In the environment that we live in today, hair loss is a common problem faced by men and women alike. Although we attribute hair loss to our usage of various hair products, they are not always the only cause. Pollution, food, and climate are even greater causes that affect our hormones and health, resulting in loss of hair. To prevent hair loss, we must first get a fair idea of what kind of hormonal imbalances can cause hair loss.
It has been found that a drink made of nettle leaves balances the hormones in our body and prevent hair loss effectively. Let us see what are the hormonal imbalances that cause hair loss and how to make the perfect drink to prevent it.
High Estrogen
Estrogen is the female hormone and its excess secretion leads to bloating, breast tenderness, and irregular periods in women. In men, the excess secretion of estrogen can cause erectile dysfunction and infertility as well. It has been observed that toxic burden slows down the metabolism of estrogen and causes hair loss.
High Insulin
Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar and too much of it develops resistance and slows down our metabolism. It is one of the major hormones and its excess causes the imbalance of other hormones as well, leading to hair loss.
Cortisol Imbalance
Cortisol is commonly known as the stress hormone. Too much and too little secretion of cortisol can cause major health issues that can lead to excessive hair fall. When this hormone wreaks havoc in the body, elevation in blood sugar, weight gain, fatigue, and fatty liver disease might be diagnosed. A lack of cortisol develops long-term stress, causes exhaustion, cravings, weakening of immune system, intolerance to exercise, etc.
High Dihydrotestosterone
Dihydrotestosterone is the most potent version of testosterone hormone. It excessive secretion can lead to patterned baldness, gynecomastia, acne, and prostate enlargement in men. If its secretion is high in women, male-patterned hair growth in females is noticed.
Thyroxine Deficiency
Thyroxine or the thyroid hormone rules metabolism in the body. Its deficiency can cause extreme fatigue, weight gain, irregularity in bowel movements, irregular periods, and dry and brittle nails and hair. Low levels of thyroid hormone is one of the major causes of hair loss.
Stinging Nettle For Hair Loss
Most of us try to change our diet and lifestyle to prevent hair loss. However, it has been found that toxicity in our bodies can be reduced effectively with the herb called Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica).
The leaves of the Stinging Nettle regulates our hormones as it is a moderate aromatase and reductase inhibitor. This means that it slows down the secretion of enzymes that convert testosterone into estrogen and dihydrotestosterone. This helps in controlling acne, amenorrhea, prostate enlargement, PCOS, and all other related androgen excess conditions.
The Stinging Nettle has also been found to reduce blood sugar, improve insulin resistance in diabetics, and also, provide relief from water retention. This herb is high in mineral content as well, especially in zinc, magnesium, iron, and potassium that helps in reducing hair loss and stimulates hair growth.
The 2-Ingredient Drink
For this drink, you will need dried loose nettle leaves. Although dry, fresher the leaves are, better it is to make the drink. Along with nettle leaves, all you will need is 1 liter water and a large glass container with a cover.
Directions:
1. Boil 1 liter water and pour it in the glass container.
2. Take ½ cup of dried nettle leaves and put them in the water.
3. Cover the container with the nettle leaves in water tightly to allow infusion.
4. Leave the container for 4 to 10 hours (or overnight) at room temperature.
5. Drink the 1 liter of nettle-infused water throughout the day.
Tips:
1. Reheat the water and mix some almond milk or honey to make it a beverage.
2. If you want to make more nettle-infused water, add the same ratio for 2-3 days worth at one time and store the drink in the fridge to save time and effort.
Note: Do not consume stinging nettle-infused water during pregnancy. However, for lactating mothers, if lactation is not enough, this nettle drink should help.
