Nobody wants their hair to fall, yet it is quite common for both men and women. Fortunately, there are many herbs for hair growth that you can use. Herbs are quite effective in improving scalp blood circulation, as well as inhibiting enzymes which cause hair loss. Many herbs for hair growth are powerful antioxidants or have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which help hair grow naturally.
Hereditary hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss, which its also known as androgenetic alopecia, male-pattern or female-pattern baldness. Other factors can contribute to hair loss, including emotional or physical stress, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, medications, poor diet, thyroid problems, anemia, hormonal imbalance, pregnancy and chemotherapy.
Nutrition is very important to maintaining proper hair health, as well as skin and nails. Eat more fruits and vegetables, and drink more water. There are many vitamins that can help with hair growth, including collagen (which I take daily). My hair reaches the bottom of my back so I have to give it a lot of care for it to look healthy.
Hair loss can also be caused by some hair products and improper hair care. Harsh chemicals found in many shampoos, conditioners, hair creams, and gels can cause problems for your scalp. It is better to use herbs for hair growth, since it is a safer solution.
Best Herbs for Hair Growth
Rosemary
Medicinal benefits of rosemary include hair growth since its rosmarinic acid has antioxidant effects. This is one of the most popular herbs for hair growth since it can improve blood circulation in the scalp. Improved circulation encourages hair growth and brings more nutrients to the hair follicles. According to some studies it can also be used to treat dry or itchy scalp, as well as dandruff because of its antibacterial properties. This herb also relieves the scalp from product buildup. Rosemary prevents premature graying and can be used to treat alopecia areata.
It is quite easy to grow rosemary since this herb will last years. This way you can cut fresh rosemary sprigs to make tea. Add a few sprigs to two or three cups of boiled water and let it steep for 15 minutes. Remove the sprigs and let the tea cool down. Use the infused water as a hair rinse a few times per week.
Dilute rosemary essential oil in two tablespoons of coconut oil or olive oil. Massage your scalp with this mixture, then shampoo after an hour. You can also add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your shampoo. Buy rosemary essential oil here.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is used in root awakening formulas. It is also used (with Mexican mint) in anti-dandruff formulas, since eucalyptus has anti fungal properties that can combat Malassezia furfur, the main dandruff fungus. These herbs for hair growth also increase hair elasticity and gloss. Buy eucalyptus essential oil here.
Peppermint
A study published shows that peppermint is beneficial for hair growth without gaining body weight or a change of food efficiency. Peppermint essential oil introduces a rapid anagen state. It encourages blood circulation in the scalp which stimulates hair follicles and promotes growth. This antifungal and anti-inflammatory herb is known for combating inflammation and itchiness.
Add a few drops of essential oil to your shampoo, just like other herbs for hair growth. Or blend 5 drops of peppermint essential oil in two tablespoons of slightly warmed coconut or olive oil. Massage it into the scalp and leave for it 20 to 30 minutes, then shampoo after. You can do this twice a week. Buy peppermint essential oil here.
Lavender
A study done on mice shows that lavender oil could generate faster hair growth in mice. Lavender has antibacterial properties, so this herb can help fight scalp infections. Of all the herbs for hair growth, this is one of the most effective in treating dry and flaky scalps, as well as dandruff. Lavender stimulates the circulation in the scalp, strengthening new hair growth. It is also a great insect repellent to keep away head lice, mosquitos, fleas and ticks.
Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil in a carrier oil and apply directly to the scalp. Herbs for hair growth can be added to the shampoo, conditioner or hair products. Lavender also helps calm down, which is great since headache and tension are two reasons why people start losing hair. Buy lavender essential oil here.
Sage
Sage is rich in nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, potassium and calcium. This herb fights hair loss and stimulates growth. It is also very beneficial for women as it helps promote estrogen balance, which is needed for strong hair follicles. Sage can treat scalp infections, which cause hair loss in women.
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil and add 5 drops of sage, lavender and rosemary essential oils. Massage your scalp with the mix before going to bed and wash the next morning. Buy sage essential oil here.
Holy Basil
This type of basil is a great herb for hair growth since it has magnesium and eugenol. Make your own basil oil to stimulate blood circulation. Learn how to grow basil in your garden to be able to collect your own leaves. Dry some holy basil leaves under the sun and grind them into a fine powder. Mix the powder into two or three tablespoons of warm olive oil. Sieve the oil using a muslin cloth and massage your scalp for 10 minutes. Leave it for at least 30 minutes up to overnight and wash it with shampoo.
