Herbs for Female Hair Regrowth

Alopecia or thinning, brittle, dry or falling hair often is the result of hereditary patterns, hormonal changes in the body, stress or poor nutrition. Many medications including blood thinners, beta blockers, cancer therapies and anti-cholesterol drugs can cause thinning hair. Hair loss also can result from damage caused by harsh chemicals, over-styling and heat from hair dryers and styling tools. Many women who suffer from Alopecia have successfully used healing herbs to regrow their hair.

Burdock

• Burdock (arctium lappa) root oil, also called bur oil, has been used for centuries to promote hair regrowth. Hair grows from tiny follicles (bulb-shaped appendages embedded in the scalp). The majority of follicles are active, growing hair. However, 10 to 15 percent of the follicles are at rest at any given time. A dormant follicle sheds its hair after several months and then resumes hair production. Each day, we shed as many as a 100 hairs of the more than 100,000 hairs on our head. If an excessive number of hair follicles are resting or are damaged or destroyed, replacement is unbalanced and eventually evidenced as thin or falling hair. Burdock oil stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, and the blood brings vital nutrients to the hair follicle. Burdock or bur oil is massaged into the scalp nightly to encourage new hair growth.

Lavender

• Native to the Mediterranean, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis) can be found growing in temperate climates worldwide. For centuries, lavender has been used to promote hair growth and to soothe scalp irritations and the symptoms of dandruff. Place several sprigs of lavender in a glass jar and cover with extra virgin olive oil. Allow to age for several days. Warm a bit of the oil and use to massage the scalp. Leave the oil on overnight or apply one to two hours before shampooing. Lavender essential oil also is added to shampoos and conditioners. Lavender can be simmered in water and the cooled water used as a daily hair rinse.

Rosemary

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is generally believed to slow or even permanently stop premature hair loss and gray hair, It has proved to be one of the most effective herbs used in hair regrowth and restoration. Rosemary's ability to retain hair color is most effective on dark hair. For centuries, Rosemary has been used by herbal practitioners to treat thinning hair. Fresh rosemary leaves were placed under pillows in the belief that the herb would prevent baldness. Modern rosemary applications include rinses, essential oils and organic shampoos and conditioners that include rosemary as a primary ingredient. Rosemary-infused apple cider vinegar is added to rain water to create a stimulating scalp rinse. Add two tbsp. of the mixture to one quart of water and use as a finishing rinse daily. Rosemary may cause irritation of the skin in some people. Test by applying essential oil on a small spot on the wrist or inner arm before applying on your entire scalp.

Stinging Nettle

• Stinging nettle (Urtica diocia) is a perennial wild herb found all across the United States that is used to prevent baldness and regrow lost hair. Stinging nettle essential oil is used in shampoos, conditioners and hair regrowth treatments.

Rehmannia

• Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa), a perennial herb with profuse flowers that can range from yellow to burgundy, is a primary hair regrowth herb in many organic hair remedies. Rehmannia is planted as an ornamental in both cottage gardens and urban landscapes in North America and Europe. Essential oil derived from the plant is added to olive oil and used as a scalp massage lubricant. Saturate the roots of the hair with rehmannia oil and wrap your head in a hot, moist towel. Leave the hair wrapped until cooled and shampoo with an organic baby shampoo.