Baldness: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Baldness, also known as alopecia, is a condition characterized by the thinning or complete loss of hair on the scalp.

It is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances, genetics, stress, and certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases. Untreated baldness can lead to emotional distress and negatively impact one's self-esteem, as well as increase the risk of scalp infections and skin irritation. To combat baldness, herbal remedies like saw palmetto, ginseng, and aloe vera have been used to promote hair growth and strengthen hair follicles.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions, and to follow the recommended dosages to avoid adverse effects.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of baldness, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of baldness?

The main causes of baldness are primarily attributed to a combination of genetic and hormonal factors.

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male/female pattern baldness, accounts for approximately 95% of cases, caused by the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp, leading to hair follicle shrinkage and eventual hair loss. Other causes include thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. Additionally, certain medications and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can cause temporary or permanent hair loss.

Furthermore, nutritional deficiencies, particularly those related to iron, zinc, and biotin, have been linked to hair loss in some individuals.

• Androgenetic alopecia: Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male/female pattern baldness, is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones, specifically dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone, which shrinks hair follicles and leads to hair thinning and eventual hair loss.
• Alopecia areata: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss due to the immune system attacking and damaging hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss that can progress to complete baldness if left untreated.
• Traction alopecia: Traction alopecia is caused by continuous and repeated tension on hair follicles, often due to hairstyles such as tight braids, ponytails, or buns, which can lead to hair loss and eventually baldness.
• Telogen effluvium: Telogen effluvium is caused by stress, hormonal changes, or other medical conditions that disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to a large number of hair follicles entering the resting phase and resulting in excessive hair shedding and potential baldness.
• Autoimmune disorders: Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, can cause hair loss due to the immune system attacking and damaging hair follicles, leading to baldness.
• Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or menopause, can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss and potential baldness.
• Skin conditions: Skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis, can cause hair loss due to inflammation and damage to hair follicles, leading to baldness.
• Medications: Medications, such as those used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and cancer, can cause hair loss as a side effect due to their impact on the hair growth cycle and hormone balance.
• Infections: Infections, such as ringworm, can cause hair loss due to damage to hair follicles and the scalp, leading to baldness.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, such as those caused by a lack of iron, zinc, or biotin, can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss and potential baldness.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for baldness?

The main medicinal herbs used for baldness are Ginkgo biloba, Aloe barbadensis, Serenoa repens, Panax ginseng, Curcuma longa, Rosmarinus officinalis, Bacopa monnieri, Avena sativa, Centella asiatica, Cassia auriculata.

Ginkgo biloba is used for its antioxidant properties to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the scalp, promoting hair growth. Aloe barbadensis contains aloin, which has been shown to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss. Serenoa repens, also known as saw palmetto, may block the conversion of testosterone to DHT, while Panax ginseng and Curcuma longa have been found to reduce stress and inflammation, which can contribute to hair loss.

Rosmarinus officinalis, Bacopa monnieri, Avena sativa, Centella asiatica, and Cassia auriculata may also promote hair growth by stimulating blood flow, reducing stress, and inhibiting DHT production.

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help with baldness due to its potential to improve blood circulation to the scalp, thus promoting hair growth.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis may help with baldness due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce scalp irritation and promote a healthy environment for hair growth.
• Serenoa repens: Serenoa repens, also known as saw palmetto, may help with baldness by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng may help with baldness due to its potential to stimulate hair growth by improving blood circulation and reducing oxidative stress.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, may help with baldness due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can promote a healthy scalp environment and reduce inflammation that may contribute to hair loss.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis, or rosemary, may help with baldness due to its potential to improve blood circulation to the scalp, thus promoting hair growth.
• Bacopa monnieri: Bacopa monnieri may help with baldness due to its potential to reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to hair loss.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa, or oats, may help with baldness due to its potential to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can contribute to hair growth.
• Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica may help with baldness due to its potential to improve blood circulation to the scalp and promote hair growth.
• Cassia auriculata: Cassia auriculata may help with baldness due to its potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the scalp, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth.

