Natural Hair Loss Remedies That Offer Hope...

In this Article we will look at some of the hair loss remedies for external and internal use. Some of these internal and external have scientific data backing up there claim and some have been shown to be more folk lore, however just because there has never been a study associated with the treatment does not mean it has no valor or merit.

EXTERNAL USE

1. Alo vera- there are some Indian tribes in Mexico and Western America who attribute there thick long healthy hair to regular use of alo vera gel in which they rub into the scalp in the evening. Herbalists believe that the herb activates the production of nitric oxide and contains an enzyme known as superoxide dismutane. Some Herbalists feel that these two substances combine to stimulate hair regrowth in those suffering from male pattern type baldness.

2. Onion (Allium capa)- herbalists believe that rubbing the scalp with 1/2 of an onion before washing hair encourages hair growth because of it's high sulfur content which is believed to have hair or scalp healing properties.

3. Red Pepper (capiscum)- A very popular folk remedy which involves the application of red pepper poultice to the scalp to act as a Skin irritant. The red pepper draws blood and nutrients to the surface of the scalp, which encourages the release of histamines to stimulate cell division and hair regrowth

4. Safflower Oil (carthamus tinctorious)- Eastern health practitioners believe that safflower oil applied to the scalp acts as a vasolidator that dilates blood vessels. This allows more blood to deliver nutrients to the hair follicle thus creating an environment conducive to hair regrowth.

INTERNAL USE

1. Ginkyo biloba - this popular herb is thought to improve blood circulation to the brain and skin. Herbalists believe that the increased flow of blood to the brain area delivers more nutrients to the hair follicle thus promoting hair regrowth. The recommended dose is 120-160mg of dry extract each day spread over three doses.

2. Green tea (Camellia sinesis) - it is thought that catechins found in green tea may inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone into hair-unfriendly DHT. It is therefore believed to be effective in preventing and treating male pattern type baldness. You should drink several cups of green tea each day or take it in capsule form as instructed by the manufacturer.

3. He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) - also known as Fo-Ti, this Chinese herb has traditionally been used to reduce hair loss. It is found in many commercial preparations, or in tea and capsule form.

4. Pygeum (Pygeum africanum) - derived from the bark of an evergreen, it works in a similar way to green tea. It is widely used to treat prostate problems and male pattern baldness. Users should take 60-500mg per day in pill or capsule form.

5. Saw palmetto (Seranoa repens) - this is the current treatment of choice for many men due to its ability to protect the prostate, slow hair loss and encourage hair regrowth. It forms the core element of many commercially prepared hair loss treatments but can easily be obtained in its pure form. The recommended dose is a 160mg capsule twice each day, but make sure the ingredients are made from the berry extract not the dried berries themselves.

6. Stinging nettle (Urtica diocia) - this has long been favored as a means of preventing hair loss due to its ability to block the conversion of testosterone into DHT. It can be taken in pill or capsule form with an optimum dose of 50-100mg per day. It is particularly effective when combined with pygeum and saw palmetto.