Centella Asiatica for Hair: What It Does and How To Use

Seeing more shedding or stubborn gray hairs showing up? You're in good company.

Many women face these concerns and look for ways to regrow hair and slow graying.

Centella asiatica extract is a natural option getting attention. You'll explore its benefits, traditional use, and alternatives.

Let's take a closer look at how this herbal extract may help.

Key Takeaways

• Centella asiatica may support scalp comfort, reduce hair loss, and improve strand thickness.

• Proposed actions include improved circulation, collagen support, and follicle cell stimulation by triterpenoids.

• It can soothe itch and inflammation, moisturize the scalp, and reduce dandruff symptoms.

• Side effects include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, skin irritation, with pregnancy and breastfeeding cautions.

What Is Centella Asiatica?

As the name suggests, this plant originates in Asia, yet it's now grown in many regions. Farms exist in South Africa, Madagascar, and Australia.

In Ayurveda, it's used to support nerve cells and as a healing active to help close wounds and other injuries.

Its effects come from a biochemical profile rich in natural bioactives: saponins, triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpene steroids, amino acids, and sugars. These levels vary by region and how it's cultivated.

Centella asiatica first appeared in a cosmetic formula in the early 1970s. Approved in organic cosmetics, this plant active helps address signs of skin aging through antioxidant action and by stimulating collagen production.

It's also used to fade marks like acne scars and stretch marks. Use on hair is more recent, but it shows several helpful properties, outlined below.

Centella Asiatica Hair Benefits

Well known in skin care, Centella asiatica also shows promise for soothing the scalp, providing antioxidant support, and helping strands look stronger.

If you want calmer roots, fewer breakage points, or better density, it's worth a closer look. Below are the specific ways it can help your hair.

Supports Faster Hair Growth

A notable benefit of Centella Asiatica for hair is support for growth. Triterpenoids in Centella Asiatica can increase scalp circulation and stimulate hair follicle cell growth, leading to stronger, denser hair.

Helps Limit Hair Shedding

Hair loss can feel alarming for many people. Centella Asiatica is regarded as a powerful natural option to curb shedding. It energizes follicles, slows premature hair fall, and boosts collagen, a key protein for a healthy scalp and stronger hair.

Soothes and Rebalances the Scalp

A healthy scalp is the base for smoother, stronger hair. Gotu Kola soothes the scalp, easing itch and inflammation. It also adds moisture, which helps reduce dryness and dandruff.

Helps Repair Damage and Restore Hair Health

Centella Asiatica is rich in antioxidants that address damage from free radicals. It supports repair and renewal in hair exposed to environmental pollutants or chemical treatments.

Aids With Dandruff Management

Dandruff can be persistent and frustrating. The anti-inflammatory properties in Centella Asiatica may help reduce dandruff symptoms.

Enhances Hair Thickness and Shine

Gotu Kola can improve overall hair quality by increasing thickness, which results in silkier, glossier, easier-to-manage hair.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Centella Asiatica

One 2010 review found Centella asiatica was not toxic at recommended doses. The authors note side effects are uncommon, but can include:

• headache

• lightheadedness

• queasiness

• tiredness

• stomach pain

• irritated skin

However, the authors add that high doses of Centella asiatica may cause marked drowsiness. They also advise that an individual should avoid the herb when using medicines to help them sleep or to reduce anxiety.

Additionally, injections of Centella asiatica can trigger allergic reactions.

The authors also warn that large amounts may increase the risk of headaches and transient loss of consciousness, often called blackouts. In earlier animal work, some compounds in the herb showed antifertility effects in mice.

The research recommends not using Centella asiatica for longer than 6 weeks at a time and taking at least a 2-week break after each 6-week period. It also advises avoiding the herb while breastfeeding.

There is also limited research on how Centella asiatica affects:

• women's fertility

• pregnancy

• breast milk effects

With this in mind, anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should speak with a doctor before using Centella asiatica.

If any symptoms occur after applying or ingesting Centella asiatica, seek medical advice.

How to Use Centella Asiatica for Hair

Now that you know the benefits and potential risks of gotu kola, explore different ways to add it to your hair care routine.

Use as Hair Oil

This is one of the better options if you want to support hair health and encourage growth. For me, a lighter carrier helped the oil spread evenly without greasiness. Gently massage a few drops into your scalp and leave it on for several hours before washing.

Use as Shampoos and Conditioners

Gotu Kola is gaining popularity for its effects on improving hair growth. Choose shampoos or conditioners that include centella asiatica extract to make it part of your daily grooming routine.

DIY Hair Trеatmеnt

You can also create a simple at-home treatment using Centella Asiatica oil. Blend a few drops with yogurt, coconut oil, or aloe vera, then work it through your scalp and hair. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing.

Taken as Supplements

If topical use isn't giving the results you want, consider supplements containing Centella Asiatica nutrients to support follicle health from within. A family member with a sensitive scalp did better starting with a very low dose.

Cеntеlla Asiatica Tеa

Drinking tea enriched with Centella Asiatica may help maintain healthy hair and overall well-being by supporting circulation in the body, which also fortifies hair roots.

How Long Centella Asiatica Takes to Work

Timing varies by person when using Centella asiatica extract for hair regrowth.

Consistency matters with natural options, and it may take several weeks or months to see noticeable change.

Keep in mind that your hair growth cycle and overall health can influence how fast you respond.

Be patient and use it regularly to give yourself the best chance of progress.

Explore Natural Hair Care Treatments With Keyoma

Cеntеlla Asiatica, also called Gotu Kola, is a natural option for healthier, more attractive hair. With its ability to encourage growth, limit hair loss, and nourish the scalp, it has long been valued in traditional medicine.

Add this plant-based remedy to your hair care routine and let Cеntеlla Asiatica support your path to stronger, more beautiful hair.