Hair loss can be a traumatic experience. Although it's more common in men, women also can develop conditions that cause a significant loss of hair. There are a variety of options available for hair replacement and transplantation, but they are all fairly costly and not for everyone. Also available are some herbal remedies that are within the financial reach of just about anyone, and it makes sense to give them a try before turning elsewhere for help.
Saw Palmetto
If you are troubled by hair loss, you may want to give saw palmetto a try. Derived from the low-growing saw palmetto--native to the southeastern United States--this herbal remedy is used to stimulate hair growth. Saw palmetto is also helpful in treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, and is believed to influence the body's testosterone and enzyme production. You can take saw palmetto in pill form or buy a saw palmetto-based shampoo for topical application. Avoid saw palmetto if you're anemic, and stop use immediately if you experience any adverse reactions, particularly to the topical application.
Herbal Conditioners
To prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth, you could try a couple of herbal conditioners. For the first, gently heat a small bowl of olive oil and then massage the warm oil into your scalp. Comb the oil through your hair with a wide-toothed comb and massage again. Leave the conditioner on overnight, and wash it out with baby shampoo in the morning. For the second conditioner, you'll need a strong infusion of southernwood, an herb also known as Artemisia abrotanum. Mix one tablespoonful of the southernwood infusion with a tablespoon of warm water and massage into the scalp twice weekly.
Other Herbal Remedies
Rinse your hair regularly with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and sage tea to promote hair growth. Follow that up with a rinse of either catmint or chamomile infusion to reduce itchiness, which can lead to hair loss. You can produce an infusion of most herbs by steeping or soaking a handful or two of the plant material in water and then straining the mixture to eliminate the plant residue.
To increase blood circulation and disinfect the scalp, try a rinse using either rosemary or stinging nettle. To prepare the rinse, put a handful of stinging nettle or rosemary in a pan and cover with hot water; simmer for 10 to 15 minutes and allow to cool. Strain the resulting brew into a container that already holds a few drops of wheat germ oil. Use this rinse after shampooing.
Other herbs that can help stimulate your hair growth are aloe vera, arnica, birch, burdock, horsetail, licorice, marigold and parsley.
Tags: hair growth, hair loss, your hair, stimulate hair, stimulate hair growth, stinging nettle