Hair loss increases with age. The medical term for hair loss is alopecia, and billions of dollars a year are spent on its prevention and treatment. Pharmaceutical drugs to help prevent hair loss are expensive, according the Harvard Health Publications, and require the drugs be taken constantly to maintain hair growth. Herbs can be taken internally or applied to the scalp to help prevent hair loss.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is known in Latin as Seranoa Repens. Used primarily for prostate health, saw palmetto helps regrow hair. Herbalists believe that this herb acts on the hormonal system, and it is this action that helps prevent hair loss. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests a dosage of 180 mg of saw palmetto extract be taken twice a day. Saw palmetto has even been added to some shampoos, reports Harvard Health Publications.
Stinging Nettles
Bastyr University recommends stinging nettles to prevent hair loss. Known in Latin a Urtica dioica, the University reports that the herb contains a protein called agglutinin that may help rebuild hair. Stinging nettles have been added to shampoo to stimulate hair growth, but Bastyr reports that there is no modern research to back up this claim.
Lavender
Lavender is known in Latin as Lavendula angustifolia or Lavendula offficinalis. Though known for its scent, the herb is used as medicine to treat sleep disorders, and anxiety. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research on lavender demonstrated benefits in preventing hair loss. In one recent study, lavender oil was massaged into the hair and scalp. After seven months, many of the research subjects reported hair regrowth.
Milk Thistle
The University of Maryland recommends the intake of the herb milk thistle to regrow hair. This herb is known for its liver cleaning ability, and the University suggests dosage of 80 to 160 mg two to three times a day.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is another herb recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center. The University suggests a dosage of 40 to 80 mg be taken three times a day. This herb is also used to improve circulation.
Jimsonweed
Georgetown University reports that jimsonweed juice has been used to prevent hair loss. The plant, also known as thornapple, is poisonous and can cause seizures in high doses. It contains scopolamine, which is used medically to prevent spasms in the gastro-intestinal tract.
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