Can Nettle Extract Combat Hair Loss?

Author: Christiana Roberts

The nettle plant, also known as Stinging Nettle, or under its botanical names Urtica dioica and Urtica urens, has been used as a traditional medicinal herb for many centuries. A mental stimulant, it was found useful in ancient schools. Teachers applied stinging sprigs of fresh nettle to the bare backs of their students, to help them memorize their lessons better…

Both nettle roots and leafs were traditionally used to treat asthma, diabetes, kidney infections, arthritis, coughs, colds, and even enlarged prostates. They were believed to improve digestion, heal wounds, and lower blood pressure. An interesting action of nettle root is in its testosterone and estrogen-enhancing qualities, with makes this herb a praised aphrodisiac. However, the most famous application of nettle infusions is in treating alopecia areata. A gentle irritant, this herb is able to improve scalp circulation, stimulate hair roots, facilitate the flow of oxygen and nutrients into hair follicles, and promote overall hair growth. Clinical trials have confirmed the effectiveness of nettle root extracts in treatments of hair loss, including genetic male-pattern baldness and alopecia areata.

Nettle root extracts, infusions, oils, and alcohol preparations have been praised in many societies for their unique skin-smoothing, bacteria-killing, and hair-restoring properties. They found applications in numerous traditional hair care products - those ancients shampoos, soaps, rinses, and conditioners. Recently, both modern science and cosmetic industry have rediscovered many wonderful qualities of nettle, and incorporated its extracts into a vast variety of treatments and beauty products. Nettle root preparations are now being used in many health care items to enhance their cleaning and healing properties. One of the most important applications for nettle root extract is found in herbal hair care products. Due to their superb hair-growing properties, nettle preparations are included in modern hair massage oils, shampoos, conditioners, and hair loss treatments. Nettle is especially known for its capacity to improve the health of skin, scalp, and hair, remove dandruff, stimulate hair growth, and strengthen weakened hair follicles.

Nettle oil is, probably, the most powerful of nettle infusions. It is usually manufactured by mixing extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil with nettle root extracts. For centuries, this powerful herbal oil has been proven very effective in restoring dull, thinning hair. An anti-inflammatory remedy, nettle oil should be massaged into the scalp and hair at least once a week, to combat dandruff, dry hair, and an itchy, irritated scalp. Apply gently warmed nettle oil onto your scalp about one hour before shampooing, massage vigorously into the leather and especially inflamed areas, and leave there for more effective absorption. Nettle oil can also be left on the scalp and hair overnight. Long-term nettle applications are known to improve scalp psoriasis, eczema, and various types of dermatitis - the conditions which often result in the fall of hair. A hypersensitive skin reacts to nettle root oil especially well: weekly scalp massages are a great treatment that helps reduce inflammation, heal irritated areas, and reverse related hair loss.

What makes nettle so unique is its chemical composition featuring a wide array of healing components. It contains vitamins C and E, serotonin, formic acid, choline, chlorophyll, flavonoids, carotenoids, lecithin, caffeic acids, and beneficial minerals. Some chemical agents of nettle root are able to block the enzyme 5a-reductase, which is responsible for the formation of DHT from testosterone - the main villain involved in the development of male-pattern hair loss.

To enhance the healing effect of nettle oil on the scalp and hair, it is often mixed with other herbal remedies, such as Burdock root oil, Saw Palmetto extracts, or Plantain oil. Combined action of these traditional hair-restoring herbs is particularly beneficial for over-sensitive, reddish, dry, and irritated scalp. It is also a great strengthening remedy to rejuvenate and give a boost to hair follicles that have entered telogen - their “resting phase”, during which hair falls out. In addition, personal care products with nettle root can feature facial masks and skin lotions designed to smooth the skin, combat inflammation, and remove wrinkles.

Nettle root and leaf extracts, usually mixed with other herbal elixirs, can also be found in dietary supplements formulated to purify the blood, stop hair loss, improve various scalp conditions, and stimulate the growth of healthy hair.

