Originally published July 9 2013
Four natural remedies that improve hair quality and growth
by Michael Ravensthorpe
(NaturalNews) Virtually all cultures in the world view thick, lustrous hair as a symbol of vitality, youthfulness, and healthfulness. Consequently, hair improvement products in all forms (shampoos, conditioners, hair loss creams, etc.) are international, billion-dollar industries. Some of these products receive good reviews, while others receive bad reviews. Regardless of their efficacy, however, few if any of them could be described as 'natural.' Their ingredients list usually reads like a chemistry set, and health-conscious individuals are understandably reluctant to use them. What follows, then, is a list of four natural remedies that are renowned for improving hair quality and growth in both sexes.
Great remedies for improving hair quality
Blackstrap molasses - Blackstrap is a dark, thick syrup that contains all of the trace minerals extracted from the sugar cane plant during the sugar refinement process. As it happens, one of those minerals is copper - an absolutely essential ingredient for healthy hair since it helps the production of the skin and hair pigment melanin. For best results, ingest two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses per day, preferably first thing in the morning. You'll begin noticing improvements in hair quality within weeks. Consistent monthly use may return your hair to its original color.
Cayenne pepper - Cayenne is a great remedy for improving hair thickness. Indeed, ancient doctors used to treat alopecia using tonics comprised of it. This is because cayenne increases blood flow, which in turn nourishes the scalp and stimulates hair growth. It is a good idea to mix cayenne with an oil such as olive oil, however - pouring raw cayenne powder over your scalp without lubrication is not a pleasant experience!
Coconut milk or oil - These two coconut products have always been linked with non-flaking, shiny, healthy hair. For best results with coconut oil, mix it with a little avocado, spread the mixture on your hair, and then rinse with warm water after 30 minutes. Coconut milk, on the other hand, can be used like a regular shampoo - just massage it into your scalp and leave it there for 30 minutes.
Saw palmetto - There is a good reason why this North American plant is a main ingredient in conventional hair products - it really does boost luster and thickness. Funnily enough, we haven't yet learned why it is so effective, although several researchers believe it is because the plant blocks an enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase, from converting testosterone into dihydrotesosterone. The latter is a hormone that is linked to progressive alopecia and other hair-related conditions.
The great thing about these four remedies is their versatility. For example, you could take two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses per day whilst washing your hair with coconut milk every other day. Alternatively, you could take a 20 drops of cayenne pepper tincture mixed with water while scrubbing your hair with a homemade blackstrap molasses and saw palmetto shampoo. In fact, you can make a shampoo made from all four remedies mixed together - the concoction may not look or smell nice, but your hair will love it!
Sources for this article include:
http://www.examiner.com
http://www.curlynikki.com
http://www.gnet.org/coconut-oil-hair/
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/qalibrary/f/sawpalmetto.htm
About the author:
Michael Ravensthorpe is an independent writer whose research interests include nutrition, alternative medicine, and bushcraft. He is the creator of the website, Spiritfoods, through which he promotes the world's healthiest foods.
Michael Ravensthorpe is an independent writer whose research interests include nutrition, alternative medicine, and bushcraft. He is the creator of the website, Spiritfoods, through which he promotes the world's healthiest foods.
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