Natural Hair Loss Remedies

Fact: There is no sure-fire way to prevent all hair loss. However, some methods that have been used work on some people. Here are some suggestions for natural remedies to hair loss. Massage Massaging the scalp in general for a couple of minutes a day can stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles and in mild cases stimulate some hair growth in minor cases of temporary hair loss. There are several electric massagers on the market that have an attachment for scalp massaging as well. An oriental method called Qi Gong (pronounced Chi Kung) has been used to increase circulation to the scalp and face also. Aromatherapy A blend of six drops each of lavender and bay essential oils in a base of four ounces of either almond, soybean or sesame oil massaged into the scalp and allowed to sit for 20 minutes has been used by aroma therapists to stimulate the scalp. Saw Palmetto Extract There is a definite connection between the prostate and hair loss for men. Saw Palmetto has been found to work in fighting benign prostatic disease by lowering levels of DHT, which is a known cause of androgenetic alopecia. Saw Palmetto extract is an effective anti-androgen and shows promise as an effective treatment for hair loss prevention. More information on Saw Palmetto for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Women on oral contraceptives or hormone therapy should not take Saw Palmetto. Nettle Root Extract Nettles are rich in vitamins A and C, several key minerals and lipids that can be beneficial to the hair. Nettle Root Extract has been used successfully in Europe as an inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase in treating BPH. Rosemary and Sage Rosemary and sage are two herbs that have shown benefit traditionally when used externally. Boil together in water rosemary, sage, peach leaf, nettle and burdock. Then strain the loose herbs from the liquid and use the liquid to wash the hair daily. Jojoba Oil If you are predisposed to seborrhea, eczema, psoriasis, or dandruff, you could consider using jojoba oil. Mexicans and southwestern Native American nations have used jojoba oil traditionally for centuries to promote hair growth and the control of dandruff. Jojoba oil is great for hypoallergenic skin because it is a great moisturizer and mimics the scalp's own sebum. Aloe Vera Aloe Vera has been used by Native Americans, Indians and many in the Caribbean to promote healthy hair and prevent hair loss. Aloe's can help the scalp by healing it and balancing the pH level of the scalp while cleansing the pores. A common preparation of Aloe Vera gel with a small amount of wheat germ oil and coconut milk is used as a shampoo and has traditionally shown great benefit. Henna Henna is a traditional Indian herb that acts as a natural conditioner and is excellent for the maintenance of healthy hair. It can help heal the hair shaft by repairing and sealing the cuticle, protecting hair against breakage and loss of shine. Polysorbate-80 Polysorbate-80 is an FDA approved surfactant that is also approved as a food additive. Although not proven, Polysorbate-80 is said to remove deposits of DHT and cholesterol from the scalp. Polysorbate-80 is being recommended by some naturopathic practitioners as an application for the scalp approximately 15 minutes prior to shampooing. Cleansing and Detoxification Cleansing should be a major part of your regimen to maintain and grow hair. Many scalp related diseases are directly the result of toxemia, while toxins in the body adversely affecting the body's systems indirectly affect other conditions. Cleansing can be performed through oral means regularly and occasionally by enema or colonic irrigation. More remedies for detoxification Psyllium husk Fiber is vital to cleansing, and most North American diets are deficient in natural fiber. Psyllium husk is a bulking laxative agent that can be used to safely move waste through the colon. Psyllium is a very good substance as it gently scrubs the walls of the colon to remove waste that is stuck to the walls.

Exercise Finally, although exercise does absolutely nothing directly to grow hair, most holistic practitioners recommend it. Exercising can improve blood flow, the delivery of oxygen to the cells of the body, and help the digestion of foods, all things that aid the health of hair follicles. Disclaimer: The advice here is not presented from a medical practitioner. Any and all dietary and medical planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health practitioners. This information does not replace medical advice from a professional physician.

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Copyright 2005 Priya Shah

Natural Herbs For Gout - Treating Gout Naturally With Herbal Remedies

Natural herbs for gout can be your ticket to completely cure gout. It is true that there is no medicated cure for gout, however, there is a natural cure for this disease and part of the treatment is trying herbal remedies. Gout herbal remedies have been around for centuries but have only been researched for the past decade. These herb remedies work by treating the cause of gout, uric acid.

