2015-09-17
Joybynature.com Team
Sep
17

 

Did you know that liquorice was used in ancient Ayurveda to induce hair growth and treat baldness?

Hair fall is a natural phenomenon that occurs regularly wherein older hair strands are shed and new hair follicles originate in their place. This is a regenerative process that occurs naturally in human beings. However, in those who have hair fall issues, the replenishment rate is often very low or nil. There are a number of contributory factors that could cause hair fall.

Our hair is exposed to harsh sun radiation, chemicals and pollution every day. These have a very significant impact on the health of our scalp and hair strands. Liquorice is a natural treatment solution that helps to treat hair fall problems.

How is hair damaged?

Sun damage: Sun’s rays contain harmful ultraviolet radiation that rips off melanin from hair. When UV radiation hits the skin, it triggers increased melanin production. However, hair follicles are already dead cells and are unable to synthesize new melanin. As a result, hair becomes dull-looking, loses its moisture content and original colour, thus becoming lighter. UV radiation also rips the keratin protein off hair strands making them limp and more susceptible to hair fall issues.

Dandruff issues: Dandruff causes flaking of skin and makes the scalp unhealthy such that nutrients are not adequately transferred to hair follicles. There are two types of dandruff problems, one that occurs due to dry and flaking scalp and another that occurs due to increased oil secretion in the scalp. In both these cases, the skin condition is almost quickly followed by bacterial and fungal infections including ring worm and athletes foot that cause patchy hair fall.

Health and hormonal issues: Hair thinning and hair fall have been proven to be caused due to a wide range of factors including hormonal changes. Increasing age has been found to be a natural factor that could lead to hair thinning. Genetic predisposition is also one amongst the common reasons that leads of thinning of hair after around thirty years of age.

In men, there are certain hormonal changes that occur in converting the male sex hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Increased levels of DHT tends to thin hair and cause hair fall and even baldness in the central portion of the head which is commonly called male pattern baldness and alopecia. Alopecia also occurs in women during puberty, menopause and pregnancy when hormonal changes are at their maximum.

In addition to this, imbalances in thyroid levels in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been known to cause thinning of hair and hair fall.

Improper diet and lack of proper protein intake have also been found to be positive risk factors causing hair fall. Emotional stress, trauma and depression have been reported to be other triggering factors that could cause hair fall.

Those taking certain types of medication and undergoing chemotherapy have been reported to have more severe hair fall problems.

How does organic liquorice fix falling hair?

Liquorice has the ability to undo the damage caused due to sun radiation. It restores the pH balance and repairs hair strands by supplying essential proteins.

Liquorice controls the oil or sebum production in the scalp in those who have oily skin. On the other hand, it removes dead cells and soothes dry and flaky skin. Liquorice contains compounds that inhibit the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone that leads to thinning of hair.

Liquorice contains dipotassium glycyrrhizate which has anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties. It controls irritation in the scalp and treats inflammation and redness that is common in dermatitis and dandruff. The glycyrrhetinic acid present in liquorice root has a soothing effect on the skin and is capable of curing diseased epidermis.

In addition, Liquorice root has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties due to which it helps to fight infections in the scalp. Liquorice also lends anti-allergy protection to the scalp to prevent further re-infection and continued skin problems.

How to use organic liquorice in your skin care recipes?

A mix containing liquorice extract, milk and a pinch of saffron is applied to bald areas as a part of Ayurvedic treatment. This helps stimulate new hair follicles. Also, it prevents further hair fall.

Liquorice essence can also be combined with fenugreek powder and made into a paste with water. This can be applied to hair from root to tip and all over the scalp. Such a therapy is best used when allowed to stay at least for half an hour. You can then wash with plain water. This is an effective antidandruff treatment.

However, it is important to note that the liquorice that you use is of good quality and is completely organic and unadulterated.  Click here to know more organic liquorice products.

Comments

Leave a comment

All blog comments are checked prior to publishing