There are other ways to stimulate hair growth or slow the rate of hair loss without taking medicines. Experts at Herbs for Hair Loss suggest several herbs that can be used for these purposes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, herbs have a long recorded history, citing medicinal plant usage in the ancient papyrus writings of the Chinese and the Egyptian. Here are some common herbs that have stood the test of time.
Ginkgo Biloba
Extremely popular for its ability to improve blood circulation to the brain and skin, ginkgo biloba leaves have been used in ancient Chinese medicine for centuries, according to All 4 Natural Health. Blood carries nutrients to the cells, thus, with increased blood flow to the scalp there are more nutrients available for hair growth.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai has been known traditionally in the Chinese culture to help stop hair loss and to encourage the re-growth of hair. Herbs for Hair Loss reports that Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens which slow the formation of DHT, an enzyme in the body that, if found in high levels, can cause hair to stop growing.
Green Tea
Also known as Camellia Sinesis, green tea has many medicinal properties according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. On the Herbs for Hair Loss site, herbalists claim that taking the capsule form daily or drinking several cups of green tea each day may decrease the risk of male pattern baldness. They believe that the enzyme five-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that is indirectly related to hair through the slowing of DHT production, may be blocked by the catechins in green tea.
Stinging Nettle and Saw Palmetto
Stinging nettle can block the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Experts at Herbs for Hair Loss suggest that taking stinging nettle and saw palmetto together are more effective. For men, saw palmetto also protects the prostate while working with stinging nettle to promote hair growth.
Ginseng
Well-known in Asia as being able to promote circulation and regulate cellular metabolism, ginseng may help nourish and strengthen hair overall. Ginseng is often found in herbal shampoos or conditioners.
Rosemary
According to the Herb Companion site, rosemary is a time-honored and widely recommended herb for stimulating hair growth. Rosemary has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may help replenish bald areas on the scalp. A double-blind study documented in the "Archives of Dermatology" found that mixing rosemary with other essential oils to be a safe and effective treatment for alopecia.
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