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Herbs, vitamins, minerals and increasing hair growth.

Hair is a cellularly active follicle, and just like the remaining cells and organs in the body, it needs vitamins, minerals and proteins to grow. Hair cells rely on the lymph or fluid portion of the system for their nourishment. As the blood circulates throughout the body, it transports and distributes proteins and nutrients to the hair cells through vessels known as capillaries. These capillaries

then feed the nutrients directly to the root of the hair strand.

The World Health Organization estimates that herbs are the primary medicine for two thirds of the world's population, some four billion people. Amongst them are some of the healthiest populations in the world. Most U.S. physicians are trained to rely upon high-technology, laboratory-based medicine, but in the last 15 years, herbs studies made their way into the most prestigious medical journals. Today, there is a dramatic public interest and demand for healing herbs.

Scientists are taking a new look at the gamut of ancient healing remedies, and in the process, they are taking the guess work out of using nature's medicine. On the other hand, some people become so enamored with herbal healing that they reject mainstream medicine entirely. This is a serious mistake. Herbal healing can make a major contribution to human well-being, but many conditions require professional medical care. According to the Food and Drug Administration's present regulations, herbs cannot be patented and are not recognized as medicines. They are classified as a food supplement. They do not require pre-approval, but despite their proven safety and effectiveness, medicinal or healing claims are prohibited. Today, herbs are consumed in large amounts in this country. Since the late 60's, Americans have been changing their views about health care and investing their energy in preventing illness rather than treating it after the fact.

When correctly used, herbs promote the elimination of waste matter and toxins from the system by simple natural means; they support nature in its fight against disease.

"Today, a third of Americans take herbs, whereas probably more than 95 percent take pharmaceuticals," says Michael Castelman in his bibliography, "The Healing Herbs." I suspect those numbers will even out as more people use herbal medicines.

EPHEDRA

Ephedra is generally considered the world's oldest medicine, dating back 5,000 years. It's been used as a bronchial decongestant, to treat asthma, hay fever and nasal and chest congestions. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that its significant weight-loss promoting affects may also help smokers decrease nicotine cravings.

GUARANA

This herb from the Amazons increases mental alertness and fights fatigue.

WHITE WILLOW BARK

Has been used since 500 B.C. in China as an effective pain reliever. It's the natural source of the chemical that forms the basis for aspirin (Salicylic Acid). It helps to reduce fevers, soothes headaches and eases other pain and swelling.

BLADDERWRACK

This herb is used to ease obesity and it contains iodine, a nutrient that regulates the thyroid function.

GOTUKOLA

Improves circulation in the legs, which may prevent varicose veins, accelerates wound healing and helps longevity and problems of aging. The herb became popular internally and externally to help skin diseases.

Asia's ultimate tonic enhances memory, learning, productivity and the immune system. It also increases physical stamina while minimizing stress, reduces blood sugar levels and has excellent anti-viral properties.

BEE POLLEN

Bee Pollen is effective in combating fatigue and depression. It contains amounts of all the 22 nutrients needed by mankind.

ASTRAGALUS, LICORICE ROOT, GINGER ROOT, REHMANIA ROOT

These herbs are similar in nature and they are used to relieve stomach problems and reduce fevers and inflammations. They are also good for sore throats and coughs and can be used to help nausea, vomiting and motion sickness.

REISHI MUSHROOM

Listed No.1 on ancient lists of Chinese medicines. Used primarily to strengthen the immune system. Helps stimulate liver activity and lowers stress, cleanses the blood and beautifies the skin.

Each hair strand is composed of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur, carbon, water and protein. The composition of these various components varies depending on one's ethnicity, sex, age, genetic makeup and overall health. Out of all these components, our health is the only one that we have a chance to influence and control. We achieve this by including proper vitamins, minerals and nutrients in our diet.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS

According to Dr. Lars Engstrand, the famous Swedish scientist and author of the book "Stop Hair Loss," most cases of hair loss are hormonal, nutritional or emotionally related. Dr. Engstrand points out that it is uncommon to see hair loss and balding among people from China, Japan, Spain and Alaska. These people usually have dark, thick, healthy hair, and they seem to grow older without graying as fast. Dr. Engstrand attributes this largely to their diet, and points out that Chinese cuisine is high in minerals, essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins Band C and unsaturated fats - all important elements for healthy hair. He also indicates that the Japanese eat a lot of seafood, including seaweed, which is rich in iodine, one of the most important nutrients for healthy hair. According to Dr. Engstrand, the Italians procure their proteins, minerals and vitamins from seafood and fresh vegetables as well. Most importantly, Dr. Engstrand points out that all of these ethnicities experience balding and graying only after adopting American eating habits.

IODINE

Iodine is a trace mineral, which helps to manufacture thyroxin, an important element for healthy, strong thyroid glands. When the thyroid is healthy and functioning at its capacity, our metabolism is increased, which, in turn, improves the quality and growth of our hair. On the other hand, when our diet suffers from Iodine deficiency, this results in hair dryness, thinning and slow hair growth. Kelp (dried seaweed) is the richest natural source of iodine and is available in all health food stores in tablet or granulated form.

INCREASING GROWTH

As already indicated, some vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, panthothenic acid, para-amino-benzoic acid, and folic acid are directly linked to the health of our hair, and they all seem to have anti-graying properties. When used in conjunction with Brewer's Yeast, these vitamins and minerals further darken the hair while improving its quality and increasing its growth.

Wheat germ and wheat germ oils are known to promote hair growth and are used extensively by fur and mink growers. When used as a dietary supplement, however, wheat germ should always be fresh.

Essentially, fatty acids such as vitamin F are believed to assist the sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland produces sebum, which moisturizes the skin, scalp and hair. Vitamin F can be found in nuts, raw seeds and unsaturated vegetable oils. Vitamin A also can be used to combat dry, itchy, flaky skin and scalp. Cod-liver oil contains the richest source of natural vitamin A.

Protein is also essential to hair growth but can be over consumed. Fifty grams a day will suffice and can be obtained in one potato or two swallows of milk. Be mindful, people who live in Asia, India and Mexico have thick, black hair, although they live on low-protein diets.

Lecithin and B vitamins, including choline and dinositol, protect the arteries from hardening. When the arteries are hardened, the blood supply to the scalp is restricted and hair growth is diminished. Smoking, overeating and high blood pressure may also impair blood circulation to the scalp.

According to Dr. Engstand, if we wish to optimize the health of our hair, we should supplement our diet daily with the following:

•Brewer's Yeast, powder or flakes - 2 to 3 tablespoons.

•Lecithin, Granules - 1 to 2 tablespoons.

•Vitamin E - One 400 to 1200 LU. a day (before meals).

•Vitamin C (from a rose hips or other natural sources) - up to 1000MG.

Note: In case of high blood pressure, consult your doctor for proper dosage of vitamin C.

•Vitamin B Complex, High Potency, natural - 1 to 3 tablets.

•Cod-liver oil, unfortified 1 TSDP.

•Vitamin A, natural - 25,000 USP.

•Kelp - up to 10 tablets.

•Bone Meal Tablets, For Minerals - 5 to 10 tablets.

•Cod-Pressed Vegetable Oil For Vitamin F - 1 to 2 tablespoons a day. This may be used on salads, cereals, etc. Olive oil and sesame seed oil are most likely to be cold pressed and non-rancid.

Unless otherwise indicated, food supplements should be taken with meals. Consult your medical physician regarding the amount of supplements you should take and how long you need to consume them before seeing results.