Flaxseed Oil & Hair Growth

Flaxseed and flaxseed oil has been used for centuries as a healing herb, but it has become more widely known in recent years as fitness gurus and health experts tout its healthy benefits for everything from preventing heart disease to regularity to alleviating high blood pressure. Flaxseed is a rich source of essential fatty acids (EFAs), including Omega-3s, which have been shown to promote healthy hair and nail growth.

• Promote Healthy Hair

Function

• The body needs EFAs in order to function properly, yet it is unable to manufacture them on its own, so oily, cold water fish like salmon and flaxseeds are an excellent source. In addition to its ability to promote healthy hair growth, the EFAs found in flaxseeds are also believed to:
  • Treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and sunburn
  • Minimize internal inflammation caused by conditions such as gout or lupus
  • Protect against heart disease by lowering cholesterol and controlling high blood pressure
  • Control gastrointestinal problems like constipation and inflammatory bowel disease
  • Minimize nerve damage that leads to numbness and tingling in extremities
  • Reduce risk of various cancers
  • Treat gynecological issues such as menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, endometriosis and infertility
  • Treat male prostate problems, infertility and impotence
  • Guard against the effects of aging

History

• First cultivated in Europe, flaxseeds were once a source of fiber for making fabric. It is unclear at what point its therapeutic properties were discovered, but it was regularly used to treat inflamed skin and constipation. Since these ancient times, EFAs have been found to work as a powerful anti-oxidant, protecting cells from damaging substances.

Identification

• Flaxseed itself is a small teardrop-shaped seed that comes in varying shades of brown and is usually sold in small to medium bulk packaging. Flaxseed oil should be found refrigerated in dark bottles to protect it from exposure to light.

The Facts

• Flaxseed is best ingested ground, rather than whole as it is difficult for the body to digest and receive the full therapeutic value of a whole flaxseed. Whenever possible, buy it whole and grind right before using in a small food or coffee grinder. It can be found easily in international farmer's markets and better grocery stores. Flaxseed oil may be a bit more difficult to source but can be found in whole food markets and other all-natural or herb stores.

Types

• The seed comes in two varieties, golden and brown, but they are fundamentally the same in regards to therapeutic value. Golden is often a bit pricier as is the oil versus seed form.

How It Works

• The Omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil have been shown to contribute to healthy hair growth, and it is believed that low levels of these acids may be one cause of dry hair. Dr. Andrew Weil states that one sign of an omega-3 deficiency is dry hair and skin, as well as frequent urination and excessive thirst. Because flaxseed oil is shown to alleviate the effects of psoriasis and eczema, it may also be able to repair or prevent hair damage resulting from these conditions.
  Along with proper diet and other supplements, Karen Marie Shelton of Hair Boutique.com recommends one tablespoon of flaxseed oil daily to promote healthy hair growth.

Warning

• Pregnant women, men with prostate cancer or women with certain cancers should not take flaxseed without approval from a doctor. Flaxseed is also called linseed but do not use commercially available linseed oil found in hardware stores as this is not for human consumption. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is responsible for regulating drugs, may find these claims to be unsubstantiated. However, the FDA is notorious for not recognizing the benefits of non-chemical-based, natural products. Flaxseed oil should not be heated; use it in smoothies and as a topping on salad.