Saw Palmetto For Hair: It Has Anti-Baldness Properties
One of the herbs most well-known against androgenic baldness is Saw palmetto aka Serenoa repens. Hair Fall is a very common condition in men and women. Androgenetic alopecia is one of the hairfall conditions that everyone is afraid of. It is mostly caused by hormone imbalance, weak hair follicles and shrinking of hair roots. For such hair problems, saw palmetto is popular. Today, we will go into how it functions and does it really works for hair.
M-shape pattern, which is common to see in men or thinning hair, which is common to see in women. Well, there are a number of drugs available which work to prevent the cause of hair fall, but there is no wonder of a natural remedy. Everyone wants to stick to a natural product or herb over chemical-based drugs or products. Saw palmetto can be your solution to slow down hair loss and increase hair growth.
Saw Palmetto - A Small Palm Tree
Saw Palmetto, a tiny palm tree with broad leaves and dark red/brown berries. These berries are popular saw palmetto berries. Its origins are connected to the regions of southern Europe, northern Africa, and the southern United States (Florida).
Since ancient times, people have been aware of its healing benefits. Indeed, the plant's extract has long been used by native peoples as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections, including enlarged prostates. Subsequent research revealed that patients treated for benign prostatic hypertrophy with Saw palmetto also experienced benefits in another area of their body: their hair. As we know, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is one of the common reasons for both hormonal hair loss and prostate growth. Therefore, Saw palmetto is a true natural treatment for both conditions by lowering DHT levels and balancing the hormone levels, especially testosterone levels.
How does Saw Palmetto function?
The active component of Serenoa Repens' berries, beta-sitosterol, is responsible for the plant's inhibitory effects on trichology and urology. The latter has the ability to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT, or the hormone responsible for baldness.
More precisely, because Saw Palmetto extract lowers the activity of type I and type II 5-alpha-reductase enzymes. When these enzymes start working abnormally, they start converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. Hence, it causes a lack of testosterone in the body and increases the dihydrotestosterone level, which is harmful to the body. Well, this conversion mechanism is very natural in the body. But when this mechanism is disturbed, it brings problems like hair fall. By regulating hormonal levels, Saw Palmetto extract significantly contributes to reducing hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia.
DHT and Hair
Numerous research has demonstrated that dihydrotestosterone is thought to be the primary factor causing the hair follicle to shrink and subsequently thin over time. Since DHT only negatively affects follicle function in those who exhibit this hereditary tendency, the genetic component is crucial in this situation. It is also simple to comprehend why baldness is classified as "androgenetic" (hormones plus genetics) from this point on.
Saw Palmetto, the herb most commonly used to treat androgenetic alopecia, may be a viable natural substitute for finasteride due to its inhibitory activity. According to a study in Journal Sage Pub in 2012, the effect of Saw palmetto can be compared with the finasteride drug. However, a drug-based solution causes adverse effects like fluid retention, fat growth, gynecomastia, and lower libido, which is not possible with natural anti-DHTs like Saw palmetto.
However, saw palmetto capsules or products are effective natural therapies, it is not advised for women who are pregnant or lactating to consume them. The first step in any therapy, even natural therapy, is to always get in touch with a professional.
Saw Palmetto Supplements
For Saw palmetto extract to work, the right dosage must be used by consuming high-quality, standardised supplements. Typically, 180 mg of a fat-soluble extract graded to 90–95% fatty acids is used in the Saw palmetto supplement. Choosing a multicomponent anti-DHT supplement, whose formulation is defined by the mixture of active substances scientifically known for their anti-DHT action, is another approach to benefit from the medicinal benefits of this plant.
Saw Palmetto Cosmetic Products
As we talk about the saw palmetto extract supplement, what about using the saw palmetto shampoo or condition? Is it good or not?
Saw palmetto is not an oil, but it regulates oil in the hair scalp. It hydrates and strengthens the hair. You can increase your hair lifespan and strengthen the hair follicle by using hair cosmetics prepared from pure and natural saw palmetto. Even if you check the label part of any anti-hair loss shampoo, it will have saw palmetto. It is ideal and recommended to use saw palmetto shampoo by men and women, who are beginning to suffer from hair loss. If you find yourself in a situation prone to hair loss, it will also be beneficial to acquire healthy habits that help you strengthen your hair and keep it healthy.
- A balanced diet rich in a range of fruits, vegetables, and legumes to guarantee adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. Iron, copper, zinc, and vitamins A, B, and C are the elements that have the biggest effects on strong, healthy hair.
- Use a natural shampoo to gently wash your hair, and try not to overdo hairspray, gel, or mousse since these products can cause an imbalance in the sebum produced on the scalp, weaken hair, or even clog hair follicles.
- Use a natural anti-hair loss lotion. Blood flow is improved when it is used together with a massage, and the minerals it contains energise and strengthen hair.