According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, about 90 percent of the hair on the head grows continually and the other 10 percent rests for two to three months before being shed. Scalp hair grows about one-half inch each month, but this rate slows as you age. Several herbs may promote hair growth, and some can even help reverse hair loss caused by poor circulation or alopecia. Herbs work gently and may not yield results for several weeks or months, but they cause no harmful side effects when used as directed. Always consult a doctor if you experience hair loss to rule out serious medical conditions as a possible cause.
Horsetail
The herb horsetail contains rich concentrations of the minerals silicon and selenium, both of which help promote circulation to the scalp. According to herbalist James A. Duke in his book "The Green Pharmacy," horsetail helps maintain the hair and may even promote hair growth. The herb provides the most benefit when taken internally as a tea or when topically applied to the hair and scalp. To make horsetail tea, steep 1 tsp. of the dried herb in 1 cup boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, and then strain. Drink a cup of the tea daily or massage the liquid into your scalp each night before bed. Rinse your hair thoroughly in the morning.
Sage
A traditional herbal remedy for increasing hair growth, the culinary herb sage may help stimulate the hair follicles and increase circulation to the scalp. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Phyllis A. Balch recommends using an apple cider vinegar and sage rinse regularly to encourage hair to grow. To make, steep 2 tsp. dried sage in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes, and then strain. Combine the resulting liquid with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, transfer to a plastic storage bottle and shake well before each use. Massage the solution into the scalp and hair after shampooing, and leave it on for at least five minutes before rinsing.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle, a widely used herbal remedy for increasing skin and hair health, may also promote hair growth in some people. To increase circulation, healers once suggested lightly tapping the scalp with fresh stinging nettle leaves. This treatment is painful and no longer recommended, but a nettle vinegar tincture may help without irritating the scalp. In her book "Ageless Natural Beauty," Sally Freeman suggests steeping 1 cup dried nettle leaves in 4 cups boiling water and 2 cups apple cider vinegar for 30 minutes. Strain and store in a clean bottle. To use, rub the mixture into the scalp each night before bed.
Saw Palmetto
An extract made from saw palmetto berries may also promote hair growth, according to Susan Craig Scott in her book "The Hair Bible." Saw palmetto, a common herbal remedy used to treat prostate disorders, is also believed to prevent Dihydrotestosterone, the hormone responsible for hair loss, from binding to the hair follicles. For the best results, take standardized saw palmetto capsules labeled as concentrated and purified with 85 to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols. Take 160mg twice a day, once in the morning and again at night, but don't expect to see results for at least six to eight weeks.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hair Loss
- "The Green Pharmacy"; James A. Duke; 1998
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- "Ageless Natural Beauty"; Sally Freeman; 2002
- "The Hair Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Healthy, Beautiful Hair Forever"; Susan Craig Scott, Karen W. Bressler; 2003
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