Hair Loss
While many people think hair loss affects mostly men, women are experiencing this as well. Hair goes through a cycle of growth, rest and loss. The growth portion can last up to five years, the rest portion lasts a few days, and then the hair is shed. No matter who experiences losing hair, it can be a caus of distress and embarrassment. The appearance of several small coin-shaped bald patches on the scalp is a symptom of a condition known as alopecia aerata.
Symptoms
You may notice more and more hair coming out in your hair brush or on the bathroom floor after grooming. Hair thins noticeably, or bald patches can appear, depending on what kind of hair loss you are experiencing.
Causes
While all causes for losing hair are not understood, some loss is caused by heredity. It is thought that people with hereditary loss may have more hormone receptors in the areas where hair is lost. The male hormone testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This new form damages hair follicles, which can cause hair growth to become finer and the growth cycles to become shorter. In men, DHT also plays a part in enlarged prostate, thus linking the two conditions. Women have less DHT than men, so they experience thinning hair more than baldness. Hair loss in women is sometimes linked to the adrenal glands. Other causes can include poor diet, anemia, stress, itching and medical treatments like chemotherapy.
Cautions
Consult your doctor if your hair loss is sudden and excessive. Some herbs should not be taken during pregnancy or if you take certain medications. Be sure to look into any contraindications before taking an herbal remedy.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Ginkgo biloba take this herb to increase the circulation to the brain and scalp. More circulation means that more nutrients are being delivered to the hair follicles.
- Green tea compounds in green tea can inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. Therefore, it can be effective in preventing or treating typical male pattern baldness. Drink several cups of green tea per day.
- Horsetail - make an infusion by boiling 2grams of dried herb in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups a day.
External Applications
- Saw palmetto a tincture of this herb can be added to shampoo to help block the formation of DHT.
- Rosemary this herb is full of antioxidants and has been used for generations to grow healthy hair. It also encourages hair growth. The essential oil can be added to shampoo or used in a rinse. Rosemary is also good for healing dandruff. Use as a massage - Infuse 50 grams dried herb in 1 liter of boiling water for 30 minutes. Strain, cool and massage into scalp once a week before shampooing.
- Horsetail this mineral-rich herb also helps healthy hair growth. Silica in this herb helps make hair strong and sleek.
- Stinging nettle has a lot of minerals that encourage circulation in the scalp, which in turn is good for healthy hair. Make an infusion and rub into scalp 2 times a week before shampooing.
- Sage use sage tea as a rinse for the hair to help it grow.
- Catmint use an infusion as a rinse after shampooing to help itchiness of the scalp. This itchiness can contribute to hair loss.
- Chamomile an infusion of this herb applied as a hair rinse can keep the scalp healthy. This herb can revitalize and condition both the hair and the scalp.
- Aloe vera the gel made from this herb can help balance the pH of the scalp.
- Henna this herb is good for maintaining healthy hair. It heals hair shafts, protecting it against breaking.
- Arnica massage arnica oil into the scalp to help hair loss.
- Birch massage the scalp with birch tincture to stimulate hair growth, disinfect the scalp and increase the circulation of blood.