Healthy hair offers a great boost to self-confidence and self-esteem for many, as well as reflects overall health and wellness. Keeping hair healthy, especially as we age, is not always easy, but several herbs have been used by men and women for thousands of years to help prevent breakage, treat dry and brittle hair and even help prevent hair loss. Understanding some of the basic herbs that help hair grow and maintain hair health may help men and women keep that full head of hair longer than they would otherwise. After all, the hair, like the skin, requires nourishment and care to offer not only beauty and style, but protection for our scalp.
Rosemary
Rosemary, home-grown or purchased at a grocery or natural food store, has been used for centuries to help stimulate hair growth through increased blood circulation. Rosemary-infused tinctures also help prevent and relieve dandruff. Make an herbal remedy by placing about 1/2 cup (about a palmful) of rosemary leaves into a pan and cover with water, suggests HolisticOnline.com, and then simmer for about 15 minutes. After the brew has cooled, strain the rosemary from the liquid through a sieve or piece of cheesecloth and then rinse freshly washed hair with the brew. Allow the rosemary rinse to remain on the hair and scalp for about two minutes, and then rinse with lukewarm water.
Neem
Boil neem leaves in about a cup of water and then allow to cool. Neem leaves come from the mahogany tree family most commonly found in India, but may be found at your local natural food or vitamin store. After the mixture cools, strain the leaves using a sieve or cheesecloth and then rinse the hair with this Ayurvedic remedy to help prevent thinning hair or hair loss caused by alopecia, suggests Ayurveda-Herbal-Remedies.com.
Lavender
Lavender, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, has long been used to calm nerves as well as as a scent in soaps, shampoos and body fragrances. Lavender leaves or essential oils may help maintain healthy hair and restore hair thinning from medical conditions, including alopecia. Several drops of lavender oil can be poured into the palms and then massaged through the hair, reaching down to the roots near the scalp. Allow the oil to remain on the hair for several minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. Lavender essential oil may also be added in drops to bath gels, aromatherapy oils and tinctures for use as a hair rinse.
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