MDhair
For thousands of years, herbs have been used medicinally to help treat health ailments and support the skin and hair. There's no denying that nature is one of our best sources of beauty solutions - from an itchy scalp to dull hair, herbs can help nourish your locks and help hair regrowth and overall health. Research has shown that some herbs can promote new hair growth and slow hair loss.
Whether you've been blessed with long, luscious hair and your goal is to keep it healthy for years to come, or you're dealing with some haircare woes like damage and hair fall - here are eight of the best herbs that you should consider adding to your daily routine to achieve your dream hair goals.
Saw palmetto and hair loss
Saw palmetto, also known as Serenoa repens, works to prevent hair loss and improve growth by inhibiting DHT production, a testosterone byproduct that contributes to hair fall. Studies have shown that regular use of saw palmetto significantly encouraged hair follicle growth and lessened negative inflammatory responses that can damage follicles and interfere with hair growth.
This herb comes in different forms, including oral and topical applications. When ingested in capsule or supplement form, saw palmetto works internally as a DHT-blocker. You may also use it as a therapeutic hair treatment to improve scalp health and boost hair growth.
Nettle leaf extract and hair loss
Packed with antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamin C content, the nettle leaf extract is a safe and natural solution to reducing hair loss by helping protect against and neutralize free radicals. Nettle can also enhance blood circulation and reduce scalp inflammation and dandruff. Reducing the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme production (the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT), nettle can prevent DHT from becoming unbalanced. When too much DHT is in the body, the hair growth cycle is shortened, and hair follicles may shrink.
Horsetail and hair loss
Found in many hair products, horsetail strengthens hair, prevents breakage, and minimizes hair fall due to the silica it naturally contains. Silica is thought to speed up hair growth and potentially minimize dandruff.
Horsetail is rich in minerals that support the development of hair fibers. This strengthening can help your locks become less likely to break and snap, reducing the amount of hair loss you face and increasing the elasticity, leading to better texture and shine!
The most traditional way to consume horsetail is through oral supplements in capsule or tablet form.
Rosemary and hair loss
Rosemary is anti-bacterial and packed with antioxidants to help promote a healthy scalp and accelerated hair growth. In addition, when applied topically, rosemary is excellent at improving blood circulation. Because of this, it has been used for hundreds of years to help ward off hair loss, making it a wonderful herb for those facing thinning hair and balding.
Rosemary is often used as an oil, either by itself or mixed with a high-quality carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Apply a few drops of rosemary oil directly to the scalp and massage gently for 5 - 10 minutes. Once time is up, shampoo the oil out and rinse with lukewarm water.
Pumpkin seed oil and hair loss
Pumpkin seed oil is a DHT blocker packed with zinc, selenium, copper, magnesium, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and B. It supports the natural regrowth of healthier, thicker hair.
Tea tree oil and hair loss
Tea tree oil has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial effects and helps reduce inflammation, redness, and itchiness of the scalp.
Fo-ti (he shou wu) and hair loss
Fo-ti has been famed as the holy grail of hair health due to its powerful anti-aging and longevity properties. Fo-ti is believed to increase the scalps' blood circulation and stimulate melanin production in the hair follicles. Studies have shown that fo-ti can help speed up the transition of hair follicles from the dormant stage of hair growth (telogen phase) to the growth stage (anagen phase) by working on the FGF0-7 gene encodes proteins particular to epithelial cell growth. This is especially important to those suffering from hair thinning or hair loss.
Moringa and hair loss
Moringa has been used for centuries, though it's become a popular healing Ayurvedic herb in hair care in recent years. It contains high levels of vitamin A, zinc, and antioxidants to stimulate hair growth and improve immune functions. This improved immune function can prevent hair strands from becoming dry and sebaceous glands from clogging up. Moringa can also help improve circulation to the scalp by nourishing the capillaries that carry blood to the follicles for healthy, strong hair. Moringa comes in tea and powder form that can be consumed orally or mixed into restoring products like hair masks and scalp treatments.
Brahmi and hair loss
Brahmi is an Indian herb that has a long history in Ayurveda medicine. Brahmi can reduce hair fall when used for hair health, make the strands appear thicker, and strengthen the follicle and hair root. When applied topically, it can also reduce the appearance and formation of split ends by creating a natural protective layer around the hair cuticle.
Brahmi oil is a gentle way to keep the scalp clean and free of any irritations and dandruff. It helps to lock in moisture to keep the scalp well-nourished and healthy.
Peppermint and hair loss
Peppermint offers healing benefits to the scalp and stimulates the hair follicles to help with hair growth. A healthy scalp is a foundation for long, strong, luscious strands, so it's crucial to prioritize this area when thinking about hair care.
The moisturizing oil found in peppermint leaves can also clarify hair roots to keep them free of pore-clogging bacteria and buildup, leading to dermatitis, dandruff, and acne. The anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory benefits are best reaped when applied directly to the scalp in the form of essential oil.
Aloe Vera and hair loss
Aloe vera is a commonly used plant for treating hair loss and soothing various scalp conditions. It can unclog hair follicles that may be blocked by excess sebum (oil) to reduce dandruff and hair fall. It can also deeply hydrate the hair to leave tresses looking shiny and voluptuous.
Aloe vera gel is a popular method of treatment. You can purchase pure gel and mix it into your shampoo, conditioner, or hair mask to add extra nutrients and hair-boosting vitamins.
References
- Serenoa repens extracts promote hair regeneration and repair hair loss mouse models by activating TGF-β and mitochondrial signaling pathways.
- Hair Growth: Focus on Herbal Therapeutic Agent
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