Hair loss is a familiar concern for many men and women. However, your hair may fall out for several reasons, from genetics and vitamin deficiencies to hormone changes. Some medical issues, like thyroid disease, may cause hair to thin or fall out. However, there is no supernatural bullet for growing hair. But some studies show that herbs may slow hair loss or help promote new growth. However, it is more important to note that much of the study has been done on animals. Additional studies are required to prove their effectiveness on humans.
Herbal hair oils
Hair oils, also known as hair tonics, are herbal extracts mixed in a carrier oil base. However, some hair oils may include multiple herbs and carrier oils. Popular carrier oils taken to make herbal oils are:-
- Coconut oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Walnut oil
- Olive oil
- Mineral oil
- Jojoba oil
- Wheat germ oil
However, some herbs taken in herbal hair oils are:-
- Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa Sinensis) is an evergreen shrub. Its vibrant edible flowers are often used to make herbal tea. However, it is thought to stimulate hair follicles, improve follicle size, and improve hair growth.
- Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri): It is also known as bacopa, a creeping herb used in Ayurveda medicine. However, it may contain alkaloids thought to activate proteins responsible for hair growth.
- Coat buttons (Tridax procumbent): It is a creeping Ayurvedic herb and member of the daisy family. However, it may contain antioxidants and assists hair growth on its own and in synergy with other herbs.
- Jatamansi (Nardostachys Jatamansi): It is a small shrub whose rhizomes may speed hair growth. However, it has been shown to improve hair growth in alopecia affected by chemotherapy.
- Ginseng (Panax ginseng): It is an age-old natural remedy for many situations, including hair loss. However, it may contain saponins, believed to improve air growth by inhibiting 5a reductase.
How to use
However, some herbal hair oils are formulated to use as a shampoo or as a leave-in hair treatment. The label will guide you on whether to use damp or dry hair.
Polyherbal ointments
Sometimes, it is known as herbal salves, which are usually made by combining herbs with oil like lanolin or petroleum jelly and water. However, other ointments may include beeswax or cocoa butter. Some herbs more useful in polyherbal creams are:-
- Gooseberry (Emblica Officinalis): It is an Ayurvedic herb. This herb is most beneficial in strengthening hair and promoting hair growth.
- Gotu kola (Centella Asiatica) is one of the most common Ayurvedic herbs. However, it is thought to improve hair length and stimulate growth.
- Aloe vera (A. Barbadensis Mill.): It is a tropical plant and a familiar folk remedy for burns and digestive issues.
- Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum): It is a fragrant, adaptogenic herb famous for its healing properties. However, it may support preventing hair loss affected by dandruff and itching or changes in hormonal levels.
How to use
Polyherbal ointments are usually appealing directly to your scalp. With the help of clean hands, massage the polyherbal cream into your scalp until absorbing as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Herbal creams
Herbal creams may contain less oil and more water than herbal ointments and are quickly absorbed by your skin. However, some of these herbal creams may include:-
- Giant dodder (Cuscuta Reflexa Roxb): According to 2008 research, the giant dodder is a sprawling, Ayurvedic plant that supports treating alopecia through steroid hormones by inhibiting the 5a reductase enzyme.
- Bitter apple (Citrullus Colocynthis): It is a desert, fruit-bearing plant primarily valuable for Ayurveda. However, it may contain glycosides; compounds thought to initiate hair growth.
- False Daisy (Eclipta alba): It is an herb primarily valuable for Ayurveda to improve hair growth. In a survey from 2014, false daisy supports tonic hair follicles and provokes a faster hair growth stage in nude mice.
- Night-flowering jasmine (Nyctanthes Arbortristis): According to a 2016 study, night-flowering jasmine initiates hair growth in rats and may be helpful against alopecia.
How to use
With the support of clean hands, massage the herbal hair cream into your scalp or apply it to hair from roots to tips as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Herbal gels
However, it may contain herbal extracts in a gel base. Typically, they do not have oil. There are some herbal gels to support healthy hair may include:-
- Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum): However, it is a pea family member. Fenugreek is a familiar cooking spice with potential hair-growing benefits. According to a study from 2006, seed extract increases hair volume and thickness in men and women with moderate hair loss.
- Marking nut (Semecarpus Anacardium): However, the nut plant is found in the sub-Himalayan area and is most helpful in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine to help hair grow. Most research is required on marking nut to determine their effectiveness and safety.
How to use
With the support of clean hands, massage the herbal gel into your scalp or apply it to your hair from roots to tips as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
