Natural Solutions for Hair Health

Dear Annie – What ingredients would you suggest I look for in a hair serum to promote scalp and hair health and growth?

Since the birth of my son 5 years ago, I’ve noticed my hair thinning.  I don’t feel like I’m losing my hair but notice a lot on my brush and it feels like my hair is thinner.

Thank you for reaching out with this fabulous question.  The consistency of hair can often change at different times in life and is often connected to a major life change, like having children, menopause, age or illness.   Hair (all over our body) is linked to the health of the entire system and is an indicator of your overall state of health.  Let’s begin by looking at hair loss in general.

• Nutritional Solutions
• Herbal Solutions
• Recipes
• Product Suggestions
• Nutritional Product Suggestions

About Hair Loss

It is normal to lose some hair daily.  On average, we can expect to shed 100 to 150 hairs per day.  Each hair grows for 3 to 6 years then dies to make room for another.  When they die, a new hair sprouts from the follicle and the old hair is released or shed.  We notice this normal hair loss is when brushing our hair or taking a shower.  Sometimes it may seem alarming, like so much hair is coming out. 

To tell if you have normal hair loss or if there might be a problem catch your fingers in your hair and pull slightly.  Then comb your fingers through your hair with gentle resistance.  If a few to several hairs are on your fingers you have no problem.  If clumps of hair come out there may be a more significant issue going on.  In this case the hair loss is a symptom of a greater issue. 

Problem hair loss can be an indicator of some of the following issues.

• Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism
• Adrenal fatigue or insufficiency
• Hormonal disorder or imbalance
• An Auto-immune disease
• Osteoporosis or osteopenia
• More

If you think you may have any of these issues, please visit with your doctor or qualified medical professional.  It’s important to work with the cause of the problem rather than basing solutions on symptoms.  Each of the imbalances listed above will need to be handled in an in-depth and personal way.

Most of the time, mild to moderate hair loss or thinning is an indicator of a lifestyle imbalance. 

Some common causes of mild or moderate hair loss or thinning include;

• Vitamin and mineral deficiency – especially vitamin D, iron, calcium and vitamin A (too much or too little vitamin A can cause hair loss).
• Stress – prolonged stress sends our system into a state of hyper-arousal.  Our body and mind go into fight or flight mode.  Extreme or prolonged stress has been proven to cause many of the modern-day health issues we deal with today including hair loss.
• Protein deficiency – Protein is essential for healthy hair growth.  A protein deficiency has been linked to the thinning and loss of hair.
• Medication and some medical interventions like chemotherapy

Natural Solutions

Nutritional Solutions

The first and most important solution is to look at your diet.  Are you getting enough of the vitamins and minerals to keep you looking and feeling healthy?

Vitamin D – Most of our vitamin D is synthesized by our skin when we spend time in outside in the sunshine.  If you live in the north or don’t spend much time outside, you may need to supplement.  Your Doctor will be able to test your Vit D levels and there are at home vitamin D tests available.  Wellnicity – at-Home My Vitamin D Test Kit is one such test if you’d rather test on your own.  Depending on the results personalized supplementation might be suggested.

Vitamin D3 is the form most suggested.  According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH) the suggested daily allowance of vitamin D for most people up to 70 years old is 600 IU’s or international unites per day.

Some examples of foods that contain vitamin D are;

• Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are among the best sources.
• Beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks provide small amounts.
• Mushrooms provide some vitamin D.  In some mushrooms, the vitamin D content is being boosted by exposing them mushrooms to ultraviolet light.
• Almost all of the U.S. milk supply and many of the plant-based milk alternatives such as soymilk, almond milk and oat mild are fortified with 400 IU vitamin D per quart.
• Vitamin D is added to many breakfast cereals and to some brands of orange juice, and yogurt.  The amount of fortification will be listed on the labels.
• Herbs that are high in vitamin D include alfalfa and water cress

Vitamin A – For adults and children aged 4 years and older, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests 5,000 IU of vitamin A daily from a varied diet of both plant and animal foods. Most of our vitamin A comes from food so only limited amounts are probably needed through supplementation.  Remember both too much and too little Vitamin A can cause hair thinning and loss.

Foods that provide natural sources of vitamin A;

• Colorful vegetables like Green leafy vegetables and other green, orange, and yellow vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and squash.
• Fruits, including cantaloupe, apricots, and mangos.
• Dairy products
• Beef liver and other organ meats are high in vitamin A as are some types of fish including mackerel, salmon and bluefish tuna.
• Herbs that are high in vitamin A include Alfalfa, Burdock, Cayenne, Dandelion, Garlic, Kelp, Marshmallow, Papaya, Parsley, Raspberry, Red clover, Saffron, Watercress, Yellow dock

Calcium – An important mineral for bone health as well as for the health of hair, nails and teeth.  Calcium is best assimilated with vitamin D and often comes in the same supplement.  The Daily suggested amounts for people between the age of 4 to 80 is between 1000 and 1300 mg per day.

