Little clinical evidence exists to verify the efficacy of herbal remedies to grow hair. Some herbal remedies involve taking herbal supplements and in these cases you should consult a doctor to discuss whether such pills are safe for you. Other herbal remedies involve herbs you may have in your kitchen. You may want to try home remedies for hair loss before spending money on prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Ginkgo Biloba
Practitioners of herbal hair loss remedies tout ginkgo biloba because it may improve the circulation of blood to the brain and skin, according to the My Hair Loss Advisor website. Herbalists theorize that the increase in blood flow sends more nutrients to the hair follicles thus aiding in hair growth.
Green Tea/Pygeum
Herbalists theorize that catechins in green tea may prevent the enzyme Type 15-alpha-reductase from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which contributes to hair loss. Pygeum also can inhibit the enzyme Type 15-alpha-reductase from converting testosterone into DHT. Herbalists recommend pygeum as a treatment for both male pattern baldness and prostate problems.
He Shou Wu
He shou wu, also known as fo-ti and polygonum multiflorum, is a Chinese herb that practitioners recommend to prevent graying hair and hair loss. The theory behind the function of He shou wu is that it counters nonspecific imbalances in the blood, kidneys and liver.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto, or seranoa repens, can slow hair loss and promote regrowth by reducing the hair follicles' uptake of DHT. The theory behind saw palmetto's efficacy is that it prevents DHT from binding to DHT receptors in the hair follicle.
Onion
Herbalists suggest that the high sulfur content of onions can help regrow hair. Himalaya Home Remedies recommends rubbing your scalp with onion until your scalp is red, then rubbing your scalp with honey afterward. Wash your hair after use.
Cayenne Pepper
Applying a poultice of cayenne pepper to the scalp is a folk remedy touted as a way to draw blood and nutrients to the scalp. The My Hair Loss Advisor website suggests that cayenne pepper causes the release of histamines that may stimulate cell division in the scalp and help regrow hair.
Safflower Oil
Eastern health practitioners recommend applying safflower oil, or carthamus tinctorious, to the scalp to help grow hair. Safflower oil dilates the blood vessels allowing an increase of blood and nutrients to the hair follicles.
Member Comments