Why Herbs Are Good For Your Hair?
The use of herbs in hair care
The use of herbs in hair care
For millennia, herbs have been used to treat many hair conditions. Admittedly, traditional hair remedies havent always been effective in treating hair problems, such as hair loss, for example there are no herbs that can completely cure hair loss caused by hereditary factor. Nevertheless, traditional hair remedies have seen a tremendous revival in recent years and now they account for about half of the hair care products in the market.
Active substances in herbs
Procyanidins are antioxidants and members of flavonoids. They present in many herbs and plants such as rosehips, green tea, blueberries, cocoa, grape seeds, barley and apples. Researchers have discovered that procyanidins can reverse hair loss effectively on some balding men. A 0.7 percent solution of procyanidins was extracted from apples and it can increase hair production when applied twice daily, whereas untreated group continued to lose hair.
After six months of treatment, about three new hair sprouted on each square centimeters of scalp surface. However, procyanidins dont seem to work on everyone. As antioxidants, procyanidins can neutralize free radicals that damage hair follicles and cause inflammation. These substances can also reduce the production of hair growth inhibitors that are formed from testosterone. Inhibitors bind to hair follicles and set them to rest mode, which prevent normal growth and regeneration. Procyanidins only work for hair problems caused by hair growth inhibitors and it may also help women whose alopecia is caused by hormonal imbalance, e.g. from menopause.
Common herbs used in hair care
Procyanidins are not the only substances that can help in hair care. These herbs contain other substances that can help treating hair conditions:
Algae extract: Its curative power is derived from high levels of vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. Some seaweed such as Himathalia Elongata and Atlantic Kelp are often used in hair remedies.
Aloe vera: It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, which can effectively neutralize free radicals and its unfavorable effects. Aloe vera gel seals in the hair moisture and restores the pH balance.
Ginkgo biloba: It contains substances that encourage blood flow under the scalp, which helps to deliver important nutrients to the hair follicles
Dong quai: It contains phytoestrogen, which inhibit the production of DHT
Channeled wrack: It contains potent antioxidants called isoflavones, which can help to renew and revitalize the scalp. The plant can also directly inhibit the testosterone binding factors.
Horsetail: It contains plenty of silica, which can repair connective skin tissues.
Fo-Ti: Researches showed that it can induce the growth of terminal hair, not only fine hair. The plant can also restore the original hair colors.
Ginseng: Its active substances are historically used to regulate cellular metabolism and promote vascular circulation, two benefits that can improve the effectiveness of traditional hair remedies.
Saw Palmetto: It directly neutralizes the effects of DHT, which means the plant can be used to treat both hair and prostate problems.
Possible problems of using herbs
Although herbs are believed to be safe, they can still cause problems when used improperly or if balding individuals have other underlying health conditions:
Aloe vera: Excessive, prolonged use of aloe vera may cause damages to liver
Ginkgo biloba: Some people reported headache and mild stomach upset after using ginkgo biloba. Because ginkgo has blood thinning properties, you shouldnt use it with aspirin and any nonstereoidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It shouldnt also be given to people who take anti-seizure drugs, such as Phenobarbital, carbamazepine and asphenytoin.
Ginseng: Improper use can cause excessive elevation in blood pressure and nosebleeds on some people. Pregnant women who also have hair conditions shouldnt take ginseng. On some people, ginseng can cause insomnia, nervousness, tremors and headaches. People who take aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anticoagulants shouldnt take ginseng.
Saw palmetto: Because it directly affects testosterone production, balding men who take saw palmetto may experience lower sexual drive.
by: Monina Burn
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