10 Best Herbal Decoctions For Grey Hair

Herbal decoctions for grey hair are natural, concentrated liquids made by simmering herbs in water to extract their beneficial properties.

These decoctions have been used for centuries to help restore and maintain healthy, vibrant hair colors. By nourishing the scalp and follicles, herbal decoctions can slow down or even reverse grey hair growth.

For example, aloe vera, henna, and indigo decoctions are known to stimulate blood flow, promote melanin production, and strengthen hair roots, resulting in improved hair texture, reduced graying, and enhanced confidence.

The following article describes in detail the most important decoctions for grey hair, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Sesamum indicum

Sesame decoctions helps with grey hair because of its unique ability to stimulate melanin production in the hair follicles.

The antioxidants and polyphenols present in sesame seeds help to nourish and strengthen the hair, promoting a healthy growth cycle that leads to reduced graying.

Additionally, sesame decoctions have been shown to improve circulation to the scalp, which helps to deliver vital nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, further supporting natural pigmentation and color retention.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sesamum indicum decoctions that help with grey hair.

• Sesamin: A lignan present in Sesamum indicum, sesamin has been found to stimulate hair growth and reduce the incidence of grey hair by potentially inhibiting the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts melanin into pheomelanin, a pigment associated with grey hair.
• Sesamolin: A sesamolin is a lignan found in Sesamum indicum, sesamolin has antioxidant properties that can help protect the hair follicles from oxidative stress and damage, promoting healthy hair growth and reducing the appearance of grey hair.
• Catechol: Catechol is a phenolic compound present in Sesamum indicum, catechol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth and potentially preventing the onset of grey hair.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of sesame used to make decoctions for grey hair.

• Seeds: Sesame seeds are commonly used due to their high content of antioxidants and nutrients that help promote hair growth and reduce graying.
• Leaves: Sesame leaves are used for their rich source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin E, which is known to help maintain healthy hair pigmentation and slow down graying.
• Seeds: Sesame seeds are also valued for their natural melanin content, which helps stimulate the production of melanin in the hair follicles, reducing the appearance of grey hair.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sesame for grey hair.

1. Harvest 20-30 grams of dried sesamum indicum flowers and leaves from a trusted source.
2. Weigh and combine the sesamum indicum with 1000 ml of water in a clean pot.
3. Bring the water to a boil over high heat then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Steep the mixture for 10-15 minutes or according to the desired strength.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.

2. Urtica dioica

Stinging nettle decoctions helps with grey hair because of its ability to nourish and stimulate the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.

The decoction's high concentration of antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E help to neutralize free radicals that can damage hair follicles, leading to premature graying.

Additionally, stinging nettle's natural pigment-enhancing properties may help to restore the natural color and vibrancy of the hair, leaving it looking healthier and more vibrant.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica decoctions that help with grey hair.

• Furanocoumarins: These compounds have been shown to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss and graying. By reducing DHT levels, furanocoumarins may help promote healthy hair growth and color.
• Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect hair follicles from damage and promote healthy hair growth. They may also contribute to the maintenance of melanocyte function, potentially slowing down the graying process.
• Saponins: These triterpenoid glycosides have been found to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity, which may help maintain a healthy scalp environment conducive to hair growth. Additionally, saponins may have antioxidant properties, protecting hair follicles from oxidative stress.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make decoctions for grey hair.

• Leaves: Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, helping to protect the hair follicles from damage and promote healthy hair growth.
• Roots: High in saponins, which stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth, reducing the appearance of grey hair.
• Buds: Containing vitamins and minerals, they help nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth, contributing to a reduction in grey hair.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for grey hair.

1. Harvest 1-2 ounces of fresh urtica dioica leaves and stems in the early morning to capture optimal potency.
2. Wash the harvested urtica dioica thoroughly with cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Chop 1-2 ounces of the urtica dioica into smaller pieces to increase surface area for infusion.
4. Combine the chopped urtica dioica with 2-3 quarts of boiling water to create a decoction.
5. Simmer the urtica dioica decoction for 5-10 minutes then strain it before consumption.

3. Aloe vera

Aloe decoctions helps with grey hair because of its unique blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

The decoction's antioxidant properties help to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and reducing inflammation that can contribute to premature graying.

Additionally, aloe vera's richness in vitamin A and C nourishes the hair follicles, while its natural moisturizing properties keep the hair strong and resilient, leading to a reduction in grey hair and an overall improvement in hair health and appearance.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera decoctions that help with grey hair.