Green Tea
Like some other herbs for hair growth on this list, green tea is high in antioxidants that prevent hair loss. It has trace vitamins and minerals as well. Panthenol strengthens the hair, making it an effective treatment for damaged hair and baldness. Buy green tea here.
Moringa
Moringa has thiocyanate that strengthens hair follicles and prevents hair from falling. Use moringa oil directly on the hair or make a tea out of moringa powder and use it to rinse your hair. Buy moringa products here.
Ginseng
This Chinese herb is a natural remedy for so many health conditions including hair loss. Like other herbs for hair growth, ginseng is effective in treating baldness and helping with hair growth. It is often included in hair tonics and shampoo since it nourishes hair and boosts its strength. Buy ginseng here.
Ginkgo Biloba
Although it is known mostly for its ability to improve memory and circulation, ginkgo biloba is also on the list of herbs for hair growth. Plant extracts promote microcirculation. It is often included in oils to grow and strengthen hair. It is especially beneficial at curing baldness in the elderly who have thin hair and alopecia. Buy ginkgo biloba here.
Stinging Nettle
Among the medicinal benefits of stinging nettle is its ability to stimulate hair growth by improving blood flow in the scalp. It also helps to prevent dandruff. Nettle is full of vitamins, minerals and proteins. This is one of the best herbs for hair growth for men since it can prevent the conversion of testosterone hormones into dihydrotestosterone.
Grow stinging nettle to use it by placing a handful of leaves in a jar with one cup of olive oil. Leave the mixture for three weeks in a cool place. Apply to the scalp and massage regularly. Stinging nettle can also be taken in pill form. Buy stinging nettle here.
Neem
Neem, also known as Indian lilac, is like other herbs for hair growth that stimulates blood circulation when applied topically. Neem oil can also help control thinning hair and premature graying. Neem has antifungal and antibacterial properties – which is why it is one of the best organic pesticides – that help treat dandruff and itchy scalps.
Make a neem tea by boiling leaves in four cups of water for 10 minutes. Set the tea to cool, strain it and use it as a final step after shampoo and conditioner. Do not rinse the mixture off. You can do this every time you wash your hair. Another alternative is to put two drops of neem oil in a few tablespoons of warm olive oil. Massage your scalp and leave for an hour before shampooing. Buy neem here.
Horsetail
This grassy smelling, astringent herb, has been used traditionally for hair maintenance and health. Horsetail’s benefits probably come from its ability as a vulnerary, which can treat inflammation and help heal skin wounds. Buy horsetail here.
Oatstraw
Oatstraw contains B vitamins and minerals. Oatstraw refers to the dried milky oat tops which have the same anti-inflammatory properties as oats. This helps to treat dandruff, as well as itchy or raw scalps. Buy oatsraw here.
Indian Gooseberry
Indian Gooseberry, also known as Amla, is rich in vitamin C and other minerals such as calcium, iron and phosphorus, which increase hair shine, strengthen roots and promote hair growth. For these reasons it is often used as an important ingredient in shampoos and hair oil. A study shows that Indian gooseberry is a hair tonic that enriches hair growth and pigmentation. Amla is used in Ayurveda to calm the pitta dosha (excess body heat) which can cause hair loss. It is commonly used by women in India who have long and thick hair.
Use Amla oil to massage your scalp and leave it for at least one hour before rinsing off. Another option is to mix Amla pulp and lemon juice. Massage and leave the mixture for a few hours before shampooing. Buy Amla here.
Aloe Vera
One of the most popular herbs for hair growth (and skin) is aloe vera. This herb fights hair loss and stimulates growth as well. It promotes blood flow to the scalp, allowing nutrients to reach hair follicles. It also has vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E that promote healthy cell growth and shiny hair. Proteolytic enzymes found in aloe vera protect the scalp against many diseases and maintains the pH balance. It even helps fight dandruff which causes hair loss according to this study.
Cut open an aloe vera leaf and scoop out the gel. Apply it to your scalp while massaging it for a couple of minutes. Leave the gel for a few hours or overnight and wash it off with shampoo. Do this twice per week.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is also on the list of herbs for hair growth since it can prevent hair loss. It is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as other amino acids. An advantage of this herb is its ability to bring shine to dull hair and prevent gray hairs. Hibiscus leaf extract is more potent for hair growth than the flower according to this study. Another study done in Egypt shows that hibiscus leaves fight androgenic alopecia in male rats, which means that it could also be useful for men.
Add hibiscus leaves and flowers to two cups of extra virgin coconut oil and heat until the flowers turn black. Strain the hibiscus parts from oil and allow it to cool. Massage the mixture on the scalp and hair and let it stay overnight. Wash your hair in the morning.