Herbs to Darken Gray Hair for Natural Color

Are there herbs to darken gray hair for natural color? While there are some products on the market that claim to do that, there is a great deal of debate as to their efficacy.

Before considering taking herbs to darken gray hair for natural color, it is important to understand the causes of gray hair. While many believe that gray hair is caused by aging, that isn’t the case. Gray hair is certainly a natural part of the aging process; however, there are reasons why hair becomes gray or white. Hair is actually naturally white, and the cells in our hair follicles generate color via pigments called Melanin. This is how our hair gets its color.

The amount of Melanin generated by our hair follicles gives our hair its color – with lighter-colored hair having less Melanin and darker hair having more. As we age, the cells in our follicles – called Melanocytes – stop generating Melanin. In some cases, this cessation of Melanin production begins in our teens or early 20s, and is referred to as “premature graying.”

As Melanin production tapers off, the hair returns to its natural, transparent or white color.

Scientists have been working with finding chemicals and herbs to darken gray hair for natural color. It is believed that such herbs and other substances may be able to stimulate the Melanocytes into producing Melanin after Melanin production would normally have ceased.

There are a number of products that claim they contain herbs to darken gray hair for natural color. Most have splotchy results at best, showing that the process is far from being perfected. Some products that make marketing claims towards this end include the following:

• There is a Traditional Chinese Medicine product called He Shou Wu. This is a remedy that should not be self-prescribed, as Traditional Chinese Medication practitioners believe it can cause undesirable side effects if used improperly or by the wrong person. Check with a Chinese Medicine practitioner to see if this herbal remedy is right for you.
• There is an Auyervedic herbal cure for gray hair called bringaraja, and another called amla. Since Auyervedic medicine is based on a balancing of energies to support your overlying body type, consultation with a practitioner of Auyervedic medicine is essential before taking any Auyervedic remedies.
• There is a natural “cure” for gray hair called Reminex. The manufacturer claims that this supplement provides all natural hair color restoration; however, there are no studies to support the safety or efficacy of this claim.

While graying is a natural part of the aging process, premature aging can sometimes be caused by a nutritional deficiency. In other cases, premature graying is likely related to heredity. If one of your parents went gray prematurely and you are experiencing it, too, there is a good chance that heredity is at play and not a nutritional deficiency. Below are some supplements you may be able to take if your premature graying is caused by a nutritional deficiency.

• Gray hair can be the result of a B12 deficiency. Supplementation of this vitamin may stop or reverse the process if you are B12 deficient.
• Thyroid imbalances may cause gray hair. Taking a thyroid support supplement such as guggul may help balance your thyroid; however, it is best to seek the advice of an endocrinologist if you believe you have a thyroid imbalance.

While there are products available that profess to reverse the graying process of hair, there are currently no herbal supplements that have been tested or have studies backing up their safety or efficacy. As always, before taking any herbal supplements, it is always best to talk with your personal health care provider about your unique health care picture and needs.

There are, however, a number of natural things you can do to fight gray hair that are safe and temporarily effective.

• If you are a smoker, stop smoking. Smoking can cause premature graying.
• There are natural hair dyes available that will temporarily cover your gray hair without harsh chemicals. Check with your local cosmetologist for available options.

There is no magic bullet for gray hair. As we age, our bodies no longer produce the Melanin needed to provide our hair color. While a number of natural supplement manufacturers make products that claim to restore color to hair, no studies have been done that prove their efficacy and safety. If you decide to try any of the supplements, be sure you have educated yourself about the benefits and risks of such supplementation. Always talk with your health care provider before self-prescribing any herbal supplements..

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