Hair loss is a dreaded problem that can occur in both men and women regardless of their ages. Loss of hair gives many people sleepless nights as well as depression and anxiety because hair are our crowning glory and losing them is considered equivalent to loss of youth and beauty.
Hair loss can be due to many reasons including hormonal imbalance, specific nutritional deficiencies, inactive thyroid as well as overuse of harsh and harmful chemical based hair products. Resorting to hair treatments such as re-bonding and permanent straightening can also damage the roots of the hair leading to hair loss.
In some cases hair loss can be treated easily by improving our daily diet intake of iron-rich and magnesium-rich vegetables like spinach, broccoli etc. that can reverse the process of hair loss. However, there are some excellent herbs as well that can be taken to improve the quantity as well as quality of hair. Let’s look at some of the herbs that are extensively used in the treatment of hair loss.
Best Remedies For Hair Loss
Pygeum
Pygeum is not an herb but rather an herbal concoction much like green tea. Extracts from the trunk of a medicinal tree are used in the preparation of this concoction. The herb is popularly used for treating hair loss in both men and women. Capsules of the herbal concoction are available in many leading health stores as well as with ayurvedic doctors. In many cases the herbal capsules of Pygeum are used for preventing prostate cancer in men who are at its risk.
Gingko Bilboa
Medical studies have shown that improper flow of blood to the scalp leads to hair loss because of lack of stimulus to the hair follicles. Gingko Bilboa is the herb that can help regulate the flow of blood to the scalp that in turn stimulates the hair follicles causing new hair to grow. The herb can be bought from organic stores as well as health stores where it is sold in powder form. Drinking tea prepared using Gingko Bilboa will boost proper and regular circulation of blood to the scalp.
Garlic
Garlic is a spicy herb that is popularly used as a cooking ingredient. However, not many people are aware that during ancient times women would rub raw cloves of garlic on their scalps to increase the thickness of hair. The herb is also an excellent remedy against hair loss especially in cases where the problem is due to presence of dandruff on scalp. The dandruff causing bacteria are successfully eliminated by the anti-bacterial properties of garlic that in turn helps hair growth since dandruff blocks the hair follicles from sprouting.
Palmetto
Saw palmetto is mainly used in alternative form of medicine for treating signs and symptoms related to prostate in men. But the herb is also good for treating hair loss and thinning hair and it not only helps the hair grow back but also boosts the density of the hair. Palmetto is prescribed to both men and women for reversing the process of hair loss. The herb is available in capsule form in the market and should be consumed only after consultation with an herbalist.
Stinging Nettle
The herb is used as part of a concoction (comprising saw palmetto, stinging nettle and Pygeum) to treat loss of hair. Stinging nettle is primarily used by ayurvedic doctors to prevent testosterone from turning into DHT. When this is stopped the process of hair loss is reversed. The herb is useful for treating hair loss that is related to male pattern baldness.
Onion Juice
Onion is an herb that is actually used as a vegetable and is found in all kitchens at any given time. The juice of onion comprises of various beneficial enzymes that help in treating hair loss by acting on the hair follicles present on the scalp. The enzymes first clean the scalp of any form of infection and then stimulate the hair follicles causing hair to sprout from them. Rubbing peeled and halved onion over your scalp every day for 10 minutes will make wonderful difference to your hair.
Sesame Oil
Sesame is an herb and the oil produced from this herb is known to work wonders for your hair. This herbal oil is popularly used in south India for cooking purposes and is therefore, easily available. To treat hair loss with sesame oil first warm the oil and then massage it into your scalp each night before going to bed. It is recommended that you wear a shower cap to bed if you are oiling your hair. In the morning wash hair using warm water and a gentle shampoo. Do this treatment every day for three weeks. In three weeks’ time you will see new growth on your bald patches.
He Shou
He Shou is a popular Chinese herb that is used in the treatment of various skin related problems as well as for hair loss. The herb is so safe that it can even be used by pregnant women who suffer from hair loss due to hormonal imbalance. The popularity of the herb is so wide that it is being increasingly used as a major ingredient in hair shampoos, hair conditioners, hair masks, hair gels and even in hair sprays. Along with helping in the treatment of hair loss, He Shou also helps boost the density of hair.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree is an essential oil that is primarily used for treating bacterial and fungal infections. However, this is also one reason the oil is widely used in the treatment of hair loss. Tea tree oil helps remove any kind of infection from the scalp thus keeping the scalp clean and clear off dandruff and dirt at all times. When the scalp remains clean it becomes easier for the hair to sprout from the follicles because there is no foreign body blocking their passage, this helps prevent hair loss. Since tea tree is an essential oil it should be first mixed with carrier oil like olive, coconut or almond oil before being massaged onto the scalp.
