10 natural herbs that promote healthy hair growth

In my previous article I discussed the benefits of using ayurvedic herbs to grow healthy natural hair. In this article, I will introduce you to my favorite natural herbs to prevent shedding, stop hair loss and hair thinning and for growing strong natural hair.

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For the past two years, I have been using natural herbs and plants in my natural hair regimen and my hair has been growing strong and healthy.

Herbs and plants have been used by our ancestors for over thousands of years as medicine for healing various ailments, for boosting our immune system and for a general wellbeing.

There are so many medicinal herbs and plants that are used in achieving healthy hair growth and solving hair and scalp issues/conditions. The benefits of these herbs are multiple and immense. You can mix them with your shampoos and conditioners to make them more potent.

Let me share with you some of the herbs and plants I have been using to grow my hair.

Green tea

Green tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant and contains two active components, catechin and caffeine which regulate hormones in your body . Green tea has a lot of health benefits as it helps in weight loss and lowers cholesterol, among others. When used on the hair, green tea stops excessive hair loss and shedding, as well as promotes faster hair growth, controls dandruff and psoriasis. The next time you plan to throw away any leftover brewed green tea, think about your hair! My favorite green tea is the Japanese Matcha green tea or Matcha green tea.

Burdock root  

The burdock plant is a hard-perennial native to Europe and its root is used for cosmetic, medicinal purposes and to achieve hair growth. It promotes healthy hair by relieving scalp irritations and improving blood circulation to the hair follicle. It supplies natural phytosterols and important essential fatty acids to hair roots and has been traditionally used to reduce and reverse hair thinning. It is one of the key ingredients in many hair restoration treatments.

Horsetail

Horsetail herb is rich in Silica which helps to strengthen weak, brittle and damaged hair by filling in the damaged spots. It is a natural hair conditioner and growth aid. When used consistently, hair begins to look shinier and healthier over time. Its stimulating properties help improve circulation locally and thereby nourishing the follicle. Like Burdock root, horsetail is used in many hair restoration treatments.

Lavender or Lavandula officinalis

Lavender is native of France and the western Mediterranean and is one the most popular medicine used in ancient time. This herb is well-known for its soothing and calming effect, for relieving insomnia, irritability, headaches, migraines, and depression. Lavender herbs are used in soaps, creams, lotions and for essential oils making etc. Lavender essential oil diluted in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil is perfect for a body massage.

Marshmallow root  or Althea Officinalis

Marshmallow root is not to be confused with the sweet fluffy white treat we give to our kids! Marshmallow root is high in vitamins A and C, B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc.

After steeping, the mucilage from the leaves and roots are used as a soothing product for dry hands, sunburn, dry hair, in lotions, or in facial masks to treat such skin conditions as psoriasis. The mucilage from the  Marshmallow root is slippery and is a good detangler for curly, coily and kinky hair.

Nettle leaf or Urtica dioica

Nettle leaf tea is derived from the leaves of the common nettle plant, also known as the stinging nettle. Nettle leaf has been used by Native Americans to treat ailments such bronchitis, respiratory problems as well as digestive problems, urinary tract disorders, diarrhea, and gout. This herb contains minerals (including silicic acid, calcium, potassium, iron) as well vitamins A, B, C, K. Nettle leaf inhibits DHT, the hormone that is thought to be responsible for male and female baldness and enhances blood circulation. It also helps in getting rid of dandruff and itchy scalp and acts as an antifungal for the scalp.

Peppermint or Mentha piperita

Peppermint is a popular herb known for its aroma and medicinal value. The leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, iron, potassium and fiber but low in calories. Peppermint has a cool effect on the skin and scalp. A strong tea with dried peppermint leaves calms dry and itchy scalp and improve blood circulation in the scalp.

Rosemary

Rosemary herbs have been used for centuries to preserve fish and meat, flavor food, and scent cosmetics, soaps, and shampoos. A popular green shrub native to the Mediterranean, it is high in Manganese and is also a source of Pantothenic Acid, Niacin, Thiamin, Folate, Riboflavin. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Rosemary boosts hair growth, enhances blood flow to the hair follicles, treat dandruff and strengthens the hair by protecting it from free radicals as well as conditions and calms frizz.

Sage

This pungent herb is a member of the mint family and is high in vitamin K and contain minerals like magnesium, zinc and copper. It also contains vitamins A, C and E. Sage is used for the treatment of hair loss and has been found effective in treating male pattern baldness. It adds shine to dull hair and stimulate hair growth in combination with Rosemary herbs. It is also great for intensifying hair color.

Slippery elm

Slippery elm is a tree whose inner bark is used as medicine. It is used to solve digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, diarrhea and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), reduce symptoms of psoriasis, treats dull hair. Slippery elm is rich in calcium as well as amino acids and encourages hair growth. The powder from the leaves create a mucilage that has a lot slip and can be added to your conditioner. When combined with marshmallow root, its create a mucilage that is as a good detangler and curling gel to define curls and coils. It reduces hair loss and leaves your hair smooth and shiny.

Click on the video below to make your own Slippery elm and Marshmallow root detangler

How to use natural herbs in your hair care regimen

Tea rinses

I brew the herbs like you would with your normal brewed tea, let it cool. Transfer in a spray bottle. Spray my hair after shampooing, then I proceed to add deep condition my hair.

Below is my favorite DYI tea rinse to prevent hair shedding and to strengthen natural hair.

HERBAL BLEND TEA RINSE

Ingredients:

2 cups of boiling water

2 tbsps. dried hibiscus leaves

1 bag of green tea

1tbsps. Nettle leaf

1 tbsps. Horsetail herb

1 tbsps. Dried peppermint leaves

1tbsps. Rosemary leaves

4 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)

Directions:

• Pour 2 cups of boiling water over blend of herbs in a bowl.
• Cover it  and steep for at least 30 minutes.
• Strain herbs from the tea and let it cool.
• The rinse should be at room temperature before using. You should never pour hot tea in your hair.
• Add the essential oils.
• Pour the tea slowly over your wet hair, massage the infusion into your hair and scalp.
• Keep a large bowl under your head to catch the liquid and re-apply several times.
• You can also pour the tea in a spray bottle and spray your hair making sure the whole hair is saturated with the tea
• Let it sit a few minutes.
• Gently rinse with cool water and proceed with deep conditioning your hair or, for extra conditioning benefits, just leave it in and towel dry hair.
• This tea can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

PS: Make sure to use a dark towel or an old T-shirt before spraying your hair with the herbal tea as it contain hibiscus which can stain your clothes.

Hair masks

You can add the brewed tea to your favorite hair mask for extra .

Herbal infusions

I infuse the natural herbs in oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil or your favorite oils for scalp massages and for moisturizing your hair.

If you live in Sweden

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You can also purchase these natural herbs at your local health store, if you live in other European countries.

Reference: The Herbal Encyclopedia Common medicinal herbs for natural health, Clover farm. 2020.  https://www.cloverleaffarmherbs.com/

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor. These are just recommendations for those who want to go the natural way. Please consult your doctor before using any natural herb especially if you are pregnant.

Do you use any natural herbs on your natural hair? How do you use them? Please share your tips in the comment box below and don’t forget to subscribe to receive tips, advice and recipes with ayurvedic and natural herbs.