Difference between revisions of "Hair Loss"

Revision as of 04:51, 22 March 2013

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.
• Smoking Causes Hair Loss : Smoking cigarettes reduces the blood flow to the scalp and this causes a reduction in hair growth. Stop smoking to help hair grow.
• Drinking alcohol reduces hair growth. Reduce or eliminate alcohol from the diet and you will see an increase in hair growth.
• underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can cause thinning hair

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
• Stinging Nettle: Traditionally used to treat hereditary hair loss. Take nettle tablets daily. Aside from it's healing properties, this herb reduces DHT and thickens hair. Nettle can leave a bitter taste in your mouth, so always drink two glasses of water with every tablet.
• B Vitamins Increase Hair Growth : Biotin and the complex B vitamins are needed to grow hair. B3 helps increase circulation to the scalp, thereby encouraging hair growth. It is best to take a supplement that includes all of the B vitamins, called a B complex supplement, as the nutrients work synergistically.
• 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.
• Saw palmetto : A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reported that saw palmetto (serenoa repens) may increase hair growth in men. Take saw palmetto capsules twice daily. Saw palmetto prevents DHT from forming and allows more proteins to penetrate your hair follicles, resulting in thicker hair.
• 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.
• Essential Fatty Acids : Essential fatty acids from walnuts, flaxseeds, fish and avocado are also important for healthy hair.
• 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.
• Soybeans contain the organic compound isoflavones which prevents the over production of DHT. Tofu has the highest amount of isoflavones. Consume at least four tofu dishes a week.
• Apply pumpkin seed oil to your scalp before bedtime for two to four months. When applied generously to the scalp, this oil stops the production of DHT. It also inhibits DHT through the liver.
• MSM : Methylsulfonylmethane aids in the production of keratin (a protein in the hair) while doing double-duty to strengthen hair follicles.
• Fo-ti or Ho 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.
• Additional Chinese herbs used in natural hair restoration products and herbal tonics include Thallus algae, a type of seaweed high in micronutrients; Morus albus or Mulberry fruit spike, used to prevent the premature graying of hair; Stinging nettle, which provides important minerals and nutrients to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair re-growth; Rehmannia glutinosa, Angelica sinensis, Eclipta prostratea, Sesame indicum, and Salvia miltiorrhiza.
• Amla oil is a natural substance often used to promote hair health. Some people also use amla oil to fight hair loss and retard prematurely graying hair. When used as a hair treatment, amla oil is typically applied directly to the scalp.
• researchers found that giving vitamin D to lab mice helped stem cells grow new hair follicles
• Apples : a procyanidin, labeled B-2, from apples promotes hair growth, in the cell model.
• Eclipta Alba is believed to promote hair growth and to maintain hair quality.
• Drink Water to Grow Hair : The hair shaft is comprised of one quarter water. Drink at least 4 to 8 cups of water a day to stay hydrated and grow healthy hair.
• Vitamin E Grows Hair : Vitamin E is another nutrient needed to grow hair. It stimulates the circulation in the scalp and can be taken internally or applied to the scalp.
• Vitamin A Feeds Healthy Hair : Vitamin A helps create vibrant shiny hair because it works with the fat synthesis in the hair follicles and spurs hair growth. Foods that contain vitamin A include eggs, kale, squash, and carrots.
• Parsley essential oil, when massaged into the scalp, may reduce hair loss.
• underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) which can cause thinning hair: Add sea vegetables like kelp, nori, dulse, kombu and wakame, all of which are rich in iodine may be helpful to balance this condition. Avoid drinking tap water since it typically contains fluorine and chlorine, two chemicals that inhibit iodine absorption. You may also want to supplement with 100 mg or 1 mL of the herb bladderwrack (focus vesiculosus) daily. Work with a qualified holistic health care professional if you suspect a sluggish thyroid gland.

Warnings

References

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.