By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 03, 2024
10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Grey Hair
Herbal tinctures for grey hair are concentrated liquid extracts made from plants and herbs that help promote healthy hair growth, reduce graying, and even restore natural color to the hair.
These tinctures work by stimulating blood flow to the scalp, nourishing the hair follicles, and blocking the production of hydrogen peroxide, a chemical responsible for hair graying. Examples include ginkgo biloba, saw palmetto, and fo-ti, which have been shown to reduce grey hair appearance and even regrow new, darker hair.
For those struggling with premature greying, these tinctures can be a game-changer, restoring confidence and youthful vitality to one's appearance.
The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for grey hair, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Sesamum indicum
- 2. Urtica dioica
- 3. Aloe vera
- 4. Panax quinquefolius
- 5. Curcuma longa
- 6. Withania somnifera
- 7. Triticum aestivum
- 8. Avena sativa
- 9. Equisetum arvense
- 10. Taraxacum officinale
- What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for grey hair?
- What ailments similar to grey hair are treated with herbal tinctures?
1. Sesamum indicum
Sesame tinctures helps with grey hair because it nourishes and rejuvenates the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.
The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in sesame oil help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to premature graying. Additionally, sesame contains a compound called sesamin, which has been shown to stimulate melanin production, helping to restore natural pigment to grey hair.
By using herbal sesame tinctures, individuals can promote a fuller, thicker, and more vibrant head of hair, with a rich, natural color.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sesamum indicum tinctures that help with grey hair.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to premature greying of hair, promoting healthy and pigmented hair growth.
- Alkaloids: These compounds have been shown to increase melanin production, which is responsible for hair pigmentation, potentially helping to reverse or slow down the greying process.
- Terpenoids: These compounds have been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to protect hair follicles from damage and promote healthy hair growth, potentially reducing the appearance of grey hair.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of sesame used to make tinctures for grey hair.
- Seeds: Used for their potential to promote hair growth and darken hair pigmentation.
- Leaves: Utilized for their supposed ability to nourish and strengthen hair follicles, leading to reduced grey hair.
- Roots: Employed for their potential to stimulate hair growth and restore natural hair color due to their rich nutrient content.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sesame for grey hair.
- Harvest the sesamum indicum flowers and leaves in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
- Clean the sesamum indicum flowers and leaves thoroughly using distilled water to remove impurities.
- Combine 250 grams of sesamum indicum flowers and leaves with 750 milliliters of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture for 4 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and discard the solids, then store the tincture in dark glass bottles.
2. Urtica dioica
Stinging nettle tinctures helps with grey hair because it is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote healthy hair growth.
The herb's ability to stimulate blood flow to the scalp may also help to reverse or slow down graying by nourishing the follicles and encouraging pigment production. Additionally, stinging nettle contains compounds that can help to reduce oxidative stress, a major contributor to premature graying.
By promoting overall scalp health, stinging nettle tinctures may help to keep hair looking vibrant and healthy for longer.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica tinctures that help with grey hair.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound has antioxidant properties that help protect hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to premature greying.
- Quercetin: As a flavonoid, quercetin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may help to reduce oxidative stress and promote healthy hair growth, potentially slowing down the process of grey hair.
- Beta-sitosterol: This phytosterol has been shown to stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and promoting the health of hair follicles, which can help to maintain a healthy hair color.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make tinctures for grey hair.
- Leaves: Rich in antioxidants and hair growth promoters, which help to stimulate hair growth and reduce graying.
- Roots: Contain compounds that may help to nourish and strengthen hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth and color retention.
- Stems: May contain anti-aging properties that help to reduce oxidative stress and promote overall hair health, potentially leading to a reduction in grey hair.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for grey hair.
- Harvest 1 pound of fresh urtica dioica leaves and stems on a dry sunny day.
- Clean and dry the harvested plant material by air-drying for 2 weeks in a well-ventilated area.
- Chop 1 pound of dried plant material into small pieces and combine with 2 cups of 80 proof vodka.
- Steep the plant material in the vodka for 6 weeks in a clean glass jar with a lid.
- Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe tinctures helps with grey hair because of its rich antioxidant properties, which help to stimulate melanin production in the hair follicles.
The aloe vera extract also improves blood circulation to the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and reducing the appearance of gray hairs. Additionally, aloe's natural anti-inflammatory properties soothe the scalp, calming irritation and promoting a healthy environment for hair growth.
As a result, aloe tinctures can help to reverse or slow down graying hair, leaving you with a fuller, thicker, and more vibrant mane.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera tinctures that help with grey hair.
- Anthraquinones: These compounds, particularly aloin and aloe-emodin, help with grey hair by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, such as kaempferol and quercetin, in Aloe vera may help with grey hair by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the scalp, which can contribute to hair graying.
