E-ISSN:2456-3110

Case Report

Hair Fall

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 9 September
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

A Case Study of Khalitya (Hair Fall) - Ayurveda Perspective

Jungare RD1*, Singh R2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.9.45

1* Renu Dhanraj Jungare, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Rog Nidan Evam Vikriti Vigyan, Institute for Ayurved Studies and Research, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.

2 Randhir Singh, Professor, Dept of Rog Nidan Evam Vikriti Vigyan, Institute for Ayurved Studies and Research, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.

Hair shedding is a natural process where some hairs fall out while others grow in. When the equilibrium between hair production and shedding is disrupted, it is referred to as hair loss. This condition can arise from genetic factors, hormonal fluctuations, medical issues, or simply as a part of the aging process. While anyone can experience hair loss on their scalp, it is more prevalent among men. Baldness typically denotes significant hair loss from the scalp. The most common cause of baldness is hereditary hair loss associated with aging. In Ayurveda, this condition is referred to as Khalitya Roga, categorized under Kshudra Roga or Shiro Roga. Whenever this topic is discussed, it is recognized as a progressive disorder predominantly affecting individuals who lead sedentary lifestyles, endure stress from hectic schedules, and maintain poor dietary habits, all of which can lead to bodily disturbances that manifest as hair loss. This study will explore methods to mitigate and manage the increasing issue of hair fall through the use of Bhringraj oil and Nasya. In this study, A patient suffering from diffuse hair loss were instructed to gently massage Bhringraj Taila onto their entire scalp daily. The response to the treatment was assessed after four weeks. The evaluation of efficacy was based on improvements in clinical symptoms such as hair fall, dandruff, itching, and dryness. The study demonstrated a significant reduction in hair fall, dandruff, and itching. No adverse reactions were reported or observed throughout the study period, and overall adherence to the treatment was excellent. In conclusion, Bhringraj Taila was found to be effective in alleviating Khalitya and had a significant impact on associated symptoms.

Keywords: Khalitya, Indralopa, hair oil, Nasya, Bhringraj

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Renu Dhanraj Jungare, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Rog Nidan Evam Vikriti Vigyan, Institute for Ayurved Studies and Research, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.
Email: 		Jungare RD, Singh R, A Case Study of Khalitya (Hair Fall) - Ayurveda Perspective. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(9):294-299.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4724/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-07-10 2025-07-28 2025-08-08 2025-08-18 2025-08-28
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© 2025 by Jungare RD, Singh R and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionMaterial and MethodsCase ReportDiscussionConclusionReferences
Renu DJ et al. A Case Study of Khalitya (Hair Fall)

Introduction

Healthy, beautiful, long, and attractive hair significantly enhances an individual's personality, as hair is frequently regarded as a measure of beauty. To sustain healthy hair, individuals must take responsibility, as hair, similar to the face, reflects the overall health of the body. Proper hair care is essential for maintaining one's crowning glory and ensuring it remains a representation of beauty and health. Hair is deemed a crucial element of personality. In Ayurveda, hair loss is termed Khalitya[1] and affects both genders. Khalitya is categorized as Kshudra Roga in classical texts such as the Sushrut Samhita, Ashtang Samgraha, Yoga Ratnakar, and Madhav Nidan. Acharya Charaka and the author of Ashtanga Hridaya categorize Khalitya under Shiroroga (diseases of the head) based on the location. As per Ashtanga Hridaya, when Pitta interacts with Vata or Kapha, it leads to hair loss [2] Acharya Charak observes that the combination of Teja and Vatadi Doshas swiftly impacts the scalp, resulting in Khalitya[3] In this condition, Bhrajaka Pitta in the skin and Roma Kupa becomes disturbed and penetrates the skin along with vitiated Vata Dosha, causing hair loss. Disturbed Rakta and Kapha Dosha subsequently obstruct hair follicles, hindering new hair growth, which ultimately results in baldness. Khalitya is characterized as a Pitta-dominant Tridoshaja Vyadhi, affecting scalp, leading to Khalitya. In this condition, Bhrajaka Pitta in skin and Roma Kupa becomes disturbed and penetrates skin along with vitiated Vata Dosha, causing hair loss.[4] Disturbed Rakta and Kapha dosha subsequently obstruct hair follicles, hindering new hair growth, which ultimately results in baldness. Khalitya is characterized as a Pitta-dominant Tridoshaja Vyadhi, involving Vata, Pitta, and Kapha with Rakta Dosha, with a predominance of Pitta and Rakta Dosha.

Material and Methods

Ayurveda states that human body consists of seven primary Dhatus (body elements), namely Rasa, Rakta, Mansa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, and Sukra. Most Acharyas agree that formation of subsequent Dhatus arises from preceding ones through action of their respective Agni. For instance, Rasagni transforms Ahara Rasa into Rasa Dhatu, followed by Raktagni, which converts a portion of Rasa Dhatu into Rakta, and this process continues.

