Thinning hair and bald patches on the scalp can send anyone into depression. There can be various reasons for thinning hair like inactive thyroid, hormonal imbalance, overuse of chemical products, cosmetic procedures like hair straightening or re-bonding and genetics. There is another important factor as well that plays a vital role in determining the health of our hair; our daily diet.
Deficiency of important nutrients like iron and magnesium can lead to loss of hair. Hence, in order to treat thinning hair it is also important to include required amounts of vitamins, proteins and minerals in our daily diet. In the meantime, you can use some herbs to reverse loss of hair.
Treating Thinning Hair with Herbal Remedies
Gingko Bilboa
The main reason for hair loss is the irregular flow of blood to the scalp. Gingko bilboa is the ideal herb for restoring regular supply of blood to the scalp. Proper blood circulation to the scalp stimulates the hair follicles thus helping the new hair to come out from the follicles. The herb is available in dried powdered form. Prepare tea using the gingko bilboa powder. Drink the tea two times daily for improving blood circulation to all parts of the body including the scalp.
Palmetto
The most common use of palmetto in ayurvedic medicine is for treating prostate enlargement in men. Herbal concoction prepared using palmetto is also very effective in the treatment of thinning hair. The herb acts two ways; it reduces hair fall and helps increase the density of hair. Palmetto can be used by both men and women for treating hair loss. However, women should first consult an herbalist before starting the treatment. Palmetto comes in capsule form and two capsules daily will help promote new hair growth in men.
Garlic
Garlic has been used for centuries by women for increasing the density of the hair. Garlic works by acting on the bacteria that live on the scalp. These bacteria are responsible for various scalp infections including dandruff. One of the most common reasons of thinning hair is dandruff. By preventing bacterial growth and consequently dandruff, garlic juices help prevent hair loss.
Crush the required amount of garlic cloves after peeling them. Apply the crushed cloves directly on the scalp and leave on for 30 minutes. Wash off using cold water and a mild shampoo.
Onion Juice
Onion juice is a rich source of various enzymes that are very helpful in stimulating the hair follicles on the scalp. The hair follicles get blocked due to various reasons such as infection, dirt and irregular supply of blood to the scalp. Rubbing onion on the scalp is known to open the hair follicles and eliminate the reason for their closure.
Peel a medium sized onion and cut it into halves. Rub the halves all over the scalp. Leave on for 45 minutes. Wash off with cold water and shampoo. You can even grind the onion in electric mixer and then apply it on the scalp. However, do not use water for grinding the onion.
Pygeum
Pygeum is the name given to the herbal concoction that is prepared from the trunk of a tree. This herbal concoction is very similar to green tea in its composition. Hence, it has been successfully used for reversing hair loss in both men and women. The concoction is available as herbal capsules. The herb is also known to protect men from prostate cancer.
Stinging Nettle
Herbal concoction prepared using stinging nettle, saw palmetto and pygeum is considered as very effective in the treatment of thinning hair. Stinging nettle, by itself, is used for preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT. This helps prevention of hair loss in men and in women (who suffer from male-pattern baldness).
He Shou
This Chinese herb is very effective in reducing thinning hair. The herb is safe for use even during pregnancy. Pregnant women often suffer from hair loss due to the sudden surges of hormones in the body. The herb is also a widely used ingredient in many shampoos, conditioners and hair sprays as the herb is known to increase the thickness of hair. Drink three cups of he shou herbal tea to reverse hair loss.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil is a known antibacterial and antifungal agent. The herb helps in preventing hair loss by removing infections from the scalp. Massaging the oil regularly into the hair helps release the hair from their follicles thus promoting new hair growth. However, since tea tree is an essential oil it should never be used undiluted on the skin or the scalp.
Mix the oil with carrier oil like olive oil or almond oil before massaging it into the scalp. Leave the oil overnight and wash off in the morning using lukewarm water and shampoo. Do this daily for a period of six months. At the end of six months you will see a considerable improvement in the quantity and quality of your hair.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is widely used for cooking in South India. The oil is known to impart nutty flavor to the food and also has very good effects on the health. It is easily available in all grocery stores. Massage warm sesame oil every night on your scalp. This will help loosen the hair follicles and thus promoting new hair growth. Wash the hair in the morning using warm water and shampoo. Do this every night for 4-6 months. Sesame oil will not only help with hair growth but also improve the texture of your hair making them soft and shiny.
The herbal remedies mentioned above for thinning hair are safe for use by pregnant women and nursing mothers as long as the treatment does not involve consumption of the herb. Applying herbal oils on your scalp and hair will not harm the growing fetus in any way. However, if you wish to consume the herbs then it is best to consult your doctor and an herbalist.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
