Baldness is most prevalent in men, but women also can experience significant hair loss due to pattern baldness (alpecia). Losing your hair can be quite devastating and cause emotional stress and self esteem issues. While doctors are eager to push prescription drugs for hair loss, there are natural treatments for hair loss available.

There are several main causes for hair loss, but most experts agree that a poor diet could be a major contributor. More commonly, hair loss causes include advancing age, genetics, hormonal changes, stress, poor scalp cirulation and even excessive dandruff.

It is wise to keep track of what remedies you tried and which worked best for you. Everyone is different, so what works for one person may not be ideal for another. Try the remedy on your arm first, to be sure of any reaction you may or may not have before application to your scalp.

There are also some things you may consider avoiding to help prevent further hair loss. Do not brush your hair excessively, towel dry hair gently, avoid tight hats or caps and do not severely pull your hair back in bands, braids or other hairstyles.

Some hair loss remedy ingredients include lettuce, mustard oil, aloe vera oil, henna, margosa leaves, coconut milk, lime-pepper seeds and even liquorice. You may also consider taking some vitamins and minerals to help treat your hair loss: Vitamin A, C, B6 and B12, and Folic Acid. Saw Palmetto is also reported to help.

There are many recipes for natural hair loss treatment. Talk to your homeopath or natural health practitioner before starting any treatment.

Sometimes the natural route is the way to go. Other times, it can be too much of a good thing. According to a 2007 TIME Magazine article called “Fit Nation,” over the last 10 years, the number of people who started using herbal supplements or remedies increased by 83%. Many people think that anything that’s natural should be good for you. Maybe it will even help them feel better. That may be true. Then again, it may not.

The biggest mistake that people make regarding herbal supplements is not telling their doctors what and how much they are taking. Many herbal supplements are intended to do the same thing as some prescription medications, albeit on a much smaller scale. For example, St. John’s Wort has long been known for aiding mild depression. But if a person is already on an antidepressant, the St. John’s Wort could be harmful. Herbal supplements could interact with prescription medications, or even nullify them. If a person is taking heart medication, and they take the wrong herbal remedy, it could be life-threatening!

Always, always tell your doctor if you are taking any kind of medication or supplement. It doesn’t matter if it is a vitamin, a mineral, a prescription or an herbal treatment, the doctor must know. [Read more...]