Hair loss is a dreaded topic to most. Although it is largely genetic, hair loss is also affected by mineral deficiencies, stress, medications, thyroid issues and hormonal imbalances. Around one third of the general population suffers from hair loss, but little do people know that out there, exists many herbs and plant foods for hair growth!
What if you could do something, or better yet, eat foods that are good for you in order to help prevent hair loss? Here are some foods and herbs you should be taking today before hair loss even becomes an issue for you!
Foods That Nourish The Hair Follicle and Scalp
Avocado, hemp, chia seeds, coconut
Essential fatty acids are crucial to the health of our scalp (as well as the rest of our body). Omega-3’s and 6’s in these fats help improve scalp circulation, nourish the hair follicle, prevent or reverse hair loss and increase the strength and thickness of our hair!
Berries, citrus fruits and red pepper
Getting enough vitamin C in your diet helps promote collagen production. Why is this important for hair health? Collagen surrounds the hair strands, but when we start to age, collagen breaks down, making the hair brittle and more vulnerable to breaking. Vitamin C rich foods include things like citrus fruits, berries, watermelon and red pepper.
Green leafy vegetables and figs
Increasing your consumption of iron-rich foods can significantly help the look, feel, and overall health of your hair. Iron is essential for hair growth, as it helps improve the quality of our blood and thus promotes wonderful circulation of blood around the scalp. For a list of iron rich plant foods click HERE.
Sea vegetables (kelp, dulse, nori)
Seaweeds contain the mineral iodine which improves the functioning of our thyroid and prevents hypothyroidism (a condition linked to thinning hair). Seaweeds like kelp, nori, dulse and wakame are great to add to salads and smoothies. Also try to avoid drinking tap water as it contains chlorine and fluoride which inhibit iodine absorption in the body.
Herbs for Hair Loss
Saw palmetto
The journal of alternative and complementary medicine featured a study which found that saw palmetto may increase hair growth in men. Men who took a daily 400 mg dose of a standardized extract of saw palmetto saw a reduction in hair loss and improved hair growth. Herbalists traditionally used this as a way to treat hair loss in men and women.
Aloe Vera
This awesome plant contains more than 20 minerals and vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, and B12 which are essential for hair growth. It is a hair growth stimulant and conditioning agent which contains an enzyme necessary for the stimulation of new hair growth. It is highly anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial which helps reduce things such as Alopecia.
Rosemary
Rosemary and rosemary essential oil has been traditionally used to increase circulation to the scalp. Eating rosemary in your food or using the essential oil in your shampoo is a great way to improve scalp circulation and promote healthy hair growth.
Ginseng
This root contains a carbohydrate that helps fight androgenetic Alopecia (balding) in men. It aids in scalp blood circulation and has a history of more than 2000 years for being a skin and scalp nourisher, helping to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth.
Ginger
Ginger has a natural ability to stimulate blood flow to the scalp which is incredibly important if you want to improve the quality and health of your hair. Improved blood flow stimulates the hair follicles and results in restored hair growth. Leaving in a mixture of 1tbsp. Ginger power and 2tbsp. Jojoba oil in your hair for 30 minutes (after gently massaging it in) is a wonderful way to get some of these benefits! Consuming ginger also helps!
Moringa
Hair loss has been specifically linked to deficiencies in vitamin B – especially B6, biotin, folic acid and inositol. Moringa contains all of the above and more! Additionally, this plant contains a heavy concentration of thiocyanate which has a high affinity to the hair bulbs and prevents falling hair. This plant is also anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, antioxidant loaded stimulates the metabolism and balances blood sugar levels!
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is known to fight hair loss, as well as treat oily hair and dry scalp. Lemongrass strengthens hair follicles which is essential in preventing hair loss.
Peppermint
Peppermint prevents overgrowth of bacteria and fungi which is great for the scalp as it provides a healthy environment for the hair to grow. Peppermint also stimulates circulation on the scalp which stimulates hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
Biotin
Biotin is a member of the B-vitamin family required for good nail and hair growth. It significantly reduces the chances of hair loss and strengthens and nourishes the hair follicle.
Lavender
This amazing scented flower helps promote hair growth and reduces hair loss. It works to reduce itching and stimulates blood flow to the scalp. Rubbing lavender essential oil into the roots of your hair can help achieve these effects.
