It’s standard to shed an average of 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. If you noticed more strands falling to the floor during the colder months, you may be curious why that is. Although an increase in shedding can spark some anxiety, there are several reasons why your locks are falling out more than usual. 

Hair Loss During Winter

Excessive hair loss during the winter is largely attributed to the dry air outside, sucking the moisture away from your scalp. When the dry air depletes your scalp of moisture, your hair dries out as a result. That can lead to hair damage, breakage, and loss, which can be quite scary if you don’t know that the environment is the culprit. Losing more strands than usual can also cause itchiness and dandruff, both of which increase the risk of hair loss. 

Hormonal Shifts And Menopause

Although this isn’t a weather-related reason, hormones can impact your hair follicles. This won’t happen to everyone, but changing hormones, be it from menopause or from a new birth control method, can increase shedding and overall hair changes. Hair loss is very common during menopause, but it starts off as increased shedding. When someone enters menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels start to change and decline. According to several studies, those two hormones play a role in hair growth. Additionally, they can influence the time that hair stays in the growth phase, according to hair care specialists. 

Stress

Stress is the final common culprit that can cause excess hair shedding. Many people think that stress can make your hair fall out all in the same day, but this is not the case. It can take up to six months to see hair shedding that’s caused by stress. That can make stress-induced hair shedding tricky to spot, unless you can pinpoint a significant stressful period or traumatic period that occurred six months prior to shedding. 

How Do You Deal With Hair Shedding?

Although hair shedding is inevitable, there are things you can do to keep your scalp and hair healthy. Try to minimize how much you accessorize your look with headwear and consider the following strategies to encourage a healthier scalp.

Prioritize Stress Reduction

This is easier said than done, but focusing on stress reduction in your day-to-day life will help with stress-induced shedding. Not to mention, making an effort to lower stress levels can also improve your mental and physical health. How you choose to blow off steam will depend on your lifestyle, schedule, and what makes you happy. Some people like to hit the gym or run around the neighborhood to reduce stress, while others prefer meditation, yoga, or breathing techniques. If you need inspiration or tips for reducing stress, click here. 

Oil Massages

Not only does a scalp massage feel incredible, but it also works to increase blood circulation to the scalp. Increasing blood flow to the scalp can help strengthen hair follicles from within. Warm up two to three teaspoons of olive oil or sweet almond oil and massage it slowly into the scalp. This massage will help it penetrate the hair roots and promote nourishment. Carrier oils like these can provide your hair and scalp with the right vitamins and minerals it needs. Plus, certain oils work to reduce scalp dryness and can prevent itchiness. 

Eat Healthy And Stay Hydrated

When your diet lacks essential vitamins and minerals, your hair and scalp, in addition to other organs and systems, can suffer. Vitamin A encourages healthy sebum production on the scalp, while vitamin E encourages blood circulation to the scalp. Additionally, vitamin B works to maintain healthy hair, which is especially important when the weather is dry and cold. Ideally, you should consume a range of colorful fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens. Besides eating healthier foods, drinking the right amount of water can keep your hair well hydrated. In addition to supplying your hair with moisture, staying hydrated can also prevent split ends and brittle hair.

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There are a lot of easy DIY shampoo recipes out there. You throw a couple ingredients in a pump bottle, shake it up, and you’re ready to roll. Essentially, most homemade shampoo recipes contain the same basic ingredients: coconut milk, liquid Castile soap, and essential oils. Some other recipes throw in the additional olive oil, sweet almond oil, honey, or vitamin E oil. One recipe isn’t necessarily better than another one; rather, you have to find the right recipe that works best for your hair and scalp. 

