Aside from their ability to spruce up the flavor of our foods, herbs play an important role in our overall health and well being.
What is not commonly recognized however; is just what herbs can do for our hair and skin.
Most hair loss is genetic but the symptoms can be treated with a number of potent herbal remedies such as: Horsetail - As an excellent source of silica, horsetail helps to retain the moisture level in hair.
Dry hair is brittle and easily broken exaggerating the appearance of thinning hair.
Licorice Extract - Regarded for its ability to inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the leading known cause of androgenic alopecia, licorice also helps boost the secretion of sebum.
Sebum is our bodies' natural moisturizer and conditioner.
Rosemary- Though some might find the idea of using the same herb on your head as is found in your favorite Italian food, rosemary is known to have astounding effects on hair growth stimulation.
It's effective in treading dandruff and other scalp infections that can lead to hair loss as well as darken gray hair and eliminate dryness.
Rosemary oil is highly effective for stimulating new hair growth.
Aloe Vera- Aloe vera has been used for centuries for the treatment of sunburn, cuts and other skin irritations, but it is also packed with many vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health as well as a healthy head of hair.
Acting as a natural conditioner, aloe vera keeps hair moisturized while it fights many scalp conditions.
Chamomile - In addition to its ability to help us sleep, chamomile is also used to soothe inflamed or irritated skin on the scalp.
Because skin conditions and inflammation on the scalp can clog hair follicles, chamomile has been shown to be excellent in promoting the growth of shiny, healthy hair.
Birch Leaves - Packed full of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, birch is a powerful component of healthy hair growth.
The dual ability to fight disease as well as inflammation keeps hair follicles unbound and able to grow naturally along their life cycle.
Most herbal remedies can be diluted and massaged directly onto the scalp and some can be ingested internally to reap the health benefits.
Nature has always provided us with what our bodies require to maintain optimum performance.
While medical science is always searching for new and improved ways to treat any number of issues, including hair loss, sometimes it's best to just go back to basics and work with what the earth already provides.