Herbs do much more than merely add flavor to food. Many herbs have medicinal and therapeutic properties, and they are used in the forms of tinctures, decoctions, infusions and essential oils to heal and prevent a variety of ailments within the body. Numerous herbs also have the capability to improve the body's external appearance, and are applied topically for cosmetic reasons--such as to enhance hair. Some herbs can work to make hair grow faster.
Sage
Sage, also known as Salvia officinalis or Salvia salvatrix, has been used for centuries as a hair and scalp tonic. Sage can promote the speedy and healthy growth of hair, help make hair more shiny and darken graying hair to its original color. According to the article "Sage--a Versatile Medicinal Herb Used in Traditional Hair Treatments," Pedanius Dioscorides, a physician and botanist who lived in ancient Greece, advocated applying fresh sage juice topically to the scalp to treat hair loss and drinking sage juice to restore color to graying hair. Nicolas Culpepper, a classical English physician, and Anthony Dweck, the author of a book on sage, wrote about its ability to make hair grow.
Rosemary
Rosemary, also known as Rosmarinus officinalis, stimulates the scalp and hair follicles and promotes hair growth. According to an Organicfacts.net article entitled "Health Benefits of Rosemary Oil," rosemary oil and rosemary tea are widely used in hair care products. This herb is valued for its ability to slow down and, in some cases, even permanently stop premature hair loss and prematurely graying hair. Like sage, rosemary can gradually darken gray hair and restore its natural color.
Thyme
Thyme, or Thymus vulgaris, is used to invigorate the scalp and stimulate the fast growth of strong, healthy hair, according to the book "Herbs for Healthy Skin, Hair & Nails: Banish Eczema, Acne and Psoriasis With Healing Herbs That Cleanse and Tone to Body Inside and Out." Thyme is also used to remedy dandruff and hair loss. Like sage and rosemary, thyme contains naturally occurring volatile oils that have a stimulating effect on hair follicles, which encourages them to produce hair. In fact, one of the most effective ways to harness the hair-growing power of thyme is to combine it with the two other herbs known for promoting fast hair growth: sage and rosemary. Add 2 drops each of sage, rosemary and thyme essential oils to 2 tbsp. olive oil; massage this mixture into the scalp and hair as often as needed for an invigorating and conditioning hair tonic.
References
- "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 600 Natural, Non-Toxic and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health - Beauty - a Safe Home Environment"; Valerie Ann Worwood, 1991.
- "Herbs for Healthy Skin, Hair & Nails: Banish Eczema, Acne and Psoriasis With Healing Herbs That Cleanse and Tone to Body Inside and Out"; Bridget Mars, 1998.
- Stop Hair Loss Now: Sage-a Versatile Medicinal Herb Used in Traditional Hair Treatments
- Organic Facts: Health Benefits of Rosemary Oil
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