Concurrently with the formation of later Dhatus, there is also the simultaneous production of Upadhatu and Mala from the earlier Dhatus. During the metabolic process of Asthi Dhatu, facilitated by its Agni, Majja Dhatu is produced from the Sara component, while simultaneously, hair on the scalp and body, as well as nails, are formed as Mala. The gradual loss of hair is referred to as Khalitya. When Pitta interacts with Vata or Kapha Dosha leading to hair loss, it is termed Khalitya. According to Acharya Sharngadhar, hair on the scalp and body is considered the Upadhatu of Majja Dhatu.[5]

For the development of the fetus, hair is referred to as Pitraj Bhava,[6] indicating that the structure, color, and quantity of offspring are influenced by the paternal lineage. Hair primarily consists of Parthiva Mahabhoota, or the earth element. The formation of hair begins during the sixth month of intrauterine life. In contemporary science, hair is characterized as a modified epithelial structure resulting from the keratinization of germinal cells.[7] Hair serves as an epidermal appendage that is situated within the dermis. Each hair originates from hair follicles, which are akin to slender pockets within the epidermis. The development of hair follows a cyclical pattern. In the scalp, the hair growth cycle comprises three critical phases: Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen. On a healthy scalp, there are approximately 100,000 hair follicles, with around 90% of these follicles consistently in the anagen segment of hair development. Following this phase is the Catagen stage, during which the follicles begin to enter a dormant state, lasting for about 2 to 3 weeks. The telogen stage is characterized as a dormant or resting interval that persists for 3 to 4 months. Upon the conclusion of this stage, hair is shed. Subsequently, the hair follicle re-enters the anagen stage, and new hair commences its development. Thus, the hair growth cycle perpetuates. In a typical hair growth cycle, 50 to 60 hairs are lost daily.[8]

Samprapti Ghataka

Dosha

Vata: Samana, Vyana

Pitta: Pachaka Pitta and Bhrajaka Pitta

Kapha: Tarpaka Kapha

Dushya: Dhatu: Rasa, Rakta, Asthi

Mala: Sweda, Kesha


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Renu DJ et al. A Case Study of Khalitya (Hair Fall)

Agni: Jatharagni, Rasagni, Asthyagni

Ama: Rasa, Raktagata Ama

Srotasa: Rasavaha, Raktavaha, Asthivaha, Sweda-vaha, Manovaha

Udbhava: Amashaya

Sanchara: Rasayani (Rasavaha Srotasa)

Adhisthana: Keshabhoomi

Rogamarga: Bahya Ragamarga, Including Trima-rma (Shira)

Case Report

A 27 year old female, a student, reported to the OPD department of Rog Nidan Evum Vikriti Vigyan, Institute for Ayurved Studies and Research, Kurukshetra, Haryana, with the complaints of excessive scalp hair fall along with itching on scalp since 5 months

History of present illness

The female experienced itching of scalp 1 back. After few months, she suffered from hair fall. Gradually she developed excessive hair loss of scalp like baldness. She was under mental stress due to her exams. She had undergone allopathic treatment but that provide her only temporary relief. With this complains, patient approached to OPD of IASR.

History of past illness: There was no relevant past history.

Family history: No member of the family had history of such illness.

Personal history

Diet: Vegetarian

Appetite:Good

Micturation: 4-6times/day

Bowel habit: Regular

Sleep: Disturbed

Addiction: Tea 3-4 times/day

Clinical Findings

General Examination

Temperature: Afebrile
Respiratory Rate: 18/min
Sleep: 6-7 hrs, Disturb
Pulse rate: 82/min
Weight: 52 kg
Oedema: Absent
Blood pressure: 120/70mmHg
Height: 5 feet 4 inch
Gait: Normal

Systemic Examination

The systemic examination showed no abnormalities in respiratory, cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

Investigations

Hematological investigation of patient was within normal limits. Case was diagn. Khalitya (Hair fall) on basis of sign & symptoms. Patient was treated at OPD level of Rog Nidan department of IASR. Treat-ment was given according to Ayurveda principles.

Ashthavidha Pariksha

Nadi - 82bpm
Mala - Sama
Mutra - Samyak
Jivha - Shweta
Shabda - Spasta Swara
Sparsha - Samshitoshna
Drik - Spasta
Akruti - Madhyam

Intervention

Nasya Karma with Bhringaraj oil 4-5 drops/nostrils, along with its application on scalp given to patient.

The total duration of the study was 28 days.


