You are on page 1of 14

101 foods that could save your life Part5

Homeopathic prescribing for chronic and acute periodontal conditions in 3 dental


practices in the UK

Hair Loss

Homeopathic Prescriptions

Hair Loss

As part of the bodys renewal process, most of us lose 50 to 100 hairs every day.
The average rate of growth is approximately 12 inch per month. Interestingly, hair
grows fastest in the summer, as heat and friction speed up growth. Conversely, it
grows slower in the cold and the winter months. More rapid hair loss begins in both
sexes by age fty and tends to accelerate once people reach their fties. A human
adult body has an average of 5 million hairs, with 100,000 to 150,000 of those
located on the scalp.

Since most of us also grow new strands to replace the ones that have been shed,
theres usually no reason to worry about a few stray hairs that come out with a good
brushing or that swirl down the drain after a shower. Hair loss poses a potential
prob- lem only if it leads to noticeable thinning or balding, and even then, it is often
a nor- mal part of life.

Genetics and hormones determine the most common reasons for hair loss. Male
pattern baldness is characterized by a receding hairline and loss of hair, especially
on the crown of the head. By age forty, two-thirds of Caucasian men are noticeably
bald. Female pattern baldness is characterized by a general thinning of the hair all
over the head and a moderate loss of hair on the crown or the hairline. It also
occurs between the ages of thirty and forty and often becomes more apparent
during and after menopause. About 50 percent of children with a balding parent of
either sex will inherit the dominant baldness gene.

Besides age and genetics, the main culprit in balding appears to be an overabun-
dance or overactivity of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) within the
hair follicle. DHT is a derivative of testosterone and is driven by an enzyme called 5-
alpha reductase, which is produced in the prostate, the adrenal glands, and the
scalp. The activity of this enzyme tends to increase as people, especially men, age.
It also causes the hair follicle to degrade, and it shortens the growth phase. Some
follicles die, but most shrink and produce weaker hairs that become thinner, many
to the point where
they fall out from daily activities. Another important hormone is progesterone.
Menopausal women commonly nd improvement with the use of natural
progesterone for excessive hair loss.

Other physiological factors might cause hair loss. Recently, a group of Japanese
researchers reported a correlation between excessive sebum in the scalp and hair
loss. Excessive sebum, often accompanying thinning hair, is attributed to an
enlargement of the sebaceous gland. The researchers believe that excessive sebum
causes a high level of 5-alpha reductase and pore clogging, thus malnutrition of the
hair root. Animal fat in the diet is believed to increase sebum production. Medical
researchers in Asia also believe that hair loss is caused mainly by an insufcient
blood supply to the scalp.

The effects of stress can be a cause of hair loss and thinning in both men and
women. Generally, this type of hair loss or thinning is reversible once the levels of
stress have calmed down or the person has dealt with the stress sufciently.

In addition, various autoimmune and other systemic diseases can lead to hair loss.
The list includes many conditions, ranging from psoriasis and thyroid disease, to
cancer.

Other reasons for hair loss and thinning may include strict dieting (the loss is due to
malnutrition), heavy metal toxicity (e.g., arsenic), chemotherapy, and severe illness.
Several different nutrient deciencies can contribute to hair loss, brittleness, or thin-
ning. When it comes to hair loss, the most common in women is iron deciency. You
will need a blood test by your doctor to see if this is occurring.

Genetic Baldness . . . or Medication?

If you experience thinning or receding hair, chances are that youre seeing the rst
signs of genetic pattern baldness. Before you come to a conclusion, however, you
should run a check of any medications you might be taking. Many phar- maceutical
medications cause hair loss, such as the following:

Cholesterol-lowering drugs:

clobrate (Atromid-S) and gembrozil


(Lopid)

Parkinson medications:

levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa) Ulcer drugs:

cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid)

Anticoagulents:

Coumarin and heparin

Agents for gout:

allopurinol (Loporin, Zyloprim) Antiarthritics:

penicillamine, auranon (Ridaura),

indomethacin (i\Indocin), naproxen (Naprosyn), sulindac (Clinoril), and


methotrexate (Folex)

Drugs derived from vitamin A:

isotretinoin (Accutane) and etretinate

(Tegison) Anticonvulsants for epilepsy:

trimethadione (Tridione) Antidepressants:

tricyclics, amphetamines

Beta-blocker drugs for high blood pressure:

atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol


(Inderal), and timolol (Blocadren)

Antithyroid agents:

carbimazole, iodine, thiocyanate, thiouracil

Others:

Blood thinners, male hormones (anabolic steroids), and chemotherapeutic agents

It is common for women who are going through menopause to experi- ence hair
loss and thinning. This is due No matter whether you have a temporary or
permanent condition, many comple- mentary therapies exist that can help you
improve your hair and scalp health. While they cant completely reverse permanent
baldness, many treatments can encourage small but signicant regrowth.

SYMPTOMS

to the uctuating changes in many of their hormones. Nat- ural hormone-balanc-


ing protocols, administered by a knowledgeable doc- tor, can reverse this hair loss.
Also, low levels of thyroid hor- mone can result in hair loss in women and men of all
ages. This can include thin- ning of the eyebrows. Hypothyroidism often develops
around menopause or during pregnancy.

