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Herbs to Decrease Graying Hair

While some welcome gray hair as a sign of maturity, others would rather remain immature. For those who want to reduce gray hair while avoiding harsh chemicals, the natural, herbal route may be the way to go. Although rarely endorsed by the medical community, there are a few herbs thought to reduce or even reverse gray hair.

  1. He-shou-wu

    • Christopher Gussa, a contributor for Natural News, describes He-shou-wu as one of only 60 medicinal plants known as superior tonic herbs. The herb is used in Chinese herbal medicine to prevent premature aging by improving kidney and liver functions. It is also said to nourish the blood and fortify muscles, tendons and bones. William Rudolph, also of Natural News, expounds on the virtues of He-shou-wu and specifically its applications for gray hair. Rudolph states gray hair is a sign of weak kidney and liver red blood cells. He-shou-wu works to improve liver and kidney red blood cells and reduce liver fat. These actions stimulate blood circulation in the scalp and produce melanin, which keeps hair dark. Rudolph said consumers should use caution when purchasing He-shou-wu, as some brands are inferior to others. Rudolph states that the herb should have been growing for at least four years before it is prepared. The herb's root should then be sliced and boiled in a soup of black beans and then made into a powder. Rudolph says that if the He-shou-wu supplements purchased are not prepared in this way they are of inferior quality.

    Bringaraja

    • Herbs for gray hair are not limited to Chinese medicine. Skin Sheen states that herbs recommended in Indian medicine have been shown to help with graying hair. Indian medicine associates hair with physical and mental stress. In India, the herb bringaraja is used to enhance the "energies" of the liver and kidneys. Bringaraja is also used in hair oils and tonics applied directly to the scalp.

    Fo-ti

    • Fo-ti is a root in the knot weed family found in China. Fo-ti can be either dried or cured, which leads to different applications. The unprocessed root is used to relax bowels and detoxify blood, according to All Natural. The processed root strengthens blood and, much like He-shou-wu, invigorates the liver and kidneys. It is a common ingredient in Chinese formulas for premature gray hair and lower back pain.

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