What are the main herbal preparations used for baldness?

The main herbal preparations used for baldness are Tincture of Saw Palmetto, which is made by steeping the berries in a solvent to create a concentrated liquid that blocks 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss; Cream or Salve of Biotin, a B-complex vitamin that promotes hair growth and maintenance by strengthening hair follicles; Capsule or Tablet of Saw Palmetto and Biotin, which are combined to enhance their individual effects; Decoction of Rosemary, an herbal tea made by steeping the leaves in hot water, which increases blood flow to the scalp and promotes hair growth; Oil of Coconut or Jojoba, which nourishes and moisturizes the scalp, while Oil of Thyme and Tea Tree Oil have antifungal and antibacterial properties that combat scalp infections; Powder of Aloe Vera, which soothes and calms the scalp, while Poultice of Ginger and Turmeric, a paste made by grinding the roots in water, reduces inflammation and stimulates blood flow to the scalp; and Suppository of Saw Palmetto, which is inserted directly into the scalp to deliver the active ingredients directly to the affected area.

The main herbal preparations used for baldness are Tincture of Saw Palmetto, which is made by steeping the berries in a solvent to create a concentrated liquid that blocks 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss; Cream or Salve of Biotin, a B-complex vitamin that promotes hair growth and maintenance by strengthening hair follicles; Capsule or Tablet of Saw Palmetto and Biotin, which are combined to enhance their individual effects; Decoction of Rosemary, an herbal tea made by steeping the leaves in hot water, which increases blood flow to the scalp and promotes hair growth; Oil of Coconut or Jojoba, which nourishes and moisturizes the scalp, while Oil of Thyme and Tea Tree Oil have antifungal and antibacterial properties that combat scalp infections; Powder of Aloe Vera, which soothes and calms the scalp, while Poultice of Ginger and Turmeric, a paste made by grinding the roots in water, reduces inflammation and stimulates blood flow to the scalp; and Suppository of Saw Palmetto, which is inserted directly into the scalp to deliver the active ingredients directly to the affected area.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the plant Trichosanthes dioica is applied topically to stimulate hair growth by increasing the length of the anagen phase, the active growth phase of hair follicles, while also promoting the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, which are essential for hair growth.
• Cream: A cream made from the plant Aloe barbadensis contains aloin, which increases hair growth by inducing the anagen phase and promoting the lengthening of hair follicles, while also reducing inflammation and promoting the health of the scalp.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the plant Cinnamomum zeylanicum is ingested to improve blood circulation to the scalp, which increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth and strengthening existing hair.
• Decoction: A decoction made from the plant Urtica dioica is ingested to reduce inflammation and promote the health of the scalp, creating a favorable environment for hair growth by stimulating the anagen phase and promoting the proliferation of dermal papilla cells.
• Salve: A salve made from the plant Rosmarinus officinalis is applied topically to stimulate hair growth by increasing the length of the anagen phase and promoting the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, while also reducing inflammation and promoting the health of the scalp.
• Gel: A gel made from the plant Avena sativa is applied topically to promote hair growth by stimulating the anagen phase and increasing the length of hair follicles, while also reducing stress and promoting the health of the scalp.
• Oil: An oil made from the plant Cucurbita pepo is applied topically to nourish the scalp and promote hair growth by increasing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, while also reducing inflammation and promoting the health of the scalp.
• Powder: A powder made from the plant Plantago major is applied topically to stimulate hair growth by increasing the length of the anagen phase and promoting the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, while also reducing inflammation and promoting the health of the scalp.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the plant Calendula officinalis is applied topically to promote hair growth by reducing inflammation and promoting the health of the scalp, creating a favorable environment for hair growth by stimulating the anagen phase and promoting the proliferation of dermal papilla cells.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the plant Panax ginseng is inserted into the scalp to stimulate hair growth by increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth and strengthening existing hair.