Herbs That Darken and Thicken Hair Naturally
Hair loss is an issue in a wide range of age groups. Although many think that hair loss is just for the elderly, this simply isn’t true. In fact hair loss can affect some even at high school ages where embarrassment can reach at its peak.
In Chinese Medicine the hair is connected with the Kidney. Also since the hair is often considered a ‘sprouting of abundance’, if you will, the hair has a strong connection to the Chinese Medicine reflection of blood and the abundance of blood in the body. These two characteristics are important in choosing internal medicinals that are helpful in treating hair loss.
Another issue that many people are trying to get rid off is grey hair. In modern times most people utilize hair dye and chemicals including bleach. Obviously these haven’t been around as long (and some choose to take the route of not using chemicals) instead herbs have been used and believe it or not it is internal medicine instead of external application that has dominated this game.
The most famous, and dated, use of herbs has been the long use of longevity herbs for the Emperor of china. With long flowing black hair and status to maintain they used herbs internally to keep the hair black and herbs externally for keeping the skin light. Also these herbs are good for supplementing the kidneys and have a positive impact on blood building.
These herbs are known for good effects with hair growth and keeping a full head of hair:
He Shou Wu: He Shou Wu is often referred to as Fo-Ti as well. He Shou Wu utilizes all the acts of ‘longevity’ by strengthening the Kidney. He Shou Wu is used for hair growth, hair darkening, and blood building. It is a good herb for longevity and long-term use. All of these attributes are linked to the long life you are able to have with taking Fo-Ti.
Gotu Kola: Main revitalizing herb for the nerves and brain cells. It is also a powerful blood purifier and helps rebuild energy reserves. Contains asiaticoside which stimulates hair and nail growth, increases development of blood vessels into connective tissue, increases tensile integrity of the dermis, exerts a balancing effect on connective tissue.
Sage: Sage reduces excess secretions, stops sweating, dries up excess mucus from the nose and lungs and salivation, dries up sores and ulcers and stops bleeding. It is great for the brain and nervous system and promotes hair growth. It also combines well with Gotu Kola.
Shu Di Huang / Prepared Rhemania / Foxglove Root: Di Huang comes in prepared (Shu) and non-prepared (Sheng) forms. Many prefer the prepared version of this herb to use as more of a tonic for darkening the hair and eliminating grey.
You can also add these herbs along with herbs like Bu Gu Zhi and Tu Si Zi to a tincture and apply a small amount externally with shampoo daily. These herbs are never able to single out one function so they are also useful for hair loss as well. Side effects will also include moistened skin, better sleep, improved vision, and more energy. So, why not give it a try?
These are also a few herbs that have been helping hair loss in women for thousands of years.
Huo Ma Ren / Hemp Seed: The oils of the hemp seed are used for many purposes in Chinese Medicine and they prove to be very reliable. Huo Ma Ren can be pounded or ground and applied directly to the scalp and left for a while and then washed away.
Ce Bai Ye / Platycladus: Ce Bai Ye has volatile oils in it that are known to be healthy to scalp health, and we know is healthy to skin. Ce Bai Ye can be made into a tincture or cooked like a decoction and applied to the scalp daily. Ce Bai Ye is effective for hair loss and itchy scalp, so it has a bit of a dual purpose!
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