We do have to clarify one thing about the shampoo before we detail some of the impressive ingredients. This homemade shampoo contains coconut milk, but you have to be very exact with your measurement of that ingredient. If you add too much coconut milk, your shampoo will not be sudsy. Additionally, coconut milk will go bad after a while, which is why we included vitamin E oil in this recipe. It acts like a natural preservative, helping your shampoo last longer. Finally, adding too much liquid Castile soap can make your hair feel stripped.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a common ingredient in skin and hair care products because it is a great source of healthy fats. The good news is that coconut milk also contains a list of nutrients that encourage a healthy scalp and optimal locks. Lauric acid, one of the primary nutrients in coconut milk, is a long-chain/medium-chain fatty acid that can easily penetrate the hair and strengthen the cuticle. Coconut milk’s high protein content may help strengthen your hair because the hair is predominantly supported by the types of protein you eat. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

In general, peppermint essential oil is beneficial for people with oily hair and scalps. Just as with any essential oil, you have to dilute it in a carrier oil before topical application. Peppermint essential oil works to stimulate blood flow to the skin, which may increase dermal thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth, according to research. One study found that a 4% menthol solution caused blood vessels to widen, which increased blood flow. Another research study found that the use of a peppermint oil solution led to more hair growth than minoxidil, an FDA-approved hair growth product. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough research to support that the regular use of peppermint oil can increase hair growth. It may, however, stimulate hair growth due to the vasodilation of the blood vessels. 

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil was popularly used in folk medicine, which is why many scientists have tested it for potential health benefits. Although most of the research is preliminary, the studies illustrate possible uses for rosemary essential oil. One of the most common uses of rosemary essential oil is to help reduce hairs loss and improve hair growth. Rosemary oil works to fight back against androgenetic alopecia, one of the leading causes of hair loss. It does this by preventing a byproduct of testosterone from attacking hair follicles. Men with androgenetic alopecia massaged diluted rosemary essential oil onto their scalp twice daily for six months. At the end of the study, they experienced the same increase in hair thickness as those who used minoxidil. 

Homemade Rosemary Mint Shampoo

Ingredients:

• 1 (16-ounce) plastic bottle with pump
• 1.25 cups unsweetened coconut milk
• 3/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 1 teaspoon almond oil
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 30 drops rosemary essential oil
• 20 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree oil

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into the plastic bottle, screw on the lid, and shake well to combine. 
• Store in the fridge or in a cool, dark place. Use when ready.

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For thousands of years, different civilizations have used plant extracts for their health benefits. Nowadays, essential oils serve as alternatives to Western medicine. Tea tree oil is no exception, offering myriad health benefits, especially for the hair and skin. It helps to clean the hair, keep it strong, reduce dandruff, and help get rid of skin infections, acne, and athlete’s foot. 

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, which is native to Australia. It is commonly used as a pure essential oil in various skin and hair care products. Tea tree oil exhibits antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it has gained so much attention in the health and beauty world. It is an effective acne and dandruff fighter because many of the same bacteria that tea tree oil fights on the face exist on the scalp. 

When it comes to using tea tree oil on the hair and scalp, make sure that you use an essential oil, not a fragrance oil. Fragrance oils do not offer the same health benefits as essential oils, which are obtained via hydrodistillation, steam distillation, pressing plants, or dry distillation. Fragrance oils are manufactured in a lab in most cases, so avoid those if you want to reap the following hair care benefits. 

May Cleanse The Scalp

Looking to get your scalp extra clean? Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties may be able to fight harmful germs that live on the scalp, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Health experts say that these microorganisms can disrupt the normal function of the scalp’s glands. Additionally, an overgrowth of bacteria, including staphylococcus or strains of streptococcus can cause folliculitis, cellulitis, or impetigo, all of which increase the risk of hair loss. 

Fights Dandruff

Dandruff is usually caused by yeast that infects the scalp. The antibacterial and antifungal properties in tea tree oil have been proven to treat the source of dandruff. Participants in one study used a tea tree oil shampoo for one month. By the end of the month, the participants that used the tea tree oil shampoo showed a 41% improvement in dandruff symptoms. Researchers also noted that tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties were effective at relieving the itchiness associated with dandruff. This is because tea tree oil fights the flake-forming yeast.

