Under normal circumstances, hair grows from 1/4 to 1/2 inch each month. Nutritional deficiencies, medical conditions, and stress are some factors that can cause slower than normal hair growth. While there are a limited number of medical treatments to promote hair growth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these treatments are often only successful under very specific conditions. Patients who do not fit these conditions or who wish to encourage their hair growth for nonmedical reasons may wish to consider alternative natural techniques instead.
Good Nutrition
Excessive hair loss, or slower than normal hair growth, can be an indication of a nutritional deficiency. Skin, hair, and nails are all made of a specialized type protein called keratin. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that the B-complex family of vitamins are important players in the creation of the cells that produce keratin.
The body cannot produce most of the vitamins that are part of the B-complex family, requiring us to obtain these nutrients from the foods we eat. A diet of lean proteins and green, leafy vegetables usually provides the body with the right amount of B-complex vitamins. However, you can also use a daily multivitamin or a hair, skin and nails designated supplement to ensure you are getting enough of the right vitamins your body needs to encourage hair growth.
Herbal Therapy
There are several herbs that are traditionally believed to encourage hair growth. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests a topical herbal oil mixture of rosemary, thyme, cedarwood and lavender essential oils added to a base of olive oil as a potential treatment for encouraging hair growth.
Other herbs with a reputation for helping hair growth include horsetail and gingko. Horsetail contains high amounts of silica, which is thought to help increase hair and nail growth. Gingko is thought to increase blood circulation, increasing the nutrients that reach the hair bulb and thereby leading to increased growth.
Increase Blood Circulation
Most naturopathic medical traditions believe that hair growth can be encouraged by increasing or correcting blood circulation issues that the patient may be experiencing. Scalp massage is the most recommended way to increase this circulation.
In the Ayurvedic tradition, it is recommended that the scalp is massaged using warm oil infused with herbs that are suited to your Ayurvedic hair type.
Acupuncture can also be used to increase blood circulation to the scalp. According to acupuncturist Bill Reddy, an acupuncturist may increase blood circulation by tapping your scalp with a plum blossom needle to stimulate blood flow to your scalp.
Member Comments