Gray hair occurs from a reduction in the amount of pigment that hair follicles produce. Gray hair often begins when a person hits age 30. According to the Library of Congress, the chance of graying increases 10 to 20 percent every decade thereafter. Scientific evidence is inconclusive concerning the causes of graying, but studies indicate that genetics, hormones and aging may stop the adequate production of melanin needed to retain natural hair color. Although no scientific proof exists to support the efficacy of home remedies to treat gray hair, practitioners of alternative medicine claim that certain therapies may help.
Nutrition
Nutrition may play a part in preventing premature graying. Although the New York Times reported that a 2009 European study indicated that genetic makeup and stress factors may cause gray hair, Natural-HomeRemedies.com claims that diets rich in vitamin B, copper, iron and iodine can help prevent graying. The website theorizes that inadequate nutrition can leaves the root of the hair without essential nutrients, causing it to lose its natural color. Foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meat, fish, poultry, whole grains and low-fat dairy products offer nutrients that may keep hair youthful and vibrant.
He Shoe Wu
Used in traditional Chinese medicine, he shou wu, otherwise known as fleeceflower root or fo-ti, is said to offer results when used as a tonic to increase energy and vitality and prevent signs of aging. C. Norman Shealy, M.D., author of the book "Healing Remedies," says the herb yields valuable benefits in the treatment of hair loss and premature graying, and he points to the preservation of hair color among aging Chinese men and women as anecdotal proof of its efficacy. According to Shealy, he shou wu means "black-haired Mr. He," in reference to a legend of an elderly villager whose hair was restored to black when he consumed fo-ti.
To use, boil he shou wu in water, cool and drink as a tonic. No scientific studies or clinical analysis exist to date on the safety and effectiveness of he shou wu on humans. It is contraindicated for spleen deficiency, diarrhea and estrogen-related cancers.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a long history as a hair care treatment in East Indian folk medicine. Well known as a valuable hair moisturizer, coconut oil contains proteins that may offer significant benefits when used to treat damaged hair. Although scientific evidence is weak, according to OrganicFacts.net, the antioxidant powers of coconut oil can prevent symptoms of premature aging. The oil also has a reputation as a home remedy for hair re-growth. Natural-HomeRemedies.org recommends coconut oil for the treatment of graying hair when used as a base with other ingredients. According to the website, while the oil will not prevent premature graying, it may reduce gray hairs substantially.
WomensFitness.com recommends boiling curry leaves in coconut oil and massaging the tonic into your hair. Alternatively, the website suggests a combination of dried, ribbed gourd and coconut oil. Soak pieces of dried gourd in the oil for three to four days, and then boil the mixture until the gourd reduces to a blackened residue. Massage the oily remains into the hair and scalp. Topical application of coconut has no known side effects, but excess consumption of the oil is not heart-healthy.
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