May Stimulate Hair Growth

Inflammation of the scalp happens to be one of the leading causes of hair loss. Researchers attribute the anti-inflammatory properties in tea tree oil to the antioxidant content. By reducing inflammation in the scalp, tea tree oil helps foster a healthy environment for new hair to grow. Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct link between tea tree oil and new hair growth. However, there is evidence that by improving scalp health and reducing dandruff, new hair can be healthier and thicker. A 2013 study found that a mixture of tea tree oil and minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) was more effective at increasing hair thickness, count, and weight than minoxidil alone. 

So Long To Head Lice

Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4 and 1,8-cineole, both of which exhibit insecticidal properties. In fact, these compounds have an ability to kill lice in the nymph and adult life stage. They also prevent lice eggs from hatching. Terpinen-4 and 1,8-cineole dissolve the gummy texture and loosen up existing eggs from the hair shaft. At that point, you can comb the lice out of your hair. One study found that tea tree oil was an effective holistic treatment for getting rid of lice.

How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Hair

You can use tea tree oil in a couple ways on your hair and scalp. You can use it in its pure essential oil form, or as an active ingredient in shampoo or conditioner. Because tea tree oil is highly potent, you have to minimize the risk of irritation by diluting it with a carrier oil before topical application. As with any other new ingredient in your skin care, test a small skin patch before applying to your whole head. You can also add a couple drops of tea tree oil to your palm before dispensing your favorite shampoo into your hand. Massage into your scalp and feel the tingle that stimulates the scalp.

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Believe it or not, one of the best ways to encourage healthier hair is by eating the right foods. While certain people have naturally strong and beautiful hair, others need to nourish hair as often as possible. Scalp scrubs, hair masks, and other DIY hair care products are great for topical application, but different vitamins and minerals help boost hair growth from the inside.

Consuming a diet that lacks a diverse mix of nutrients can lead to hair loss. Specifically, deficiencies in vitamin B12 and vitamin D, biotin, iron, and biotin are associated with hair loss. Spinach, for example, is an excellent source of iron, folate, and vitamins A and C, all of which encourage hair growth. Studies show that proper vitamin A intake can support hair growth, but too much vitamin A can lead to hair loss. Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. That can help fuel your metabolism and aid hair growth.

The vitamin C in pineapple contributes to smoother, shiner, and softer hair. Bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It enriches hair follicles as well, helping to improve the thickness, and elasticity of your hair. With that, we hope you enjoy the smoothie that promotes healthier hair.

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Why are there so many hair care products are there in existence? Different conditioners, shampoos, rinses, dyes, sprays, masks, and more aim to give you the healthiest head of hair. Many of these products promise commercial-worthy, luscious locks, but seldom do they deliver. So you spend days, weeks, and lots of time and money to figure out what concoction of products give you the results you desire. 

Too often can you spend a lot less money and get better results by using natural hair care products. Even though some store bought hair products are better and more natural than others, they can still contain chemicals and toxins that damage your scalp or hair. We just want to say that there are reputable brands that sell high-quality products, but they are few and far between. Fortunately, we have you covered with three powerful hair rinses in this article. 

What Is A Hair Rinse?

A hair rinse is a treatment that provide your hair with several health benefits. Depending on the hair rinse you use, you can nourish, moisturize, or remove product build-up from your scalp and strands. A hair rinse is essentially a multi-purpose treatment that helps to cleanse, strengthen, and soften your hair. If you want to rejuvenate your mane, continue reading. 

Horstetail Hair Tonic

It’s important to note that a lot of the evidence surrounding horsetail and hair health is primarily anecdotal. Some scientific studies, however, indicate that horsetail may promote healthier hair because of the impact is has on collagen, the antioxidant properties, and the silicon content. A lot of horsetail advocates suggest that it has a positive impact on collagen and calcium, encouraging the appearance of healthy hair. In regards to the silicon content, a 2016 study found that daily doses of silicon over a nine-month period reduced hair breakage. Horsetail’s antioxidants may help prevent damage to hair follicles, according to a 2015 study. For the horsetail tonic, you will need the following.