- Saponins: Saponins, such as aloin and acemannan, in Aloe vera may help with grey hair by stimulating blood flow to the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and potentially slowing down the graying process.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make tinctures for grey hair.
- Leaves: They are rich in aloin and other compounds that help to promote hair growth and reduce grey hair.
- Leaves: They also contain vitamins A, C, and E, which help to nourish and moisturize the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.
- Leaves: The anti-inflammatory properties in Aloe vera leaves help to reduce stress and promote a healthy scalp environment, which can help to slow down the greying process.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for grey hair.
- Harvest fresh aloe vera leaves with 50 to 100 grams of plant material for a standard batch.
- Clean and dry the aloe vera leaves in a warm place with minimal direct sunlight for 2 to 3 days.
- Chop the dried aloe vera leaves into small pieces and combine them with 250 milliliters of 95 percent ethanol.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 3 weeks with occasional shaking.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter and store the herbal aloe vera tincture in a cool dark place.
4. Panax quinquefolius
American ginseng tinctures helps with grey hair because they contain bioactive compounds that can help to promote a healthy scalp environment, which in turn promotes melanin production and pigmentation.
The antioxidants present in the tincture also help to reduce oxidative stress, which is often linked to premature graying of hair. Additionally, American ginseng has been shown to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, nourishing the hair follicles and promoting healthy hair growth.
This can help to restore natural color and vitality to the hair, reducing the appearance of grey hair.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Panax quinquefolius tinctures that help with grey hair.
- Glycosides: These compounds, particularly ginsenosides, have been shown to have antioxidant properties and promote overall scalp health, potentially contributing to the prevention of grey hair.
- Polyphenols: The polyphenolic compounds present in Panax quinquefolius, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, have been found to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that may help protect the hair follicles and promote hair growth.
- Saponins: Although the exact mechanism is unclear, saponins have been associated with potential hair growth-stimulating properties, possibly due to their ability to enhance blood flow to the scalp, promoting overall hair health and potentially reducing grey hair.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of american ginseng used to make tinctures for grey hair.
- Roots: The roots of Panax quinquefolius are rich in bioactive compounds that help stimulate hair growth and potentially reverse grey hair.
- Leaves: The leaves of the plant are believed to contain antioxidants and other nutrients that promote overall hair health and potentially slow down greying.
- Barks: The bark of Panax quinquefolius is thought to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may contribute to the prevention of grey hair.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic american ginseng for grey hair.
- Harvest fresh panax quinquefolius roots and clean them thoroughly removing any dirt or debris.
- Chop the roots into small pieces weighing 1 part roots to 2 parts solvent usually 80 proof vodka or glycerin.
- Combine the chopped roots with the solvent in a clean glass container and stir well to ensure proper saturation.
- Seal the container and store it in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks shaking the mixture every day.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container discarding the solids.
5. Curcuma longa
Turmeric tinctures helps with grey hair because it contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that promotes melanin production in the body.
As we age, our melanin levels decline, leading to graying of hair. Curcumin helps stimulate the activity of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which converts the amino acid tyrosine into melanin, restoring natural pigment to the hair.
This natural supplement also improves circulation and nourishes the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and reducing the appearance of grey hairs.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa tinctures that help with grey hair.
- Curcumin: Curcumin helps with grey hair by acting as an antioxidant and reducing oxidative stress, which is believed to contribute to hair pigmentation loss.
- Demethoxycurcumin: DMC helps with grey hair by inhibiting the activity of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in the production of leukotrienes, which are pro-inflammatory molecules that may contribute to hair pigmentation loss.
- Voluric acid: Voluric acid helps with grey hair by promoting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of turmeric used to make tinctures for grey hair.
- Rhyzomes: Turmeric's rhyzomes contain a high concentration of curcumin, which is a key compound in addressing grey hair due to its potential to stimulate melanin production.
- Roots: The roots of Curcuma longa are a rich source of curcumin and other bioactive compounds that may help to prevent or reverse grey hair by promoting melanin synthesis.
- Seeds: Turmeric seeds contain a higher concentration of curcuminoids compared to the roots, which makes them a valuable source for creating tinctures that target grey hair.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic turmeric for grey hair.
- Gather 500g of dried curcuma longa root and 750ml of 80% ethanol in a clean environment.
- Combine the dried curcuma longa root with 750ml of 80% ethanol in a glass jar.
- Steep the mixture for 2-3 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
- Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh filter into a clean glass container.
- Label and store the tincture in a cool dark place after 1-2 months of maturation.
6. Withania somnifera
Ashwagandha tinctures helps with grey hair because it is an adaptogenic herb that promotes overall well-being by reducing stress and anxiety.
