Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon or karela or Momordica charantia, is a fruit that is also used as a vegetable. Even though it is bitter, it is used in preparing many dishes, thanks to its benefits like helping manage diabetes by lowering blood sugar and strengthening the immune system. Drinking karela juice is one way to reap these health benefits. You can also include bitter gourd juice in your hair care routine. It can help in controlling dandruff and strengthen hair. If hair loss is bothering you, you must use bitter gourd for hair growth.

How does bitter gourd help with hair growth?

There is evidence that shows karela can help in boosting hair growth. During a 2016 study published in Phytotherapy Research, bitter gourd was found to be effective in promoting the growth of hair cells.

Bitter gourd is good for your hair. Image Courtesy: Adobe Stock.

Bitter gourd's ability to combat hair loss and promote hair growth is tied to its nutritional value. Hundred grams of bitter gourd has many nutrients, including 84 mg of vitamin C, 0.043 mg of vitamin B-6, 24 micrograms of vitamin A, and 1 gram of protein, as per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "Bitter gourd contains vitamins (A, C, and B), and antioxidants, which can nourish the scalp and strengthen hair follicles," says cosmetologist and skin expert Dr Jatin Mittal.

It can also help with hair growth in the following ways:

• Bitter gourd acts as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antimicrobial source, according to research published in PGPR Amelioration in Sustainable Agriculture in 2019.
• Due to its antioxidant properties, bitter gourd can help reduce oxidative stress on the scalp, which is a contributing factor to hair loss.
• The high water content also keeps the scalp hydrated, preventing dryness that can lead to hair loss.
• Its rich vitamin content helps improve hair texture, adds shine, and strengthens hair strands.
• It acts as a natural conditioner, so it can soften tresses and improve their elasticity while preventing hair breakage.

How to use bitter gourd for hair growth?

You can eat bitter gourd or drink its juice for hair health.

• To make karela juice for drinking, take two bitter gourds and water with a pinch of salt.
• Wash the bitter gourd properly then cut off its tail and head without peeling off the rough edges.
• Remove the seeds and cut karela into small pieces.
• Put it in the blender with water and salt and let it blend.
• Pour it over a strainer to filter out the bitter gourd juice then drink up karela juice.

Drink bitter gourd juice for healthy hair. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

You can also include karela in your beauty regimen in these different ways.

1. Use bitter gourd juice

• Extract juice from fresh bitter gourd and apply it directly to your scalp.
• Leave it on for about half an hour then rinse it off with a shampoo that has no harsh chemicals.

2. Rub bitter gourd piece

• Take a piece of bitter gourd.
• Gently rub the piece on the roots of your hair for two to three minutes to improve blood circulation in your scalp.

3. Apply bitter gourd hair mask

• Mix bitter gourd juice with yogurt or coconut oil.
• Apply it as a DIY hair mask, leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes then rinse it off.

4. Use oil with bitter gourd

• If you don't have bitter gourd oil, infuse a few pieces of karela in coconut or olive oil.
• Use this oil for scalp massages.

"For effective results, use bitter gourd only one to two times a week to ensure your scalp receives adequate nutrients as well as hydration," says Dr Mittal. This can help to prevent hair loss and promote healthy growth.

What are the side effects of bitter gourd for hair?

Using bitter gourd for hair growth may work for you, but using it in excess can lead to side effects like:

• Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions like itching, redness, or irritation on the scalp.
• Dryness: Overuse of bitter gourd can sometimes lead to excessive scalp dryness, which may counteract its benefits.
• Sensitivity: It can also cause sensitivity in some individuals, especially those with very dry or sensitive scalp, so it is best to do a patch test before using it extensively.

FAQs

1. Can you use bitter gourd for dandruff?

Bitter gourd can be used to control dandruff. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help combat dandruff and scalp infections.

2. Is it okay to eat bitter gourd everyday?

Bitter gourd should be consumed in moderation, as too much of it can lead to diarrhea and abdominal pain.

3. Does bitter gourd remove acne?

Bitter gourd can help in getting rid of acne due to its antibacterial effect and anti-inflammatory property.

Bitter gourd can be a beneficial home remedy for combating hair loss and promoting healthy hair growth due to its rich nutrient content and antioxidant properties. However, it should be used in moderation to avoid potential side effects like dryness or irritation. Incorporating it into your haircare routine once or twice a week can yield noticeable improvements, but test its suitability for your scalp type first.

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