• Anthraquinones: These glycosidic compounds stimulate hair growth and improve hair texture, potentially reducing the appearance of grey hair.
• Polysaccharides: This type of complex carbohydrate nourishes the scalp, promotes hair growth, and may help to reduce oxidative stress that can contribute to grey hair.
• Phenolic acids: These antioxidants protect the hair follicles from oxidative damage, promote hair growth, and may help to improve the overall appearance of hair, including reducing the visibility of grey hair.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make decoctions for grey hair.

• Leaves: They contain aloin, a compound that helps to stimulate hair growth and reduce grey hair.
• Seeds: They are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that promote healthy hair growth and reduce the appearance of grey hair.
• Roots: They have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce stress and promote healthy hair growth, reducing grey hair.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for grey hair.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling aloe vera leaves to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.
2. Harvest mature aloe vera leaves from a healthy plant and cut them into small pieces about 2 inches long.
3. Soak the aloe vera pieces in cold water for at least 8 hours or overnight to rehydrate them.
4. Blend the rehydrated aloe vera pieces into a pulp using a blender or food processor to facilitate extraction.
5. Strain the aloe vera pulp through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to separate liquid from solids.

4. Panax quinquefolius

American ginseng decoctions helps with grey hair because of its exceptional adaptogenic properties that promote overall well-being and balance in the body.

The decoction's active compounds, such as panaxosides and saponins, work to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for premature graying.

Additionally, American ginseng has been shown to improve blood circulation and oxygenation to the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and color retention, resulting in a more youthful and vibrant appearance.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Panax quinquefolius decoctions that help with grey hair.

• Ginsenosides: These triterpenoid saponins help with grey hair by promoting melanin production, which is essential for hair color, and also by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to premature graying.
• Polysaccharides: These complex carbohydrates help with grey hair by stimulating the body's natural antioxidant defense system, reducing free radical damage, and promoting overall health and well-being, which can help slow down the aging process.
• Astragaloside iv: This saponin compound helps with grey hair by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting melanocyte survival, and enhancing the body's natural antioxidant defense system, all of which can contribute to maintaining healthy hair growth and pigmentation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of american ginseng used to make decoctions for grey hair.

• Roots: The roots of Panax quinquefolius are used due to their high content of ginsenosides, which have been shown to have hair growth-promoting properties.
• Roots: The roots are also used for their ability to improve blood circulation, which may help in the growth and maintenance of healthy hair.
• Roots: The roots of Panax quinquefolius contain antioxidants that may help reduce oxidative stress, promoting a healthy scalp and hair growth.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic american ginseng for grey hair.

1. Harvest 2-4 ounces of fresh or dried roots of the plant with five leaflets.
2. Clean the roots thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Chop the roots into small pieces to increase their surface area for infusion.
4. Steep 1-2 teaspoons of the chopped roots in 1 quart of boiling water for 10-20 minutes.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to separate the liquid from solids.

5. Curcuma longa

Turmeric decoctions helps with grey hair because of its remarkable ability to stimulate melanin production in the hair follicles.

The curcumin present in turmeric has potent antioxidant properties that help to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to premature graying. Additionally, turmeric's antimicrobial properties help to promote a healthy scalp environment, allowing for optimal hair growth and color retention.

By increasing melanin production and promoting a healthy scalp, turmeric decoctions can help to reverse or slow down the process of grey hair.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa decoctions that help with grey hair.

• Curcumin: A phenolic compound that helps with grey hair by potentially inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called 5-lipoxygenase, which is involved in the regulation of hair growth and pigmentation.
• Demethoxycurcumin: A phenolic compound that may contribute to the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation associated with grey hair, promoting a healthy scalp environment for hair growth.
• Beta-curcumen: A sesquiterpene that may help in reducing the formation of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color, thereby potentially slowing down the graying process.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of turmeric used to make decoctions for grey hair.

• Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are used because they contain high levels of curcumin, a compound believed to promote hair growth and reduce grey hair.
• Roots: Roots are used due to their rich content of bioactive compounds that may help to inhibit the production of grey hair.
• Leaves: Leaves are used because they contain various nutrients and antioxidants that may help to nourish and protect the hair follicles, potentially slowing down the onset of grey hair.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic turmeric for grey hair.

1. Harvest 10-15 grams of fresh curcuma longa rhizomes or 2-3 grams of dried powder.
2. Boil 200 milliliters of water in a saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes.
3. Add the harvested rhizomes to the boiling water and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup or teapot.
5. Allow the decoction to cool down for 10-15 minutes before consuming it.

6. Withania somnifera

Ashwagandha decoctions helps with grey hair because it nourishes the scalp and follicles, promoting healthy hair growth.