Foods that provide natural sources for calcium include;

• Dairy products including milk, yogurt, and cheese.
• Cruciferous vegetables like Kale, broccoli, and Chinese cabbage are good sources of calcium.
• Fish with soft bones that you eat, such as canned sardines and salmon are high in calcium.
• Herbs that support calcium levels include Coltsfoot, Chives, Chamomile, Caraway seed, Cleavers, Dandelion, Dill, Horsetail, Meadow sweet, Nettles, Parsley, Plantain, Poppy seed, Raspberry, Shepherd’s purse, Watercress and Yellow dock.

Iron – Iron deficiency and female pattern baldness seem to be related.  While there is not enough evidence to prove that anemia (iron deficiency) causes hair loss, most women who experience hair loss are also anemic.  The NHI recommends 15 to 18 mg for most adults and 8 mg for those over 50 years old.  They also state that twice as much should be either consumed by diet or supplemented because not all forms of iron are easily assimilated.

Natural sources of Iron include;

• Lean meat, seafood, and poultry.
• White beans, lentils, spinach, kidney beans, and peas.
• Nuts and some dried fruits, like raisins.
• Cooking in a cast iron pan.
• Herbs that contain iron include Alfalfa, Burdock, Cayenne, Dandelion, Dulse, Kelp, Mullein, Nettles, Parsley, Rhubarb, Rose hips and Yellow dock.

Nutritional Product Suggestions

Swisse Premium Ultivite Daily Multivitamin for Women is a well rounded multi-vitamin that fits the bill nicely. It contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Biotin, Calcium, Zinc and more from natural and plant sources.

Swisse Premium also makes a multi-vitamin formulated for men.

Ka’Chava Meal Replacement Shake is a blend of Organic Superfoods and Plant-Based Protein that makes a really nice supplement. I really like the combination and amounts of the vitamins and minerals.  This is the one I buy for my family.

For more information about why these nutrients are important for a healthy body and how they work please visit The National Institutes for Health nutritional supplement fact sheets.

Herbal Solutions

Many herbs and essential oils help hair health.  When choosing plants to support healthy hair we want include herbs that promote circulation to the scalp, increase follicle number and depth, dermal thickness and hair growth.  As a side benefit many of these herbs may darken the color of the hair or promote your natural hair color, decreasing or postponing the coming of gray.

Herbs and essential oils that promote hair health include;

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – Famous for hair and scalp care, this herb has been used for 100’s if not 1000’s of years to promote and maintain hair health.  Rosemary can be used as an essential oil, infused oil, or as a wash to reduce hair fall, stimulate hair growth and deepen the natural color of your hair.
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – A very popular herb and essential oil.  One 6-week study using Lavender essential oil showed an increase the number of hair follicles.  The hair follicles were deeper, for stronger roots, less shedding and a thicker head of hair.  Lavender can be used as an essential oil at a 2% to 3% dilution in a carrier oil such as sesame oil.  It can also be added to shampoo or used as a hair wash.
• Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) – A 2014 study of peppermint essential oil showed that an application of a 2% dilution to the scalp effectively stimulated hair growth.  Within 4 to 6 weeks the hair of the subjects darkened and there was an increase in dermal thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth.  Good Peppermint Essential oil must be used with caution because the menthol content is very high.  A 1% or 2% dilution is sufficient for most external uses.  The dry herb also makes a lovely stimulating hair wash.
• Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) – Tulsi and its cousin Sweet Basil are commonly recommended for hair care.  Tulsi improves blood circulation to the head leading to strong hair growth.  It also has a reputation for rejuvenating hair follicles and helping to prevent breakage and loss.  You can use the essential oil or make a hair wash with the dried herb.
• Bhringrai (Eclipta prostrata) – An Ayurvedic herb, also called False Daisy, Bhringrai is known as “the ruler of hair”.  This herb has a strong reputation as a hair rejuvenator in Ayurveda.  It’s use supports scalp and hair health.  When hair has fallen out Bhringrai helps it to regrow and is often used for bald spots and thinning hair.  This herb is taken internally and used in a scalp message oil.
• Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica) – Also called Amla or Indian Gooseberries.  This is another Ayurvedic herb and is rich in iron, calcium and vitamin B, phosphorus and carotene.  All necessary minerals for strengthening your hair and roots.  Amalaki is most often used as a scalp message oil and as an internal supplement.
• Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) – Contains natural silica and collagen.  Horsetail supports and rebuilds connective tissue including hair.
• Nettle (Urtica dioica) – Contains tons of trace minerals and vitamins to support the entire body.  Nettles is often added to hair care products to enhance hair growth and support healthy hair.
• Other herbs that are nourishing and supportive to the scalp and hair growth include Gotu Kola, Aloe Vera, Neem, Ginseng, Coconut and Sesame. 

