Natural Remedies for Growing Hair Back

Natural remedies for growing hair back can avoid some of the complications of transplants and other processes. Hair loss is something that happens to most men and many women but the process can be prevented, slowed or even reversed in some cases.

Natural hair loss remedies come in various forms and the best results are likely to come from using more than one.

Massage

Scalp massage can stimulate hair growth where the loss is temporary or not severe, and can help to prevent further loss of hair. Gently massage the full scalp with your fingertips for about three minutes each day. Be careful not to scratch the scalp with your nails or damage any growing hair.

Massage with jojoba oil will provide the scalp with B and E vitamins plus many minerals that will give hair a boost. Jojoba oil is particularly effective if you have a tendency to skin problems, such as dandruff, eczema and psoriasis, or oily hair.

A Chinese form of massage said to stimulate the follicles involves tapping the scalp with the fingers of both hands. Beginning in the middle of the base of the skull at the back, tap about 20 times then move the tapping slowly upward and outward around the ears. Then begin again at the back a little higher than where you started before. Repeat until you have covered the whole scalp, finishing at the front.

Nutrition and Supplements

The hair requires a full balance of vitamins and minerals to grow healthily. Most of us do not get all that we need from our diets. Increasing your intake of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables to around ten varied portions a day will go a long way toward rectifying any deficiencies.

Make sure that you are getting enough of these nutrients in particular:

Vitamin A
All B vitamins, especially B6 and B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zinc
Iron
Copper
Iodine
Essential fatty acids

If any of the above nutrients are deficient in your diet you can either look for foods that contain more of them (best option) or take supplements, except for vitamin A which should always be supplied from food. The best food sources of vitamin A are orange and red vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkin, red pepper, etc, ,or dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach.

Men should pay particular attention to the amount of zinc in their diet because it is very important for the prostate. It is vital to have enough, but too much can cause problems.

Herbal Remedies

Men may find the herbal treatment Saw Palmetto useful in treating hair loss. This is believed to have an action on the prostate, which is involved in typical male pattern baldness. Be careful not to take too much because if the male hormones that lead to hair loss are reduced too far, breast tissue can develop.

Stress Relief

Stress can cause hair loss, so, therefore, anything you can do to reduce stress or anxiety in your life is likely to have a beneficial effect on your hair. Try meditation or practice relaxation techniques for ten minutes each morning, preferably after exercise. Regular exercise will both reduce stress and create a healthier skin and scalp.

These solutions may help in cases for male pattern baldness and age-related hair loss in women. They do not constitute a health treatment or cure. If your hair loss is related to health problems or medication or has an unknown cause, it is best not to rely on natural remedies for growing hair back, You should see your doctor.

For more information about inexpensive, natural programs to reverse hair loss, read my review of the two best programs I've found to reverse hair loss at my blog Reverse Hair Loss.

The 12 Most Frequently Recommended Herbal Remedies

Jennifer Newell of Health News lists the twelve most recommended herbal remedies and how to use them.

... While it is recommended that doctors be consulted before integrating herbal remedies into a daily regimen or treating a condition, most herbs are self-explanatory, as they give dosage instructions and recommended length of ingestion on the labels. Most importantly, when taking herbs, pay special attention to the body and any signs it gives that a particular treatment is not working; if the body rejects the option, it might be time to try another alternative, even if it is along the Western medicine route.

The top herbal remedy and one of the most well-known in modern society is the use of aloe vera for burns, whether the minor burns occur as a result of sun exposure or a kitchen accident. The actual aloe vera leaf is the most effective, rather than store-bought products, and the potted plant is simple to maintain with water. Read more

Herbal and Natural Remedies for Hair Loss

Though expensive pharmaceutical and surgical treatments for hair loss now exist, why not first try herbal and natural remedies for hair loss first? You should be able to determine with a few months if they're working for you or not. The pharmaceutical advertisements don't promise results any sooner than that either.

The most important cause of loss of hair is inadequate nutrition. Even a partial lack of almost any nutrient may cause hair to fall. Persons lacking in vitamin B6 lose their hair and those deficient in folic acid often become completely bald. But the hair grows normally after the liberal intake of these vitamins. Other important causes of loss of hair are stress such as worry, anxiety, and sudden shock; general debility caused by severe or long standing illnesses like typhoid, syphilis, chronic cold, influenza, and anemia, an unclean condition of the scalp which weakens the hair roots by blocking the pores with the collected dirt; and heredity. Read more

The Top 9 Herbs for Better Sleep

Insomnia can make falling asleep difficult, wake you up in the middle of the night, or awaken you way too early in the morning. Insomnia can be naturally relieved with herbal teas, infusions, and baths. The following nine herbs can aid in getting to sleep and staying asleep.

