I am going more slowly through the process than I thought for making shampoo. I want to make my own chemical free shampoo for my thinning hair that has a dry patch and contains my first significant quanities of grey hairs. Pattern Baldness runs in my family so this dry patch of hair concerns me. I know it is easier to prevent baldness than it is to regrow hair once it is lost so this blog and making my own natural shampoo is my effort to be proactive and save my hair. I have tried some things so far but I want to base my formula on research based information. So far I am considering using Cold Pressed Virgin Olive Oil, Aloe Vera Juice, Rosemary extract, Cinnamon, Honey, Cayenne, Stinging Nettles, Milk Thistle and blending Saw Palmetto Gel Tabs into my hair loss/pattern baldness prevention shampoo. I have just begun using Apple Cider Vinegar as a rinse with good results. The following is a study about the effects of Saw Palmetto on Pattern Baldness.

Date:   4/11/2005 3:13:19 AM ( 19 y ago)

Saw palmetto for male pattern baldness? - Phytotherapy Review Commentary
Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, June, 2003 by Kerry Bone

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Laboratory experiments have shown that the liposterolic extract of saw palmetto (LESP) is a weak inhibitor of 5-[alpha]-reductase (5AR). While the relevance of this weak activity to the oral use of LESP for benign prostatic hyperplasia is debatable, (1) a group of scientists decided to test the effect of oral intake of LESP on male pattern baldhess in a pilot study involving men between the ages of 23 and 64 under double-blind conditions. (2) The product tested also contained [beta]-sitosterol and nutrients and the dose of LESP used was 400 mg per day (equivalent to about 4 g of berry). The blinded investigative staff rated 60% of the volunteers receiving active treatment as improved, compared to only 11% for the placebo group. Self-assessment by volunteers showed a similar but less striking trend. The authors suggested that this positive pilot trial justifies the expansion to larger trials.

Commentary

While the results of oral LESP for male pattern baldness might be significant, they are also likely to be modest. It is conceivable that topical application of LESP to the scalp could add to the observed effect since it delivers a high concentration of dose to the affected area. Soft gel capsules could be cut and massaged into the scalp at night.

While on the subject of herbs to improve appearance, an interesting German study found that intake of nettle and dandelion juices improved skin parameters in healthy women. (2) Both active and control groups used a moisturizing cream, but only the active group took the herbal juices. Skin hydration improved significantly after 6 weeks in the experimental group (p<0.05). Elasticity was significantly improved compared to controls. After 6 weeks of treatment, volunteers in the active group rated their skin condition as significantly improved, whereas there was little change for the control group.

(1.) Prager N, Bickett R, French N et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-[alpha]-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. J Altern Complement Med 2002; 8(2): 143-152

(2.) Schmid D, Lang A, Allgauer T et al. Evaluation of effects of skin parameters through oral treatment with stinging nettle and dandelion extracts -- an open, controlled, prospective pilot-study. Akt Dermatol 2001; 27: 25-29

COPYRIGHT 2003 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_2003_June/ai_102372146


Saw Palmetto

Propecia as Proscar was first developed for treating prostate problems in males. Natures answer to this treatment is Saw Palmetto. Serenoa repens is the medical name for the herb saw palmetto.The deep red fruit of this small palm grows wild in warm climates such as those found in the Southeastern United States.

The liposerolic extract of the fruit of Saw Palmetto is the most popular herbal supplement for the promotion of prostate health in Europe.

Saw Palmetto is found as a main ingredient in most of the commercial hair loss treatments such as Revivoen.

Saw palmetto has been used in Europe for generations, that its safety "has never been seriously questioned," and with the exception of occasional stomach upset, no side effects have been reported. "In particular, use of the extract has not been associated with erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory disturbance, or altered libido as you may get with Propecia.

http://www.stophairlossnow.co.uk/Natural_Treatments_Intro.htm


 

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