For centuries, Ayurveda has been using natural remedies to promote health and wellness, including hair loss. One such remedy is Jamalgota (also known as Purging Croton or Croton Tiglium).
Jamalgota is powerful as well as risky. Although it has been traditionally used to promote hair growth, its misuse can lead to serious side effects. This guide explains how to use Jamalgota seeds for hair growth in Ayurveda and what precautions you should follow.
What Are Jamalgota Seeds?
Jamalgota is a small tree whose seeds are primarily used as a medicinal ingredient. In Ayurveda, these seeds are classified as follows:
- Rasa (taste): Pungent (Katu)
- Pungency: Teekha (spicy)
- Primary quality: Extremely pungent and sharp
Jamalgota, also known as Croton tiglium, belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family.
Common Names
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Croton seeds
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Purging croton
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Jamalgota (in Hindi)
According to EasyAyurveda, Jamalgota is a strong herb that balances Vata, Kapha, and doshas. Its heat and deep action help treat hair loss, which happens due to excess Kapha, causing scalp congestion and poor blood flow linked to Vata.
Relation: Jamalgota and Hair Growth
So, how does a poisonous seed promote hair growth? According to Onlymyhealth and Ask-Ayurveda, this process works in several ways.
Stimulates Blood Circulation (Raktavardha): The warm and pungent nature of Jamalgota gently stimulates the scalp, increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. This allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach the scalp, creating a healthy base for hair growth.
Kapha Nivaran: Dandruff, excess oil and buildup of products clog hair pores and slow down hair growth. Jamalgota helps remove this build-up by exfoliating the scalp and unclogging the pores.
Antimicrobial Action: A clean scalp supports healthy hair. Jamalgota seeds may help fight fungal or bacterial infections that cause hair loss and scalp problems.
Note: Raw, unprocessed jamalgota seeds are highly toxic and poisonous. In Ayurveda, they are first subjected to a detoxification process called shodhana, usually boiling in milk or other mediums, to make them less toxic, and then used for any external application.
How to Use Jamalgota Seeds for Hair Growth
This is the most important part. Here is the traditional method for safe external use, following the guidelines from the given sources.
What you’ll need:
- 2-3 detoxified jamalgota seeds (This is very important. Buy them from a reputable Ayurvedic supplier who sells them pre-purified, or consult a practitioner on how to purify them.
- 1 cup coconut oil or sesame oil (carrier oil to reduce the effect).
- A small vessel for heating.
- A strainer.
Step-by-step process for making medicated oil:
- Heat the oil: Heat a cup of your chosen carrier oil (coconut or sesame oil is recommended) in a pan.
- Add seeds: Add 2-3 detoxified jamalgota seeds to the hot oil.
- Low heat: Roast the seeds on low heat for a few minutes and allow their properties to infuse into the oil. Do not overheat or burn the seeds.
- Cool and strain: Turn off the heat and allow the oil to cool completely. After cooling, strain the oil to remove all the seeds. Make sure there are no solid particles left in the oil.
- Storage: Store this medicinal oil in a clean glass bottle.
Application Method:
- Patch test: First, do a patch test. Apply a little oil on the inside of your elbow and wait for 24 hours to see if there is any allergy, redness, or irritation.
- Apply lightly: If there is no reaction, apply some oil on your scalp with your fingers and massage gently.
- Short contact therapy: Leave it on for only 20-30 minutes, not hours.
- Wash thoroughly: Wash your hair thoroughly with a mild shampoo to remove all the oil and residue.
Note: Use this treatment once a week or less, as it is very effective. It is not for daily use.
Critical Precautions and Side Effects
Ignoring these safety rules can cause serious harm.
Never swallow: A single seed can cause severe vomiting, painful diarrhea, stomach cramps, and can be life-threatening.
Don’t use raw seeds: Use only refined seeds.
Always dilute: Never apply the paste or extract directly to the scalp. Always mix it with a carrier oil.
Watch for irritation: If you feel burning, itching, redness, or discomfort, wash it off immediately and stop use.
Avoid broken skin: Do not apply to cuts, abrasions, or open wounds.
Consult a doctor: It is not for beginners. Always use Jamalgota under the supervision of an Ayurvedic practitioner who checks your doshas, ​​confirms suitability, and provides detoxified seeds or safe formulas.
Read this also: Best Vitamins For Hair Growth.
Benefits of Using Jamalgota Seeds For Hair Growth
- Improves blood circulation
The mildly irritating properties (when highly diluted) can increase blood flow to the scalp, thereby stimulating dormant follicles. - Anti-inflammatory effect
Helps soothe scalp conditions that can impede growth, such as dandruff or dermatitis. - Detoxifies the scalp
Ayurveda believes that jamalgota, when used as an external oil, helps cleanse toxins from the scalp.
Read this also: Benefits and Disadvantages of Jamalgota
What to do for hair growth according to Ayurveda?
According to Ayurveda, it is not possible to completely stop the process of hair fall, but it can be slowed down. For this, you can try some easy and effective remedies, such as
- Take regular care of your hair.
- Gently massage the scalp with good oil.
- Sesame oil is considered beneficial for hair growth and can also help slow down the process of baldness.
However, it is better to consult an Ayurvedic expert before adopting any remedy so that you can get the right guidance according to the needs of your body and hair.
Safer Alternatives to Consider
- Bhringraj makes hair thicker.
- Amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Brahmi strengthens hair roots.
- Onion juice boosts keratin production.
Conclusion
Ayurvedic texts and practitioners describe jamalgota seeds as powerful for hair growth because they improve blood flow and clear clogged pores. But they are highly toxic. This is a powerful medicine, not a simple home remedy, and requires expert supervision.
For most people, safer Ayurvedic herbs and oils are better choices for healthy, long hair.
Remember, nature is powerful, but it all depends on how we use it.
You are traveling toward well-being and good health. And we are with you.