1) California poppy (Escholtzschia californica). California poppy is a sedative and sleep-promoting herb which can currently be found in a variety of herbal remedies for promoting sleep, helping one to relax, and easing mild anxiety. Because of its mild sedative and analgesic properties, it can be given safely to children. Clinical research on California poppy has clearly demonstrated the plant's sedative and anti-anxiety properties. It has been shown to improve both sleep latency and quality.

2) Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis). Chamomile is a time-honored sedative herb which can be safely used by children and adults alike. Chamomile tea is commonly used in Europe, South America, and Mexico for insomnia and restlessness combined with irritability, particularly in children.

3) Hops (Humulus lupulus). In the early 1900s, physicians used hops as a sedative specifically for insomnia due to worry or nerve weakness. Hops, a major ingredient of beer, has a long history of use for sleeplessness, nervousness, and restlessness. Hops pillows are sometimes used for mild insomnia.

4) Kava kava (Piper methysticum). Kava is the national drink of Fiji and is popular throughout the South Seas. It imparts a calm feeling, relaxes the body, and sometimes enhances communication and dreaming. This sedative herb is often used for sleeplessness and fatigue.

5) Lavender (Lavandula officinalis). Lavender is a gentle strengthening tonic for the nervous system. A few drops of lavender oil added to a bath before bedtime are recommended for persons with sleep disorders. Additionally, the oil may be used as a compress or massage oil or simply inhaled to alleviate insomnia.

6) Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). Herbalists consider passion flower an important herb for insomnia caused by mental worry, overwork, or nervous exhaustion. In England it is an ingredient in forty different commonly-sold sedative preparations. Passion flower is used for minor sleep problems in both children and adults. It is an excellent sedative with no side effects even when used in large doses.

7) St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum). This common yellow-flowered weedy herb from Europe is quickly becoming an important part of modern herbal medicine. It has a long history of use dating back to ancient Greek times. Modern scientific studies show that it can help relieve chronic insomnia and mild depression when related to certain brain chemistry imbalances. Because this herb can sensitize the skin to sunlight, if you are taking a full dose, avoid direct skin exposure to bright sunlight.

8) Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Herbalists use valerian extensively for its sedative action against insomnia, nervousness, and restlessness. It is recommended for those type of people who have a hard time falling asleep, because it shortens sleep latency. It also reduces nighttime waking. Valerian is an excellent herbal sedative that has none of the negative side effects of Valium and other synthetic sedatives. It works well in combination with other sedative herbs, such as California poppy, skullcap, hops, and passion flower.

9) Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa). Wild lettuce is a mild sedative and nervine used for restlessness and insomnia. It may be found in a variety of formulas for the treatment of acute and chronic insomnia. It is used homeopathically for restlessness and insomnia. Because of its safety of use and calming effects, wild lettuce is a good children’s remedy.

Unless otherwise specified, for insomnia, take one or two cupfuls of an infusion or decoction in the evening about 30-60 minutes before bedtime. An additional cup can be taken in the night if you wake up. Where a remedy that will not make you drowsy is indicated for conditions associated with insomnia, you can take it three times a day.

Reduce the dosage of herbs taken by mouth by a quarter for children under five years old and by a half for children under twelve. Consult a professional herbalist and your doctor before administering any herbs to children.

To get FREE access to the exclusive series "What Are the 7 Biggest Mistakes Most Insomniacs Make?" click here. To read my review of the two best resources for better sleep you can choose, go to my blog Better Sleep.

The Top Herbs for Hair Loss

Because hair is an important part of appearance, hair loss can result in loss of self-esteem and feeling unattractive, especially in women and younger men. Hair loss sufferers spend billion of dollars annually on remedies ranging from drugs to vitamins to special tonics and shampoos. Though drugs sometimes are effective, many people are wary of their potential side effects and concerned about the ongoing expense. This has led to increased interest in alternative remedies such as herbal medicine.

