Herbs that Promote Hair Growth

Herbs That Promotes Hair Growth

1. Horsetail

The foremost herb known for adding beauty and luster to the hair when taken orally is horsetail.The herb horsetail contains rich concentrations of the minerals silicon and selenium, both of which help promote circulation to the scalp. This herb is packed with a nutrient called silica. Silica is a substance that strengthens bones, nails and hair. Horset

ail helps maintain the hair and may even promote hair growth. The herb provides the most benefit when taken internally as a tea or when topically applied to the hair and scalp. To make horsetail tea, steep 1 tsp. of the dried herb in 1 cup boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, and then strain. Drink a cup of the tea daily or massage the liquid into your scalp each night before bed. Rinse your hair thoroughly in the morning.

2. Sage

A traditional herbal remedy for increasing hair growth, the culinary herb sage may help stimulate the hair follicles and increase circulation to the scalp. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Phyllis A. Balch recommends using an apple cider vinegar and sage rinse regularly to encourage hair to grow. To make, steep 2 tsp. dried sage in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes, and then strain. Combine the resulting liquid with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, transfer to a plastic storage bottle and shake well before each use. Massage the solution into the scalp and hair after shampooing, and leave it on for at least five minutes before rinsing.

3. Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle, a widely used herbal remedy for increasing skin and hair health, may also promote hair growth in some people. To increase circulation, healers once suggested lightly tapping the scalp with fresh stinging nettle leaves. This treatment is painful and no longer recommended, but a nettle vinegar tincture may help without irritating the scalp. Stinging nettle can be purchased in either pill or capsule form and is said to be more effective when used in combination with saw palmetto. You can steep 1 cup dried nettle leaves in 4 cups boiling water and 2 cups apple cider vinegar for 30 minutes. Strain and store in a clean bottle. To use, rub the mixture into the scalp each night before bed.

4. Saw Palmetto

An extract made from saw palmetto berries may also promote hair growth. Saw Palmetto, a common herbal remedy used to treat prostate disorders, is also believed to prevent Dihydrotestosterone, the hormone responsible for hair loss, from binding to the hair follicles. For the best results, take standardized saw palmetto capsules labeled as concentrated and purified with 85 to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols. Take 160mg twice a day, once in the morning and again at night, but don't expect to see results for at least six to eight weeks or the fresh leaves can be submersed in olive oil in a glass jar. Seal and place in a cool, dark spot for 2 to 3 weeks. Apply the oil in an invigorating scalp massage. Stinging nettle essential oil is frequently an ingredient in organic shampoos and conditioners.

5. Lavender

Lavender, native to the Mediterranean, is now grown in temperate climates worldwide. For centuries, lavender has been used by herbal practitioners to prevent baldness and to encourage new hair growth. Lavender contains potent anti-bacterial agents that soothe and heal scalp infections. It is useful in treating dandruff and adds volume to the hair shaft and helps increase shine and gently cleanse deposits that dull the hair. Place a few sprigs of lavender in a glass container and cover with extra-virgin olive oil and cover tightly. Place in a cool, dark spot and allow to age for 3 to 4 weeks. Use the lavender infused oil as a daily scalp massage. Apply and leave on overnight. In the morning, wash hair with a gentle organic shampoo and style as usual. A daily rinse of lavender water (bring water to a boil, add a few sprigs of lavender, reduce to simmer for 20 minutes, then cool) will impart a delightful fragrance and shine to hair. Apply lavender as a daily rinse after shampooing.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is an excellent herb to use topically to promote hair growth and increase scalp health. Rosemary has been used for centuries in cultures worldwide to promote hair growth and delay the onset of gray hair. When applied to the scalp rosemary increases circulation and helps to gently remove excess sebum and dandruff, which can inhibit healthy hair growth. A refreshing daily rinse of rosemary leaves simmered in water retains hair color. The rinse is most effective on dark hair. A few drops of rosemary oil can be added to olive oil and used as a scalp massage oil.

7. Hops

Hops are not only a main ingredient in beer. They make an excellent natural hair conditioner and softener when applied topically. The herb also contains silica so it helps fortify the hair from within. Many popular hair supplements use this to add strength and resilience.

#Note: every herb that may promote hair growth may not be listed.

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