Fact: There
is no sure-fire way to prevent all hair loss.
However,
some methods that have been used work on some people. Here are some
suggestions for natural remedies to hair loss.
Massage
Massaging
the scalp in general for a couple of minutes a day can stimulate blood
flow to the hair follicles and in mild cases stimulate some hair growth
in minor cases of temporary hair loss.
There are
several electric massagers on the market that have an attachment for
scalp massaging as well. An oriental method called Qi Gong (pronounced
Chi Kung) has been used to increase circulation to the scalp and face
also.
Aromatherapy
A blend
of six drops each of lavender and bay essential oils in a base of four
ounces of either almond, soybean or sesame oil massaged into the scalp
and allowed to sit for 20 minutes has been used by aroma therapists
to stimulate the scalp.
Saw
Palmetto Extract
There is
a definite connection between the prostate and hair loss for men. Saw
Palmetto has been found to work in fighting benign prostatic disease
by lowering levels of DHT, which is a known cause of androgenetic alopecia.
Saw Palmetto
extract is an effective anti-androgen and shows promise as an effective
treatment for hair loss prevention. More information on Saw
Palmetto for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Women on
oral contraceptives or hormone therapy should not take Saw Palmetto.
Nettle
Root Extract
Nettles
are rich in vitamins A and C, several key minerals and lipids that can
be beneficial to the hair. Nettle Root Extract has been used successfully
in Europe as an inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase in treating BPH.
Rosemary
and Sage
Rosemary
and sage are two herbs that have shown benefit traditionally when used
externally. Boil together in water rosemary, sage, peach leaf, nettle
and burdock. Then strain the loose herbs from the liquid and use the
liquid to wash the hair daily.
Jojoba
Oil
If you
are predisposed to seborrhea, eczema, psoriasis, or dandruff, you could
consider using jojoba oil. Mexicans and southwestern Native American
nations have used jojoba oil traditionally for centuries to promote
hair growth and the control of dandruff. Jojoba oil is great for hypoallergenic
skin because it is a great moisturizer and mimics the scalp's own sebum.
Aloe
Vera
Aloe Vera
has been used by Native Americans, Indians and many in the Caribbean
to promote healthy hair and prevent hair loss. Aloe's can help the scalp
by healing it and balancing the pH level of the scalp while cleansing
the pores. A common preparation of Aloe Vera gel with a small amount
of wheat germ oil and coconut milk is used as a shampoo and has traditionally
shown great benefit.
Henna
Henna is
a traditional Indian herb that acts as a natural conditioner and is
excellent for the maintenance of healthy hair. It can help heal the
hair shaft by repairing and sealing the cuticle, protecting hair against
breakage and loss of shine.
Polysorbate-80
Polysorbate-80
is an FDA approved surfactant that is also approved as a food additive.
Although not proven, Polysorbate-80 is said to remove deposits of DHT
and cholesterol from the scalp. Polysorbate-80 is being recommended
by some naturopathic practitioners as an application for the scalp approximately
15 minutes prior to shampooing.
Cleansing
and Detoxification
Cleansing
should be a major part of your regimen to maintain and grow hair. Many
scalp related diseases are directly the result of toxemia, while toxins
in the body adversely affecting the body's systems indirectly affect
other conditions. Cleansing can be performed through oral means regularly
and occasionally by enema or colonic irrigation.
Fiber is
vital to cleansing, and most North American diets are deficient in natural
fiber. Psyllium husk is a bulking laxative agent that can be used to
safely move waste through the colon. Psyllium is a very good substance
as it gently scrubs the walls of the colon to remove waste that is stuck
to the walls.
Exercise
Finally,
although exercise does absolutely nothing directly to grow hair, most
holistic practitioners recommend it. Exercising can improve blood flow,
the delivery of oxygen to the cells of the body, and help the digestion
of foods, all things that aid the health of hair follicles.
Disclaimer: The advice here is not presented from a medical practitioner.
Any and all dietary and medical planning should be made under the guidance
of your own medical and health practitioners. This information does
not replace medical advice from a professional physician.
Priya Shah
is the Editor of The
Glutathione Report, a newsletter featuring regular updates on the
health benefits of glutathione. For a comprehensive report on hair loss,
see Hair
Loss Prevention Secrets.
These statements have not been evaluated by the
FDA. We makes no claim that the products featured are anything other
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and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult
your physician before beginning any course of treatment.
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