Sage - a Versatile Medicinal Herb Used in Traditional Hair Treatments

Author: Christiana Roberts

Sage, also known under its botanical names Salvia officinalis or Salvia salvatrix, is a universal flavouring and medicinal herb, a native of the Northern Mediterranean coast and the American continent. For many centuries, it has been used as a powerful folk medicine to treat a number of health and cosmetic conditions, including hair loss and greying hair. A stimulant and an anti-bacterial plant, it has been traditionally applied to treat indigestion, ulcers, dandruff, bleeding gums, sore throat, fever, and a number of nervous diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine values sage as an herb able to combat liver, kidney, lung, blood, and stomach diseases. Sage infusions are known to cure joint pains, wounds, nervous headaches, excessive perspiration, lethargy, and even measles!


Long ago, miraculous healing qualities of sage were noticed by ancient Greeks, Romans, Native Americans, Arabs, and Asians. Sage was believed to have healing, strengthening, and purifying qualities. Spiritual ceremonies of American aboriginals still include burning sage to “clean” the spirit before it enters supernatural realms. Ancient Arabs praised sage for its curative powers, as a general tonic, and as a medicine for snakebites; Arab women used it extensively to keep their hair dark, thick, and healthy. Smoking sage was believed to cure coughs, chest colds, and asthma. In the Middle Ages, sage was even considered a “cure-all”.

In many cultures, sage has gained a reputation of a miraculous hair medicine. Sage applications were considered the most effective natural therapies to reverse baldness and restore the dark colour of greying hair. In “The Book of Natural Remedies for Ancient Ills” by classical English physician Nicolas Culpepper, we can read that sage preparations were extensively used in antiquity to combat the fall of hair.

Ancient Greek doctor and botanist Pedanius Dioscorides in his famous book “De Materia Medica” mentioned that drinking sage tea could make greying hair restore its black colour, while topical applications of fresh sage juice were able to treat baldness.

According to the book “Sage: The Genus Salvia” by Anthony C. Dweck, common sage is a great hair-toning aid. In order to prepare a toning hair infusion, fresh sage leaves should be brewed in water and then applied to the scalp and hair. To treat alopecia, Anthony C. Dweck recommends to use freshly-made sage infusions as a hair lotion, massaging the brew into the scalp three times a week. These treatments are also said to promote the health of hair and ensure its shiny glow.

The Dweck’s book mentions that sage preparations are particularly good to strengthen the hair roots, stimulate hair growth, and deepen the rich colour of naturally black hair. Historically, elderly African Americans used to make sage tonics for hair applications to maintain their hair strong, black ,and shiny, he writes.

Naturally-occurring volatile oil in sage is, probably, the main ingredient that does miracles to support the strength of hair.

Sage preparations work especially good when combined with rosemary - another traditional hair remedy. A very beneficial hair lotion can be made from equal parts of sage and rosemary leaves slowly simmered in water for several minutes and then steeped, covered, for a few hours. The brew should be rubbed into the scalp and hair every night as a wonderful strengthening medicine to fight hair loss, rejuvenate the hair follicles, maintain the colour, and ensure the growth of thick, healthy locks.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is know to promote healthy, strong, thick hair. It is rich in amino acids, proteins, and vitamin A, B1, B2, D, E, and Beta carotene. It is one of the few oils that act as a humectant so it adds moisture to the hair.

It is commonly used as a lubricant in both cosmetics and hair products due to it's moisturizing and regenerative properties. It feels light and is an excellent emollient. It is comprised mainly of linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid. It also contains several other fatty acids.
It can be used on both dry and wet hair. Based on my research, many people find it to be better for dry hair.

You can also use it to infuse herbs resulting in a rich conditioner. You can also use it to treat scalp problems because it penetrates to nourish the scalp. It also encourage healthy hair growth and women overseas have relied on it for years.

Aryurvedic Hair Care Remedies

* Henna: conditions and strenghtens.