Ingredients:

• 1 handful fresh horsetail
• Filtered water

Instructions:

• Bring a pot of filtered water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Add the horsetail and allow it to steep for 20 minutes before straining the liquid. Let the liquid cool and then store it in an airtight glass jar. 
• After you shampoo your hair, pour the cooled tonic over your hair and then wrap your head in a towel. Wait for 20 minutes and then rinse. 

Nettle Hair Tonic

Nettle has been used for its health benefits and ability to promote healthy hair for thousands of years. It is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, folate, magnesium, iron, manganese, potassium, calcium, and riboflavin, all of which optimize hair health. The silica content in nettle works to boost blood flow to the scalp, which may encourage hair growth. Studies suggest that increasing circulation to the scalp helps deliver more nutrients, helping the scalp remain flake-free and increasing hair length and strength. Additionally, the abundance of antioxidants in nettle may protect against hair damage and thinning. Read below to learn how to make a nettle hair tonic. 

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons dried nettle
• 2 cups filtered water
• 3 drops tea tree oil

Instructions:

• Bring the two cups of water to a boil and then pour it into a heat-safe vessel with the dried nettle. Allow it to steep for 20 minutes before cooling, straining, and adding in the tea tree oil.
• When ready to use, pour over your hair in the shower and massage or comb through your hair.
• Let it sit in your hair for five to 10 minutes and then rinse. 

Rosemary And Parsley Seed Hair Tonic

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that can help alleviate many scalp issues and promote healthy hair growth. Most of the research surrounding rosemary’s ability to improve hair growth is focused on rosemary essential oil. This oil is naturally rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may calm an irritated scalp. Several studies found that some of these antioxidants boost circulation to the scalp, which stimulates hair growth. Rosemary essential oil may also discourage hair loss, but more research is necessary. In regards to parsley seed, it is very high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, E, and K, and choline, iron, magnesium, calcium, and folate. Parsley may help prevent hair loss and decrease dandruff by reducing irritation on the scalp. Historically, parsley seed was used to help stave off lice, so it can come in handy if you find yourself plagued. Read on to learn how to make the hair tonic. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons parsley seeds, ground
• 1/2 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
• Filtered water

Instructions:

• After crushing up the parsley seeds and chopping the rosemary, bring a few cups of water to a boil and then add the herbs. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and steep for 20 minutes. 
• Remove from heat and allow the liquid to cool before straining. 
• Pour the rinse over your head and wrap in a warm towel for an hour. Allow hair to dry naturally without rinsing it out. 

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Hair loss affects men and women alike, and genetics, health issues, circumstances, and medications all factor into the equation. Some forms of hair loss are merely temporary, while others, like pattern baldness, are permanent. The reality is that hair loss is more common than most people realize and common culprits are popular medications that people take. 

Certain medications cause hair loss because they interfere with normal, healthy growth cycles of hair follicles. Studies report that if hair follicles cannot grow properly, or if something inhibits the growth cycle, that is when hair may fall out. The good news is that hair loss from medications is often temporary, meaning that once you stop the drug, your hair will come back to normal. The hair loss process, though, can chip away at your self-esteem and cause confidence issues. 

Medications And Hair Loss

Medications can disrupt growth at different stages. Short-term or temporary hair loss, often takes place during the resting phase, or telogen effluvium. Another type of hair loss caused by medications is anagen effluvium, which is a long-term type of loss that can lead to thinning and body hair loss as well. Anagen effluvium takes place in the hair’s new growth phase. Below, you’ll find common drugs that can cause both of these types of hair loss. 

Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)

This class of medications helps prevent blood clots. Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, work by stopping blood clots from forming. There are numerous cases of hair loss as a result of taking blood thinners, and it can take some time to determine that they are the cause. If hair loss starts after taking a certain blood thinner, consult with your doctor about a newer class of blood thinners, which are less likely to cause hair loss. 

Certain Antidepressants

Anxiety or stress can cause hair loss, but so can the medications people take to treat those conditions. In addition to causing hair loss, certain antidepressants can affect reproductive hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Altering the production of either of these hormones can affect hair growth, according to medical experts. Common antidepressants that may cause hair loss include selective serotonin inhibits like prozac, and tricyclic antidepressants like elavin. 

