life. Check with a doctor that can tailor a personalized dietary plan for you.
ADDITIONAL THINGS YOU CAN DO
There are several additional remedies that have been known to strengthen the hair and reduce hair loss and breakage.
Biotin is a well-known B vitamin that helps to control dry scaly, scalp, depression, hair breakage and loss.
Equisetum Arvense, also known as Horsetail Tea, is rich with silica and other minerals, and is essential for strong resilient hair.
Standing on your head will help increase blood circulation. We recommend doing this exercise two to three times a week for 30 to 60 seconds. If the headstand seems a bit extreme, we suggest that you use a slant board.
SLANT BOARD
Slant boards can be purchased or created by slanting a board on top of a chair. The purpose of the slant board is to reverse the body's gravity and to force blood, oxygen and nutrients through the capillaries to feed the hair roots.
For best results, while in a slanted position, massage your scalp with a hand-held vibrating massager for 5 to 15 minutes once or twice a day. When performed properly, finger massages can be very effective as well. Place both hands on the head, using all 10 fingertips, push the scalp toward the center of the head and massage in a circular motion. You might want to practice the flat-handed palm style. Both methods are relaxing and will not damage your hair.
Chapter 2
Nutrition and Hair
by Barry L. Fletcher
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
