Hair loss, or hair thinning, or even hair damage is a concern for men and women as we get older. Here are 27 herbs that are great for hair growth and also for keeping your hair healthy!
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe contains salicylic acid, an anti-inflammatory and mild antibiotic, and aloe vera can help to clean your scalp of skin cells and excess sebum which can clog hair follicles.
2. Amla
This herb contains antioxidants and vitamin C which are necessary for collagen production and hair growth. It’s also used as a remedy to delay premature greying of hair.
3. Basil
When applied to the hair and scalp, basil acts as an anti-inflammatory, helps prevent breakage of hair, and improves circulation which can help to stimulate hair growth.
4. Bhringraj
This is an ancient Ayurvedic herb considered to be very powerful in encouraging hair growth.
5. Burdock Root
Rich in fatty acids, burdock root oil can be used to help promote scalp health, reduce inflammation and promote stronger hair growth.
6. Calendula
Calendula oil is rich in minerals and anti-oxidants. Applying calendula oil to the scalp helps promote hair growth, increases collagen production and circulation.
7. Fenugreek
Rich in vitamins, fenugreek can help improve circulation and stimulate hair growth. The best way to apply it is by turning fenugreek seeds into a paste, and applying it directly to the scalp.
8. Flaxseed
Full of fatty acids and anti-oxidants, ground flaxseeds can be mixed with water to form a gel that can be applied to the scalp to help stimulate hair growth and improve hair strength.
9. Ginger Root Oil
This oil increases circulation in hair follicles, promoting stronger and faster growth. It is also an anti-septic and moisturizer, making it great for clearing up dandruff and other skin conditions which may interfere with healthy hair growth.
10. Gotu Kola
This herb has been used for thousands of years to treat many internal and external maladies. The best way to use this herb is to mix gotu kola extract with olive oil and massage it into the scalp. This should improve circulation and help promote stronger hair growth.
11. Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers contains vitamins and anti-oxidants that improve the health of the scalp and hair. Use fresh blossoms or dried hibiscus to coconut oil and grind it into a fine paste. Then apply the paste to your scalp and hair regularly – allow it to soak into the scalp/hair for at least two hours before rinsing – it should help increase hair growth while also warding off premature greying and dandruff.
12. Hops
The flowers of the hops plant contain an oil that has been shown to nourish and stimulate hair growth, and help thicken and/or strengthen existing hair. The oil of the flower is also a natural anti-septic which can help to fight infections of the scalp or hair follicles that can stunt hair growth.
13. Horsetail
This herb works by stimulating blood vessels in the body, which can help in supplying oxygen to hair follicles. Horsetail also contains quercetin, a flavonoid with anti-allergy and anti-viral capabilities. It contains silica which is a nutrient that helps to repair hair damage and fortify hair against breakage. To use, steep one part dried horsetail in two parts water for an hour or more. Strain and cool the infused water to room temperature before applying to hair and scalp.
14. Lavender
Lavender is a herb that has been used for almost every health ailment – from improving sleep to reducing stress to helping healthy hair grow. This oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-septic. It helps stimulate circulation in the scalp, strengthens new hair growth, and helps to balance the natural oil production of the scalp. It’s also a natural insect repellent which can ward off parasites like head lice.
15. Licorice
The flavonoids naturally occurring in licorice work to nourish the scalp and heal damage caused by fungal infection, eczema, environmental allergens, and chemical exposure. To prepare this herb, add one tablespoon of dried licorice root to three cups of boiling water. Allow the roots to steep for an hour or more on low heat. Strain and cool the infused liquid to room temperature before applying to hair and scalp.
16. Marshmallow
The roots of this herb contain contain lauric acid, which is a medium chain fatty acid present in coconut oil. It’s also rich in mucilage, a natural hair detangler. To prepare this herb, boil dried marshmallow for about fifteen minutes, then strain it – and combine the strained part with your own conditioner before applying to hair.
17. Oat Straw
This herb is a source of silica and magnesium which promote scalp health and hair growth. To prepare this herb, steep oat straw in hot water for an hour or more before applying it to your hair. You can also drink it as a tea.
18. Parsley
Common garden parsley is full of vitamins and anti-oxidants which increase keratin and collagen production in the scalp, increase circulation, promote healthy hair growth, and protect skin and hair from damage by free-radicals. This herb also contains zinc and copper which works together to regulate metabolism and synthesize melanin, the pigment that protects skin and hair from sun damage. To prepare, steep parsley in boiling water or grind fresh parsley mixed with water or oil into a fine paste to be applied to scalp and hair. Parsley can also be added to tea and salads.
19. Peppermint
Peppermint oil is an anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. When applied to the scalp, peppermint oil can help to heal chemical, microbial, or environmental damage while also stimulating growth by boosting circulation and stimulating hair follicles.
20. Rose Hips
Rose Hips oil (wild rose) is one of the best sources of Vitamin C, making it a powerful stimulant for hair growth. To prepare, simmer or soak rose hips in water until they become soft enough to crush. Mix with a moisturizer to form a paste that can be applied to the scalp and hair.
21. Rosemary
Rosemary oil is rich in vitamins, an anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and one of the most popular herbs for healthy hair. Massage one to two teaspoons of rosemary oil directly into the scalp.
22. Sage
This herb contains vitamins B and C, as well as magnesium, zinc, and potassium, all of which improve hair growth and strength. It’s also antibiotic, anti-allergic, and anti-septic making it ideal for healing skin ailments that may stunt hair growth. Add this oil to a moisturizer to rub into the hair, or steep it in hot water and apply to scalp.
23. Shikakai
This herb has been used in Asia for thousands of years as an herbal hair cleanser. It’s often combined with Amla in shampoo sold in India for hair benefits. To prepare, you can ground shikakai fruit into a powder or steep it in warm water – then rinse hair with the paste, or massage it into the scalp to promote growth, strengthen roots, and improve scalp health.
24. Soapnut
As the name suggests, the fruit of the soapnut tree has been used since ancient times to make soap. It’s a natural cleanser that has both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, making it an excellent choice for nourishing scalp and hair follicles, as well as for growing thicker, healthier hair.
25. Thyme
This common herb has both anti-septic and anti-fungal properties, as well as containing magnesium, potassium, and selenium which are known to promote stronger hair growth. Steep dried thyme in warm water to create an herbal rinse that can be applied to your hair.
26. Watercress
Watercress is packed with vitamins and minerals – most notably of which is biotin – which has benefits for stronger hair growth.
27. Yarrow
Yarrow is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent making it great for treating scalp conditions which may stunt hair growth. It is high in natural saponins and fatty-acids, which makes it perfect for cleansing the scalp naturally and stimulating new hair growth.
