Hair Fall: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Hair fall, or alopecia, is a condition characterized by excessive and accelerated hair shedding from the scalp, often resulting in noticeable thinning or baldness.

It is typically caused by hormonal imbalances, genetics, stress, poor diet, and inadequate hair care. If left unaddressed, hair fall can lead to emotional distress, low self-esteem, and even exacerbate existing health conditions. To alleviate hair fall, herbal remedies such as amla, neem, and bhringaraj are effective, often in the form of oil-based preparations or supplements.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they can interact with other medications or exacerbate underlying conditions, and to follow proper dosage and application guidelines to avoid adverse reactions.

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

The main causes of hair fall are primarily attributed to hormonal imbalances, with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) being a key contributor, as it causes the hair follicle to shrink, leading to thinner and shorter hair.

Genetic predisposition, particularly androgenetic alopecia, also plays a significant role, with over 80% of men and 40% of women experiencing hair loss by the age of 50. Nutritional deficiencies, such as iron, zinc, and biotin deficiencies, can also lead to hair fall, as these essential nutrients are crucial for hair growth and maintenance. Environmental factors, such as excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, and exposure to pollution, can cause hair damage and lead to hair fall.

Furthermore, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and skin conditions, can also contribute to hair loss.

• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalances, particularly androgenetic alopecia, can lead to hair thinning and fall due to an overactive hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.
• Genetics: Genetics play a significant role in hair loss, with individuals inheriting traits that increase their susceptibility to androgenetic alopecia, the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women.
• Stress: Chronic stress can cause hair loss due to the increased production of cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and lead to hair thinning and fall.
• Poor Diet: A diet lacking essential nutrients, such as iron, zinc, and biotin, can contribute to hair loss due to the insufficient production of keratin, a protein necessary for hair growth.
• Hairstyling: Excessive heat styling, tight hairstyles such as braids and ponytails, and the use of harsh chemical treatments can cause hair breakage and fall due to the mechanical stress and damage to the hair follicles.
• Skin Conditions: Certain skin conditions, such as alopecia areata, psoriasis, and eczema, can cause hair loss due to inflammation and autoimmune responses that damage the hair follicles.
• Medications: Certain medications, including those used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and cancer, can cause hair loss as a side effect due to the disruption of the normal hair growth cycle.
• Infections: Infections such as ringworm and folliculitis can cause hair loss due to the inflammation and damage to the hair follicles.
• Chemical Exposure: Prolonged exposure to chemicals such as pesticides and heavy metals can cause hair loss due to the disruption of the normal hair growth cycle and damage to the hair follicles.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for hair fall?

The main medicinal herbs used for hair fall are Bacopa monnieri, Curcuma longa, Eclipta alba, Aloe vera, Emblica officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Aloe barbadensis, Centella asiatica, Rosmarinus officinalis, Panax ginseng.

Bacopa monnieri contains bacosides that promote hair growth by enhancing the proliferation of hair follicles and reducing stress-induced hair loss. Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, contains curcumin which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to reduce oxidative stress and promote hair growth. Eclipta alba and Emblica officinalis have been found to promote hair growth by increasing the length of the anagen phase, the active growth phase of hair.

The other herbs such as Ginkgo biloba, Aloe barbadensis, Centella asiatica, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Panax ginseng have been traditionally used to promote hair growth by improving blood circulation, reducing dandruff and promoting a healthy scalp.

