Prologue and Rationale
Hair is found on each and every part of the body except the hands, palms and soles of the feet. Hair is formed in minute pockets in the skin called follicles. Falling of hair is also called alopecia. When a special group of cells turn amino acids into keratin, a protein of which hair is made is formed. The rate of production of these building blocks determines hair growth. Loss of hair at a very tender age has become a common problem nowadays. Most affected are the women. There is a balance in the growth of hair and falling of hair. Any problem in the body system can disturb this balance causing more of hair loss.
Causes
The factors responsible for the hair loss are:
· Genetic factor
· Stress
· Use of strong chemicals or drugs
· Emotional problems
· Unclean condition of the scalp that may give rise to infections.
· Serious and prolonged illnesses like influenza, flu, typhoid, anemia and chronic cold.
· Hormonal imbalance
· Pregnancy
· Specific nutrient deficiency like vitamin B6 deficiency and deficiency of folic acid.
Treatment
1. Amla oil prepared by boiling dry pieces of amla in coconut oil is considered a valuable hair tonic.
2. A mixture of equal quantity of fresh amla juice and limejuice used as a shampoo stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss.
3. A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice prevents hair loss if one cup is taken daily.
4. Daily application of refined coconut oil mixed with limewater and limejuice on the hair prevents hair loss and lengthens the hair.
5. Application of juice of green coriander leaves on the head is also beneficial.
6. Application of fresh leaf juice of amaranth promotes growth of hair.
7. Mustard oil boiled with henna leaves is also useful in healthy growth of hair. About 250 grams of mustard oil should be boiled with 100 grams of henna leaves.
8. Another effective method to prevent hair loss is the application of coconut milk all over the scalp.
9. Washing the hair with a paste of cooked black gram dal and fenugreek lengthens the hair.
10. A fine paste made from pigeon pea or red gram can also be applied for treatment of baldness and hair loss.
11. Regular use of castor oil as hair oil also prevents hair loss.
12. The seeds of lime and black pepper ground to a fine paste are also an effective remedy.
13. Paste of liquorices made by grinding the pieces in milk with a pinch of saffron stimulates hair growth.
14. Add one-gram black pepper in 100 grams of curd and apply in the scalp. Then wash the hair with warm water and do it once a week.
15. Mash beetroot leaves in henna paste and apply on the head to prevent hair loss.
Diet
The healthy condition of the hair depends on the intake of good amounts of essential nutrients in the daily diet. Increasing the intake of protein, wheat germ and yeast helps in preventing falling of hair. Women are the most common sufferers as their diet lacks in iodine and vitamin B1 that slows down the circulation of blood to the scalp. So for women high intake of iodine and vitamin B is recommended.
Conditioners to prevent hair loss
· Hot oil conditioner
Heat a small bowl of olive oil or a herbal oil and massage it well into the scalp. Comb through with a wide-toothed comb then massage again. Leave overnight for the best results and wash them with mild or baby shampoo.
· Southernwood tonic
Pour 5 tablespoons each of strong southernwood infusion into a bottle and shake well. Use diluted 1 tablespoon of tonic to one warm water and massage into the scalp twice a week.