* Shikakai:
promotes hair growth

* Neem:
relieves dry, itchy scalp
widely used in ayurvedic hair oils
Used to treat scalp disorders and psoriasis
gives you shiny, silky, stronger hair
encourages growth.

* Amla:
promotes hair growth
thickens hair
prevents premature graying.

* Methi (fenugreek):
Reduces hair loss, and thinning
Treats dandruff.

* Bhringraj:
improves the condition of the hair
improves quality of hair color
promotes healthy scalp and hair

* Brahmi:
Improves hair growth
Memory enhancer

* Nagarmotha:
Stimulates hair root
Treats scalp disorders

* Ginger:
Increases blood circulation to your scalp
Promotes faster hair growth

* Hibiscus:
Astringent for oily hair
Soothes eczema
Treats dry scalp conditions

Information obtained from http://hennablogspot.com/

Review: Adiva Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Herbal Rinse

http://www.adivanatural.com/

Description
This Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Herbal Rinse is truly nature working it's magic. Rinsing with apple cider vinegar will help balance the pH of your hair and remove the build up that can result from the use of styling products, lint and unworthy shampoos. Rinsing will also close the cuticle scales which cover and protect the surface of each hair shaft, leaving a smoother surface which reflects more light. As a result your hair is shinier, smoother, and easier to manage.

Directions
*After shampoo simply rinse through wet hair. For extra conditioning benefits, leave in and towel dry. The vinegar scent will disappear after hair dries.

*Can be used every other week. Avoid contact with eyes, may cause stinging.

*Can also be used for body

Ingredients
Distilled water, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice

Infused with: Burdock Root, Peppermint, Chamomile, Sage, Lavender, Rosemary, Nettle, and
organic citric acid

The Great 8 Herbs Used In Our Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Herbal Hair Rinse
ACV removes greasy build up and lint, restores ph balance,promotes a healthy clean sheen.

*Burdock: great for thinning hair, dry, irritated scalp, dandruff, and seborrhea

*Catnip: Promotes healthy hair growth

*Chamomile: a healing and soothing herb to soften hair, soothe the scalp, lighten, condition, and stimulate growth

*Lavender: useful for all hair types it stimulates hair growth, and degreases

*Sage: traditionally used to restore color to graying hair, excellent for week hair

*Nettle: conditions, improves color and texture, helps with dandruff, irritated scalp, and dry scalp

*Peppermint: stimulates the scalp

*Rosemary: excellent for all hair types and problems it acts as a tonic and conditioner, one of the herbs to use, gives luster and body, stimulates growth, helps with dandruff

Review
Apple cider vinegar is used ro balance the pH of your hair, remove build-up , seal the cuticle, and add shine to make you hair smoother, and easier to manage. This is why I choose to do monthly ACV rinses.

I wash in sections so after I conditioned my hair, I sprayed the product into each section from root to tip. I let it sit for about five minutes. I immediately felt my scalp tingle. As stated, you can leave the product in your hair for extra conditioning benefits but because I prefer to use ACV as a rinse (and that intense tingle (lol)), I rinsed.

Although the product is called "clarifying", I used it as a rinse so I can't say whether or not it works as a clarifier. I didn't rinse it completely out and because my hair was already shampooed and conditioned, I didn't experience any significant cleansing effects.

I'll definitely will continue using the product. Adiva recommends that you use the product once every two weeks so I may move to bi-monthly versus monthly treatments. I will repurchase the product.

Update:
On Sunday May 31, 2009 I finally took time to use the product as a clarifier. I always wash my hair in sections unless doing my monthly henna treatment. I loosed each section and sprayed the product into my scalp and hair. I allowed the product to sat on my hair for 3 - 5 minutes prior to rinsing. I definitely felt a thorough cleansing. It's a wonderful way to clarify the hair without it feeling stripped.

Second Henna Treatment

I just completed my second henna treatment using Jamila Henna.

I followed Curly Nikki's Henna Pictorial recommendations AGAIN. LOL

This time, I remembered to add the honey and eliminated the olive oil.