There are eight herbs that have long been believed to reduce the rate of hair loss and, at the same time, stimulate hair regrowth.

1) Dong Quai (Chinese Angelica)

Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese herb that is used to stop hair loss and even regrow hair. Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens, which reduces the formation of DHT, the main cause of hair loss in men.

2) Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is a very popular herbal remedy that is thought to help with many problems, among them improving the circulation of blood to the brain and skin. The majority of herbalists who recommend this herb for hair loss do so believing that the increase of blood to the brain and skin delivers more nutrients to the hair follicles and so promotes hair regrowth.

3)Green Tea (Camellia Sinesis)

Green tea is another popular herbal remedy because it is believed that the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase is inhibited by the catechins found in the green tea. Some herbalists claim that you will reduce the risk of male pattern type baldness if you drink several cups of green tea or take it in capsule form on a daily basis.

4) He Shou Wu or Fo-Ti (Polygonum Multiflorum)

He Shou Wu is an ancient Chinese herb that has been used for centuries for hair loss and baldness. It is available in both tea and capsule form and is one of the main ingredients found in many commercial remedies for the treatment of hair loss. In a recent study published by American Botanical Council, the authors note that this Chinese botanical shows promise as a hair and color restorative and is capable of inducing terminal hair to grow instead of vellus hair (the fine baby hair growth associated with use of minoxidil).

5) Panax Ginseng

Used in Asia for thousands of years, Ginseng’s well known benefits include promoting vascular circulation and regulating cellular metabolism. When used in shampoo or hair tonic, Ginseng helps to nourish and strengthen hair.

6) Pygeum (Pygeum Africanum)

Pygeum is taken from the bark of the evergreen tree and works in a very similar way to green tea. It has been used to treat problems with the prostrate for many years in China and can be found in pill or capsule form.

7) Saw Palmetto (Seranoa Repens)

Saw palmetto is a very popular choice for treating hair loss. Not only does it slow down the loss of hair, it also encourages the hair to regrow. In addition, Saw Palmetto has the ability to protect the prostrate.

8) Stinging Nettle (Urtica Diocia)

Stinging Nettle blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT. It can be bought in either pill or capsule form and is said to be more effective when used in combination with saw palmetto or pygeum.

The above eight herbs have been used by countless hair loss sufferers long before scientists started creating hair loss drugs or treatments. If you look around in a health food store or online, you will find that most herbal remedies for hair loss incorporate one or more of the above ingredients. These herbal hair loss solutions provide a feasible and safe option for men and women to treat their hair loss problem.

For more information about inexpensive, natural programs to reverse hair loss, read my review of the two best programs I've found to reverse hair loss at my blog http://reverse-hair-loss.blogspot.com.

Milk Thistle Herb Has Anti-Cancer Benefits

The milk thistle herb has long been used to protect the liver from the effects of alcohol. A recent study demonstrated that milk thistle also has anti-cancer benefits.

Recently, scientists demonstrated the anti-cancer effects of silibinin, a major biologically active compound of milk thistle. Being widely used as a folk remedy for liver diseases, milk thistle is safe and well-tolerated, and it protects the liver from drug or alcohol-related injury. Silibinin is highly purified from milk thistle, with a defined chemical structure and molecular weight (C₂₅H₂₂O₁₀, MW: 482.44).

The study was carried out by Dr. Ke-Qin Hu and his research team at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Hu is a well-experienced research scientist and physician in the field of hepatology. He has published over 70 scientific articles in various medical professional journals. Many of his scientific research publications are focused on viral hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, all of which have significantly contributed to our better understanding of common liver diseases.

Dr. Hu and his colleagues' discovery of silibilin's anti-liver cancer effects was recently published.*

The researchers found that silibilin can significantly reduce the growth of several human hepatoma cell lines. In addition, they demonstrated that silibinin mediates anti-liver cancer effects by: Read more

Herbs and Diet Treat Hair Loss

Hair loss is a problem that afflicts a majority of men eventually. If you decide to do something about it, are pharmaceuticals, surgery, or hairpieces the only solutions? Not necessarily.

Did you know that some instances of hair loss are triggered and further aggravated by unhealthy dietary habits? Why, treating hair loss, do we habitually choose to use expensive medications, such as Rogaine or Minoxidil, or turn to surgical procedures like hair transplants, without considering natural solutions? Read more