Receding hairline

Thinning hair

ROOT CAUSES

Heredity

Hormone imbalance (particularly,thyroid)

Serious illness, especially with a high fever

Pregnancy

Menopause

Stress

Chemotherapy

TREATMENT Diet

Recommended Food
Hair that falls out in patches

Hypothyroidism

Autoimmune disorders

Crash or fad diets

Syphilis

Extremely high doses of vitamin A

Nutritional deciencies

Heavy metal toxicity

Poor scalp circulation

Malabsorption, parasites

well.

Hair loss can be caused or aggravated by poor diet. Make sure to eat varied, well-

rounded meals made from basic foods. Include plenty of whole grains, vegetables,
and quality protein (such as beans, nuts, sh, and lean poultry).

Biotin promotes hair and scalp health and, in some cases, can even prevent hair
loss. The best sources of biotin are nuts, brown rice, brewers yeast, and oats. Many
of these foods are also high in B vitamins, which promote hair growth.

Iron is essential for hair growth. Take a spoonful of unsulfured blackstrap molasses
every day, and include several of the following foods in your meals: green leafy veg-
etables (except spinach), leeks, cashews, berries, dried fruits, and gs.

Your body needs vitamin C to absorb iron; eat citrus fruit after an iron-rich meal.

Testing Techniques

The following tests help assess possible reasons for hair loss: Hormone testing
(thyroid)saliva, blood, or urine Intestinal permeabilityurine

Vitamin and mineral analysis (especially iron)blood


Heavy metal toxicityhair or urine

Stool analysisparasites

Eat nuts, seeds, and avocados for vitamin E, a nutrient that keeps the scalp in good
condition. Olive oil is another excellent source.

Foods containing essential fatty acids, as found in nuts (walnuts), axseeds, and
sh, are important.

Food to Avoid

Avoid foods that deplete your system of nutrients and impair circulation, such as
sat- urated and hydrogenated fats, rened our and sugar, and processed food.

Super Seven PrescriptionsHair Loss

Super Prescription #1 Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Take 320 to 400 mg daily of an 85 percent liposterolic extract.

This herb has historically been used by herbalists for hair loss in men and women.
Recent research shows it to be effective for men.

Super Prescription #2 Essential fatty acids

Take a combination formula containing a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Take 4,000 mg of sh or axseed oil and evening primrose or borage oil con-

taining 200 mg of GLA daily.

Super Prescription #3 Biotin

Take 2,000 to 3,000 mcg daily.

Super Prescription #4 Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Take 3,000 mg daily. It contains the mineral sulfur, which helps promote hair
development.
Super Prescription #5 Fo Ti (Polygonum multiorum or He shou-wu)

Take 500 mg three times daily. This Chinese herb is used by practitioners of Ori-
ental medicine to slow or stop hair loss, although it is mainly used in formulas with
other herbs.

Super Prescription #6 Silica (Silicea)

Take 500 mg twice daily. This mineral fosters hair development.

Super Prescription #7 Rosemary essential oil

Apply 3 to 5 drops per 1 ounce of shampoo daily to improve scalp circulation.

General Recommendations

Zinc is a mineral required for hair development. Take 30 mg daily, along with 3 mg
of copper.

Natural progesterone cream can be helpful for women with low levels, particularly
women in menopause. See the Menopause section for proper use.

Enzymes improve the absorption of foods and nutrients. Take a full-spectrum com-
plex with each meal.

Take a high-potency multivitamin daily to provide a base of the nutrients required


for healthy hair.

A B-complex supplement combats the effects of stress and contains vitamins in the

B family that contribute to healthy hair. Take a 50 mg complex twice daily.

A greens formula that includes super green foods, such as chlorella, spirulina, bar-
ley, and wheatgrass, provides a host of hair-healthy nutrients. Take as directed on
the container.

A study in the Jour- nal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reported that a
product con- taining saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and a plant compound called
beta-sitosterol (also found in saw palmetto and other plants) may increase hair
growth in men.

This study included 19 men between the ages of 23 and 64 years

who had mild to mod- erate hair loss. They were given either a placebo or a supple-
ment containing 400 mg of a standardized extract of saw pal- metto and 100 mg of
beta-sitosterol per day. After about ve months, hair growth

in 60 percent of the men taking the herbal combination had improved, compared
with their initial eval- uation. Only 11 per- cent of those receiving the placebo had
any improvement.

A vitamin B12 deciency may be at the root of hair loss. Take as part of a

B-complex or take 200 to 400 mcg of the sublingual form daily.

Homeopathy

Pick the remedy that best matches your symptoms in this section. Take a 6x, 12x,
6C,

12C, or 30C potency twice daily for two weeks to see if there are any positive
results. After you notice improvement, stop taking the remedy, unless symptoms
return. Con- sultation with a homeopathic practitioner is advised.

Arsenicum Album is helpful when hair loss is the result of stress. The person is very
fearful and restless.

Ignatia (Ignatia amara) is for hair loss that comes on with acute grief or an emo-
tional trauma.

