Grey Hair: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Grey hair, characterized by the appearance of white or light-colored hair due to the reduction or absence of melanin, is a natural process that occurs as a result of the depletion of melanocytes or the disruption of the melanin production process in the hair follicles, often triggered by aging, stress, genetics, and nutritional deficiencies.

The premature greying of hair has been linked to various health issues, including oxidative stress, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation. To combat grey hair, herbal remedies such as amla, bhringaraj, and brahmi are often used in traditional medicine to stimulate melanin production and promote healthy hair growth.

However, it is essential to note that herbal remedies may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions, and individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before using them, particularly if they are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medications.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of grey hair, 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 grey hair?

The main causes of grey hair are the gradual reduction of melanin production, oxidative stress, and inflammation within the hair follicles.

This process is triggered by the accumulation of free radicals, which damage the DNA of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. As melanin production declines, the hair shaft becomes transparent, giving the appearance of grey or white hair. Additionally, genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, and environmental stressors such as smoking and excessive UV radiation can also contribute to the onset of grey hair.

Research suggests that the age-related decline in melanin production is primarily due to the reduction of tyrosinase activity, a key enzyme involved in melanin synthesis.

• Aging: Aging is the most common cause of grey hair due to the depletion of melanin-producing cells in the hair follicle, which occurs naturally as people get older.
• Genetics: Genetics play a significant role in determining the likelihood of grey hair, as individuals with a family history of premature greying are more prone to it due to inherited traits.
• Stress: Chronic stress can cause grey hair due to the release of cortisol, which can suppress the production of melanin, leading to the appearance of grey hairs.
• Vitamin deficiencies: Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12 and copper, can contribute to grey hair as these nutrients are essential for the production of melanin.
• Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during menopause or thyroid disorders, can cause grey hair due to changes in the body's hormone levels that affect melanin production.
• Autoimmune disorders: Autoimmune disorders, like alopecia areata, can cause grey hair due to the body's immune system attacking its own hair follicles and disrupting melanin production.
• Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as exposure to chemicals, radiation, and pollution, can contribute to grey hair due to their potential to damage hair follicles and disrupt melanin production.
• Smoking: Smoking has been linked to grey hair due to its potential to damage hair follicles and reduce blood flow to the scalp, which can disrupt melanin production.
• Poor diet: A poor diet lacking essential nutrients, such as iron and vitamin D, can contribute to grey hair due to the body's inability to produce melanin efficiently.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for grey hair?

The main medicinal herbs used for grey hair are Aloe barbadensis, Bacopa monnieri, Curcuma longa, Cassia auriculata, Panax ginseng, Terminalia chebula, Ginkgo biloba, Eclipta alba, Emblica officinalis, Centella asiatica.

Aloe barbadensis, a natural anti-inflammatory, reduces oxidative stress and promotes melanin production in the hair follicles. Bacopa monnieri, a neuroprotective herb, improves cognitive function and reduces stress-induced hair graying. Curcuma longa, a natural antioxidant, inhibits the expression of hair graying-related genes and promotes melanin synthesis.

Other herbs like Cassia auriculata, Panax ginseng, Terminalia chebula, Ginkgo biloba, Eclipta alba, Emblica officinalis, and Centella asiatica, rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, also help reduce oxidative stress, improve blood circulation, and promote melanin production, contributing to the prevention and reversal of grey hair.

• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis may help with grey hair due to its potential to stimulate hair growth and improve hair texture by promoting blood flow to the scalp and reducing inflammation.
• Bacopa monnieri: Bacopa monnieri may help with grey hair due to its antioxidant and adaptogenic properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and promote overall health, potentially slowing down the greying process.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa may help with grey hair due to its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, potentially slowing down the greying process.
• Cassia auriculata: Cassia auriculata may help with grey hair due to its potential to stimulate hair growth and improve hair texture by promoting blood flow to the scalp and reducing inflammation, as well as its antioxidant properties.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng may help with grey hair due to its potential adaptogenic and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and promote overall health, potentially slowing down the greying process.
• Terminalia chebula: Terminalia chebula may help with grey hair due to its potential antioxidant and adaptogenic properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and promote overall health, potentially slowing down the greying process.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help with grey hair due to its potential to improve blood flow to the scalp and reduce inflammation, which can promote hair growth and improve hair texture.
• Eclipta alba: Eclipta alba may help with grey hair due to its potential to stimulate hair growth and improve hair texture by promoting blood flow to the scalp and reducing inflammation, as well as its antioxidant properties.
• Emblica officinalis: Emblica officinalis may help with grey hair due to its potential antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and promote overall health, potentially slowing down the greying process.
• Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica may help with grey hair due to its potential to improve blood flow to the scalp and reduce inflammation, which can promote hair growth and improve hair texture, as well as its antioxidant properties.

What are the main herbal preparations used for grey hair?

The main herbal preparations used for grey hair are Decoction, Tincture, Cream, Capsule, Gel, Salve, Powder, Suppository, Tea, Ointment.

Decoction involves boiling herbs like Bhringaraj, Amla, and Indigofera to create a solution that promotes hair growth and reduces graying. Tincture of herbs like Saw Palmetto and Ginkgo Biloba is used to strengthen hair follicles and improve circulation to the scalp. Herbal creams and gels containing extracts of Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme are applied topically to stimulate hair growth and reduce grey hair.

Capsules, powders, suppositories, teas, and ointments with these herbs are also used to address grey hair from within, as they contain antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that promote overall hair health.

• Decoction: A decoction of the herbs Butea superba and Ginkgo biloba has been found to promote hair growth and reduce the percentage of grey hair by improving blood circulation to the hair follicles and reducing oxidative stress.
• Tincture: A tincture of the herb Polygonum multiflorum, also known as He shou wu, has been traditionally used to promote hair growth and reduce grey hair due to its high content of saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which help to nourish the hair follicles and improve the overall health of the hair.
• Cream: A cream containing the herb Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera, has been found to help reduce grey hair by soothing the scalp and promoting the growth of new hair, as well as by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the herb Astragalus membranaceus has been traditionally used to promote hair growth and reduce grey hair due to its high content of saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which help to nourish the hair follicles and improve the overall health of the hair.
• Gel: A gel containing the herb Camellia sinensis, also known as green tea, has been found to help reduce grey hair by its antioxidant properties, which help to reduce oxidative stress and promote the growth of new hair.
• Salve: A salve containing the herb Rosmarinus officinalis, also known as rosemary, has been traditionally used to promote hair growth and reduce grey hair due to its high content of antioxidants and essential oils, which help to nourish the hair follicles and improve the overall health of the hair.
• Powder: A powder containing the herb Cinnamomum verum, also known as cinnamon, has been found to help reduce grey hair by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce oxidative stress and promote the growth of new hair.
• Suppository: A suppository containing the herb Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle, has been traditionally used to promote hair growth and reduce grey hair due to its high content of silymarin, which helps to nourish the hair follicles and improve the overall health of the hair.
• Tea: A tea containing the herb Panax ginseng has been found to help reduce grey hair by its antioxidant properties, which help to reduce oxidative stress and promote the growth of new hair.
• Ointment: An ointment containing the herb Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, has been traditionally used to promote hair growth and reduce grey hair due to its high content of curcumin, which helps to reduce oxidative stress and promote the growth of new hair.