Baheda, also called bibhitaki, scientific name Terminalia bellerica, is a typical plant of Asia whose fruits are used and appreciated in Ayurveda. Baheda is part, together with amla and haritaki, of the Indian remedy Triphala. However, Baheda can also be used alone for the beauty and health of skin and hair, but let's try to understand better.
Baheda, properties
Baheda is a tonic for the hair, in fact it acts by strengthening them if damaged by the heat, giving them shine and strength (Priyanga Jayamal Dharmaratne et al, BMC Complement Altern Med., 2018). Baheda stimulates the regrowth of brittle hair. For what concerns the skin, baheda acts as an antioxidant and antimicrobial, capable of counteracting the damage of free radicals and bacterial proliferation. Not only that, it is an astringent thanks to the presence of tannins, illuminates the complexion and fights wrinkles and photo-aging thanks to ellagic acid and phenols, which are antioxidant substances (Basu et al, Cytotechnology, 2017 - Bae et al, The Faseb Journal , 2009 - Dahl et al, J Drugs Dermatol, 2013). Therefore, baheda proves useful both in case of mature skin and acne-prone skin, oily skin, with blackheads and enlarged pores.
Baheda, the hair mask
You can find baheda in powder form. Mix 1 tablespoon of baheda powder in hot water until creamy. Let it rest for half an hour. Apply this compound to damp scalp and then to hair lengths. Leave on for about 15-20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with shampoo.
Baheda, the face mask
As for the skin of the face, mix a teaspoon of baheda with a tablespoon of ventilated green clay. Add as much lukewarm tap water as you need to make a cream and apply to a clean face for 15 minutes. Then rinse, spray a floral water and massage a serum oil or your usual face cream.