By calming the body's response to stress, ashwagandha tincture may help regulate hormonal imbalances that can contribute to premature greying.
Additionally, its antioxidant properties can help protect the hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals, promoting healthy hair growth and maintenance of natural hair color.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Withania somnifera tinctures that help with grey hair.
- Withanolides: Withanolides, a class of steroidal lactones, have been shown to stimulate hair growth and reduce hair follicle miniaturization, which can contribute to grey hair.
- Withanone: Withanone, an alkyl phenol, has been found to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to protect hair follicles from oxidative damage and promote healthy hair growth.
- Withaferin a: Withaferin A, a bioactive alkaloid, has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, which can help to protect hair follicles from damage and promote hair growth by reducing cell death and promoting cell proliferation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ashwagandha used to make tinctures for grey hair.
- Roots: The roots of Withania somnifera are primarily used due to their high concentration of withanolides, which are believed to help in hair growth and reducing grey hair.
- Leaves: The leaves are used in tinctures because they contain withanolides and other active compounds that may help promote hair growth and reduce grey hair.
- Barks: The barks are used due to their rich content of withanolides and other bioactive compounds that may help in stimulating hair growth and preventing premature greying.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ashwagandha for grey hair.
- Harvest 1 part of withania somnifera roots and 2 parts of leaves and flowers and dry them thoroughly.
- Chop the dried plant material into small pieces using a sharp knife for easier extraction.
- Combine the chopped plant material with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass container.
- Seal the container and steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids.
7. Triticum aestivum
Wheat tinctures helps with grey hair because they contain natural compounds that stimulate hair growth, promote melanin production, and nourish the scalp.
The bioactive molecules in wheat extract, such as ferulic acid and avenanthramides, have been shown to increase hair density, reduce graying, and improve overall hair health.
By using herbal wheat tinctures, individuals can potentially reverse or slow down the graying process, resulting in thicker, healthier-looking locks that are more vibrant and resilient.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Triticum aestivum tinctures that help with grey hair.
- Ferulic acid: This phenolic compound helps to promote melanin production, which can contribute to maintaining hair color and potentially reducing grey hair.
- Phytic acid: As an antioxidant and chelating agent, phytic acid helps protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and heavy metal damage, which can contribute to hair graying.
- Coumarin: This phenolic compound has been shown to have a potential hair growth-stimulating effect, which may help to counteract the factors that contribute to hair graying.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of wheat used to make tinctures for grey hair.
- Seeds: Wheat seeds are used to make tinctures due to their potential to stimulate hair growth and reduce grey hair.
- Leaves: Wheat leaves are used to make tinctures as they contain antioxidants that may help slow down hair aging and promote hair pigmentation.
- Stems: Wheat stems are used to make tinctures due to their possible ability to improve circulation and promote healthy hair growth.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wheat for grey hair.
- Gather 25g of dried triticum aestivum and store it in a cool dark place for future use.
- Combine 25g of dried triticum aestivum with 50% ethanol by volume in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture for 2-6 weeks shaking the jar every day to ensure even extraction.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass container.
- Allow the tincture to mature for 4-6 weeks before using it as needed.
8. Avena sativa
Oats tinctures helps with grey hair because they contain a unique combination of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and flavonoids that work together to nourish and protect the hair follicles.
By promoting healthy scalp circulation and reducing oxidative stress, oats tinctures can help slow down or even reverse the graying process.
Additionally, oats' natural soothing properties can calm the scalp and promote a healthy environment for hair growth, leading to thicker, healthier-looking locks with a rich, vibrant color.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Avena sativa tinctures that help with grey hair.
- Avenacosides: Avenacosides, a type of saponin, are believed to promote hair growth and improve scalp health, which may indirectly help reduce grey hair.
- Avenanthramides: These phenolic compounds have antioxidant properties, which can protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and promote overall hair health.
- Furofuran lignans: These compounds have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help protect hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of oats used to make tinctures for grey hair.
- Seeds: The seeds of Avena sativa are commonly used to make tinctures for grey hair because they are rich in isothyiocyanates, which may help stimulate hair growth and reduce graying.
- Leaves: The leaves of Avena sativa are often used to make tinctures for grey hair because they contain flavonoids and other antioxidants that may help promote healthy hair growth and reduce oxidative stress.
- Roots: The roots of Avena sativa are used to make tinctures for grey hair because they are a source of isothyiocyanates and other bioactive compounds that may help promote hair growth and reduce graying.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic oats for grey hair.
- Gather avena sativa plant material by selecting the roots and stems of mature plants in optimal conditions.
- Clean and prepare the avena sativa plant material by washing with distilled water and air drying for 24 hours.
- Combine avena sativa plant material with a solvent like 80 proof vodka at a 1:5 ratio by weight for 2 weeks.
