Ashwagandha Hair Loss & Hair Growth
Ashwagandha Hair Loss & Hair Growth
Ashwagandha is used in ayurvedic medicine and has been around for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions. Research shows that ashwagandha can reduce stress and anxiety levels, boost testosterone, improve sleep quality, promote hair growth and more. Like rhodiola rosea it is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it can help the body better respond to stress. In this article we discuss the use of ashwagandha for hair loss, how much you should take, and if taking ashwagandha is safe.
How Does Ashwagandha Benefit Hair?
Ashwagandha is a natural adaptogenic herb that helps in controlling both chronic stress and hormonal imbalances. Interestingly enough these are two key reasons behind "telogen effluvium," hair loss in your body.
1. Ashwagandha Hair Loss
An increase in cortisol—a stress hormone, affects the functioning of your hair follicles which can eventually lead to hair loss. Ashwagandha can help keep stress (and cortisol) levels at bay.
2. Ashwagandha Hair Growth
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is the ultimate antioxidant and a natural hormone in your body. Ashwagandha stimulates the production of DHEA which can help combat free radicals from your scalp and hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth.
3. Nourishes Hair
The flavonoids of ashwagandha are a rich source of protein, vitamin C, iron, glucose, tannins, potassium, and nitrate. These are essential components for healthy hair growth. As Dr. Zeel Gandhi who is the Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix says, "Ashwagandha improves blood circualtion in your scalp which supports the delivery of nutrients to your follicles."
4. Helps To Condition Your Scalp
Ashwagandha may increase the production of collagen and sebum on your scalp. This can help your scalp and hair texture stay conditioned. Additionally, studies suggest that collagen can prevent sun damage to your hair and scalp.
5. May Reverse Premature Greying of Hair
Melanin is a type of pigment that gives color to hair, eyes, and skin. Tyrosine, an amino acid found in ashwagandha helps stimulate the melanin production in your hair follicles which can help restore lost melanin and return hair to its natural color.
6. Helps Control Scalp Irritation
Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, ashwagandha can improve the overall health of your hair follicles. This is because it helps to control scalp ailments like dandruff and eczema which are caused by inflammation.
Where Do I Get Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is available in pill, powder or tea form. You can find it online, in most health and nutrition stores, and in the Fitore Nutrition Thought Calmer. As always, it is best to purchase from a reputable company.
How Much Should I Take?
The recommended dosage of ashwagandha ranges from 500 mg to 5,000 mg once daily. The dose depends on the condition you are taking it for. For example, the recommended dosage of ashwagandha for hair loss is 500 mg once or twice daily to 1,500 mg once daily. Whereas the recommended dosage for anxiety is 250 mg to 750 mg once daily.
The time of day you take ashwagandha is also determined by the condition you aim to treat. For hair loss, it is best to take ashwagandha in the morning with your breakfast, coffee or tea.
Possible Side Effects
For the immense benefits that ashwagandha has to offer there are very little side effects. The most common reported negative side effects of ashwagandha include:
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Headache
The general consensus is that yes, ashwagandha is safe to take orally for up to 6 months.
Summary
Ashwagandha is used in ayurvedic medicine and has been around for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions including hair loss. Ashwagandha may:
- Promote hair growth
- Reduce hair loss
- Nourish the scalp
- Control scalp irriation
- Condition your hair
There are very little side effects of ashwagandha and the recommended dosage for hair loss is 500 mg to 1,500 mg once daily. For more information regarding ashwagandha please see this page here.
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