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are used to treat high blood pressure and several other heart conditions. Propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol, and timolol eye drops are some of the most commonly used beta blockers that can cause hair loss. Cozaar, another type of blood pressure medication, can also cause hair loss, but it isn’t a known side effect of that medication. 

Prescription Anti-Inflammatory Medication

People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can experience hair loss. Sometimes, though, the medications that people take to relieve symptoms of these conditions have the same effect. Two of the most common anti-inflammatory medications that cause hair loss include Arava, which causes hair loss in 10% of all users, and methotrexate, which causes hair loss in 3% of all users. 

Chemotherapy

This common cancer treatment works to kill cancer cells. An unfortunate reality is that many people who receive chemotherapy experience hair loss because the medication kills other fast-growing cells in the body, including hair follicles. Hair loss can occur within days or weeks after receiving the medication, and hair loss effects are fairly noticeable after one or two months. Hair typically grows back within one to three months after completing treatment. 

Acne Medication

Although acne medication may benefit acne-prone skin, this medication may damage your scalp, according to dermatologists. Acne medication is derived from vitamin A, which is an integral nutrient for hair and eyesight. When you take it in high amounts, hair follicles kick into overdrive. As a result, your hair reaches the ends of the development phase faster than it normally does, causing it to fall out. Because the body cannot produce new hair quickly enough to replace it, you experience hair thinning or bad patches. 

Hormonal Contraceptives

Any birth control method, such as the pill, patch, or vaginal ring, that contains estrogen can cause hair loss. As mentioned earlier in this article, hormonal changes that occur in the body can affect hair growth. When the body experiences shock or stress (e.g. hormonal changes via birth control pills), hair roots are pushed into their resting state prematurely. During that time, about 70% of your scalp sheds hair. Don’t worry because this is a temporary side effect and your body tends to adjust to the pill’s hormonal effects over time.

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Got a case of frizz or fly-aways that you just can’t seem to tame? Well, you are not alone, and many people struggle to tame frizz for years. After trying different hair products that don’t work, it’s easy to give up on your search and let your hair do whatever it will do. Don’t give up your search just yet, though, because the serum in this article may be the product that solves your hair problems. 

In this serum, it’s all about the oils. Most people, especially those with frizzy hair, find that oils are greatly beneficial in their quest to smoother, healthier hair. All of the oils in this serum work to nourish the hair and scalp. Continue reading to learn more about them.

Olive Oil

It’s not surprising that people have used olive oil in hair care for thousands of years. Olive oil helps to add shine, body, softness, and resilience to your hair. The primary elements, squalene, palmitic acid, and oleic acid, are all emollients that exhibit softening qualities. Some research shows that olive oil can have a major moisturizing effect on your hair. Olive oil tends to be most beneficial for people with dry, thick hair, because it works to keep it moist and strong. It does tend to weigh down thinner hair, so keep this in mind. 

Argan Oil

Some people refer to argan oil as “liquid gold” because of how it benefits the skin and hair. Argan oil is replete with fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, all of which have been scientifically proven to nourish the hair and scalp. Studies show that the fatty acids in argan oil help to lubricate the hair shaft, which helps you maintain moisture. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in argan oil also nourish the scalp and help protect against hair loss. Argan oil is great for people who experience styling and coloring damage, because the medium-chain fatty acids help prevent damage that stems from styling and washing.

Jojoba Oil

There are so many hair care products that contain jojoba oil, so we’d be surprised if you’d never heard of this oil. Jojoba oil isn’t actually an oil; rather, it is a wax ester, but most people just call it an oil. It has a moisturizing effect on the skin and hair, and its light and impermeable nature means that it sits on the surface of the hair shaft. As a result, it is able to seal moisture into the hair and scalp while they are still damp. Other oils penetrate the hair shaft, but jojoba sits on the outer surface, protecting it from dryness, frizz, and breakage. 

