Rosemary & Sage for Hair Growth
Hair loss is a common condition among women and men of all ages. One of the most common varieties is alopecia--a form of hair thinning or loss. Alopecia causes patches of hair to fall out, specifically from one's scalp. Alopecia differs from male pattern baldness, which, as its name implies, only affects men. Thankfully, there are many treatments for hair loss that don't require expensive store-bought chemicals.
Did you know that rosemary and sage have been shown to benefit people with alopecia? It's true--these herbs are commonly used in cosmetics and numerous hair care products. If you're currently suffering from hair loss, sage and rosemary might be just what the doctor ordered.
Rosemary's Hair Growth Benefits
Rosemary is a popular herb with a distinct flavor, but it's also widely used in consumer products. Historically, rosemary has been used to treat a variety of ailments and health concerns, such as respiratory conditions, menstrual cramps, kidney colic, and, as we said before: hair growth.
Its active chemicals, caffeic and rosmaricinic acid, were shown by a double-blind trial published in the "Archives of Dermatology" to be effective, safe methods to combat alopecia. 44% of the study participants who used rosemary oil to massage their scalps everyday achieved significant hair growth.
Sage and Hair Renewal
Sage gives sausage and stuffing their distinct flavors, but sage is another herb that is commonly used in cosmetics, and specifically in hair care. In addition to being an effective dandruff control method, sage can prevent hair loss and even stimulate new growth. Its effectiveness in this area is related to sage's high levels of nutrients, including Vitamins A, B, and C.
Incorporating Sage & Rosemary
It's easy to incorporate these herbs into your diet--rosemary makes an excellent addition to pasta sauces, as well as rubs and seasonings for meat. Sage has a more distinct flavor, one that combines particularly well with poultry.
Another way to experience the hair growth benefits of rosemary and sage is to emulsify a handful of the herbs into a small amount of olive oil. Simply apply the oil to the affected areas, gently massaging the oil into parts of your scalp on which you've experienced hair loss. The effects aren't immediate, but if you keep applying the oil to your scalp, you'll be amazed by the results.