Best Herbs for Natural Hair Growth
September 3, 2024
In this Healthy Insight:
- Natural Hair Growth
- Castor Oil for Hair
- Vitamins and Supplements for hair growth
Your hair is one of the first things people notice about you. What’s yours saying? That you’re old and tired just like your limp, lifeless hair? Thinning hair telling the world you’re unhealthy? Don’t let your hair betray you! Start with these natural hair remedies.
The phrase, “You are what you eat” applies especially to your hair. If you eat a modern diet of processed foods, drive-thru dinners and refined sugars, you could be starving your hair of much-needed nutrition.
Natural hair growth
Nutrients obtained through your diet go to your organs first, then whatever’s left over – if anything – goes to your skin and hair. That’s why your skin and hair are the first to show poor nutrition. Add to that the damaging effects of blow dryers, stress, sun exposure and chemical processing and you can see how your hair suffers.
Thankfully, there are natural care products and supplements starting with these:
Castor Oil for Hair
Recently castor oil has been all the rage among beauty enthusiast. This time-tested oil continues to be popular for moisturizing scalp and hair shafts and leaving your hair silky smooth. While research is limited, herbalists prize castor oil for its beneficial fatty acid called ricinoleic acid, thought to promote hair growth and protect against hair loss. Just rub a few drops into your scalp, work through to the ends, and enjoy healthier-looking hair.
Vitamins and Supplements for Hair Growth
- Biotin – also known as B-7, biotin enhances the infrastructure of keratin, an important protein that makes up hair, skin and nails. In a small, limited study, researchers concluded that women were less likely to lose hair after taking a supplement containing biotin.
- B-12 -Found in chicken, liver, kidney and eggs, B-12 promotes healthy natural hair growth by supporting red blood cells.
- B-3 – Also called niacin, B-3 promotes blood circulation to your scalp for a continuous supply of blood and oxygen to your hair.
- Folic Acid – Also known as B-9, folic acid deficiency can lead to hair thinning.
- Vitamin E – Vitamin E is important for healthy skin, hair formation and maintenance. It promotes healthy circulation to the scalp and to the hair follicles. Deficiencies in Vitamin E can result in dull, dry, lackluster hair that does not grow well.
- Pantothenic Acid – Also called B-5 or calcium pantothenate, this vitamin is vital to the health of skin and hair and helps maintain natural hair color.
- Zinc – Zinc promotes healthy cell and tissue growth, which is why it’s so popular as an immune booster. But this same process also supports hair growth and benefits the oil-secreting glands found in the hair follicles.
- Iodine – Iodine is needed for proper thyroid function, often an underlying problem of hair loss. Iodine also eases dry hair.
- PABA – A lesser known member of the B-complex vitamins, Para-aminobenzoid Acid (PABA) is found in many hair care products. It acts as a color protector and can boost hair quality and strength.
- Selenium – This trace mineral is an antioxidant that fights free radicals internally and environmentally.
While you can take some of these vitamins individually, your best bet is to find a blend containing them. Pair them with special shampoos, conditioners, and oils specifically developed to keep your hair shiny and healthy.
Make sure your hair isn’t betraying your age and vitality by starting with these fabulous products.