I mixed the henna with green tea (2 tea bags & 2 cups of boiled water).

I allowed the henna to sit for approximately 3 hours.

While the henna was releasing, I sectioned my hair using cheap natural conditioner mixed with extra virgin olive oil and put into sections.

I shampooed my hair using Blended Beauty Soy Cream Shampoo.

I conditioned with Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose (my favorite).

I applied my henna in sections using an applicator brush. I coated each section both on top and underneath and stretched the hair from root to end.

Since I had planned a late night sleep-in henna treatment, I wrapped my head in saran wrap using two pieces that were long enough to tie after wrapping.

Next, I rolled a hand towel and wrapped into around the edges of my hair tucking the ends into each other.

Third I applied a shower cap.

Fourth, I tied my head with an cotton scarf (which I would never do on uncovered hair).

I'm heading to best and will post results and images in my fotki hair album later.

Again, the application process is not nearly as tedious as people have led me to believe.

Edited to Add:

I left the henna in my hair for about seven hours.

Rinsed with cool water in the shower.

Shampooed twice with Blended Beauty Soy Cream Shampoo.

Added Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose, Honey, and Olive Oil for a deep condition.

After I got out of the shower, I sectioned using my shower comb and put into afro puffs using scunci elastic bands.

I added a shower cap, two satin bonnets, another shower cap, and tied with a scarf to use my body heat for the treatment.

I left the conditioning treatment in my hair for 30 minutes before rinsing.

The Many Uses of Herbs for Hair

By Reesa babe'

Many of us will always have issues with our hair. As the Golden Book says "your hair is your beauty" and many of us truly believe that. We spend thousand of dollars per year on products and services that promise to improve the look and texture of our hair. Many times we attempt to grow it out while other times we cut it off, it's a never ending cycle with hair.

Herbs have been used in hair and on the body for the past 500 hundred years. Before there were perfume, people would use herbs to disguise the "stink" odor on those that had not bathe for months. Since it was the norm to not bathe more than twice per year.

Herbs use was as a medical remedy, it was used for everything from A to Z. The persons administering these herbs were once classified as witch doctors. In our modern day herbs are the norm to use and are being used as herbal remedies taken orally or topically. The urge or the need comes from the over use of chemical sand the effects-it as had on society.There are various herbs that are used to combat certain issues .

I will name some in the category in which the work to accomplish the goal that's needed.

Oily hair is the over production of oil, produced by the glands. It protects your hair from breakage and keep your scalp in good condition. However, not everyone likes their hair stringy and looking dirty.

Peppermint,bergemont,witch hazel, basil,rosemary, thyme and lemon grass.

Hair growth is what most women thrive to achieve when caring for their hair. This is possible with the right treatments and the right proceeder's.

Camphor, nettle, sage,lavender,aloe Vera,dandelion and colts foot.

Astringents use to clean the scalp with irritations such as fungal infection, eczema or oily scalp.

Rosemary, tea tree,nettle, sage, peppermint, chamomile, lavender and lemon juice(not a herb but very important)

Hair loss is the most feared occurrence in both male nd female and can be caused by many factors including diseases, not taking proper care of your hair and genetics.

Kelp, nettle, sage, rosemary and thyme.

Moisturizer is any concoction use to add moisture or add hydration to the hair.

Comfrey, chamomile, basil, and lecithin. Use avocado oil, Shea butter or almond with the infused herbs to create a moisturizer.

All these herbs must be infused individually and mix no more than two or three to make hair tonic, it should be left in the hair.

Source
Use Cosmetic herb for skin care, hair care, beauty care and toiletries.
Cosmetech, Institute of National and Modern ed. 2000. HSIDC shed 138

2009 © Associated Content, All rights reserved.

Herbs for Hair Loss

People have been using herbs for hair loss since ancient times. Herbs, as widely accepted, trigger the body’s natural mechanism to tackle a health-problem. In the case of hair loss (referred to scientifically as Alopecia), the herbal remedies deal with the problem by increasing blood circulation to the area of hair loss, disinfecting the scalp in case of an infection and/or suppressing hormonal activity.

