Consult Top Doctors First Chat FREE on App

Install

Premature greying

Reviewed by medical experts · For informational purposes only

Introductory summary

Premature greying, known in Ayurveda as Palita, occurs when vitiated Pitta and Vata damage hair follicles. A primary dietary cause is the excessive consumption of salt, which leads to untimely baldness and greying. Psychological factors like grief and anger also contribute by agitating Pitta. Manifestations include brittle hair texture and color loss, often appearing alongside skin wrinkles. Management focuses on Pitta-pacifying diets—avoiding salt and spices—and daily self-care routines like head oil massage. Formulations such as Bhringaraja Taila, Yastimadhuka Taila, and Nilibhringadi Taila are traditionally utilized. Regular nasal administration of Anu Taila is a premier preventive measure to maintain natural hair color.

Premature Greying

Palita (or Palitya), known in modern medicine as Premature Greying of Hair, is a condition described in Ayurveda where the hair loses its natural color and turns white or grey before the expected age of senility. It is often discussed alongside Vali (wrinkles), as both are considered signs of premature ageing and biological decay.

1. Definition

Palita is defined as the untimely greying of the hair, particularly on the scalp. While greying is a natural part of the ageing process (Jarā), its appearance in youth or middle age is viewed as a pathological state caused by internal imbalances.

2. Etymology & Conceptual Meaning

  • Literal Meaning: The Sanskrit term Palita refers to that which has turned grey or old.
  • Conceptual Interpretation: In Ayurveda, the color and health of the hair are reflections of the body's internal "fire" (Pitta) and the quality of the nutrient plasma (Rasa). When Pitta becomes excessively hot, it "cooks" the hair roots, leading to a loss of natural pigmentation.

3. Causes (Nidana)

Ayurveda identifies several dietary and lifestyle factors that precipitate premature greying:

  • Dietary Causes: The most significant dietary cause is the excessive consumption of salt (Lavana). Continuous and high intake of salty, sour, and pungent foods vitiates Pitta and leads to early wrinkles and grey hair.
  • Lifestyle Causes: Neglecting daily self-care routines, such as failing to apply head oil (Siroabhyanga) or avoiding nasal therapy (Nasya), allows Vata and Pitta to damage the follicles. Excessive exposure to the sun and heat is also a contributing factor.
  • Psychological Factors: Intense mental stress, grief, and anger are noted to agitate Pitta, which then travels to the head and affects hair color.

4. Journey of the Disease (Samprapti)

The pathogenesis of Palita involves the following components:

  • Dosha: Primarily involves vitiated Pitta, often in combination with Vata.
  • Dushya (Affected Tissues): The hair (Kesha), which is linked to the Rasa (plasma) and Asthi (bone) tissues.
  • Srotas (Channels): Obstruction and heat in the Rasavaha Srotas (plasma channels).
  • Agni (Digestive Fire): An intensified or irregular internal fire that "burns" the delicate tissues of the hair follicles.
  • Adhisthana (Location): The disease resides in the hair follicles of the scalp and face.

5. Symptoms (Lakshana)

  • Early Symptoms: A subtle change in hair texture, making it coarse or brittle.
  • Advanced Symptoms: The visible turning of hair to grey or white. This is often accompanied by Vali (wrinkles) and sometimes Khalitya (alopecia or hair fall).

6. Different Type or Classification (Bheda)

While generally treated as a single clinical entity, Palita is classified based on its association with the Doshas:

  1. Pitta-dominant: Characterized by early onset, often with reddish or yellowish tints before turning grey.
  2. Vata-dominant: The hair becomes very dry, rough, and split before greying.
  3. Rasa-kshaya-janya: Greying caused by the general depletion of nutrient plasma, common in cases of malnutrition or chronic illness.

7. Diagnosis

  • Ayurvedic Diagnosis: The physician uses Darshana (visual inspection) to observe the extent of greying and the condition of the skin (Vali).
  • Interrogation: A history of high salt intake or excessive mental stress is crucial for confirming the diagnosis.
  • Differential Diagnosis: It is distinguished from Khalitya (baldness), which involves the total loss of hair rather than just a change in color.

8. Disease Management

Management focuses on cooling the body, purifying the blood, and nourishing the scalp.

  • Diet (Ahara): One must strictly avoid excessive salt, spices, and sour items. Intake of milk and ghee is highly recommended to provide internal unctuousness and pacify Pitta.
  • Lifestyle (Vihara): Daily Siroabhyanga (head massage with oil) and Dhuma (herbal smoking) are preventative measures that strengthen hair roots.
  • Medicines:
    • Bhrngaraja Taila: A premier medicated oil used for massage to stop hair fall and greying.
    • Yastimadhuka Taila: Specifically indicated for Palita and falling of hair.
    • Nilibhrngadi Taila: A well-known formulation used to restore natural hair color.
    • Arogyavardhini Gutika: Used internally to clear channel blockages and balance Pitta.
    • Lauha Parpati: An iron-based preparation used for chronic greying and rejuvenation.
  • Panchakarma:
    • Nasya: Nasal administration of Anutaila is considered one of the best treatments to ensure hair does not become white or grey.
    • Virechana: Therapeutic purgation is used to eliminate the root cause of excess Pitta.

9. Prognosis

  • Early vs. Chronic: Recent cases in young individuals who correct their diet and begin Nasya therapy are often curable.
  • Factors: If the greying is chronic, hereditary, or part of advanced senility (Jarā), it is considered difficult to manage or palliable.

10. Modern Correlations

  • Similarities: Ayurveda's Palita correlates directly with Premature Greying of Hair (Canities).
  • Differences: Modern medicine often attributes greying to genetics or vitamin deficiencies (like B12), while Ayurveda emphasizes the systemic vitiation of Pitta and the impact of excessive salt on tissue health.

11. References

12. FAQ Section

  • Can eating too much salt really turn my hair grey?

    Yes. Ayurvedic texts specifically state that even those suited to salt will fall victim to untimely baldness and greying if they use it in excess.

  • Is there an oil that can reverse greying?

    Formulations like Bhrngaraja Taila and Nilibhrngadi Taila are traditionally used to strengthen follicles and may help restore color if the condition is caught early.

  • Does Nasya (nasal drops) help hair?

    Yes, the nose is considered the gateway to the head. Using Anutaila as a daily snuff ensures that the hair and beard do not become white or grey prematurely.

TagsPremature greying

Consult a Doctor

Buy Medicine

Other Medicines

Related reading