Natural Herbs For Gray Hair

Gray hair occurs when your hair follicles start to produce less pigment. Graying is part of the aging process, and it commonly begins when a person reaches age 30. According to the Library of Congress, after you hit 30, the chance of going gray increases 10 to 20 percent with every decade. The causes of graying remain unclear, but research indicates that besides genetics, hormones, body distribution and aging, climate, toxins and pollutants may play a part. While more scientific evidence is needed to confirm the efficacy of herbal remedies to treat gray hair, practitioners of alternative medicine claim that certain herbal therapies may help. However, check with your medical provider before using any natural treatments.

He Shou Wu

He shou wu, also called fleeceflower, has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-aging tonic. Used to increase vitality and energy, the Chinese also drink the herbal tonic to prevent hair loss and to stop premature graying. Dr. C. Norman Shealy, author of the book "Healing Remedies," points to the preservation of hair color among the aging Chinese population as anecdotal evidence of the herb's effectiveness.

To prepare a tonic, steep he shou wu in boiling water for 15 minutes. Let it cool, and then drink. No clinical studies exist on the efficacy and safety of he shou wu on humans. Do not use the herb if you have diarrhea, spleen deficiency or estrogen-related cancers.

Curry Leaves

Practitioners of Indian Ayurvedic medicine use curry leaves as a preventive for premature gray hair. The leaves contain properties that nourish existing hair roots. According to WomenFitness.net, a tonic of curry leaves boiled in coconut oil helps stimulate new healthy hair growth and promotes normal pigmentation of hair follicles. You can also use curry leaves in the form of chutney.

Curry leaves are generally considered safe to ingest. The herb may cause rare allergic reactions, however.

Sage

Like curry leaves, sage is known most commonly as a culinary herb. It has a wide range of medicinal uses, however. The book "DK Herbal Medicine" states that sage acts as a hormonal stimulant and may help to reduce premature graying due to hormonal imbalances. The website Herbs2000.com adds that "sage is often used for actually taking away gray hair." Apply an infusion of sage tea directly on the scalp. To prepare, add 1/2 bowl of boiling water to 2 tbsp. dried sage and 2 tbsp. orange pekoe or black tea. Cover and place in a 275-degree Fahrenheit oven for two hours. Cool, stir, strain and massage the infusion into your roots four to five times weekly. Handling sage occasionally can cause contact dermatitis. Do not ingest sage tea on an upset stomach. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid using sage.