Choosing Ayurvedic ingredients based on your Dosha

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine,  a philosophy that is more than 5000 years old. Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit word Ayur which means life and Veda which means science. Hence Ayurveda is called the Science of Life and has the potential to cure many diseases and ailments.

Ayurveda is based on the tri-doshic principle known as  Vata, Pitta, Kapha representing the body constitution of an individual.

The Doshas in Ayurveda

We are all made up of a unique combination of these doshas. In Ayurveda,  doshas are the energetic principles that govern physiological and psychological functions of the body. Each dosha has specific characteristics:

Vata = air and space element

Pitta  = fire and water element

Kapha = earth and water element

It is common to find someone who has a combination of these doshas where one dosha is predominant contributing to imbalance in the body.

Vata-Pitta

Pitta-Kapha

Vata-Kapha

Herbs and oils in Ayurveda have many benefits for health, skin and hair. However, the use of these ingredients need to be done according to our Dosha type. Let’s look at the 

The Vata dosha type

People who have the vata dosha are characterised by dry hair and dry skin

Vata is characterised by the air element and air which is very drying to the hair and skin. Vata hair needs hydration and moisture. This dosha type favours warm over cold.

Herbs for this dosha type are

Brahmi, Bringhraj, Ashwagandha, Gudduchi, Shatavari, peppermint, ginger, fennel, licorice.

Best oils for Vata dosha are:

Avocado oil, sweet almond oil, ghee, Ashwagandha, sesame seed oil

The Pitta dosha type

Herbs for this dosha type are:

This hair type needs a significant amount of care and maintenance. An imbalance in Pitta leads to excess heat in the body.

Herbs for this dosha type are:

Bhringraj, Amla, Henna, Hibiscus.

Best oils for a Pitta dosha are:

Coconut oil, argan oil, castor oil, sunflower oil, brahmi oil, manjisthadi oil.

The Kapha dosha type

Imbalance in controlling oil production. This dosha favours warm over cold

Herbs for this dosha type are:

Turmeric, ginseng, triphala, black pepper, moringa.

Best oils for a kapha dosha are:

Mustard seed oil, olive oil,flaxseed oil, mustard oil, canola oil and corn oil.

The use of clays such as Rhassoul clay, activated charcoal recommended.

In Ayurveda, Ayurvedic massage therapy also known as Abhyanga consists in performing massages from head to toe using oils. This practice contributes to many benefits such as stimulating the hair follicles, preventing hair fall, premature graying of hair and promoting thick soft and glossy hair.

Do you want to know your Dosha to help you select Ayurvedic ingredients or Ayurvedic hair products that are suitable for your hair? Contact us at [email protected] and we will be happy to help you.