Medications such as minoxidil and finasteride are used by millions of people all over the world to fight hair loss. Though the use of such products has proved effective for both baldness and hair loss, these products are not without their side effects.
The primary objective of any anti baldness or anti hair loss product is to trim the presence of DHT, which is known to cause hair loss by making the follicle dormant. This is achieved by stopping the release of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase type II.
Though the role of diet has not been completely understood in relation to hair loss, health experts opine that long-term use of an excess amount of processed food promotes inflammation in the body and may be one of the causes of hair loss. Natural foods, on the other hand promote internal health of the individual and their long-term use can result in noticeable benefits in terms of healthy hair.
Natural herbal supplements have been used from ancient times and are known to help hair growth. Besides stimulating growth of hair, they also increase the shine and improve the texture of the hair. They help to improve blood circulation in the scalp and inhibit the production of DHT.
Given below are details of some herbs that promote growth of hair and stop hair loss.
Saw Palmetto: The herb known to contain beneficial plant sterols including beta-sitosterol. These sterols block receptors of cells from binding into male sex hormones. They also block the release of 5-alpha-reductase type II as well as 3-ketosteroid reductase. Both are involved in the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Studies have demonstrated that a considerable improvement of more than 60% resulted when beta-sitosterol was used to cure mild to moderate cases of androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness. It is recommended that takes a dosage of 1200 to 1500 mg a day of saw palmetto to reduce hair loss. It is available in many pharmacies and nutrition stores.
Giant Dodder: Though overgrowth of this weed mars the appearance of your garden, this plant has been used in the ancient system of Ayurveda to fight hair loss. Very similar in action to saw palmetto, giant dodder also exhibits anti-androgen properties. Scientific studies have proved that giant dodder prevents the release of 5-alpha-reductase type II and subsequent conversion of testosterone into DHT.
Rosemary: The herb helps to unclog follicles and improve circulation, thus helping hair growth. The herb can be added to oils that can be massaged into the scalp. Rosemary is also an antioxidant that fights against free radicals.
Siberian Ginseng: Ginseng is a herb with many benefits, the better known one being increased blood circulation. Ginseng is also known to be a stimulant. It can be taken as a food supplement on a daily basis to improve health of the hair.
Stinging Nettle: This herb is rich in vitamins and minerals that are good for the maintenance of healthy hair. It is a recommended supplement to help maintain a healthy prostate in men.
Horsetail: This herb, though commonly used to treat the problems of the genito-urinary system, the high content of silica in the herb stimulates hair growth. Horsetail is added to many herbal preparations that are use to fight male pattern baldness.
Ginkgo Biloba: The herb increases circulation to the scalp. It consequently delivers more nutrients to the hair follicles. As a result, hair growth is improved considerably with continued use of this herb.
Green tea: The active ingredients called catechins found in green tea work to inhibit the production of -alpha-reductase type II. Users recommend either drinking many cups of green tea in a day or taking green tea supplement in the form of a capsule.
Aloe Vera: The gel from the aloe vera plant is known to soothe irritated skin and scalp. When massaged into the scalp, it restores the pH balance of the skin, seals the moisture and proves to be a good conditioner. It is a powerful antioxidant, stimulates hair growth, and is used to treat alopecia.
Algae Extract: Over 400 species of seaweeds and algae are used for their curative powers. They contain high levels of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. They are powerful antioxidants as well. Some of them reduce and heal damage to the scalp, spur hair growth, supply the essential amino acids, and even add texture and shine to the hair when used.
It is always a good idea to consult a doctor before embarking on a herbal supplement route or using any herbal remedies.
Keyword: Herbs Hair, Hair Herbs
