Natural Alopecia Herbal Treatment Assists with Hair Loss & Balding

Hair growth happens in stages. The growing stage can last up to 6 years with hair growing at a rate of about one centimeter a month. After this, the hair goes into a resting phase of about three months and then falls out. At any one time, about 90% of the hair on your head is in the growth phase and about 10% in the resting phase before falling out.

We all lose hair every day. This is a natural and healthy occurrence. However, sometimes hair loss becomes excessive and then it is important to find out what is causing it. The health of your hair is a good indicator of the health of your body. When hair loss becomes excessive, it is important to find out what is causing it so that you can also treat the underlying problem.

There are many causes of hair loss, including:

• Aging (e.g. male pattern baldness)
• Harsh chemicals (e.g. hair coloring, incorrect brushing and tight hair bands or rollers)
• Smoking
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Thyroid problems
• After effects of pregnancy
• Dietary deficiencies
• Fungal infections of the scalp
• Side Effects of medication (e.g. anticoagulants, gout medication, antidepressives, contraceptives and excess Vitamin A)
• Reaction to illness of major surgery (hair may fall out up to three months afterwards)
• Reaction to chemotherapy
• Rarely, hair loss may be an early symptom of disease like diabetes or lupus.

Treatment will usually involve management of the underlying causes. For example, if you are taking medication that causes the hair loss, your doctor may change to another medication which will not have the same side effect (tip - most natural remedies avoid this complication!). If it is found that you have a medical condition which is responsible for the hair loss (e.g. thyroid problems) then treating the condition will often reverse the hair loss. Each case is different and the underlying causes should always determine how your particular problem is handled medically.

Once the cause has been found, there may be a number of different ways of treating it, ranging from a change in medication, treating an underlying medical condition and using products to promote hair growth.

Male pattern baldness is hormonal in origin. Young men have relatively high amounts of a hormone called testosterone in their bodies. As they grow older, the testosterone levels fall due to the presence of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT effects the hair follicles and slows down hair production, producing weak, shorter hair and even stops the hair follicle from producing hair at all. Over time, this causes balding.

While this is perfectly normal and many men come to accept that a balding or bald head does not affect their attractiveness, others have difficulty in accepting the change and seek treatment. This can range from using prescription drugs like finasteride (which inhibits 5-alpha reductase) or Minoxidil to expensive hair implants.

Natural remedies can help hair grow stronger and more plentifully by nourishing it at the roots, stimulating blood flow and the supply of nutrients to the hair follicles and thereby promoting healthy hair growth and slowing down excessive hair loss. This can be done by treating the problem systemically (using herbal medicines internally) and topically (massaging natural essential oils onto the scalp for their hair stimulating and nourishing properties).

• Ginkgo biloba: - is a powerful herb from the Far East and has been grown in temple gardens for thousands of years. Its medicinal properties have only been discovered by the West during the last 20 years, where clinical studies have indicated its effectiveness in restoring the functioning of the circulatory system and improving blood flow to the brain and all parts of the body. Ginkgo also acts as an anti-oxidant, helping to prevent free radical damage and premature aging. Active ingredients include flavone glycosides (including ginkgolide), bioflavins, sitosterol, lactones and anthocyanin.
• Rosmarinus officinale: - is a herb which originated in the Mediterranean and is regarded in folklore as a symbol of remembrance, for good reason. It is an excellent tonic and system energizer and has a therapeutic effect on the circulatory system, also improving peripheral and systemic blood flow, thereby allowing nutrient rich blood to reach the hair follicles.
• Xanthoxylum clavaherculis: - is a circulatory stimulant and promotes blood flow to the extremities.
• Equisetum arvense: - is rich in minerals, especially silica, which is an important part of all connective tissues in the body, as well as hair and nails
• Achillea millifolium: - is a circulatory stimulant and tonic
• Avena sativa: - is a restorative nerve tonic which is also used for thyroid or estrogen deficiency
• Echinacea purpurea: - has gained worldwide fame for its antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties and is an excellent antibiotic alternative and lymphatic tonic.

Dosage: Dilute 15 drops in about 1/4 cup water or juice three times daily.

Caution: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.

Note: For best results, use with ReGrow Scalp Massage Oil.

• Scientists have found a link between smoking and hair loss - another reason to quit! (See our Stop Smoking Natural Remedies)
• Add Flaxseed Oil or Evening Primrose Oil to your daily supplements
• Make sure you have sufficient (not too much!) Vitamin A and a good Vitamin B complex
• Zinc and Copper are important trace elements to promote healthy hair growth.
• Eat a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruit and raw vegetables.
• Avoid harsh hair chemicals or heat from hair dryers or heated rollers.
• Protect your hair from the sun by using a hat.