Archive for the ‘Natural Treatments’ Category

Herbal Remedies for Hair Loss

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009


Herbs are often used as hair loss treatments. In some cases, herbs may be just as effective in restoring hair growth as medications. Some herbs can help thicken the hair and others can prevent breakage. 

Saw palmetto is a common treatment for alopecia. The medicinal properties of this plant are contained in the berries. It works by inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that women produce in their ovaries and men produce in their prostate. DHT causes baldness by destroying the follicles of the hair. Saw palmetto extract is available as a pill and topical treatment.

Green tea may also stimulate new hair growth. This herb contains compounds known as catechins, which are believed to block the production of DHT. This would make it ideal for treating male and female pattern baldness. You can drink the tea or take a supplement.

Pygeum is made from the bark of evergreen trees. It is often used as a natural treatment for prostate problems, as well as male and female pattern baldness. It stimulates hair growth in a manner similar to green tea.

Bhringraja oil is commonly used as a treatment for baldness and other hair problems. This oil increases the circulation and supply of blood to the scalp, which can help add shine and density to the hair. Bhringraja is a topical treatment that is available as an oil or shampoo.

Rosemary and sage are popular hair loss treatments that may offer hope for people who have alopecia. They help soothe the scalp and prevent dandruff. Rosemary and sage work as natural antiseptics and keep the skin toned. They also have a cleansing effect on the pores, act as a natural conditioner for the scalp and rejuvenate the follicles.

Yucca root can serve as a shampoo to soothe the scalp and give the hair a thorough cleansing. It offers an anti-inflammatory effect which reduces itchiness and dandruff. This is important since dandruff can lead to hair loss.

The herb ginkgo biloba may promote hair growth because it stimulates the flow of blood do the skin and brain. Herbalists theorize that the additional blood flow to the brain helps increase the delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles causing new hair growth.

An oil massage may help prevent hair loss in mild cases. Massage your scalp with a mixture of coconut oil. Other oils that you can use include mustard oil and olive oil.  Gently oil your scalp and massage your roots.

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Biotin Can Help Reverse Hair Loss

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009


Biotin, also known as vitamin H, can help strengthen the hair and prevent it from falling out. In fact, a person who does not have enough biotin in her body may experience hair loss. Biotin is classified as part of the vitamin B complex group. These vitamins are good for the health of the hair, skin, eyes, and liver.

Biotin is often recommended as a natural   treatment for people who have weak and thinning hair, or baldness. Due to its natural ability to strengthen hair and nails, biotin is a common ingredient in many cosmetics, as well as skin, hair and nail treatments.
Biotin is naturally found in egg yolks, brewer’s yeast, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and pecans. Other foods that contain biotin include beans, black eye peas, sardines, bananas, whole grains, cauliflower, peanut butter, mushrooms, and soybeans. The biotin can be destroyed if these foods are processed. That’s why it’s best to look for foods that are not heavily processed.

Another way to get biotin is to take multivitamins or biotin supplements. The recommended dosage of the biotin supplements to treat hair loss is 30-600 mcg daily. Consult a physician to see what dose is necessary for your degree of hair loss. Biotin may be more effective when it is used with the topical form of clobetasol propionate and zinc.
Biotin is also available as topical treatments and shampoos. However, the oral forms are recommended rather than the topical solutions because the skin cannot easily absorb biotin due to its thickness. Also, it is unlikely that the skin can absorb enough biotin to cause the hair to grow. 

Certain medicines such as antibiotics and anticonvulsants may cancel out the effects of biotin supplements because these medications eliminate biotin from the body. Raw egg whites can also counteract the benefits of biotin. A lack of biotin can cause the hair to become brittle, making it more susceptible to breakage.
For best results, eat a well balanced diet in addition to taking biotin supplements. Include biotin rich foods in your meals and snacks. The combination of the supplements along with the vitamins, minerals, protein, fats, and carbohydrates from food will help boost the benefits.

Some people take biotin in addition to medicated hair loss treatments such as Rogaine. Rogaine is an FDA approved hair growth treatment. It works by reducing the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) a hormone derived from testosterone. DHT causes baldness by destroying hair follicles.

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Natural Treatments for Hair Loss

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009


There are some natural alternatives that may be effective in stimulating hair growth and stopping hair loss. These methods might not work for everyone but they are worth a try since don’t involve the using medications, which means there is no risk for side effects. 

Give your scalp a good massage a few times throughout the day. This will promote a healthy flow of blood to your hair follicles. If you are experience a mild case of hair loss, regular massages may stimulate the growth of new hair. You can do the massage manually by using your fingertips to gently massage your scalp. Another option is to use an electric massager.

Saw palmetto extract is often used to treatment for female and male pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is caused by a hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT, which is derived from testosterone, destroys hair follicles. This eventually leads to baldness. DHT is produced in the ovaries of women and in prostate of men. Saw palmetto helps prevent hair loss because it obstructs the production of DHT in the body. Saw palmetto is not recommended for women who are using birth control pills hormone replacement therapy.  

Jojoba oil and aloe vera are considered to be effective hair loss treatments for many people. Jojoba oil has been used to stimulate hair growth for centuries. An added benefit of this oil is that it is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin. It is also effective as a moisturizer and soothes the scalp. Aloe vera helps balance the pH levels of the scalp and cleanses the pores. You can transform aloe vera into a shampoo by mixing it with a little bit of wheat germ oil and coconut milk.

Henna is an herb that is commonly used as a conditioner because it helps maintain healthy hair. This herb also helps support the hair shaft by sealing and repairing the cuticle. This helps strengthen the hair by offering a layer of protection against dryness and breakage.
 
Polysorbate-80 is a surfactant that is FDA approved for use as a food additive. Some naturopathic practitioners believe polysorbate-80 eliminates promotes hair growth because it removes deposits of DHT from the scalp. Those who use polysorbate-80 put it on their scalp a few minutes before shampooing their hair.

Many holistic practitioners suggest regular  exercise for people who want to reverse hair loss. Frequent physical activity stimulates good blood circulation which promotes the healthy flow of oxygen to all of the cells throughout the body. This is good for the follicles.

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