Hair loss is a common symptom of aging and menopause. Typically, everyone loses about 100 hairs per day. Though the body naturally replaces them, it becomes harder for it to do with age. There are several factors that induce hair loss, like hormone fluctuations and stress, which are the leading causes. Other causes of hair loss include damaging hair with hair products such as harsh chemicals, overly tight hairstyles, hard brushing, and excessive styling with hot tools.
Fortunately, there are several herbs that naturally stimulate hair growth. Some have extracts that are massaged directly into the scalp, while others are taken orally. Keep reading to learn more about these beneficial herbs.
Rosemary
Rosemary oil nourishes hair follicles, strengthens hair, and reduces hair thinning and balding. It also helps promote blood circulation in the scalp, which promotes hair growth.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil soothes and cools the scalp, and it can also promote relaxation and reduce stress thanks to its pleasing aroma.
Aloe Vera
Aloe gel is rich in antioxidants like vitamin E. It has been used traditionally in India and Egypt to treat hair loss. It can also be taken in moderation by mouth.
Lavender
Lavender oil not only soothes the skin, but it is antibacterial in nature, so it helps treat irritations and infections. It also nourishes the scalp and helps remedy dryness and dandruff. The soothing scent of lavender is also known to reduce tension and stress.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo leaves contain antioxidants and have been shown to support blood circulation. The increase in blood flow can promote hair growth.
Ginseng
Ginseng is another well-known herb that has been popular for its many therapeutic benefits, like improving concentration and energy. It has also been known to encourage hair growth.
Jojoba
Jojoba oil is commonly used in shampoos and for hot oil treatments because it is believed to stimulate hair growth. It also makes hair and skin feel softer. It is anti-inflammatory and soothing in nature. Jojoba oil is thought to be very similar in molecular structure to the body's natural sebum.
All of these herbs can be easily found at any herbal nutrition shop. Many of the herbs work best in their oil extract form, warmed up, and gently massaged into the scalp. The warm, soothing oils nourish and stimulate the scalp, promoting hair growth and providing protection to the hair and follicles.
In addition to these herbal remedies for promoting hair growth, it is important to prevent hair loss by avoiding certain things. These things that accelerate hair loss are using harsh chemicals, excessive styling with hot tools, tight hairstyles, and harsh brushing. Eating nutrient-rich foods like salmon, eggs, guava, berries, and nuts can also help promote healthy hair growth.
Sources
- Bhat, G. , Kudva, P. & Dodwad, V. (2011). Aloe vera: Nature's soothing healer to periodontal disease. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, 15(3), 205-209. doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.85661
- Gargan, E. (1988). Beijing Journal; In Baldness War, Rumors of Advance for Hairline. Retrieved July 23, 2014 from http://www.nytimes.com/1988/01/26/world/beijing-journal-in-baldness-war-rumors-of-advance-for-hairline.html?module=Search&mabReward=relbias%3Aw%2C%7B%222%22%3A%22RI%3A13%22%7D
- Kobayashi, N. et al. (1993). [Effect of leaves of Ginkgo biloba on hair regrowth in C3H strain mice]. Yakugaku Zasshi, 113(10), 718-724. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8254481
- Murata, K. et al. (2013). Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract. Phytotherapy research, 27(2), 212-217. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4712
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (2012). Lavender. Retrieved June 25, 2014, from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/lavender/ataglance.htm
- National Institutes of Health.(2014). Hair Loss. Retrieved July 23, 2014, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hairloss.html
- Office on Women's Health. (2008). Skin and Hair Health. In: The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/the-healthy-woman/skin_hair.pdf
- Park, S. , Shin, W.S. & Ho, J. (2011). Fructus panax ginseng extract promotes hair regeneration in C57BL/6 mice. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 138(2), 340-344. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.08.013