(Part-2)  A question that comes up quite often is, "What can I use naturally to prevent thinning or balding hair loss?" Interestingly, many individuals who came down with COVID-19 had hair loss symptoms after being sick with COVID-19. So, I decided to write a blog addressing multiple healthier hair care practices that enrich the scalp and hair follicles, naturally creating thicker, fuller, and healthier hair. From nutritional supplements to DIY hair treatments, you can put into practice holistically.  

 

Recap Part-one

I discussed Plant Essences (Lavender Stoechas and Rosemary Verbenone) Essential oils for Holistic Hair Health. The essential oil benefits, properties, and other uses at length. A DIY hair oil for hair treatment.

In Part Two, I am reviewing internal nutritional and herbal supplementation addressing holistic regimes you can practice for healthier hair. Taking supplements or starting a consistent new health routine requires patience in the timeline. You should begin noticing results within 3 to 6 months with consistency.

Inhibitors of DHT levels – Nettles, Reishi Mushroom, Saw Palmetto, and Turmeric

Biotin (B7) - plays a crucial role in hair health.

Essential Fatty Acids - vital in skin, nerve, and cognitive health.

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Inhibitors of DHT levels

I'll discuss DHT (dihydrotestosterone), endogenous androgen sex steroids, and hormones. Increased levels of DHT reduce blood flow to the scalp, thus shrinking and tightening hair follicles, shortening the hair growth cycle, androgenetic alopecia - male pattern hair loss, and alopecia – female pattern baldness. Discouraging increased levels of DHT assists in preventing and reversing hair loss. 

 

Nettles - Urtica dioica

Nettles are blood-building and blood-cleansing; they have high content nutrients in chlorophyll, vital minerals, and vitamin K. Nettle is assistive in blocking increased levels of DHT and adverse symptoms of PMS, fatigue and aid for mild anemia. 

I enjoy drinking nettle tea; while fresh is best, it's not always possible (one to two cups daily). When I lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia, I grew nettles along the back line of the wooden fence. Nettles is AKA Stinging Nettle; hence, I pushed a large pot into the fresh nettles to gather ample leaves with my kitchen scissors. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, take the pot off the heating element, throw in generous fresh nettle leaves, and cover for approximately 20-30 minutes. Pour into a large mason jar to store, and the nettle leaves are delicious. Drink hot and cold. I LOVE FRESH NETTLES; I was pretty spoiled with fresh nettles.  

Gaia PRO Stinging Nettle Leaf

Traditional Medicinals Tea, Organic Nettle Leaf

Reishi Mushroom - Ganoderma lucidum

All mushrooms are an abundant source of protein containing all essential amino acids, vital B-complex sources, vitamin D, and critical mineral sources of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, selenium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc. Reishi mushroom's beneficial properties are adaptogen, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, and antitussive; Reishi mushroom inhibits bone loss and uptick levels of DHT. Calming for the central nervous system strengthens the immune system, memory, and brain function.

New Chapter Immune Support LifeShield Immune Support with Organic Reishi Mushroom Vegan + Non-GMO

 

Saw Palmetto - Serenoa repens

Saw palmetto is anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant (may interfere with blood thinning drugs), hormone balancing, and assistive for urinary dysfunction like overactive bladder and BHP-Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Saw palmetto assists prostate and heart health. Saw palmetto inhibits the increase of DHT levels, helping with male pattern baldness.  

Gaia Herbs Saw Palmetto

 

Turmeric - Curcuma longa

Turmeric is widely known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Antimicrobial actions and for the best absorption of turmeric in supplements, look for black pepper alongside turmeric on the label, as black pepper helps with absorption. Turmeric is a rich source of vitamins B-6, C, E, and K, choline, manganese, iron, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Turmeric supports joints and cognitive vitality, inhibits the increase of DHT levels, may aid in repairing and strengthening bone density, and assists with arthritis and digestive well-being. 

Garden of Life mykind Organics Extra Strength Turmeric Inflammatory Response 60 Tablets

 

Biotin (B7) - plays a crucial role in hair health.

B-complex vitamins are vital for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Essential for maintaining muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and the health of skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver. Persons under tension and stress will benefit significantly from taking larger-than-average amounts of B-complex vitamins. It is important to remember that taking a single B vitamin requires a Complex B vitamin for ultimate assimilation. Vitamin B complex helps these ailments: constipation, burning feet, tender gums, burning or drying eyes, hangovers, fatigue, lack of appetite, skin disorders, hair loss, shingles, cracks at the corner of the mouth, and anemia.  

Biotin aids the utilization of protein, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B-12. Biotin has been proven effective in the treatment of baldness. A deficiency of biotin causes muscular pain, poor appetite, depression, dry skin, lack of energy, sleeplessness, and a disturbed nervous system. 

Rich sources of biotin are eggs (yolks), organ meats, especially the liver, salmon, tuna, tempeh, nutritional and brewer’s yeast, sweet potato, avocado, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, peas, lentils, mushrooms, banana, nuts and seeds notably sunflower seeds, peanuts, soybeans, and almonds. 

Garden of Life Raw B Complex - Vitamin Code - 120 Vegan Capsules

Essential Fatty Acids  

Base oils contain saturated fatty acids or unsaturated fatty acids. Linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid are comprehensive in plant oils. Alpha-linoleic acid, docosahexaenoic, and eicosapentaenoic are examples of Omega-3 fatty acids. Arachidonic and linolenic are Omega-6 essential fatty acids (unsaturated fatty acids). Palmitoleic is an omega-7 fatty acid. Oleic and erucic acids are omega-9 fatty acids. They are vital for the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, cognitive function, and skin health. They keep the skin and other tissues youthful and healthy by preventing dryness.

Adding "extra, as in addition to normal routine" essential fatty acids to your diet in the latter part of spring and the beginning part of fall assists with seasonal change's internal and external dryness. I usually add a nice bottle of (one shot) organic extra-virgin olive oil (one shot w/fresh lemon squeeze) in the morning as part of my daily health regime during these times.

 

Evening Primrose - Oenothera biennis

Evening primrose oil is a rich source of (omega-6 fatty acids) linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (amino acids) methionine, cysteine, and tryptophan, vitamin E, and flavonoids; anti-inflammatory properties and hormonal balancing. Evening primrose oil improves overall skin health, inflammatory concerns assisting psoriasis, eczema, thinning hair, PMS, menopausal symptoms, arthritis, and diabetic neuropathy. 

Vital Nutrients - Evening Primrose Oil 1000 mg - Cold-Pressed Oil That Contains GLA

Indian Gooseberry (Alma) – A rich source of essential fatty acids and vitamin C, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Add these berries to your diet for healthy hair and skin.   

© Robin Michaels August 2023