Nettles As A Hair Loss Treatment

Shampoos containing extracts of stinging nettle are sometimes recommended for treating hair loss, particularly male pattern baldness. Nettle extract for hair loss is also available in tablet form as a daily supplement.

Stinging Nettle

According to Botanical.com, stinging nettle plants are commonly found throughout the world. They are called stinging nettles because of the fine hairs that cover their leaves. If touched, these hairs produce a painful burning sensation and a mild skin rash that can last for several hours, sometimes days. Stinging nettle is edible and is used in tea, liquid extract or tablet form for medicinal purposes including the treatment of some types of hair loss.

Hair Loss

According to Medical News Today, DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is a human metabolite that is responsible for hair loss. DHT adversely affects the hair by preventing necessary vitamins and minerals from reaching the hair follicles. This means they reproduce more slowly and the growing phase is reduced. DHT also reduces the size of the hair follicle, weakening the hair and causing it to fall out.

Potential

Although to date no research has been conducted to study the direct effects of nettle on hair loss, according to a study in the February 200 edition of Planta Medica by Konrad et al., stinging nettle may have a beneficial effect on enlarged prostate glands by inhibiting the production of DHT. This inhibitory effect may also prevent male pattern baldness, though more research is needed.

Treatments

According to the Hair Loss Learning Center, nettle extract can be found in manufactured products for hair loss such as Procerin and Porvillus. Nettle root can also be taken as an oral supplement to prevent hair loss and promote new hair growth. The recommended dosage of stinging nettle to treat hair loss in women or male pattern baldness is 500mg daily.

Side Effects and Contraindications

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are a number of possible side effects of using stinging nettle, including skin rash, abdominal pains, fluid retention and allergic reaction.

Contraindicated medicines include: NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, channel blockers, aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin, medications for diabetes and diuretics.

Do not use an oral stinging nettle supplement if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Always consult with your doctor before using nettle.