Male pattern baldness is the leading cause of hair loss in men. The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that male pattern baldness may be caused by genes and male sex hormones that allow hair follicles to shrink over time, resulting in finer and shorter hair. Herbal remedies -- and many other dietary supplements -- have long been used in treating this common condition, but you should avoid self-treating your condition with herbs until you review this treatment approach with your doctor.
Male Pattern Baldness
Most men, notes the National Health Service of the United Kingdom, experience some level of hair loss by age 60, and some men begin losing scalp hair in their late teens. If you are a male who experiences hair loss in patches, rapid and widespread shedding of hair, or hair loss associated with pain, scaling or redness, you may have an underlying condition that requires immediate medical attention. These symptoms are not characteristic of male pattern baldness, which instead involves both a receding hairline and thinning at the crown.
Herbal Remedies
Certain herbal remedies have historically been used for treating or preventing male pattern baldness, although some of these herbs have not been scientifically proven to reduce or slow this kind of hair loss. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that four herbs may be particularly helpful for this condition, including African pygeum, ginkgo, green tea and saw palmetto. Numerous non-herbal dietary supplements may also be helpful for this health purpose.
A Commonly Used Herb
Gingko may be one of the most commonly used herbal remedies in the treatment of male pattern baldness. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic doctor and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that ginkgo is used when microcirculation -- blood flow through your bodies smallest blood vessels -- is required. Ginkgo may boost blood flow to your scalp, which may help reduce hair loss in some people. Ginkgo leaves contain numerous medicinal constituents.
Considerations
Male pattern baldness, though not life threatening, may be a significant source of stress for some men. Before self-treating with herbal remedies, you should visit your healthcare provider to discuss herb-related issues, including the safety and efficacy of this natural treatment method. Herbal remedies should not supplant other therapies recommended by your family physician, and the use of herbal remedies does not guarantee a positive health outcome. Herbs should only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Male Pattern Baldness
- National Health Service: Male-Pattern Baldness
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
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