How to Use Herbs for Hair Loss
A normal healthy hair growth cycle will last between 2-6 years. On average, a healthy person’s hair will grow at a rate of 1cm each month. As we grow older or suffer serious illness it will grow at a relatively slower rate. The hair on our head does not all grow at the same time. Only around 80 percent of hair follicles are growing in unison. During this growth period, the remaining 20 percent is resting. After a couple of months the resting hair falls out and new hair will grow in its place. We all lose hair every day; an average of 50-100 hairs is lost. Excessive hair loss can have a number of causes including stress, hormone imbalances, illness or major surgery, childbirth and some medications. In these cases hair loss is usually temporary and using herbs and/or vitamin supplements can reduce hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.
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Instructions
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How to Use Herbs for Hair Loss
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Use horsetail to promote hair growth and strengthen hair. Horsetail is a good source of silica which keeps hair strong and shiny looking. Horsetail also promotes blood circulation to the scalp and help nutrients get to the hair follicle more easily. Horsetail should not be taken directly as it can be toxic if taken in ground or tablet form. You can obtain horsetail in an aqueous solution to be used as a shampoo or conditioner from many health stores.
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Apply herbal tinctures such as birch and nettle directly to your scalp. They are gentle and will not harm your skin. Massaging these herbs regularly into your hair will keep your hair clean and shiny, prevent scaly skin and dandruff and promote healthy hair growth.
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Use shampoos containing rosemary and sage as theses stimulate scalp circulation and hair growth. You can also make a rinse using 15 drops of essential oil of either or both combined in a pint of water.
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Pygeum bark is derived from an African evergreen; it inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase- which reduces DHT-, and is used widely throughout Europe to treat male-pattern baldness.
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Take vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which is vital for healthy hair, and a deficiency can lead to or increase hair loss. A daily dose of 5,000IU will promote healthy hair growth. Food sources include citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, green peppers and cruciferous vegetables.
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Biotin is a member of the vitamin B family. It stimulates the production of keratin and may help reduce hair loss and premature greying. The daily recommended dose is 150-300 mcg. Food sources include Brewer's yeast, egg yolk, milk and liver.
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Tips & Warnings
Drink plenty of water. Each strand of your hair is made up of almost one fourth water. Drinking water regularly will keep your hair rehydrated, supple and flexible. Don’t be tempted to wait until you are feeling thirsty, by then you are already beginning to dehydrate. Drink between 8-10 glasses of water each day.
Iron helps to transport oxygen to your hair. Oxygen starved hair will be weak at the root as well as along the length of the strand. You can increase your iron intake by eating lean red meat and dark green vegetables. You may also take iron supplements.
If you are losing your hair:
Don't shampoo more than once each day.
Don't use strong chemicals on your hair such as dyes.
Use a very mild shampoo.
Don't rub your hair too vigorously with a towel.
