Herbs For Hair Growth

Worldwide, women and men of all ethnic backgrounds experience the social stigma of thinning hair (Androgenetic Alopecia). Many cultures equate a healthy head of hair with virility and vigor. Hair loss is the result of hereditary patterns, hormonal changes in the body, medications, chemical treatments, over-styling or simply from poor nutrition. Although there are prescription medications that help regrow hair, some people suffering from hair loss prefer to avoid the side effects and medical risks of these medications. Topical applications and ingestion of healing herbs offer a safe and effective alternative to promote hair regrowth.

Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), a fragrant evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean, has been used for centuries to combat thinning hair. Leaves of the plant, either fresh or dried, are simmered in boiling water to create an infusion used to rinse the scalp. Dry, brittle hair will benefit from a massage of warm olive oil and rosemary. Place fresh rosemary in a jar, cover with olive oil and allow to blend for several days. Warm the mixture and rub on the scalp. Use weekly to encourage healthy hair regrowth.

Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) has a long history of usage in the battle against hair loss. Saw palmetto may provide benefits similar to hair-loss drugs such as Propecia. Research indicates that saw palmetto prevents binding of DHT, the male hormone, to androgen receptors in the hair follicle. DHT is one of the main causes of hair thinning in both women and men. The red berries of the the saw palmetto are available in many forms, including dried or ground berries. Saw palmetto is also available as capsules, liquid extract or tea. Ointment made from Saw palmetto is prescribed by herbal practitioners to calm irritations of the scalp and skin. Massage the ointment into the scalp and leave on overnight. If applied before shampooing, leave on at least one hour before washing the scalp. (Resource 1) Women on hormone therapy or oral contraceptives should not take Saw Palmetto.

Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis), a common garden herb, has strong anti-inflammatory effects and is useful in treating Alopecia. In addition, lavender imbues hair with a delightful fragrance, enhanced shine and adds considerable volume. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to shampoos and conditioners. Fresh sprigs of lavender, simmered in water, make a soothing scalp rinse. Fresh or dried lavender may also be combined with olive oil to provide a stimulating scalp massage treatment.

Burdock

Burdock (Arctium Lappa) root oil extract, also called Bur oil, soothes scalp irritation, as well as reversing hair loss. Traditionally Bur oil was used as a daily scalp and hair oil to relieve the symptoms of dandruff and scalp infections. Burdock supplies natural phytosterols and important essential fatty acids to hair roots which improves hair strength, shine and volume.

Rehmannia

Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa), also known as Chinese foxglove, di-huang, shu di-huang or disui is a perennial herb whose pulverized root is a key ingredient in many hair regrowth preparations. Native to Asia, Rehmannia produces an abundance of brilliant flowers ranging in shades of yellow, orange, pink and red. It is planted as an ornamental in gardens across North America. Rehmannia is prescribed to treat hair loss (alopecia), impotence, menopause and other hormone deficiencies.