Lycopodium (Lycopodium clavatum) is for premature balding and graying of the


hair. People who require this remedy often have digestive problems and crave
sweets.

Natrum Muriaticum is for hair loss accompanied by depression, a strong salt crav-
ing, and an aversion to being in the sun.
Phosphoric Acidum is for hair loss that is accompanied by fatigue and mental debil-
ity. Hair loss may come after grief or sorrow. There is often a craving for carbonated
beverages.

Sepia is helpful when there is a hormone imbalancerelated hair loss, as seen dur-
ing menopause or after using the birth control pill.

Silica (Silicea) is helpful when there has been a chronic illness, accompanied by hair
loss. The hair is brittle, and the person tends to be thin, chilly, and easily fatigued.

Acupressure

See pages 668675 for information about pressure points and administering
treatment.

If you have been eating poorly or have suffered from an illness, work Stomach

36 to encourage maximum absorption of nutrients into your bloodstream.

Bodywork

Massage

A scalp massage will increase circulation to the head and will help hair follicles
receive nutrients from the blood.

Aromatherapy

Rosemary oil will stimulate hair growth. Take a few minutes before a shampoo to rub
some into your hair and scalp.

If you need to reduce stress, essential oils can help. Lavender, chamomile, jasmine,
rose, and geranium all have relaxing properties, as do many others. See page 658
for more suggestions. Find a few that you enjoy and use them in baths, massages,
or dif- fusers, or just hold the bottle under your nose and inhale deeply.
Stress Reduction

If you experience so much stress that your hair is falling out, you may need a thera-
pist to help you cope. Hair loss is often related to shock or grief; look for a profes-
sional who has experience with your particular problem.
Any of the strategies in the Exercise and Stress Reduction chapter can help you with
long-term stress management. Find the therapy you like best and practice it
regularly.

Bach Flower Remedies

See the chart on pages 648650 to nd the remedy that best suits your personality
and tendencies. Once youve chosen a remedy, place 10 drops of the liquid under
your tongue. Hold the drops in place for thirty seconds and swallow. Use as often as
needed.

Rescue Remedy is the treatment of choice for cases of shock or panic.

If you have recently been in an accident, or if a natural disaster has brought grief to
you or your family, take Rock Rose.

If you have been mourning for a long time and tend to retreat into the happier times
of the past, Honeysuckle will help you come to terms with your present situation.

Other Recommendations

Exercise increases circulation everywhere, including the scalp. Talk a walk daily.

Be gentle to your hair. When its wet, use a wide-toothed comb to separate the
strands, or, if possible, let your hair dry completely before combing it into place. Do
not use a blow dryer, and dont dye your hair or use bleach on it. If you want to pull
your hair back, do so loosely, and use a special coated elastic that wont grip the
individual strands and pull them out.

Sleep is essential for hair renewal and growth. Try to get eight hours a night, or
more, if thats what your body needs.

Share this:
Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)

Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Click to print (Opens in new window)

Related

Figs (Anjra)

Figs (Anjra) Energetics: Sweet, astringent/cold/sweet VPK+ Dry V+ Action: Nutritive,


demulcent, laxative, antibacterial, aperient, emollient Indications: Urinary tract and
gall bladder stones, liver, kidneys, chronic cough, increase weight, destroys
roundworms, hemorrhoids, cancer, diges- tive disorders, high in ber. Figs are a
good source of iron and an excellent blood builder.

February 4, 2011

In "Fruits Remedies"

Jamh, Jatamashi, Balchar, Muskroot; Indian Spikenard

Sanskrit: Jamh jaoamaaMfaI Hindi: Jatamashi, Balchar English: Muskroot;


Indian Spikenard Latin: Nardostachys jatamansi DC. Part Used: Rhizome, rhizome oil
Habitat: Himalayas: 9,000-17,000 feet; India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim Energetics:
Bitter, sweet, astringent-cold-pungent VPK= Tissues: Blood, marrow/nerve Systems:
Circulatory, nervous, digestive, respira- tory, reproductive Action: Aromatic,
antispasmodic, diuretic, emme- nagogue, nervine,

December 28, 2012

In "Medicines / Remedies"

Sinusitis

Sinusitis The sinuses are cavities in the bones around the nose, the cheeks, and
the eyes. These cavities are lined with membranes that produce mucus, and when
the sinuses are func- tioning normally, this mucus serves a protective purpose: It
warms and moistens incoming air and lters it for

August 20, 2013

In "Homeopathic Prescriptions"
Bookmark the permalink.

101 foods that could save your life Part5

Homeopathic prescribing for chronic and acute periodontal conditions in 3 dental


practices in the UK

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required elds are marked *

Comment

Name *

Email *

Website

nine =

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Search
Sponsored Links

Recent Remedies

o TOOTHACHE

o PREMATURE GREYING OF HAIR Loss of black shiny hair

o OVER WEIGHT Obesity

o BALDNESS Loss of hair

o BAD BREATH (Halitosis)

Links

o Astrology

o Nakshatra Finder

o Rashi Calculator

o Stotras & Mantras

Subscribe via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe and receive notications of new posts by
email.

Join 37 other subscribers

Email Address

Stats

You might also like