The use of herbs to promote hair growth has been common practice for centuries before commercial products was even thought of. There are many different herbs used for hair growth, and each has unique properties that make them ideal ingredients to include in your hair care regime. In this article, we want to highlight 4 herbs that are traditionally used by Eastern Asian women to promote hair growth.
Gleditsia Australis Fruit
Gleditsia (or honey locust, chumket, bồ kết) is a legume tree, native in many regions of south and east of Asia. Riped dried pods have a high level of saponin content, making it the ideal ingredient for hair wash in many Eastern Asian cultures. In China dried pods are powdered and used instead of shampoos. It was commonly used for at least 2000 years, till 1970, when shampoos and detergents are made popularized in Asia.
In Vietnamese culture, dried gleditsia pods are slightly roasted, crumbled, and boiled along with other herbs like grapefruit peels, lemongrass, holy basil, etc. The obtained "tea" is used to wash hair. It cures dandruff, head fungi, revitalizes sebaceous glands, prevent hair loss, stimulate hair growth, and give hair a smooth and silky appearance. It is no coincidence that the women in this region are known to have luscious long thick hair.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is both antibacterial and antimicrobial, which help in minimizing pesky dandruff, fungal infection, and other skin conditions that can potentially plague the scalp. Lemongrass oil helps strengthen hair follicles making it the ideal ingredient for those suffering from hair loss.
Other than the hair loving properties, lemongrass also has a beautiful lemon-y aroma that are refreshing and de-stressing.
Patchouli
Patchouli plant is from the same family as mint, lavender, and sage. It grows as a bushy plant and blooms small pink and white flowers.
It has been used to treat the hair and skin for hundreds of years. It is best known for its antiseptic, astringent, and fungicide properties. It can help treat scalp infections that can cause the scalp to become inflamed and also treat fungal scalp infections and illnesses such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
Like fine wine, patchouli is one of the few essential oils that actually become better with age. Many essential oils oxidize and lose their potency over time, but not patchouli. It has a very potent fragrance which for some, is an acquired aroma. It is very rich, earthy, and woody. It also has a very light floral note underneath its deep aroma.
The fragrance is either a hit or miss for most people, but if you like the smell of essential oils such as rosemary, jasmine, thyme or sandalwood then you may be able to appreciate patchouli's spicy aroma.
Holy Basil
While Holy Basil (Tulsi) is not the most common basil in the US, it is the most commonly grown basil in the world. This type of basil is sharp and peppery and hot to taste when fresh. It has a piercing aroma that intensifies when it is heated or very lightly cooked.
This herb is best known for improving blood circulation and its antioxidant properties. Holy Basil essential oil are often listed as the most beneficial oil for promoting healthy hair growth because it stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, which bring nutritions to your hair follicles, making weak hair follicles stronger.