As you probably have heard, this disease is caused when too much uric acid in the body forms into uric crystals between joints. In most cases, these crystals form between the joints in the big toe. When this occurs, you can literally be bed-ridden for days. Sound familiar?

Here are some herbs to neutralize the uric acid and help with curing and preventing this disease.

Natural Herbs for Gout

1. Alfalfa has been shown to be an excellent herb to supplement because its ability to neutralize uric acid levels. Alfalfa is also high in minerals and nutrients which can help dramatically reduce the levels of acid in the blood stream.

2. Anthocyanosides are important because they are nature's antinflammatory compound. An herb that is an excellent source of anthocyanosides is bilberry. Bilberry is also helpful because it contains flavonoids which are also anti-inflammatory. You can find bilberry at any health food store.

3. Both burdoch and black cohash have been shown to neutralize uric acid and control the acid levels in the blood.

4. The herb buchu which can be used in tea has been shown to not only dissolve uric acid crystals by also help the body flush the uric acid.

5. Cayenne pepper also has been a common treatment for aching joints. One treatment with cayenne pepper is to combine one tablespoon of cayenne with 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water. Mix thoroughly and use a sponge or washcloths to apply to affected joint.

6. Celery seeds tea has also been shown to help with curing gout because it has nearly 20 different types of anti-inflammatory properties. You should boil one tablespoon with 2 cups of water and strain. This tea tastes great plus is very beneficial for flushing the gout causing crystals.

Herbal Remedies And Drug Addiction - Can Herbs Help?

Drug abuse refers to the availing of a drug for purposes which the drugs are not intended to, or using a drug in excessive quantities. Drug addiction is a state of physical and psychological dependence on a drug. The physical addiction is often characterized by the presence of tolerance, such as needing more and more of the drug to achieve the same effect, and withdrawal symptoms that disappear when further medication is taken.

Almost all sorts of different drugs can be abused, including illegal drugs, such as heroin or cannabis, prescription medicines such as tranquilizers or painkillers and other medications that can be availed off the supermarket shelf, such as cough syrups or herbal concoctions.

This depends on the nature of the drug being abused, the person taking the drug and the circumstances under which it is taken. Some medications, like for example certain sleeping pills or painkillers are physically addictive. They have a specific effect on the body which leads to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Others may lead to a psychological addiction if people have a craving for the effect that the drug causes.

There has been some speculation that some people may be more prone to drug abuse and addiction than others. Research is being carried out into whether there may even be genes that predispose certain people to addiction.

The methods employed by Chinese traditional medicine practitioners is an effective example of just how effective herbal remedies could be for drug addicts. One famous herbal method used for addicts is moxibustion. Moxibustion is a variation sometimes employed, and is referred to as the slow burning on or over the body of special herbal "cones" , in which a stick or cone of burning mugwort or herb, Artemesia vulgaris, and is placed over an inflamed or affected area on the body. The cone is placed on an acupuncture point and burned. The cone is removed before burning the skin. The purpose of this therapy is to stimulate and strengthen the blood and the life energy, or qi, of the body.

There are also a number of herbs that have been researched to be effective in controlling the urges of drug addicts, as well as in helping them tone down their craving for more addictive opiates.

Homeopathic Opium - This herb is effective for minor hangouts, or sudden spells of dizziness or floating, and should be taken in the morning after.

Passion Flower - This herb can be taken as a tea or in a tincture, it also works as a bit of a depressant, though it has a mild narcotic effect.

Valerian - Valerian can be taken as a tea or in a tincture, This herb is from where Valium was derived from, and acts as a good sedative. It is also calms the nerves while in the process of detoxifying.

ScullCap - This herbal concoction can be taken as a tincture or a tea, and is effective for calming the nerves, nervous headaches & associated .

Social circumstances are important in drug abuse. Peer pressure, emotional distress and low self-esteem can all lead individuals to abuse drugs. Ease of access to drugs is another influence. People abuse drugs for many reasons. Understanding what the person's motivation is helps to explain why that person is abusing drugs. Proper consultation with a herbalist and a psychiatry expert are needed whenever one tries to employ herbal remedies to the drug problem.