Lavender Essential Oil

A few studies and anecdotal reports say that lavender essential oil may help accelerate hair growth. Lavender oil contains properties that may generate the growth of cells and reduce stress, which may generate faster hair growth. The antimicrobial and antibacterial properties in lavender essential oil may also help improve the health of your scalp. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

When you use a hair care product that contains peppermint essential oil, you may notice a tingling feeling on the scalp. This feel actually increases circulation to the scalp, which helps promote hair growth during the anagen (growing) phase. An animal study found that peppermint essential oil was able to increase the number of follicles, folic depth, and overall hair growth when used on mice. 

DIY Hair Serum For Frizzy Hair

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon organic jojoba oil
• 1 tablespoon organic argan oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 16 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into a glass bottle or jar. 
• Screw on the top and shake gently to combine. 
• Apply a dime- to quarter-sized amount of oil to damp hair, concentrating most of it on the ends.

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This week, we will walk you through the Facts and Fiction about hair loss!

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Amla berry, or Indian gooseberry, is an ancient food that has a special place in Ayurvedic medicine. Exhibiting nearly twice the antioxidant power of acai berry and 17 times that of the pomegranate, amla berry contributes to better immune, heart, skin, liver, and kidney function. It also acts as a diuretic agent, which helps to balance stomach acids, fortify the liver, and enhance food absorption. 

What Is Amla Berry?

According to Indian folklore, this berry came from “…the first tree to appear on earth.” Manifested from the tears of Brahma during meditation, the amla berry has been revered by ancient health practitioners. It’s an extremely sour berry that grows on a tree native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Southeast Asia. It exhibits powerful antioxidant properties, which is why many people consume it to boost the health of the skin, hair, and immune system. Amla berry has a fibrous texture and people in India eat it with salt and chili powder. It is also available in powder, tea, pickled, and dried form. 

Amla Berry Nutrition

One cup of amla berries contains one gram of protein, seven grams of fiber, 15 grams of carbs, and less than one gram of fat. Amla berry also contains copper, vitamins B5 & B6, manganese, potassium, and lots of vitamin C. In fact, one cup of amla berries offers 46% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C. Continue reading to learn how amla berry can benefit your overall health.

Supports Healthy Digestion

Some research indicates that amla berry may support a healthy digestive system. One study monitored 68 people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who took two 500-milligram tablets of amla extract twice daily for four weeks. The results found that the participants experienced significant reductions in frequency of heartburn and regurgitation. Older animal studies found that amla extract may work to heal or even prevent stomach ulcers. Researchers believe that this is due to the antioxidant content. Amla berry also stimulates the secretion of gastric and digestive juices, helping the body digest food easily while absorbing nutrients optimally.

May Control Blood Sugar

Amla berry contains chromium, which has therapeutic effects for people with diabetes. Chromium works to stimulate the isolated group of cells that secrete insulin, which may reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes. By reducing blood sugar, cells can use glucose as functional energy, which prevents the plunges and spikes of blood sugar. Additionally, a 2011 study found that amla fruit exhibited anti-hyperglycemic and lipid-lowering effects on type 2 diabetics. 

Promotes Heart Health

Many studies suggest that consuming the juice of amla berries can positively impact heart health. One study found that supplementing with amla extract for 12 weeks helped reduce several risk factors of heart disease in overweight or obese adults. This study also found that cholesterol levels and inflammatory markers reduced after amla extract consumption. In a separate study, people consumed 500-milligrams of amla extract twice daily for 12 weeks. The participants, who had abnormal blood lipid levels, were able to reduce total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol. Additionally, the participants who consumed amla extract had a 39% reduction in atherogenic index of plasma. Atherogenic index is used to evaluate the risk of excess cholesterol build-up in the arteries. 

May Boost Immunity

The vitamin C, vitamin A, alkaloids, flavonoids (like quercetin and kampferol), and polyphenols in amla berry all contribute to optimal immune function. One study found that amla berry exhibited potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. According to Ayurvedic medicine, amla berry works to increase white blood cell production, helping the body defend itself against foreign invaders. A review of studies determined that vitamin C may help prevent certain infections and shorten the duration of the common cold, provided people consume it regularly.

