Let foods be thy medicine, goes the commonly quoted phrase by Hippocrates. And in this case, it’s quite literally your hair medicine. If you’re experiencing poor hair health or even thinning and balding, these four foods can help rejuvenate your hair follicles and restore a full head of hair.
1. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an Asian herb that’s widely used in South Asian cuisine. It’s often used in curries or ground into a hummus-like dip or relish.
It’s very high in protein, iron and B vitamins, and can thus help improve blood circulation to your scalp and stimulate both hair growth and hair health.
This herb can also be used as a topical treatment to combat baldness. Some people will grind the dried seeds and mix it with a natural exfoliant, such as lemon juice or Greek yogurt, before massaging int onto the scalp. Let it sit in your hair for half an hour before rinsing it out.
2. Calendula
Calendula is a type of perennial flower that’s related to marigolds. It’s been used in German cuisine, specifically in stews and soups, and can also be found in many Mediterranean meals. People also enjoy this flower dried as an herbal tea.
Calendula is rich in hair growth-promoting minerals. The essential oils from this flower are also used as a hair mask and scalp moisturizer, and it has vitamins that improve collagen levels (collagen is essential for hair growth).
3. Flaxseed
Flax is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy fat that lowers chronic inflammation and skin irritations that may be contributing to your hair loss.
You can also find flax gels to massage into your hair. The essential fats moisturize and soften your hair while also nourishing your scalp health.
4. Ginger Root
Toss a chunk of this root into your morning tea, or use it to add an Asian kick to stir frys and other meals.
It improves blood circulation so your hair follicles get more nutrients and grow hair faster. It also fights skin conditions like dandruff that may be irritating your scalp and causing hair loss.