• Bacopa monnieri: Bacopa monnieri helps with hair fall by potentially improving scalp health and reducing stress due to its adaptogenic properties and the presence of compounds like bacopa saponins, which may help to enhance the scalp's environment and promote hair growth.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps with hair fall by reducing inflammation and promoting hair growth due to the presence of curcumin, a polyphenol with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help to prevent hair loss and promote scalp health.
• Eclipta alba: Eclipta alba helps with hair fall by promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss due to the presence of ecliptine, a flavonoid with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help to promote hair growth and improve scalp health.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with hair fall by soothing the scalp and reducing inflammation due to the presence of aloe-emodin, a anthraquinone with anti-inflammatory properties that may help to calm the scalp and promote a healthy environment for hair growth.
• Emblica officinalis: Emblica officinalis helps with hair fall by reducing oxidative stress and promoting hair growth due to the presence of ascorbic acid, a potent antioxidant that may help to prevent hair loss and promote scalp health.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps with hair fall by improving blood flow to the scalp and promoting hair growth due to the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids, which may help to enhance scalp circulation and promote hair growth.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with hair fall by soothing the scalp and reducing inflammation due to the presence of aloin, a anthraquinone with anti-inflammatory properties that may help to calm the scalp and promote a healthy environment for hair growth.
• Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica helps with hair fall by promoting hair growth and improving scalp health due to the presence of triterpenoid saponins, which may help to enhance scalp circulation and promote hair growth.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis helps with hair fall by reducing oxidative stress and promoting hair growth due to the presence of carnosic acid, a phenolic diterpene with antioxidant properties that may help to prevent hair loss and promote scalp health.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng helps with hair fall by reducing stress and promoting hair growth due to the presence of ginsenosides, which may help to enhance scalp circulation and promote hair growth by reducing stress and promoting a healthy environment for hair growth.

What are the main herbal preparations used for hair fall?

The main herbal preparations used for hair fall are Oil Capsule, Decoction, Cream, Tincture, Shampoo, Tea, Gel, Powder, Poultice, Balm.

Oil capsule formulations of herbs like Bhringaraj and Amla are used to promote hair growth and reduce hair fall due to their high content of antioxidants and fatty acids. Decoction of herbs like Shikakai and Brahmi is used to prevent hair fall and promote hair growth due to their high content of flavonoids and saponins. Cream and Tincture preparations of herbs like Rosemary and Sage are used to improve blood circulation and reduce hair fall due to their high content of essential oils and flavonoids.

Additionally, Shampoo, Tea, Gel, Powder, Poultice, and Balm preparations of herbs like Saw Palmetto, Nettle, and Fenugreek are used to prevent hair fall and promote hair growth due to their high content of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

• Oil: The application of herbal oil, such as Lavandula angustifolia essential oil, to the scalp can help stimulate blood flow and reduce hair fall by nourishing the scalp and promoting hair growth.
• Capsule: Herbal capsules containing extracts like Ginkgo biloba, Biotin, or Saw palmetto can help prevent hair loss by promoting a healthy scalp, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation.
• Decoction: A decoction made from herbs such as Aloe barbadensis, which contains aloin and aloe-emodin, can help reduce hair fall by soothing the scalp, reducing inflammation, and promoting hair growth.
• Cream: Topical creams containing herbs like Calendula officinalis, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, can help reduce hair fall by soothing the scalp, reducing inflammation, and promoting hair growth.
• Tincture: Herbal tinctures, such as those containing Polygonum multiflorum, can help prevent hair loss by stimulating hair growth, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation on the scalp.
• Shampoo: Herbal shampoos containing extracts like Trifolium pratense, which is rich in isoflavones, can help reduce hair fall by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting hair growth on the scalp.
• Tea: Drinking herbal tea, such as that made from Camellia sinensis, which is rich in antioxidants, can help reduce hair fall by improving overall health, reducing stress, and promoting hair growth.
• Gel: Herbal gels containing extracts like Avena sativa, which has anti-inflammatory properties, can help reduce hair fall by soothing the scalp, reducing inflammation, and promoting hair growth.
• Powder: Herbal powders, such as those containing Triticum vulgare, which is rich in Biotin, can help prevent hair loss by promoting a healthy scalp, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation.
• Poultice: Applying a herbal poultice, such as one made from Aloe barbadensis, directly to the scalp can help reduce hair fall by soothing the scalp, reducing inflammation, and promoting hair growth.
• Balm: Herbal balms containing extracts like Equisetum arvense, which has anti-inflammatory properties, can help reduce hair fall by soothing the scalp, reducing inflammation, and promoting hair growth.