Herbal Hair Loss Remedies
Herbs hold an obvious appeal for many people because they support the natural healing mechanisms of the body to target the cause of the problem rather than addressing only the symptoms. It would be wrong to present the herbal hair loss as a panacea for all patients – there is growing evidence however to support the view that certain remedies herbal offer real hope for many people.
Consider the case for some of the more popular remedies to determine if they are worth trying.
Ginkyo biloba – this popular plant is thought to improve blood flow to the brain and skin. Herbalists believe that the increased blood flow to the brain area offers more nutrients to the hair follicle thus promoting hair regrowth. The recommended dose is 120-160mg of dry extract, twice each day for three doses.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) – it is believed that the catechins in green tea may inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone into hair-unfriendly DHT. It is considered effective in the prevention and treatment of male pattern baldness. You should drink several cups of green tea each day, or take it in capsule form as instructed by the manufacturer.
He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) – also known as Fo-Ti, this Chinese herb has traditionally been used to reduce hair loss. It is found in many commercial preparations or in tea and capsule form.
Pygeum (Pygeum africanum) – derived from the bark of a tree, it works similarly to green tea. It is widely used to treat prostate problems and male pattern baldness. Users should take 60-500mg per day in tablet or capsule.
Saw Palmetto (Serano repens) – this is the current treatment of choice for many men because of its ability to protect the prostate, slow hair loss and promote regrowth of hair. It is the central element of many commercially prepared treatments for hair loss, but can easily be obtained in pure form. The recommended dose is one 160mg capsule twice a day, but make sure the ingredients are made from the bay does not extract the dried berries themselves.
Nettle (Urtica diocia) – it has long been promoted as a way to prevent hair loss due to its ability to block the conversion of testosterone into DHT. It can be taken as tablets or capsules, with an optimal dose of 50-100mg per day. It is particularly effective when combined with Pygeum and Saw Palmetto.
