Hair loss can strike anyone and the causes vary from genetics to stress. Everyone loses approximately 100 hairs per day, but if you are losing much more than that, or losing hair in patches, you should see your doctor. If you are told that your hair loss is natural, there are many ways to fight it. One of the oldest hair loss remedies is stinging nettles (urtica diocia). According to Dr. Marty Sawaya at hairlosstalk.com, no clinical trials have proven conclusively that using stinging nettle will help combat hair loss, so he advises caution when using it.
Take stinging nettle capsules three times a day. Start with a lower dosage of about 50 milligrams per capsule for the first week to ensure that you have no reaction to the herb. Increase your dosage to no more than 250 milligrams per day.
Take 320 milligrams of saw palmetto or 60 milligrams of pygeum capsules along with the stinging nettles, as these herbs are believed to work in concert with stinging nettles to stop testosterone from being converted to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). According to Christian Nordqvist, editor of Medical News Today, DHT blocks your hair follicles from absorbing protein, causing them to die.
Add stinging nettle tea to hot water—just under boiling is best—and let it steep for three to five minutes. Drink this three times per day.
Massage stinging nettle oil into your scalp at night, one to two times per week. Put on a sleep turban and let the oil do its work as you sleep. Shampoo as normal in the morning.
Tip
Be patient. Herbs take much longer than chemicals do. It may take several months for you to see results.
Warning
Stop using stinging nettle of any kind if you have indigestion or skin reactions.
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Writer Bio
Emmy-award nominated screenwriter Brynne Chandler is a single mother of three who divides her time between professional research and varied cooking, fitness and home & gardening enterprises. A running enthusiast who regularly participates in San Francisco's Bay to Breakers run, Chandler works as an independent caterer, preparing healthy, nutritious meals for Phoenix area residents.