Hair loss, or alopecia, is usually a slowly developing part of the normal aging process in both men and women, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. While male-pattern baldness typically starts with a receding hairline and ultimately bald spots, female-pattern baldness generally steers clear of the front hairline while causing an overall thinning of the scalp. Certain herbs are suggested to help stop hair loss. Talk to doctor about taking herbal remedies to treat alopecia.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the active compound derived from the fruit of capsicum. Capsaicin has been used traditionally to treat headaches and psoriasis and aid in weight loss, according to the Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. At least one study found capsaicin may also promote hair growth.
A study published in October 2007 in Growth Hormone and IGF Research found a combination of capsaicin and isoflavone improved hair growth in 31 out of 48 healthy volunteers with alopecia. The research was led by N. Harada of the Department of Translational Medical Science Research, Nagoya City University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.
Always ask your doctor about taking herbs for medicinal reasons.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek has been used traditionally in ayurvedic medicine to treat injured or inflamed skin and to relieve constipation. Fenugreek is purported to treat numerous conditions, including alopecia, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Gently massaging extracted oil from Fengugreek seeds onto the scalp a couple times a day may help to stimulate hair re-growth, according to Hair Loss Causes in Women.com.
Consult with your health care provider about taking fenugreek to stop hair loss.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto extract may reduce hair loss that is due to aging and hormonal changes and aging, according to Intelihealth.com. One study lead by M. Prager of the Clinical Research and Development Network in Aurora, Colorado, found saw palmetto, or Serenoa repens, may be an effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness. The study was published in April 2002 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Talk to your doctor about taking saw palmetto for alopecia.
Lavender and Rosemary
Essential oils including lavender and rosemary may discourage hair loss. Lavender may help treat alopecia areata or patchy baldness, according to Memorial-Sloan Cancer Center. Both lavender and rosemary have been used traditionally to stimulate hair growth. Check with your health care provider about using herbal remedies to treat hair loss.
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