Alopecia totalis is the loss of all scalp hair. Sometimes hair loss is genetic (androgenic alopecia), but it can also occur from stress, psoriasis, a variety of drugs (those for blood pressure and cholesterol, for example), hormonal imbalances, kidney disease, thyroid deficiency, and more. Nutritional deficiencies (including anorexia and bulimia) can also impede the cell proliferation and division of hair. One frequent cause of male balding is excessive production of the hormones androgen and testosterone. Both of these hormones can cause the hair follicle to shrink. In men, hair loss patterns typically follow the maternal rather than paternal side. Though it is most common in men, hair loss can also be experienced by women. Here’s how natural remedies can help minimize hair loss.
HERBS THAT PROMOTE HAIR GROWTH
Many herbs have been used to improve hair growth and diminish hair loss. For all of these herbs, mix a blend of your choice and drink three cups of tea from them daily:
• Nettles and oat straw, with their high mineral content, are good for women and men with hair loss.
• Burdock root is a nutritive herb that helps break up fatty deposits that can obstruct bodily functions, including hair growth.
• Horsetail is rich in the minerals silica and selenium, which helps promote good scalp circulation.
• Rosemary improves circulation to the scalp and all other parts of the body.
• Licorice root prevents testosterone from becoming dihydrotestosterone, which is a substance believed to damage hair follicles, thus curbing hair loss in men.
• Saw palmetto also prevents the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Schizandra berries were widely used among the royalty of ancient China as a youth preserver, beautifier, and sexual tonic. They nourish the kidney essence, calm the liver, purify the blood, and promote radiant skin and hair. They are both astringent and demulcent, having the ability to both dry and moisten the system as needed.
FOLK REMEDIES FOR HAIR LOSS
If the hair roots are still alive, rubbing a clove of garlic or a piece of onion (preferably when sleeping alone!) over the scalp before bed increases circulation and encourages hair growth. The scalp can be first warmed with a steaming towel to be even more effective. Shampoo and condition in the morning..
You can also take fresh-peeled ginger dipped in brandy and rub it over the balding area, or mix castor oil with equal amounts of fresh onion juice, cover with a scarf and leave on overnight. Do this for two consecutive weeks.
Applying tincture of cayenne to the balding area of the scalp also increases circulation and stimulates hair growth. Keep it away from the eyes and mouth.
Aloe vera gel can be applied to the scalp until it tingles fully. This stimulates the hair follicles and promotes thick, full hair.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
Sudden hair loss can be a sign of serious health changes and should be discussed with a competent health professional.
Other folk remedies to use to stimulate hair growth and stop hair loss include applying fresh stinging nettles to the balding area by lightly beating them on the head. Be aware that this can cause a rash and irritation that lasts up to 24 hours, yet can be very helpful. I would never suggest such a harebrained idea, except it is valid part of European herbal practice, and my own husband since 1978 has done this many times and still has beautiful hair.
I personally know of three men who have told me the following remedy worked for them: Buff your fingernails against each other in a circular motion. Do this five minutes at a time, three times daily. This sure beats biting your nails and is also said to help slow down hair loss and graying.
BEST FOODS FOR HEALTHY HAIR
Soybeans help to block the formation of dihydrotestosterone, a hormone associated with hair loss. They are best when fermented in the form of unpasteurized miso or nama shoyu tamari.
Eat a diet that tonifies the kidneys such as black and kidney beans, chia seeds, black sesame seeds, wild rice, and sun cured olives, all rich sources of trace minerals.
Eat silicon-rich foods such as kelp and onions. Also eat the outer (organic) skin of cucumbers and red peppers for their high silica content, a nutrient needed for healthy hair.
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
Use an apple cider vinegar rinse (1/3 cup [80 ml] vinegar, 2/3 cup [160 ml] water). Pour on after rinsing your shampoo off and leave on. The vinegar smell will leave when your hair dries. This works as a great antifungal agent.
Other good foods include cabbage, kale, watercress, cauliflower, raspberries, parsnips, cranberries, Brussels sprouts, oats, onions, nuts, buckwheat, barley, nutritional yeast, almonds, seaweeds, and seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower. These foods are high in hair-healthy nutrients such as sulfur, protein, B vitamins, and zinc.
Finally, drink juices of beet, carrot, nettle, and spinach with a bit of onion to help improve circulation to the body (including the scalp) and provide a variety of trace minerals.
Thrifty Cure!
Coloring the scalp in thin areas of hair with a soft eyebrow pencil can minimize the visibility of hair loss until natural remedies have a chance to take effect.
KEEP IN MIND
To preserve hair, don’t shampoo every day as it causes more hair to fall out. Wear the hair loose to avoid pulling at the scalp.
Spend about 20 minutes daily lying on a slant board to allow increased blood flow to the scalp. You can also consider yoga postures such as the shoulder stand or headstands as they improve blood flow to the scalp. However, note that these are advanced poses and should not be attempted unless you are familiar with yoga.
Let go of negative thought patterns. Rather than saying, “I’m losing all my hair,” try “I’m taking better care of myself. My hair will grow thick.” Bald can also be beautiful!
Skip This!
Avoid a diet high in heated fats and refined sugar. Hydrogenated oils are likely to clog the pores. Minimize alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and refined carbohydrate consumption, which all cause the body to become overly acidic and unhealthy.
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
Here is a super smoothie you can drink daily to help promote hair growth:
1 cup (235 ml) raw almond milk
1 ripe banana
1 tablespoon (6 g) nutritional yeast
1/2 cup (32 g) raw pumpkin seeds
1/2 teaspoon bee pollen
1/2 teaspoon sea kelp
1 tablespoon (20 g) blackstrap molasses
Whiz in the blender until smooth and then enjoy.
This Natural Hair Loss Treatment article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