Recipes

One possible DIY hair serum,
Ingredients
1 cup distilled water
2 Tablespoons powdered Bhringrai
2 Tablespoons powdered Amla/Amalaki
2 Tablespoons Natural Aloe Vera Gel
10 drops of Tulsi Essential Oil
10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 
Directions-Boil the distilled water and add the Bhringrai and Amla powders.  Let steep for 20 minutes or until water cools.  Strain the herbs and place infusion into a spray bottle.  Add Aloe Vera and essential oils and shake well. 
To use–spray liberally on the roots one or more time per day. 
Store in the fridge for up to 3 months - Shake well before each use

Many Ayurvedic professionals prefer oil massage to infusions and washes.  The massage should be performed and left on at least 20 minutes or overnight for best results.   Traditionally coconut oil and sesame oils are used as a base and infused with the herbs.  See this link for instructions on how to make and use infuse oils.  Almond, Avocado and olive oils may also be used.  Apply the oil hot to improve scalp circulation and promote the growth of hair follicles.  

One Possible Scalp Massage Oil Recipe
Ingredients
Approximately ½ cup of combined carrier oil.  Say Coconut and Sesame
2 tablespoons each 2 Bhringrai and Gotu Kola. 
(Feel free to use any of the herbs listed.)
10 drops each Lavender, Rosemary and Tulsi essential oils. 
Directions - Combine the carrier oil with the herbs in a 2-cup jar with a lid.  Seal tightly and shake well.  Place in a double boiler on very low heat for about 2 hours.  Remove from heat but leave in the double boiler until oil is completely cooled.  Strain herbs.  Add essential oils and shake well.  Heat in a double boiler before each use. 
To use – Pour oil onto scalp and rub in a small gentle circular motion to reach all follicles.  Leave on overnight and wash hair in the morning. 

At Wonderment Gardens we make most of the formulas listed.  Please contact me at annie@wondermentgardens.com for any of the ingredients or formulas listed above or if you’d like one individualized especially for you. 

As a clinical herbalist, I am always happy to assess your personal needs and help you develop an individualized healing plan.  Please click here for information about ordering a formula, individual tincture or plant extract or to schedule a consultation.

Product Suggestions

I am an affiliate marketer with Amazon and some other companies.  If there is a link please assume, I am an affiliate.  That means, if you purchase a product through one of the links, I make a commission at no additional cost to you.  Rest assured I only suggest products I can support and feel confident about.  Thank you for your support.

I LOVE Banyon Botanicals as a source for Ayurvedic herbs and products.  You can count on their high quality and integrity.  Here are some products I would use for myself and my family.

Banyon Botanicals makes a very high quality Bhringrai infused sesame oil that you can use as is or add a total of 30 to 40 drops of essential oil per 4 oz.  They’re Healthy Hair Oil is a combination of Coconut and Sesame oils with Bhringaraj, Brahmi/Gotu Kola, Amalaki, Hibiscus and Rose.  What a lovely mixture for thick, lustrous hair from the roots to the ends.

Healthy Hair by Banyon Botanicals is an internal supplement that goes deeper than the surface to help target imbalances that can cause premature graying, balding, and hair loss.

Here are a few links for superior organic dry herbs.  Bhringrai, Gotu Kola and Amalaki.

Essential oils are easily added to other oils or infusions to make a lovely hair serum. Here are some links to high quality Rosemary, Lavender, Peppermint and Tulsi Essential oils.

Starwest Botanicals has very high quality organic Horsetail and Nettle Leaf.  I like Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Juice.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for ordering your supplies from Wonderment Gardens (that’s directly from me) and from the links placed in the blog. Your purchases make it possible for me to continue to support your journey toward vibrant health through this writing. I appreciate your support.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.  It is my bliss to have the opportunity to share my experience and research with you.  I hope you find it helpful.  I would love to hear from you.  Please contact me about any thoughts, ideas and experiences you’d like to share.   I would love to hear about what your doing, what you’ve tried, what has worked and what hasn’t. Hope to hear from you soon.

Warm Blessings

Annie

References

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-Consumer/

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-Consumer/

https://www.ayurvedabansko.com/ayurveda-and-hair-loss/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27123160

https://reference.medscape.com/medline/abstract/25842469

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/

Disclaimer

These statements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health concern or condition, consult a physician. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, supplement, or doing any new exercises.

Herbs taken for health purposes should be treated with the same care as medicine. Herbal remedies are no substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you are serious about good health, you’ll want to combine diet, exercise, herbals, a good relationship with your doctor and a generally healthy lifestyle. No one of these will do it alone.

This information is designed to be used as part of a complete health plan. No products are intended to replace your doctor’s care, or to supersede any of his/her advice or prescriptions.