Ginger works for all kind of hair problems. Ginger not only adds a pungent spice to soup, but also invigorates scalp and hair. In traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda, the fiery root has been used for thousands of years to combat hair loss. Find out more about the uses and benefits of ginger for hair in the following article.
What is ginger?
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is an ancient medicinal plant. In China and India the ginger rootstock was already used as a kitchen spice and medicine 3000 years BC. In the meantime, the healing root has also been officially recognised in the western world:
For example, ginger has antibiotic and immunostimulating properties. The body’s own defences are therefore very well supported by ginger. Ginger is also a strong antioxidant: the oxygen radicals in the organism are bound and the destruction processes in the cells are prevented. The range of applications of ginger is therefore broad. Whether gastro-intestinal complaints, muscle aches, rheumatism or even cancer: ginger is a true all-rounder. In addition, the exotic-looking root can contribute to hair health, solve hair problems and stop hair loss.
Ginger for hair benefits: How the root strengthens the hair
In this section we will show you 6 benefits of ginger and how ginger can have a positive effect on your hair.
1. It increases the blood circulation of your scalp
The bulbous plant has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which ensure that your scalp is vitalised and your blood circulation is increased. As a result, your hair follicles are stimulated and your hair growth is accelerated. Ginger also contains valuable fatty acids that contribute to the regeneration of fine and thin hair.
2. Ginger provides your hair with vitamins and minerals
For your hair to grow optimally and stay healthy, it needs a variety of nutrients. A regular supply of these is therefore extremely important. By treating your hair with a ginger root, it is supplied with gingerol and zingiberol, which in combination with potassium, vitamin C, phosphorus and riboflavin ensure that hair loss is prevented.
3. Ginger helps to reduce dandruff
Ginger is also a wonderful household remedy against dandruff. It not only relieves the itching associated with dandruff, but also keeps your scalp free of infection. It therefore contains antiseptic properties that help you get rid of your dandruff. In addition, ginger is able to balance the pH imbalances that cause dandruff.
4. Ginger contains antioxidant gingerol
Gingerol is a naturally occurring plant phenol and is one of the main ingredients of fresh ginger. In one study it was shown that the antioxidative properties of gingerol can contribute significantly to strengthening the body’s defences, as it protects the cells from oxidative stress. Gingerol thus neutralises free radicals that can damage hair follicles and hair strands and impair hair growth and promote hair breakage.
5. Ginger reduces inflammation
Due to its antiseptic properties, ginger also reduces inflammation of the scalp, as it consists of antimicrobial compounds that prevent infections.
6. Ginger fights fungal infections
The fiery root can counteract fungal infections in particular due to its antimycotic properties. In a study, a total of 36 extracts from 29 plant extracts were tested for their antimycotic activity against 13 human-pathogenic fungi. Results of the study showed that ginger proved to be very effective in combating a large number of fungi. It can also be used to combat the yeast fungus “Malassezia furfur”, which attacks your scalp and hair in particular.
Ginger for hair loss and dandruff
Ginger can be used very well for hair problems such as hair loss, where it primarily promotes good blood circulation to the scalp. This also ensures that new and healthy hair can grow back. Now, however, you do not necessarily have to take a big bite from the root 😉 There is the possibility of processing the ginger into hair treatments such as ginger oil or ginger vinegar, which is simply massaged into the scalp.
If you rub your scalp with ginger oil every day, you can literally watch your hair grow after a while. And if you regularly use a conditioner made of diluted ginger vinegar after washing your hair, you will soon have full and beautiful hair again.
Ginger for dandruff recipe
An anti-dandruff remedy with ginger for home use can be prepared quickly and easily by the patient himself.
You need:
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
- 3 tablespoons of cold-pressed sesame or olive oil
- 1 dash of lemon juice
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Then massage this mixture into your scalp with circular movements. After 15 to 30 minutes, rinse the scalp well. To achieve success with the anti-dandruff product, you should use it at least three times a week.
Ginger oil for hair loss recipe
Hair loss can have numerous causes and occurs in different forms. However, whether it is congenital hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), circular hair loss (alopecia areata) or diffuse hair loss (diffuse alopecia): those affected suffer greatly when their hair grows sparse.
In traditional Chinese medicine, ginger is considered the ideal medicinal plant for hair loss.
As mentioned, ginger stimulates the blood flow in the scalp. A better blood supply to this part of the body can stimulate the hair follicles and thus stimulate hair growth. The ginger root contains large amounts of potassium, vitamin C, phosphorus and riboflavin. The ginger-specific secondary plant substances gingerol and zingiberol are particularly effective. In combination with many other substances, these substances ensure that ginger can stop hair loss and stimulate new hair growth.
A quickly mixed and easy to use ginger preparation for any hair problem is also ginger oil which can be produced in a very short time for hair problems and is easy to use.
You need:
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 3 tablespoons of cold-pressed jojoba or olive oil
Preparation:
Mix the ingredients. Massage the ginger oil into the scalp in a circular motion and leave it there to take effect. The effect lasts for about 30 minutes. If you feel a warming sensation on your head, this is a sign that the ginger oil is starting to work. You can then rinse your head with water. If you want to use a shampoo afterwards, make sure that it is mild and ideally comes from the category of alkaline shampoos.
Conclusion
Ginger promotes the blood circulation of the scalp and stimulates new hair growth. Ginger is rich in potassium and vitamin C. It can stop hair loss. Thanks to its warming effect, it stimulates blood circulation and stimulates the activity of the hair roots. If you suffer from dandruff, hair loss or other hair problems, ginger for hair can contribute to your recovery. There are no known negative side effects.
