Herbs and Supplements
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a traditional herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, which has been reported to have various health benefits, including stress reduction. Ashwagandha modulates levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, and has anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies suggest that ashwagandha may have potential in promoting hair growth by reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation to hair follicles.
Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a fragrant herb that has been traditionally used for various purposes, including as a natural remedy for hair loss. There is scientific evidence to suggest that rosemary promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss, particularly in cases of androgenetic alopecia, which is a common form of hair loss in both men and women.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. One study found that a daily oral supplement of rosemary leaf extract improved hair density and hair thickness in women with androgenetic alopecia after six months of treatment.
Iodine
Iodine is a mineral that plays a vital role in thyroid function and is important for the production of thyroid hormones, which help regulate various bodily functions, including hair growth.
Bladderwrack is a type of seaweed that contains iodine, a mineral that is important for thyroid function. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate various bodily functions, including hair growth and maintenance. In cases where hair loss is related to thyroid dysfunction or iodine deficiency, bladderwrack may have potential benefits for alopecia.
A supplement that has both Zinc and Iodine is JS Health Hair + Libido. A dietary supplement that contains a combination of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts that are intended to support healthy hair and libido.
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral that is important for healthy hair growth. Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, especially in women. Medically prescribed iron can cause stomach issues and irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea. A natural and gentle way to increase your iron levels is by taking Floradix - a liquid iron supplement that contains iron in the form of ferrous gluconate, as well as other nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin C, and folic acid. Iron is an essential mineral that is important for healthy hair growth, and iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that is important for various bodily functions, including hair growth and maintenance. Zinc deficiency has been linked to hair loss, and supplementation with zinc has been shown to improve hair growth in people with alopecia. Zinc plays a crucial role in supporting immune cell function, promoting the production of antibodies, and aiding in the maintenance of a healthy immune response and therefore is important for anybody with autoimmune disease.
Zinc plays a role in DNA and protein synthesis, which are important processes for hair growth and maintenance. Zinc also helps regulate the production of oil in the scalp, which can contribute to healthy hair growth. Additionally, zinc has antioxidant properties that can help protect against oxidative stress, which can damage hair follicles and contribute to hair loss.
Biotin
Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is a B vitamin that is important for healthy hair growth. Studies have suggested that biotin supplements may help improve hair thickness and reduce hair loss.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an important nutrient that plays a key role in hair growth and development. Studies have shown that vitamin D supplements may help improve hair density and reduce hair loss.
Omega fatty acids
Omega fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, play a significant role in promoting hair growth and maintaining healthy hair by promoting a Healthy Scalp. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce scalp inflammation.
A healthy scalp is essential for optimal hair growth because it provides a nourishing environment for the hair follicle. Omega fatty acids help improve the function of hair follicles, which are responsible for hair growth. They support the production of sebum, a natural oil produced by the scalp, which keeps the hair and scalp moisturised and prevents hair breakage.
Omega fatty acids have moisturising properties that can improve the elasticity and strength of hair strands. This helps prevent hair from becoming brittle and reduces hair breakage. These fatty acids contribute to the nourishment of hair by improving blood circulation to the scalp. This increased blood flow delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, promoting healthier hair growth.
Omega fatty acids help reduce hair loss by inhibiting the production of certain hormones and enzymes that can contribute to hair thinning and shedding.
Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds. Omega-6 fatty acids can be found in foods such as vegetable oils (sunflower, safflower, corn), nuts, and seeds. Supplements like fish oil capsules or flaxseed oil capsules can also be taken.
Gotu Kola
Gota kola, also known as Centella asiatica or Brahmi, is an herb commonly used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. While it is often associated with various health benefits, including cognitive function and wound healing, there is evidence specifically linking gotu kola to hair growth. The potential connection between gotu kola and hair growth primarily revolves around its impact on circulation and collagen production. Improved blood circulation to the scalp can potentially enhance the delivery of nutrients to hair follicles, promoting healthier hair growth.
Dandelion root and leaf
Dandelion root and leaf are often used in traditional medicine to support liver function and detoxification. It is possible that improving liver function could benefit hair health by reducing the accumulation of toxins in the body that could contribute to hair loss.
Additionally, dandelion is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and E, iron, calcium, and potassium, which are essential for healthy hair growth.
Agrimony
Agrimony, also known as Agrimonia Eupatoria, is a traditional medicinal plant that has been used for various purposes, including as a natural remedy for hair loss. Agrimony contains several compounds that may have potential health benefits, including tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Studies suggest that these compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which could promote hair growth. Additionally, agrimony has been used in traditional medicine to address skin conditions, including scalp issues. It is believed to have astringent properties, which can help regulate excess oil production on the scalp, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritation. By maintaining a balanced scalp environment, agrimony may contribute to healthier hair growth.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric, a spice commonly used in traditional medicine for various health conditions. Some studies suggest that it may have potential in promoting hair growth and reducing inflammation, which can contribute to hair loss.
One study found that a topical curcumin gel applied to the scalp of mice stimulated hair growth by activating hair follicle stem cells and increasing the expression of genes associated with hair growth. Another study showed that curcumin reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, which are factors that can contribute to hair loss.
Burdock root
Burdock root is an herb that has been traditionally used for a variety of health conditions, including hair loss. Burdock root contains several compounds that have potential benefits for hair health, including inulin, mucilage, and polyphenols.
Inulin is a type of prebiotic fiber that can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can in turn support healthy hair growth. Mucilage is a type of soluble fiber that can help soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to hair loss. Polyphenols are antioxidants that can help protect against oxidative stress, which can damage hair follicles and contribute to hair loss.
Irish sea moss
Irish sea moss is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iodine. Irish sea moss contains other compounds that may support overall health and promote healthy hair growth. For example, it contains carrageenan, a type of polysaccharide that can help soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to hair loss. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect against oxidative stress, which can damage hair follicles and contribute to hair loss.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom (blocks 5 a DHT enzyme) that converts to testosterone. DHT is a hormone that is believed to contribute to hair loss in some people. By blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a type of mushroom that has been used in traditional medicine for its many health benefits.
Reishi mushroom is rich in polysaccharides, which are complex carbohydrates that support the immune system and reduce inflammation. Inflammation in the scalp can contribute to hair loss. In addition, Reishi mushroom contains antioxidants that can help protect against oxidative stress, which damages hair follicles and contributes to hair loss.
Studies suggest that reishi mushroom has potential benefits for regulating the immune system and reducing autoimmune-related hair loss.
DIM (Diindolymethane)
DIM is a phytonutrient, it blocks testosterone receptors and improves liver cleansing action. DIM is a compound that is derived from the breakdown of indole-3-carbinol, which is found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
DIM has been studied for its effects on hormone balance, particularly in regulating estrogen levels. Estrogen and testosterone are hormones that can have complex effects on hair growth and loss, and imbalances in these hormones contribute to alopecia.