In addition, their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties help the hair regrow naturally (3). Read on to know more.
20 Best Herbs For Hair Growth
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has scalp soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used for ages to reduce hair loss. It is also an excellent home remedy for hair damage and dandruff (4). How To Use Or
2. Lavender
Stress is a known cause of hair loss (5). Lavender oil has a calming aroma and is used as a natural remedy to reduce stress and stress-induced hair loss. Scottish scientists have found that massaging the scalp with lavender essential oil ,along with a carrier oil (grapeseed or jojoba oils), is a safe and effective treatment for alopecia areata (6). How To Use
3. Hibiscus
The leaves and the petals of hibiscus (China rose) have been found to stimulate hair growth and reduce the risk of fungal infections (dandruff) (7), (8). It is also widely used as a hair tonic to enhance hair thickness. How To Use Note: You can also add this solution to yogurt or henna and apply it to your hair.
4. Rose
The beautiful aroma of roses is great for relaxation. Thats why rose petals and rose essential oil are used in relaxing baths (9). Rose petal extracts have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (10). Applying rose oil or rose petal extract can help reduce stress and inflammation and have a positive effect on hair growth. How To Use Alternatively,
5. Ginseng
Ginseng is a popular Chinese herbal medicine. A study shows that red ginseng improves the proliferation of hair cells (keratinocytes) and suppresses hair fall-inducing biomolecules (DHT) (11). Another study confirms that ginseng extract and ginseng oil help prevent hair cell death (apoptosis), preventing hair loss (12). How To Use
6. Rosemary
Rosemary is also a popular herbal home remedy to induce hair growth and stop hair loss. Rosemary leaf extract stimulates hair regrowth, and rosemary oil works as good as a 2% minoxidil solution for treating androgenetic alopecia (13), (14). How To Use
7. Amla
Amla or Indian gooseberry is a fruit loaded with vitamin C. It is also rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that help stimulate hair growth (15). Amla also makes the hair soft and shinier (16). How To Use Note: You can also prepare a hair mask with yogurt, amla, and coconut oil.
8. Peppermint
If drinking peppermint tea can help you relax and improve digestion, applying peppermint hair oil to your scalp can help enhance hair growth. A study found peppermint oil to be more effective in increasing follicle number, follicle depth, and follicle density than minoxidil and jojoba oil (17). How To Use
9. Moringa
Moringa oil is a great hair growth stimulant. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-pollution, and anti-dandruff properties. It also helps get rid of split ends (18). Here’s more about the benefits of moringa oil for the hair, skin, and health. How To Use
10. Reetha
Reetha or soapnut is a natural and reusable shampoo. The saponins in the soapnuts are natural surfactants that help make the hair shiny, soft, and manageable (19). Soapnut has antifungal and antibacterial properties that may prevent scalp infections and dandruff (20). How To Use
11. Calendula
Calendula oil and extract are good for stimulating hair growth. It has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties (21). Anecdotal evidence suggests that calendula is an excellent herb for achieving naturally thick hair. How To Use Note: You can also massage calendula oil onto your scalp.
12. Henna
Henna is popularly used to dye the hair. But, additionally, henna can improve hair growth and shine. It is specifically useful for people dealing with hair loss or alopecia. Alopecia occurs when excessive testosterone (androgen) gets converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). A study confirms that henna can induce hair growth by reducing androgen levels (22). How To Use
13. Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a palm tree with fan-like pointed leaves. The berries of this plant inhibit the conversion of excess testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Saw palmetto is quite a sought-after ingredient for reducing hair fall due to androgenic alopecia (23). How To Use Saw palmetto works best when taken as a supplement. Note: Consult a dermatologist before taking saw palmetto supplement. Some herbal supplements have side effects and might aggravate hair loss.
14. Brahmi
Brahmi or Bacopa Monnieri is an ancient Ayurvedic medicine for treating hair loss. Brahmi oil helps improve blood circulation to the scalp, enlarges the follicle size, and prolongs the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle (24). How To Use Note: Your hair will strongly smell of garlic. Shampoo your hair twice to get rid of the smell.
15. Shikakai
Shikakai or Acacia Concinna is a natural cleanser and scalp soothing Ayurvedic herb. It is rich in vitamin C and phytochemicals that help reduce dandruff, itching, and scalp dryness (25), (26). This helps improve scalp health and promotes hair growth. How To Use Here are a few easy ways to use shikakai for hair growth.
16. Garlic
Garlic is used to add flavor to various cuisines around the world. Evidence suggests that topical application of 5% garlic gel can improve hair growth in people suffering from androgenetic alopecia (27). But if it is not possible to prepare garlic gel at home, you can make garlic oil. Scroll down for the recipe. How To Use Note: Your hair will strongly smell garlic. Shampoo your hair twice to get rid of the smell.
17. Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds are loaded with B vitamins, antioxidants, saponins, and flavonoids. Scientists found that consuming fenugreek helped increase hair thickness and volume (28). You can also apply fenugreek seeds to your scalp for shiny and strong hair. How To Use Or
18. Bhringraj
Bhringraj or Eclipta Alba (L.) is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine for stopping hair loss. A study on laboratory animals shows that bhringraj extracts significantly improve hair growth by modulating the hair follicles’ growth cycle (29). How To Use Here are some other ways to use bhringraj oil for hair growth.
19. Nettle
Nettle or stinging nettle plant is a nutritious plant with small hairs that sting. This herbal medicine has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The application of nettle or consumption of its supplements can help reduce hair loss (30). Note: Consult a dermatologist before consuming any herbal supplement to avoid possible side effects. How To Use
20. Gotu Kola
Gotu kola or Centella Asiatica is a medicinal herb used to treat various skin and health disorders. A 2018 study found that gotu kola induced hair growth by scavenging the harmful free oxygen radicals and stimulating the gene responsible for promoting hair growth (31). How To Use Note: You can also apply gotu kola oil to your hair and scalp. There you have it 20 best herbs that aid hair growth, improve hair strength, and boost shine. These herbal home remedies are effective when a proper hair care routine is followed. Do not stop using them after one or two weeks. Wait for at least three months for visible results. Also, follow a nutritious diet and get at least 7 hours of sleep to keep your hair healthy. Does horsetail grow hair? Horsetail is said to have several hair benefits, including the ability to grow hair. It can be used alone or in combination with other hair supplements. It can also be consumed as a tea or a capsule. Although there is not a lot of scientific data to support this claim, many people firmly believe that it strengthens the hair and prevents hair loss. Is ginger good for hair? Ginger has been demonstrated to help treat dandruff and reduce hair loss. However, there is conflicting research regarding whether it accelerates hair growth. While some experts contend ginger may promote hair growth, other studies suggest the opposite. As a result, practice caution while applying it to your hair. Avoid applying ginger to your scalp or hair if you have a ginger allergy.