Ingredient of Bhringraj taila (A.F.I., Part-I,8:42, Pg.147)

IngredientLatin name/English nameComposition (Each 10 ml oil prepared from)
BhringrajaEclipta alba20.224 g
Base OilTil Taila10.112 g
Herbs for Kalka (Paste)
ManjishthaRubia cordifolia0.632 g
PadmakaPinus ceradoides0.632 g
LodhraSymplocos racemosa0.632 g

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Renu DJ et al. A Case Study of Khalitya (Hair Fall)
CandanaPterocarpus santalinus0.632 g
GairikaRed ochre0.632 g
HaridraCurcuma longa0.632 g
DaruharidraBerberis aristat0.632 g
NagkesarMesua ferrea0.632 g
PriyanguCallicarpa macrophylla0.632 g
MadhuyashtikaGlycyrrhiza glabara0.632 g
PrapaundarikaNelumbo nucifera0.632 g
GopiHemidesmum indicus0.632 g
BalaSida cordifolia0.632 g

Medication Intervention

Bhringraj Taila Nasya 4-5 drops/nostrils was administered to the patient for 4 weeks and instructions to apply it every other day on the scalp [6 ml/application].

Patient was also instructed to gently massage the scalp for 10 minutes following the application of the hair oil. They were advised to use the oil in the morning. On the day designated for hair washing, they were instructed to apply the oil post-bath. The total amount of oil was left to the discretion of each patient's usage practices.

The study lasted for a total of 28 days. Patient was evaluated in the outpatient department once a week throughout the 28-day study period. Clinical evaluations of scalp lesions were conducted both objectively (by a physician) and subjectively (by the patient). A comprehensive examination of the scalp was performed after one week and at the conclusion of the study.

Assessment

Assessment was conducted following the completion of procedure and after the follow up. Both subjective as well as clinical improvements were utilized for the assessment of the impact of the procedure. All symptoms which were chosen for assessment, their improvements were thoroughly examined and the severity of each of them was rated prior and after the trial of the procedure. Grading was done for the assessment.

Subjective criteria[10]

Keshpata (hairfall)

1.No hair fall0
2.Hair fall once in the morning while washing/combing1
3.Hair fall on every time of morning2
4.Hair fall even without combing and raised hairline in frontal region (mild baldness)3

Keshbhoomi Rukshata (Roughness)

1.Smooth hair surface0
2.Occasional rough hair surface1
3.Slight rough hair surface2
4.Rough hair surface3

Keshbhoomi Kandu (itching)

1.Absent0
2.Mild itching1
3.Moderate itching2
4.Severe itching3

Darunaka (Dandruff)

1.Absent0
2.Mild1
3.Moderate2
4.Severe3

Simple pull test

1.<2 hair0
2.2-4 hair1
3.4-6 hair2
4.6-8 hair3

Overall assessment

SNSymptomsBTATAfter follow-up
1.Keshpata (hair fall)311
2.Keshbhoomi Rukshata (Roughness)211
3.Keshbhoomi Kandu (itching)312
4.Darunaka (Dandruff)100
5.Pull test311

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Discussion

Khalitya is a prevalent yet highly complex and unpredictable condition affecting the global population, significantly impacting both physical and emotional well-being. The consumption of Viruddha Ahara, along with Pitta Vardhak Ahara, Vihara contributes to this issue. Additionally, Abhishyandi Ahara and a sedentary lifestyle exacerbate the increase of Pitta and Vata, ultimately leading to Khalitya. The Ayurvedic approach to managing Khalitya includes therapies such as Abhyang, Shodhan, Lepan, Nasya, and Rasayana. Specifically, Abhyang Chikitsa, particularly when performed with oil, is most effective for alleviating Vata Dosha. The application of oil, formulated with Kapha, Pitta, and Vatahar Dravyas, aids in balancing Vata while also addressing Pitta and Kapha. Nasya Karma represent specialized Ayurvedic therapies. Shodhana is method designed to eliminate Doshas from closest route of their disturbance. Rasayana therapy, known for its immune-modulating, antioxidant, & rejuve-nating properties, proves to be highly advantageous for hair loss resulting from chronic illnesses, premature aging, or nutritional deficiencies.

Conclusion

Khalitya is a serious condition that requires appropriate management. Implementing minor adjustments in lifestyle and dietary practices can help prevent hair loss. Adequate hair care, including oiling, washing, and protection from external factors such as environmental influences, chemicals, and heat, is crucial for preventing hair loss and maintaining hair health. Prior to initiating treatment for hair loss, it is essential for physician to determine underlying cause,

with the initial treatment focusing on Nidanparivarjana, or the management of that cause. Subsequently, other therapies such as Abhyang, Lepana, Shodhan, Nasya, and Rasayana should be recommended as needed. This approach allows for the effective treatment of Khalitya Roga, or hair loss.

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