शिकाकाई
Acacia concinna
Shikakai is a thorny climbing shrub native to Asia. Its long, ridged pods darken as they dry and have been ground for household washing preparations across India for generations.
The name is often translated as “fruit for hair”. Its powder has an earthy, slightly tart scent and produces very little lather compared with modern cleansers.
Keshsar uses dried shikakai powder in the infusion. After the warm oil has had time with the botanicals, the solid material is strained away before bottling.