence. The March 2011 publication of the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences showed that a 5% Centella Asiatica (Brahmi) ointment, by itself, did indeed appear to improve hair length and density in a group of shaved rats, as compared to a control group, although not as well as other herbs. The researchers tested four additional herbs at identical strengths, and another group with Minoxidil. They also tested a group with all of the herbs combined (but not with the Minoxidil). The results are interesting. The combined herb ointment appeared to grow hair the most. I would love to find a product that contains all of them to review. These tables list the ingredients, their ratios, and their effects on hair length and density for each rat group.
| Hair Length Results in Rats | |
|---|---|
| Group | Hair Length mm (mean±s.d.) |
| Minoxidil | 5.15±0.314 |
| Emblica officinalis | 3.73±0.314 |
| Centella asiatica | 3.86±0.362 (Brahmi) |
| Ocimum sanctum | 3.49±0.318 |
| Eclipta alba | 3.89±0.376 |
| Aloe vera | 3.75 ±0.320 |
| All combined | 4.92±0.400 |
| Hair Density Results in Rats | |
|---|---|
| Group | Hair Length mm (mean±s.d.) |
| Minoxidil | 2537± 35.08 |
| Emblica officinalis | 1548±38.07 |
| Centella asiatica | 1640±37.01 (Brahmi) |
| Ocimum sanctum | 1937±37.84 |
| Eclipta alba | 1800±36.11 |
| Aloe vera | 1986±36.36 |
| All combined | 2098±56.12 |
The study claims the findings are significant at p < .01, and also calls them “incredibly encouraging” in its conclusion. However, I did find many writing errors throughout. Obviously, the author’s first language was not English. I am not familiar with the standards the journal’s submissions should require, but it seems like a study’s words and grammar should be as tight as its numbers. I do understand this is an international journal, but one that is peer reviewed.
Summary
Putting my observations about the quality of the writing aside, I decided what was good enough for rats was good enough for me. What’s the harm? It’s only hair oil, after all. Besides, as stated earlier, Brahmi has a long tradition for treating thinning hair. My favorite product is Brahmi Hair Oil 8 oz. by Vadik Herbs. It’s all natural. Brahmi is actually the second ingredient. The first is organic coconut oil, another friendly hair oil. The remaining ingredients include Manijistha (rubia cordifolia), Bala (sida cordifolia), Haritaki (terminalia chebula), Spanish saffron, and essential oils. The product is marketed for dry scalp, dandruff control, and even greying. The label even gives a nod to Brahmi’s hair stimulating reputation.
I love the way the product makes my hair style. It’s actually better than any commercially manufactured product I’ve used. The oil is solid and waxy at room temperature, but quickly melts in the palm. Its aroma is pleasant, not too strong. A little goes a long way. The directions say to use 1-2 teaspoons, but that would be too much for my head. Use too much and you’ll end up with a more oily, wet look. The 8 ounce cup of Brahmi Hair Oil by Vadik Herbs has lasted me nearly two years at mostly daily usage.
