There are more than 30 different types of nettle. The most common of these varieties is the stinging nettle. The leaves and roots of the stinging nettle are used to make herbal applications and are available as lotions, ointment or tablet form to reduce or prevent hair loss.
Stinging Nettle
The stinging nettle is a perennial plant that grows up to three feet in height. Its dark green leaves are covered in tiny, fine hairs which when touched cause a burning sensation and a skin rash. According to Health Alternatives, the chemicals responsible for this reaction are acetylcholine, histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine.
Stinging Nettle in Medicine
The University of Maryland Medical Center, explains that nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat many disorders and for the past few years, extracts from the stinging nettle plant have been recommended by holistic practitioner to reduce and prevent loss of hair. It may also promote new growth where hair has become weakened.
DHT
According to Medical News Today, one of the main causes of age-related hair loss in men and women is the human metabolite dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT stops vital vitamins and minerals from reaching the hair follicle, which weakens follicles and slows growth, causing hair loss.
Nettle Root and Hair Loss
According to Vortex Health nettle root may prevent hair loss because it prevents 5 alpha reductase from converting testosterone into DHT. DHT causes male pattern baldness and can also cause age-related hair loss in women.
Side Effects
Though rare, side effects from nettle root use occur, causing abdominal cramps, skin irritation, fluid retention or hives. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, do not combine nettle with aspirin, warfarin/Coumadin, ACE inhibitors, Plavix, NSAIDs, diuretics, beta blockers or diabetes medications. You should consult your physician before using nettle root.
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