Hair Loss

Causes and Symptoms

Hair loss of about 50 to 100 strands daily is normal. There can be many factors linked to accelerated hair loss, including: medications and chemotherapy, genetics, fad diets, chronic stress, hormonal imbalances (Too much estrogen can trigger male pattern baldness. Your body tries to compensate for the feminizing effects of rising estrogen by converting it into the hormone DHT (evil Twin of Testosteron), which is 10 times stronger than testosterone), nutritional deficiencies, and poor scalp circulation.

Home remedies

• Rosemary essential oil has been traditionally used to increase circulation to the scalp. Add a few drops per dollop of shampoo or conditioner.
• Emu Oil stimulates hair growth
• Fo-Ti or He Shou Wu (Polygonum Multiflorum) has been used by Chinese practitioners for hundreds of years for thinning hair and baldness.
• Zhi Shou Wu or Fleece flower root promotes circulation, benefits the blood and will encourage hair growth.
• Dong Quai (Angelica) is also known as Dan gui. This herb is used to stop hair loss and is said to stimulate re-growth.
• Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum Lucidum) is considered a Yin kidney and liver tonic. In China, it is used to improve circulation to the scalp, help with hair restoration and prevent hair loss.
• Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Chinensis) is a widely used herbal tonic used, among other things, as a cure for baldness. It has been used as a hair restorative for centuries, said to build the quality of the skin on the scalp.
• Reishi mushroom is often combined in hair tonics along with Fo-ti and other Chinese herbs to promote hair growth and prevent balding. Find it at Chinese herbal shops where you would also buy Fo-ti.
• Stinging nettle: Traditionally used to treat hereditary hair loss.
• Biotin encourages hair and scalp health. Dietary sources of biotin include: nuts, brown rice, and oats.
• Iron is also essential for hair growth and can be found in blackstrap molasses, green leafy vegetables, leeks, cashews, dried fruits, figs, and berries. To help your body absorb iron, you’ll need vitamin C, which you can obtain from citrus fruits, strawberries, and red peppers.
• The minerals silica and zinc are also critical for hair growth. Take 500 mg of silica two times daily and 30 mg of zinc once daily.
• One study found that people with alopecia areata, a disease that causes patchy hair loss, who put lavender oil on their scalps had significant hair re-growth compared to those who did not apply the oil.
• Burdock Root is effective for hair growth because it purifies the blood.
• Green Tea boosts the immune system and stimulates hair growth. Green tea contains catechins and flavonols which can reduce DHT and cholesterol. Take two tablets an hour before meals for maximum effect. The effect of one green tea tablet is equal to seven cups of green tea.
• Ginkgo Biloba : Rich in antioxidants, Ginkgo provides increased blood flow to the hair follicles in the scalp, strengthening and stimulating the hair shaft.
• Essential Oils : A mixture of essential oils including rosemary, cedarwood, lavender and thyme can be applied to the scalp to stimulate blood flow and hair growth. Never apply the essential oils directly to the skin; rather, first mix three to six drops of each oil in a base such as almond, jojoba or olive oil. Apply the oil mixture nightly to encourage an increase in blood flow and strengthen the existing hair shafts.
• Those suffering from hair loss or baldness, may apply a paste of hot olive oil, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder before bath and keep it for approx. 15 min. and then wash the hair. It was found to be effective even if kept on for 5 minutes.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.