We use herbs, plants, and berries for just about every part of our body - internally and externally, but did you know that they can be just as beneficial for your hair?
In ancient civilizations, cultures depended on natural substances, such as clay, salts, herbs, plants, and fruit, of the Earth for their daily beauty regimen.
With the use of these products, our ancestors understood nature’s potential in the advancement toward optimal hair and skin care.
Hair is a part of the body's integumentary system that serves a sensory function and can help protect the body from cold temperatures and ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
However, hair growth can be affected by various factors such as stress, genetics, life stage, or certain health conditions. Proper nutrient intake, including micronutrients, protein, and fats, can help maintain healthy hair and promote growth.
Diet and Hair Health
When it comes to hair care, keep in mind that the hair is nourished, at the root, by what you consume, and this nourishment can easily be altered depending on your state of health.
Diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disease, excess estrogen, iron deficiency, and poor circulation could destroy the hair follicles and scalp tissue, resulting in hair loss, dryness, and infestations.
Diets with excessive hormones (commonly found in non-organic animal foods, dairy, and non-organic fruit and vegetables) may also result in poor hair health. Excessive consumption of these food items is thought to cause the galea tissue of the scalp to thicken and reduce the blood supply to that area, resulting in hair thinning and baldness.
To prevent these issues, I like to increase intake of foods that reduce hair dysfunction and promote hair growth such as:
veggies like asparagus, cabbage, onions, spinach, and kelp
fruit like fig, strawberries and tomatoes
grains like millet, buckwheat, oat and rice
seeds like sesame and hemp
Naturopathy for Hair
Some of the most sought goals in using natural products include stimulation of the scalp, improvement of scalp blood circulation, and the promotion of healthy hair growth. I like to use herbs, oils and supplements to help me do this.
Herbs for Hair Health
My favorite herbs for use in shampoo, moisturizers and oil treatments include:
Chamomile to treat dandruff, promote hair growth, and enhance shine.
Nettle & Rosemary to stimulate hair follicles and treat dandruff.
Calendula to strengthen hair by increasing collagen production and circulation in hair follicles.
Comfrey to prevent dryness and nourish the scalp with vitamins and antioxidants.
Basil to improve blood circulation to the scalp.
Peppermint to increase blood flow to hair follicles.
Burdock Root to nourish the scalp and encourage healthy hair growth, while treating dry, itchy scalp.
Lavender to treat dandruff and reduce itchiness associated with dry scalp and infestations.
Tea Tree to treat dry scalp, dandruff, and infestations.
I use these herbs by combining them with astringents, apple cider vinegar, butters, or oils.
Direct application of the herbs to hair ensures that I receive many nutrients, vitamins, electrolytes, and minerals needed for good growth!
Oils
My oil choices that promote moisture retention and hair strengthening include:
Castor Oil
Sweet Almond Oil
Jojoba Oil infused With Rosemary
I have heard that hemp, burdock root and moringa oil can be used as well!
Supplements for Scalp Nourishment
Supplements deliver the necessary vitamins (vital minerals) and other nutrients to nourish the scalp properly. Nutrients needs to properly nourish the scalp include things like minerals like zinc, amino acids like L-Cysteine, L-Methionine, Glutathione, and Ornithine and other nutrients like B6, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
My favorite multi nutrient supplement is:
Take Away
With any regimen, it is important to maintain the mind, body, and soul, as all three must be in working order to ensure optimal health of every organ, tissue, and cell.
Taking advantage of natural substances and focusing on prevention is the key to achieving maximum wellness. If you work hard to prevent the onset of dis-ease, you lower your risk of chronic issues at an older age and intensely improve your quality of life!
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