Turmeric is popular as a superfood and is said to work against hair loss. In East Asian countries, the root has long been used against various diseases. Indian women in particular also use the yellow powder to care for their skin and hair. In this article, we take a look at the active ingredients and uses of turmeric for hair loss.
What is turmeric?
Turmeric is also known as curcuma longa or yellow ginger. In fact, the plant is a ginger plant. Turmeric is best known as a spice from Indian cuisine. In recent times, however, the root has been getting more and more attention due to its medicinal effects. There has been a real hype about the so-called superfood. According to various reviews, many ailments can be treated with it.
In East Asian countries, turmeric has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years. The plant has also been used in cosmetics for a similar length of time. Turmeric is said to be good for skin, hair and nails. So, you can imagine why they say that Indian women have the most beautiful hair. It is therefore customary in India for brides to rub their bodies with turmeric paste before their wedding day.
In fact, over 7,000 scientific studies have been carried out to prove the corresponding effects. The active ingredient that everything revolves around is curcumin. However, the plant contains a number of other vitamins, minerals and trace elements, which are not only important for hair growth.
Does turmeric help against hair loss?
There are several causes for hair loss. While hereditary hair loss is significantly influenced by DHT (dihydrotestosterone), patchy hair loss (alopecia areata) is an autoimmune disease.
Turmeric contains various active ingredients that have a positive effect on hair growth. Experience has shown that patchy hair loss can actually improve. Hereditary hair loss can be delayed, but usually cannot be stopped completely.
The active ingredients for better hair growth in turmeric:
- Curcumin has an anti-inflammatory effect. Inflammation of the scalp is a common part of the problem.
- Cineol stimulates the nervous system. It actively promotes blood circulation and prevents its disruption. A well-perfused scalp is a prerequisite for strong hair.
- Minerals: iron, potassium and magnesium. All of these minerals are essential for hair growth. A lack of one of the substances alone can trigger hair loss.
- Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, C, and E . Vitamin A is responsible for the growth of the cells and also ensures that important nutrients are transported to the hair follicles. B vitamins are directly involved in the hair growth process. The collagen formation and thus the hair structure depends on an adequate supply of vitamin C. And vitamin E also plays a key role in nutrient supply.
How to use turmeric for hair loss
There are various options for treating hair loss with turmeric. We recommend internal application in any case. If necessary, this can be combined with the exterior use.
Internal application
There are various ways of using turmeric. The easiest way is to take turmeric capsules or tablets. We recommend the Premium Ultra Pure Turmeric Curcumin capsules. They are made by Bio Schwartz in the USA and have over 16,000 positive ratings on Amazon. You can buy them here!
The correct dosage of the capsules is indicated by the manufacturers on the packaging. By the way, turmeric for hair loss is often combined with barley grass.
Furthermore, there is of course the possibility of using turmeric in dishes as a spice. In this way, taking the recommended daily dosage of 5 to 7 grams is of course somewhat more complex. Not every dish with turmeric tastes good. But there is another drink that is enjoying growing popularity and is enjoyed by superfood fans: golden milk.
Golden milk is a recipe that originally comes from the world of Ayurveda. We want to briefly introduce one recipe of golden milk:
- 200 ml almond milk (or another plant-based milk)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 pinch of pepper
The pepper is important because it ensures better absorption of the active ingredients of the turmeric. This recipe can be refined with other spices like cinnamon. Sweetening with agave syrup, coconut blossom sugar or maple syrup is also possible. It is best to avoid industrially processed sugar.
Tip: Many people use golden milk as a coffee substitute. It also contains coffee acids and serves as an energy supplier.
External application
A turmeric paste is made for external use and applied directly to the scalp. In the case of patchy hair loss, the affected areas can be treated directly.
The paste consists of:
- 1 tbsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp olive or coconut oil
The oil can be varied as desired, but you should use one that also has a positive effect on hair growth. The ingredients are simply mixed in a small bowl or mug. Since turmeric has coloring properties, stains on clothing or work materials must be removed immediately.
When the paste is ready, it is simply applied to the scalp. The exposure time is approximately 20 minutes. Then the hair is washed with a mild shampoo. Incidentally, the turmeric may also dye the skin for a short time. The treatment is therefore best carried out in the evening.
Conclusion
Turmeric contains many health-promoting ingredients. It can be used both internally and externally to combat hair loss, helping both men and women to have fuller hair. Whether turmeric really helps depends on the cause of the hair loss. While the superfood can help with circular hair loss, androgenic alopecia can only be delayed. If necessary, external advice should be sought and other hair restoration products used.