- Strain the tincture mixture through cheesecloth into a clean container to remove the plant material after 2 weeks.
- Bottle the herbal tincture in dark glass bottles with dropper lids and label with the date and contents.
9. Equisetum arvense
Field horsetail tinctures helps with grey hair because of its unique properties that promote healthy hair growth and pigmentation.
The high silica content in horsetail tincture strengthens hair follicles, while its antioxidant-rich compounds nourish the scalp and promote melanin production. This can help to reduce the appearance of grey hair by stimulating new hair growth and enhancing existing pigment.
Regular use of horsetail tinctures may also improve overall hair health, leading to a thicker, fuller, and more vibrant head of hair.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Equisetum arvense tinctures that help with grey hair.
- Saponins: Saponins in Equisetum arvense tinctures may help to promote hair growth and prevent premature greying by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the hair follicles.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids present in the tincture may act as antioxidants, protecting the hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to grey hair.
- Ferulic acid: Ferulic acid, a phenolic acid found in Equisetum arvense, may help to improve blood circulation to the scalp, promoting a healthy hair growth environment and potentially reducing the appearance of grey hair.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of field horsetail used to make tinctures for grey hair.
- Roots: The roots of Equisetum arvense contain bioactive compounds that may help stimulate hair growth and reduce grey hair.
- Stems: The stems of Equisetum arvense are believed to contain compounds that may help improve circulation, which can contribute to healthier hair and reduced grey hair.
- Leaves: The leaves of Equisetum arvense are thought to contain antioxidants that may help protect hair follicles from damage and promote healthier hair growth, reducing the appearance of grey hair.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic field horsetail for grey hair.
- Harvest equisetum arvense in late spring or early summer when the plant is in its vegetative stage for best quality.
- Dry the harvested equisetum arvense in a single layer at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Use a ratio of 1 part equisetum arvense to 2 parts 80 proof ethanol to create the tincture.
- Steep the equisetum arvense in the ethanol mixture for 4 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the tincture through cheesecloth and transfer it to a dark glass bottle for storage.
10. Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion tinctures helps with grey hair because it is rich in antioxidants, which help to combat free radicals that can damage hair follicles and cause premature graying.
The tincture's ability to stimulate blood flow to the scalp also promotes healthy hair growth by nourishing the hair follicles with oxygen and nutrients. Additionally, dandelion tinctures have been shown to balance the body's natural pigment production, which can help to restore natural hair color and reduce grey hairs.
By using herbal dandelion tinctures, individuals may be able to promote a healthy and vibrant head of hair.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale tinctures that help with grey hair.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, specifically quercetin and kaempferol, found in Taraxacum officinale, have antioxidant properties that may help promote melanin production and reduce oxidative stress, contributing to healthier hair pigmentation and potentially reducing grey hair.
- Saponins: Saponins, present in Taraxacum officinale, may help stimulate blood flow to the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and potentially reducing the appearance of grey hair by increasing melanin production.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, including chlorogenic acid, found in Taraxacum officinale, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect the hair follicles from damage, promote melanin production, and reduce the appearance of grey hair.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make tinctures for grey hair.
- Roots: Used for their potential to promote hair growth and darken grey hair.
- Leaves: Used for their high content of flavonoids, which may help to inhibit melanin loss and promote hair pigmentation.
- Flowers: Used for their potential to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health, possibly due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for grey hair.
- Gather fresh taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers to use in the tincture making process approximately 1 cup of plant material.
- Combine the taraxacum officinale plant material with 80 proof ethanol in a 1 to 2 ratio by volume for 4 weeks.
- Inspect the mixture for sedimentation and signs of fermentation then filter it through cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
- Measure the filtered tincture and add distilled water to achieve a 20 to 25 percent ethanol concentration by volume.
- Transfer the final tincture to dark glass bottles seal them tightly and store them in a cool dark place indefinitely.
What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for grey hair?
The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with grey hair is a blend of Biotin, Saw Palmetto, and Rosemary.
Biotin tincture strengthens hair follicles, promoting healthy growth. Saw Palmetto tincture blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair graying. Rosemary tincture improves circulation to the scalp, stimulating hair growth and reducing graying.
Combine equal parts of these tinctures and take 20-30 drops, 2-3 times a day, to help restore natural hair color and promote overall hair health.
What ailments similar to grey hair are treated with herbal tinctures?
Ailments similar to grey hair that are treated with herbal tinctures are age-related conditions such as wrinkles, fine lines, and thinning skin.
Herbal tinctures containing gotu kola, horse chestnut, and green tea may help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Additionally, tinctures made from ashwagandha, ginseng, and licorice root may help alleviate symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and dry skin.