The herb's adaptogenic properties help to reduce stress and anxiety, common causes of premature graying. Additionally, ashwagandha's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds work to repair and strengthen hair strands, improving texture and color.

By addressing these underlying factors, ashwagandha decoctions can help to reverse or slow down the graying process, leading to a fuller, more vibrant head of hair.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Withania somnifera decoctions that help with grey hair.

• Withanolides: These steroidal lactones may help reduce stress and promote overall well-being, which can contribute to a healthy scalp and potentially delay or slow down the graying process.
• Alkaloids: These compounds may possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the hair follicles from oxidative stress and promote healthy hair growth, potentially reducing the appearance of grey hair.
• Flavonoids: These phenolic compounds may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, promoting a healthy scalp environment that can support hair growth and potentially slow down the graying process.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of ashwagandha used to make decoctions for grey hair.

• Roots: The roots are the primary part used for herbal remedies due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds.
• Leaves: The leaves are used in decoctions to slow down the process of hair graying and to promote hair growth due to their antioxidant properties.
• Barks: The barks are used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions, including hair loss and graying, due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ashwagandha for grey hair.

1. Measure out 2-3 grams of dried withania somnifera root and place it in a small saucepan.
2. Add 250 milliliters of water to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes or until the liquid has reduced slightly.
4. Strain the decoction through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass container.
5. Allow the decoction to cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing it for later use.

7. Triticum aestivum

Wheat decoctions helps with grey hair because it nourishes and strengthens the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.

The antioxidants and nutrients present in wheat decoctions help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to premature greying of hair. Additionally, wheat decoctions stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting a thicker and healthier mane.

This natural remedy can help to reverse or slow down grey hair, leaving you with a luscious and vibrant head of hair.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Triticum aestivum decoctions that help with grey hair.

• Avenanthramides: Avenanthramides, a group of phenolic compounds found in wheat, have been shown to have antioxidant properties that can help protect hair follicles from damage and oxidative stress, potentially contributing to hair color retention.
• Ferulic acid: Ferulic acid, a phenolic acid found in wheat, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth and color retention.
• Silica: Silica, a type of silicate found in wheat, is known to promote collagen production and improve skin and hair health, potentially leading to increased melanin production and reduced appearance of grey hair.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of wheat used to make decoctions for grey hair.

• Seeds: Used to make decoctions due to their high content of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help to promote hair growth and reduce grey hair.
• Leaves: Utilized to make decoctions because they contain antioxidants and other compounds that may help to reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to grey hair.
• Barks: Used to make decoctions due to their high content of tannins, which may help to reduce inflammation and promote hair growth, potentially reducing grey hair.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wheat for grey hair.

1. Harvest 20-30 grams of triticum aestivum roots and cut them into small pieces.
2. Combine the chopped triticum aestivum roots with 1 liter of water in a saucepan.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat for 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce heat to low and let the decoction simmer for 30-40 minutes.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.

8. Avena sativa

Oats decoctions helps with grey hair because it nourishes and protects the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.

The antioxidants present in oats help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to premature graying. Additionally, oat decoctions are rich in vitamins and minerals that help to strengthen the hair follicles, improving the overall health of the hair.

This results in thicker, shinier, and more vibrant locks, with a reduction in grey hairs over time.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Avena sativa decoctions that help with grey hair.

• Saponins: These natural detergents may help stimulate hair growth by improving blood circulation to the scalp and removing impurities that can contribute to hair loss and graying.
• Avenanthramides: These phenolic compounds have antioxidant properties that can help reduce oxidative stress, which is associated with hair graying. By neutralizing free radicals, avenanthramides may help slow down the graying process.
• Avenasterols: These sterols have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect hair follicles from damage and promote healthy hair growth, potentially slowing down the onset of grey hair.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of oats used to make decoctions for grey hair.

• Seeds: They are used due to their high content of isocymene, a compound that helps to promote melanin production and reduce grey hair.
• Roots: The roots of Avena sativa are used to make decoctions that help to nourish and strengthen hair follicles, thereby reducing the appearance of grey hair.
• Leaves: Avena sativa leaves are used in decoctions to help promote the growth of new hair, as they are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that support hair health.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic oats for grey hair.

1. Harvest 1/4 cup of avena sativa roots and wash them thoroughly under cold running water.
2. Chop the roots into small pieces and combine them with 2 cups of water in a saucepan.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Steep the mixture for 10-15 minutes then strain it through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve.
5. Discard the solids and store the decoction in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

9. Equisetum arvense

Field horsetail decoctions helps with grey hair because of its unique ability to nourish and strengthen the hair follicles, promoting a healthy scalp and hair growth.

