| Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens).
This remains my top choice, although you might want to use a combination of approaches
that includes an anti-baldness medication such as minoxidil (Rogaine) or finasteride
(Proscar). Biochemistry supports saw palmetto. We know that DHT kills off the hair
follicles, and taking this herb internally blocks the formation of DHT. If it turns out
that saw palmetto helps prevent hair loss, it would be the herb for men, since
studies have shown that it also helps prevent prostate enlargement. Research |
| Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra).
Licorice contains one compound that prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT. You
could prepare a baldness-prevention shampoo by adding licorice to your favorite shampoo
when you shower. Research |
| Rosemary
(Rosmarinus
officinalis). For centuries, if not
millennia, both men and women have massaged their scalps with rosemary in jojoja oil to
keep their hair lush and healthy. Is there anything to really recommend this practice,
besides wishful thinking? Massaging the scalp certainly stimulates circulation and
encourages hair growth, according to Wilma F. Bergfeld, M.D., of the Cleveland Clinic
Foundation in Ohio. Naturopaths often suggest nightly scalp massage with one part rosemary
oil and two parts almond oil. (click here for more information) |
| Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and sage (Salvia
officinalis). Danshen is actually Asian
red sage. In folklore, both danshen and native sage have long-standing reputations as hair
preservers. In this country, people frequently used sage extracts in hair rinses and
shampoos. The herb allegedly had the ability to prevent hair loss and maintain hair color.
This folk use of herbs is unlikely to cause any harm, so I suggest that you try adding a
few teaspoons of sage tincture to your favorite shampoo. |
| Horsetail (Equisetum,
various species). The minerals selenium and silicon both help promote
circulation to the scalp, and as a result, they help maintain hair, according to
naturopathic physicians. Both minerals abound in horsetail. I'd try adding a teaspoon or
so of dried horsetail to herbal teas, but you should check with a holistic practitioner
before using this herb. Research |
| Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica).
Tincture of nettle leaf can help prevent balding
in those with thinning hair, according to Rudolf Fritz Weiss, M.D., the dean of German
herbal physicians and author of Herbal Medicine. I don't know of any studies
supporting this, but I respect Dr. Weiss. Perhaps his endorsement of nettle is a remnant
of the Doctrine of Signatures, which was the idea that a plant's appearance announces its
medicinal value. Nettle is a hairy plant, so the doctrine would endorse its use for hair
problems. On the other hand, maybe there will be some other evidence to recommend this
herb for balding. The more researchers look at nettle, the more uses they seem to find.
Taking a teaspoon or two of tincture a day--or one or two cups of nettle tea--certainly
shouldn't hurt. |
| Glutathion
(amino acid). Glutathione help prevent the formation of pexozidized oil on the
scalp, which left unchecked, can clog hair follicles. |
| Biotin
(B-vitamins). Biotin is an essential hair growth nutrient. Research |
| Vitamin
C and L-Cysteine (amino acid). Helps hair to become thicker, stronger
with less hair breakage and hair loss.Research |
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Product Recommendations |
|
- The Bodybuilder
- Aids hair that is: Fine, Limp, Weak. The
Bodybuilder provides a combination of protein and Vitamin C, essential nutrients for the
maintenance of good hair health & vitality. These important nutrients are the primary
elements for hair elasticity which provides strength, youthful, texture and resiliency for
hair. Great for strong nails and for fighting wrinkles.
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|
- New Re-Born
- Aids hair that is: Thinning, Falling out,
Balding. New Re-Born provides a blend of essential nutrients to promote healthy hair
growth, and also assist in the prevention of peroxidation of oil formation on the scalp.
These oils can clog pores and effect the health and development of hair follicles.
|
|
- Healthy Glo
- Aids hair that is: Dull, Dry, Brittle, Slow
Growing. Healthy Glo provides a blend of essential nutrients to not only promote healthy
hair growth, but also assists in adding shine, and healthier looking texture to the hair.
Can also be used for dry skin.
|
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- Pure Rosemay oil extract. Antiseptic,
promotes cell growth for dry, aged skin. Scalp stimulant to help dandruff, dry scalp and
hair growth.
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