Herbs For Healthy Hair

In recent years there has been a growth in concern regarding the potential short and long term side effects of pharmaceuticals and conventional medical treatments in relation to hair loss. This has lead to an increase in popularity of alternative medicines and herbal therapies. This trend is seen in all types of medication, and this is very evident in those people who are interested in seeking herbal remedies for hair loss.

One thing to remember when it comes to herbal remedies is that natural doesn’t always mean harmless. There is no sure way to be sure about how much herbal remedy is in a purchased product. Unlike approved medicines there are few herbal remedies which have been tested and shown to have an effect on hair loss. Many such products are advertised as being miracle cures but they have little evidence to back this claim up.

However, this does not mean that they are not successful in helping in the regrowth of hair, it is just that there is not enough scientific evidence to support that claim. It is best that, before you decide to ingest or topically apply something to your head, or any other part of your body for that matter, you don’t just assume that because it says natural on the bottle that it is safe.

The following may help widen your knowledge of the herbs that are out there.

Saw Palmetto

This has gained popularity as a herbal remedy for androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, although there is no scientific evidence to prove this. Saw palmetto is a small plum like plant which is endemic to the southeastern United States. It is thought that the medicinal properties of the plant come from the brown-black berries.

The exact mechanism is not fully understood as to the workings of the plant, but it is thought that saw palmetto blocks the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, whose role is to convert testosterone to DHT, that is, the male hormone responsible for male pattern baldness. As with any type of medication there are several side effects to taking Saw palmetto and these include, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and constipation. Some men have also stated having erectile dysfunction, breast tenderness or enlargement and loss of libido.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Amongst the Asian population, pattern baldness is relatively uncommon, compared to Caucasians. This may be related to diet, although Asian hair type and heredity may also play a part. The Asian diet is much richer in vegetables and herbs, some of which may well help in the fight against hair loss. It has been found through research that a series of amino acids found in legumes and vegetables inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase Type 11, which converts testosterone into DHT, which is the male hormone responsible for causing male pattern baldness. Roasted sesame seeds have be used as a herbal food for many years in Chinese medicine, and are believed to help in the decrease of hair loss and also in the stimulation of new hair growth.

• He Shou Wu - this is also known as Polygoni multiform or Fo Ti. It is believed to stimulate and also converts fine vellus hair to thicker terminal hair, and may also delay in hair going to grey. To obtain the best results it is best to ingest the root powder for several months, the known side effects of taking this herb are headaches and diarrhea. Recent studies have also shown of a potential cause of liver damage from using He Shou Wu. It is advised that anyone suffering with liver problems should avoid this product until they have spoken with their doctor.
• Dabao - researchers in the Netherlands studied the effectiveness of the Chinese herb extract dabao in the treatment of male pattern baldness. 373 people whom suffered with androgenic alopecia completed the full six month trial, and at the end of the study it was concluded that this herb did in fact have some effect, albeit a small one.

Ayurvedic Remedies

This refers to traditional medicine of India. The word Ayurvedic is taken from 2 Sanskrit words: ayu means life, and veda means knowledge or science. This practice is believed to be over 5,000 years old and comprises of a number of herbs to help in the prevention of hair loss.

• Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba) -believed to promote new hair growth and to return hair to its previous colour in those who are graying.
• Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) - use to treat hair loss and to aid in the stimulation of brain cells and thereby helping with memory and longevity.
• Tridax procumbent, amalaki, sandalwood (Santalum) and licorice (Hlycyrrhiza glabra), are all believed to help in the stimulation of hair growth.

Western Herbal Remedies

• Herbal tea - to treat hair loss mix up nettle, sage and rosemary tea. Or if you don’t have time for a cup of tea, apply the mixture directly to your scalp. Whatever way you do it, herbal tea is thought to cause hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp.
• Procyanidin B-2 - this is an extract derived from apples and laboratory tests have shown that it can promote hair growth.
• Procyanidolic oligomers (PCOs) - this is an extract from the French maritime pine bark and grape seed which belongs to this family of antioxidant substances. It is thought that one POC may have the effect of stimulating hair growth, but more research will need to be carried out to confirm this.
• Horsetail extract - this herb is a natural source of cysteine, selenium, and silica which are minerals that have all been shown to help in strengthening hair follicles and in the ability to increase blood flow to the scalp, which can result in re growth of hair.

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