Since the introduction of Rogaine in the early 1980's, androgenic mediated hair loss, or "male pattern baldness" has been considered a treatable condition through the use of pharmaceutical preparations. The perception that over-the-counter and prescription drugs are the only means to successfully treat this type of hair loss is perpetuated by the lack of well-funded and publicized studies on the efficacy of natural treatments. However, as the understanding of the biological mechanism of male pattern baldness has become clear through a great body of research, the reality of an effective natural treatment is at hand. Here we'll look at how you can build your own program of supplements and topical preparations to help you regrow your hair.
The overall cause of male pattern baldness (MPB) is now well-known: this type of hair loss seen in about a third of the male population is mediated by the androgenic metabolite of testosterone known as dihydrotestosterone or DHT. The production of this now-infamous hormone increases later in life for many men, along with changes with the receptors for this hormone at the hair follicles. It is also the case that lower overall levels of "regular" testosterone are related to MPB as well.
The hair follicles commonly affected in the "pattern" shrink and sometimes die completely with excessive exposure to DHT. The precise mechanism for the hair follicle loss due to DHT binding is still being researched -- some believe the follicle no longer receives an adequate nutrient supply; others think the natural growth cycle of each follicle is thrown out of balance through hormone signaling pathways. Either way, nature offers a host of remedies that can prevent hair loss and may even cause significant regrowth in many individuals.
When using a natural regimen to re-grow hair, genetically-related hair loss should be addressed on two fronts: reducing the production and effects of DHT, and stimulating the hair follicles themselves back into action. This is best achieved by a combination of internally ingested supplements and topically applied formulas.
The heavy-hitters when it comes to limiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT is saw palmetto berry extract. This herbal supplement is often found in combination with other nutrients that essentially do the same thing, but in slightly different ways. The most important of these is nettle root extract, which limits the binding of DHT at receptor sites. Also, soy extracts have recently been discovered to also have a significant impact on DHT production through a completely different metabolic pathway -- so consuming all these herbs together may have synergistic effect.
Some nutrients seem to both reduce dihydrotestosterone production AND stimulate hair growth at the same time. The most well-know of these are the plant polyphenols from grape seeds and pine bark, though the most effective for our needs are from the skins of bitter young apples. Saw palmetto, supplemented in combination with grape seed extract was recently part of a patent for a hair loss treatment. Research has shown that topical application of polyphenols stimulates hair growth better than minoxidil, though liquid, topical preparations are hard to come by. Browse the internet for "apple polypheonols", or make your own formula. Mix your chosen polyphenols into water or an alcohol/water solution at 1-3% by weight: 1 ounce of water weighs about 30 grams, so 1 gram of polyphenols in one ounce of water will produce about a 3% solution - more is not better here, as there was a drop-off in effectiveness with higher concentrations in the research.
Several other herbs, nutrients and foods are worth adding to your program, or are at least worth looking into. Coconut oil has been prescribed by itself by some natural practitioners -- its a great idea to ingest a couple tablespoons per day, and massage some into your scalp a couple times per week. Consume a couple tablespoons of ground flax seeds per day as well. Other important items include: green tea extract, gingko biloba extract, the amino acids taurine and lysine, antioxidants from cacao and pomegranate, and MSM.
In addition to the polyphenols, certain essential oils alone and in combination can be effective at hair growth stimulation. In a Scottish study on alopecia areata patients, a blend of lavender, thyme, cedarwood and rosemary oils based in Jojoba and Grapeseed was found to significantly enhance the regrowth of hair. Many essential oils, including lavender and sage, contain "ketones", molecules that have been found to cause the skin to regenerate. Further, these oils could be enhanced with the addition of rosehip seed oil, which contains compounds similar to Retin-A, a pharmaceutical which has been used in combination with Rogaine for faster effects. Check online for essential oil hair growth recipes.
So how to combine all these into an effective hair growth program? Be sure you're supplementing (or applying) DHT production inhibitors, binding inhibitors, and growth stimulators in the same regimen, and be consistent with your program for at least 3 months. Here's an example: Take 2-4 capsules of a high-quality anti-DHT supplement (usually found as a "healthy prostate" supplement) daily; consume 2 tablespoons each ground flax seed and coconut oil daily; massage essential oil formula into the scalp each evening and leave on overnight. Want to go all out? Add 1 gram daily of taurine, a capsule of polyphenols (green tea, pine bark and grape seed extracts), and massage-in the polyphenol mixture every other night.
There's an incredible wealth of information available online if you'd like to learn more. Get inspired! There's been a lot of positive research indicating that natural supplements and topical formulas can be as effective, if not more so, than prescription or synthetic preparations. And in the long run, these may be healthier for you. Whatever combination of herbs, nutrients and oils you chose, just be sure to stay consistent for several months, and enjoy the process!
Author Resource:
For more on the therapeutic value of aromatherapy oils , and the many ways to employ these oils such as in nebulizing aromatherapy diffusers , visit The Ananda Apothecary online.
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