The rich concentration of silica in field horsetail encourages collagen production, which helps to maintain the strength and elasticity of hair strands, reducing the appearance of grayness.

Additionally, the antioxidant properties of field horsetail help protect the hair from environmental stressors and damage, leading to vibrant and healthy-looking locks with a reduced presence of gray hairs.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Equisetum arvense decoctions that help with grey hair.

• Furanosterols: Furanosterols in Equisetum arvense decoctions may help reduce the progression of grey hair by inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that contributes to the formation of grey hair.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, such as ferulic acid and caffeic acid, found in Equisetum arvense decoctions, may help slow down the graying process by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, which can contribute to hair graying.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids, including isorhapontigenin and isorhapontin, in Equisetum arvense decoctions may help promote hair growth and reduce grey hair by inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha-reductase and reducing inflammation in the scalp.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of field horsetail used to make decoctions for grey hair.

• Roots: The roots are used due to their high content of flavonoids and other compounds that may help to stimulate hair growth and reduce grey hair.
• Stems: The stems are used for their saponin content, which may help to nourish and strengthen the hair follicles, leading to healthier and darker hair.
• Leaves: The leaves are used for their antioxidant properties, which may help to reduce oxidative stress and promote the production of melanin, leading to reduced grey hair.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic field horsetail for grey hair.

1. Harvest 25-30 grams of fresh equisetum arvense rhizomes or roots or 50-60 grams of dried material for decoction.
2. Dry the harvested material in a warm dry place for 24 hours to remove excess moisture.
3. Weigh the dried equisetum arvense material and transfer it to a pot with 1 liter of water.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean container for consumption.

10. Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion decoctions helps with grey hair because of its rich antioxidant properties, which help to neutralize free radicals that can damage hair follicles and cause graying.

The decoction's anti-inflammatory properties also promote healthy blood flow to the scalp, nourishing the hair roots and promoting natural pigmentation. Additionally, dandelion's ability to stimulate digestion and eliminate toxins can help to reduce stress, a common contributor to premature grey hair.

Regular consumption of dandelion decoctions may help to restore natural hair color and promote overall hair health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale decoctions that help with grey hair.

• Taraxasterol: This triterpene has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and promote healthy hair growth, potentially contributing to a delay in the onset of grey hair.
• Apigenin: This flavonoid phenolic compound has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help protect hair follicles from damage and promote hair growth, possibly reducing the appearance of grey hair.
• Taraxasterol acetate: This triterpene has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce oxidative stress and promote a healthy scalp environment, potentially contributing to a delay in the onset of grey hair.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make decoctions for grey hair.

• Roots: The roots of Taraxacum officinale are commonly used in decoctions for grey hair due to their high content of bioactive compounds, which help to promote melanin production and reduce hair graying.
• Leaves: The leaves are often used in decoctions to treat grey hair due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to protect hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth.
• Flowers: The flowers of Taraxacum officinale are also used in decoctions for grey hair as they contain flavonoids and other compounds that may help to stimulate hair growth and reduce graying.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for grey hair.

1. Harvest fresh taraxacum officinale roots and leaves from a clean environment to ensure quality and safety.
2. Dry the harvested taraxacum officinale roots and leaves in a well-ventilated area for 7 to 10 days.
3. Chop the dried taraxacum officinale roots and leaves into small pieces using a sharp knife or herb cutter.
4. Combine the chopped taraxacum officinale roots and leaves with 1 cup of boiling water in a heat-resistant glass container.
5. Steep the taraxacum officinale mixture for 5 to 7 minutes before straining and serving the decoction.

What is the best combination of herbal decoctions to use for grey hair?

The best combination of herbal decoctions that help with grey hair is a blend of Amla, Bhringaraj, and Henna.

Amla, rich in vitamin C, promotes hair growth and reduces graying. Bhringaraj, known for its antioxidant properties, helps to nourish and strengthen hair follicles.

Henna, a natural dye, helps to cover gray hairs and give them a rich, dark color. When combined, these decoctions can help to reduce graying and promote a healthy, shiny mane.

Regular use can lead to noticeable results over time.

What ailments similar to grey hair are treated with herbal decoctions?

Ailments similar to grey hair that are treated with herbal decoctions are premature aging, skin issues, and loss of vitality.

Herbal remedies like ashwagandha, ginseng, and reishi mushroom are often used to address these concerns.

These adaptogenic herbs help to boost the body's natural energy and vitality, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting a healthy and youthful glow.