There are dozens of natural remedies for hair loss, pattern baldness and alopecia.
Of course, not all of them are effective.
Here's a look at some of the products you will find on the market, along with the pros and cons of each.
Green Tea If you believe the claims, green tea is good for everything from cavities to cancer.
A recent study showed that drinking four cups per day for 14 days reduces body fat, body weight, cholesterol and blood pressure.
o Pros-good for your heart and your body's antioxidant status o Cons-no proven benefit for male pattern baldness, although it may improve circulation to the scalp and interfere with the conversion of testosterone to DHT Gingko Biloba Gingko is typically recommended for improved memory and blood circulation, as well as "anti-aging" benefits, although the results from clinical trials have been contradictory.
Sometimes it works.
Sometimes it doesn't.
o Pros-some proven antioxidant activity o Cons-no proven benefit in any type of alopecia Saw Palmetto Saw palmetto preparations are recommended for men as natural hair loss remedies and for prostate health.
There is good evidence to support its use as a preventative measure.
o Pros-addresses the issue of DHT sensitivity, proven to be as effective as the prescription drug finasteride, but without the side effects o Cons-no benefit for women Polygonum Multiflorum Commonly referred to as "he shou wu" or Chinese knotweed, it is a staple of Chinese traditional medicine.
A Chinese patented medicine containing it will purportedly turn gray hair black.
o Pros-could balance your "yin" o Cons-no proven benefits Black Cohosh Black cohosh is one of the most commonly purchased dietary supplements in the US.
Women use it to help reduce the frustrating symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and bed sweats.
o Pros-proven beneficial for some menopausal symptoms, may help reduce the effect that DHT has on the receptors in the hair-producing follicles o Cons-no benefit for men Other Natural Remedies for Hair Loss Some studies indicate that shampoos containing caffeine can interfere with the suppression of follicular growth caused by male hormones.
The research is still in the very early stages.
No dosage or effectiveness has been established.
Scalp massage has proven to be beneficial in several kinds of alopecia.
But, for male and female pattern baldness, the massage is most beneficial if Minoxidil is massaged in.
Minoxidil might not be considered one of the natural hair loss remedies, because it comes from a drug company.
But, it is the only topically applied solution that is proven effective for growing human hairs.
Applying something to your head is far less likely to cause side effects than is taking something internally.
Plus, you have to remember that naturally occurring compounds are not always safe.
Gingko biloba, for example, contains common allergens and should not be taken by anyone allergic to poison ivy or other plants.
So, that's what's up with natural remedies for hair loss.
Do a little shopping and look at the supportive evidence, before you buy anything.
That's the best suggestion.
Of course, not all of them are effective.
Here's a look at some of the products you will find on the market, along with the pros and cons of each.
Green Tea If you believe the claims, green tea is good for everything from cavities to cancer.
A recent study showed that drinking four cups per day for 14 days reduces body fat, body weight, cholesterol and blood pressure.
o Pros-good for your heart and your body's antioxidant status o Cons-no proven benefit for male pattern baldness, although it may improve circulation to the scalp and interfere with the conversion of testosterone to DHT Gingko Biloba Gingko is typically recommended for improved memory and blood circulation, as well as "anti-aging" benefits, although the results from clinical trials have been contradictory.
Sometimes it works.
Sometimes it doesn't.
o Pros-some proven antioxidant activity o Cons-no proven benefit in any type of alopecia Saw Palmetto Saw palmetto preparations are recommended for men as natural hair loss remedies and for prostate health.
There is good evidence to support its use as a preventative measure.
o Pros-addresses the issue of DHT sensitivity, proven to be as effective as the prescription drug finasteride, but without the side effects o Cons-no benefit for women Polygonum Multiflorum Commonly referred to as "he shou wu" or Chinese knotweed, it is a staple of Chinese traditional medicine.
A Chinese patented medicine containing it will purportedly turn gray hair black.
o Pros-could balance your "yin" o Cons-no proven benefits Black Cohosh Black cohosh is one of the most commonly purchased dietary supplements in the US.
Women use it to help reduce the frustrating symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and bed sweats.
o Pros-proven beneficial for some menopausal symptoms, may help reduce the effect that DHT has on the receptors in the hair-producing follicles o Cons-no benefit for men Other Natural Remedies for Hair Loss Some studies indicate that shampoos containing caffeine can interfere with the suppression of follicular growth caused by male hormones.
The research is still in the very early stages.
No dosage or effectiveness has been established.
Scalp massage has proven to be beneficial in several kinds of alopecia.
But, for male and female pattern baldness, the massage is most beneficial if Minoxidil is massaged in.
Minoxidil might not be considered one of the natural hair loss remedies, because it comes from a drug company.
But, it is the only topically applied solution that is proven effective for growing human hairs.
Applying something to your head is far less likely to cause side effects than is taking something internally.
Plus, you have to remember that naturally occurring compounds are not always safe.
Gingko biloba, for example, contains common allergens and should not be taken by anyone allergic to poison ivy or other plants.
So, that's what's up with natural remedies for hair loss.
Do a little shopping and look at the supportive evidence, before you buy anything.
That's the best suggestion.
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