Why is Gunja Seed Oil important for hair growth? | Science backed Evidence and How to Use It !

Gunja (Abrus precatorius Linn.) is one of the world’s most beautiful but deadly seeds. It is also known as rosary pea or Indian licorice and is available in two variants, red and white, which are both beneficial for the hair.

Gunja seeds are considered highly poisonous, as recorded in ancient Ayurvedic scripts, since they are abundant in albumotoxin and abrin, which give them a toxic effect. Gunja contains 0.15% of the toxic protein abrin.

Science-Backed Evidence to Use Gunja for Hair

Scientific research on gunja for hair shows that it is effective when applied topically to the hair and scalp as a herbal mask. Gunja seeds, leaves, and roots all have hair growth-promoting activities at a dose of 300 mg/kg.
Gunja can also be consumed orally but with proper precautions since it is toxic.
A small 2013 study confirmed that gunja is used in many herbal formulations for hair growth.

How Can Gunja Seeds Help in Hair Growth?

Gunja seeds are rich in alkaloids including abrin, which can activate proteins that help in hair growth. Their terpenoid and steroid content is almost equal to that of minoxidil, a vasodilating medication used to treat alopecia.

Thus, gunja seeds can help in hair growth and can help you get long and voluminous hair.

Hair loss occurs for various reasons, such as alopecia areata, where hair loss happens in patches on the scalp.

One small 2019 study showed that hair growth was possible in people with alopecia areata after gunja seed paste was applied to their scalp.

A paste made from gunja seed powder was used on their scalp topically two times a day for 56 days, and the results showed that 40% of the cases had hair regrowth. Gunja seeds can activate the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.

How to Use Gunja Seeds for Hair Growth

You can reap the hair benefits of gunja by doing the following.

If gunja seed oil is applied to the affected areas of the scalp, it can prevent dandruff and hair loss. Using gunja oil on the scalp once a week can also help in hair growth.

How to use:

1. Take 1 teaspoon of gunja seeds and grind it.
2. Add this to 1 tablespoon of bhringraj juice and stir well.
3. In a pan, add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and the mixture.
4. Simmer till the oil remains.
5. Allow it to cool and store it in a glass bottle.
6. Take some of the gunja oil and apply it to the scalp.
7. Leave it overnight and wash it off the following day.

Precautions When Using Gunja Seeds for Hair

Gunja seeds are toxic and need to undergo detoxification, or else they can cause severe vomiting and stomach problems.

When using gunja seeds, take these precautions:

• Before orally consuming gunja seeds, first consume a tiny amount to check for side effects.
• Gunja seeds are unsafe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Consult an Ayurvedic doctor before giving gunja seeds to your children.
• If you’re already on some medication, check with your doctor before using gunja seeds as they may interact with your medication.