Unwanted facial hair is a fact of life for some women. As many as 10 percent of women suffer from a condition known as hirsutism, which causes excess hair to grow on the face or body, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hirsutism develops when hair follicles become over-stimulated by male hormones known as androgens.
Women of Middle Eastern, South Asian and Mediterranean descent are more susceptible to hirsutism, according to the website Vitamin Insight. While shaving, plucking and waxing help remove unwanted facial hair, certain herbs may also do the trick. Always check with your health care provider about taking herbs for medicinal reasons.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is used for numerous conditions, including hormonal imbalances, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine or NCCAM. Saw palmetto is also purported to relieve menstrual cramps and promote overall health of the reproductive organs.
Saw palmetto has been named as a possible treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS due to its anti-androgen effects, notes the Mayo Clinic. However, little clinical evidence exists to support its use for this hormonal condition that may cause excess facial hair.
The recommended dosage of saw palmetto for hirsutism is160 mg twice daily, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Ask your health practitioner about using herbal remedies for female hair removal.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry or Chaste Tree can help restore hormonal balance, according to the Clayton College of Natural Health. Chasteberry is often used to relieve menstrual and menopausal symptoms, such as cramps and hot flashes as well as encouraging breast milk production.
The dried berries of the Chaste Tree also appear to stimulate production of the female hormone progesterone, notes Vitamin Insight.
The suggested daily intake of Chasteberry is 20 to 40 mg, notes UMMC. Talk to you your doctor about using herbs to help eliminate unwanted facial hair.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is often used as an herbal alternative to hormonal replacement therapy for women experiencing hot flashes, vaginal dryness and other menopausal symptoms, reports the Mayo Clinic.
Black cohosh contains plant estrogens known phytoestrogens and may help regulate hormones. Black cohosh is also regarded as an anti-androgen herb that can treat unwanted facial hair in women, advises the UMMC.
A typical dose is 20 to 40 mg twice daily. Consult with your health care provider before taking herbal remedies.
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