Some time-tested herbs for hair loss are:

Camellia Sinesis, better known as Green Tea is considered a great remedy for male pattern baldness. Catechins found in green tea inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts male hormone Testosterone into hair-unfriendly Di-hydrotestosterone or DTH. Drink Green Tea or take it in the form of capsule to prevent hair loss.

He Shou Wu or Polygonum Multiflorum, a Chinese herb, has long been used as an effective remedy for hair loss. The herb is also known to promote growth of new hair. Also known as Fo-Ti, it is used in many commercial preparations. It is also available in the capsule form.

Horsetail, a good source of silica, prevents hair loss by making the hair (rather follicles) strong. It also enhances the shine of hair. Horsetail can be used with a baby shampoo.

Licorice extract helps prevent hair loss in women. Other effective herbs for women with hair-thinning problem are herbs such as Astragalas and Siberian Ginseng.

Pygeum Africanum or simply Pygeum is extracted from the bark of an evergreen tree. Like Green Tea, Pygeum too slows down the conversion of Testosterone to DTH, which weakens hair follicles. Available in pill forms, recommended dosage for Pygeum is between 60 mg and 500 mg per day.

Saw Palmetto, also known as Seranoa Repens, is among the most popular hair loss treatments presently available for men. Saw Palmetto works by lowering the levels of DTH. Recommended dosage for Saw Palmetto is two 160 mg capsules daily.

Urtica Diocia or Stinging Nettle is the other most popular name among herbs for hair loss when it comes to treating male-pattern baldness. The optimum dosage is 50-100 mg per day. To achieve best results, use Nettle along with Pygeum and Saw Palmetto.

There are many more herbs, which are used to prevent or retard hair loss – Aloe, Arnica, Brahmi, Birch, Bhringaraj, Catmint, Licorice, Marigold, Mulberries, Parsley, Sage and so on and so forth. Herbs for hair loss, however, are selected depending on the reason for hair-loss.

If the hair loss results from dandruff, then the best remedy will be a mixture of Rosemary and Stinging Nettle. If it arises out of stress, you may try Ayurvedic Antistress Tea by mixing equal proportions of Jatamamsi and Brahmi.

Horsetail for Hair Loss

Simply stalling the hair loss will not be sufficient, you will also need re-growth of hair. Herbs like Burdock, Chamomile, Horsetail, Nettle and Rosemary stimulate hair-growth by promoting blood circulation to the scalp and supplying necessary nutrients. These herbs are as effective as herbs for hair loss but then you cannot expect any miracle, you will have to have patience to see the results.

Remember, once the hair follicles die, reversing the process is simply impossible. Be it herbs for hair loss or herbs for promoting hair growth, you will need to start your treatment pretty soon.

http://www.hairlosstreatmentforbaldness.com/herbs-for-hair-loss.html

Herb-Infused Oil

This is my Recipe for an Herb-Infused Oil

You will need a glass jar and a plastic tip bottle like those used to apply hair dye.

4 oz. Grapeseed oil
1 oz. Emu oil
1/2 oz. Vegetable glycerin
1/2 oz. Aloe Vera Juice
1/2 tbsp. Horsetail
1/2 tbsp. Nettle
1/2 tbsp. Calendula
1/2 tbsp. Burdock Root
4 Rosehips
Lavender, Chamomile, and Rosemary Essential Oil drops

I placed all the oil and herbs in a glass jar. I placed the jar in a pot of boiling hot water after turning the stove off and and left the herbs in the water until the water cooled. After three days, I poured the mix into my squeeze bottle and added the essential oils. I placed a piece of stocking over the top to act as a strainer during use.

It is recommended that you massage the oil into your scalp every few days.

My testimony: I haven't used the oil consistently in the suggested manner and don't have any more growth than expected within the first year of going natural. Average hair growth is 1/2 inch per month.