May Increase Hair Growth

There are several studies surrounding amla berry’s ability to prevent hair loss or contribute to hair growth. One study found that amla berry was able to block a specific enzyme that is involved with hair loss. A separate test-tube study found that amla extract may stimulate hair growth by promoting the growth of specific cells in hair follicles. Amla powder is a common addition to many hair tonics because it helps enrich hair pigmentation and growth. Applying amla oil to the roots may strengthen roots and help hair maintain color. Researchers attribute this ability to the carotene content of amla.

You can consume amla fruit fresh, as a fruit juice, or in dried powder form. It’s typically safe to consume, but consult a medical expert if you want to use it for medicinal reasons. Certain cautions may be advised, depending on the state of your health. 

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Most people think about their hair on a daily basis, fretting over frizz or enjoying the results of a beautiful blowout. Perhaps there’s a new style that is intriguing, but that can’t happen if hair is dull, limp, or brittle. There are subtle cues from hair, be it change in texture, look, or thickness, which may indicate underlying health issues. 

Similar to fluctuating moods, your hair experiences both good days and bad days. When you notice abnormal or constant changes to your locks, something may be awry with your body. The body has different ways of informing you that something is going on, be it through changes in urine, stool, or even hair. Everything from stress and nutrition to hormones and health conditions can impact your hair. Check out the following telltale clues that your hair can give you about your health.

Hair Thinning May Indicate A Thyroid Problem

Hypothyroidism is a common issue that indicates an under-active thyroid. When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, you may notice an increase in thinning or shedding. Hypothyroidism can also cause muscle pain, puffy face, weight gain, fatigue, joint pain, and more. Some thyroid disorders may also increase the risk of alopecia areata, an autoimmune hair loss condition. Get a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test to see if your thyroid is the cause of thinning hair. 

Losing Hair In Patches May Indicate Alopecia Areata

A telltale sign of alopecia is when you lose hair in dime- and quarter-sized patches. It’s an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body. Major life events, including pregnancy, death, or illness, can trigger its development. It’s possible for patches to regrow, but more bald patches may also show up. Consult your doctor to determine whether alopecia is the root cause of hair loss. 

Yellow Or White Flakes May Indicate Dandruff

Many people are familiar with the “salted shoulder” look, in regards to dandruff. Small white or yellow flakes can fall on the shoulders or reside on hair strands. Although dandruff is not a serious medical issue, it can be embarrassing. There are many natural remedies (click here to learn more about them), but you can also treat the issue with prescription shampoos or over-the-counter specialty shampoos. 

Dry Hair May Indicate A Diet Issue

Often times, dry hair results from too much sun exposure, but hair that’s dry year round can indicate another issue. Many times, this issues results from an insufficient intake of healthy fats, according to registered dietitians. Healthy fats are vital to the health of your hair and scalp, giving more life to your strands. Support the health of your hair via your diet by enjoying more foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids. These foods include olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, wild caught salmon, and beans. 

Brittle Hair May Indicate Cushing’s Syndrome

Brittle hair doesn’t always indicate Cushing’s syndrome, but it is one of the symptoms. This health condition is quite rare and it’s caused by an overabundance of cortisol, a primary stress hormone, in the body. However, there are many more obvious symptoms of Cushing’s, including high blood pressure, fatigue, and back pain. Brittle hair may also indicate a zinc or iron deficiency. Both zinc and iron and necessary for keratin production, so low levels of these nutrients can cause changes to hair structure. 

Going Gray Early May Indicate A B12 Deficiency

Most of the time, genetics are the primary cause of white hairs sprouting all over your head. There isn’t typically another health issue at play. That being said, many nutritionists say that developing lots of grays before the age of 35 may indicate a B12 or folic acid deficiency. Researchers noticed that increasing folic acid and B12 intake, combined with more sun exposure, was able to re-pigment patches of both skin and hair that stopped producing melanin. To increase your folic acid intake, focus on leafy greens, legumes, and whole grains. For more B12, focus on nutritional yeast, tempeh, shellfish, grass-fed beef, and wild caught tuna and salmon. 

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