Healthy hair comes from the inside and reflects overall health and well-being. If you want to turn to natural solutions and herbs for hair growth and health, you’re in the right place.*
In this article, we’ll share a few of our favorite herbs for hair growth combined in one herbal supplement: Hair, Skin & Nail Support.
We’ll offer some basic tips for natural hair care, to keep your locks healthy from the inside and outside.
6 Best Herbs to Promote Hair Growth*
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola, scientifically known as Centella asiatica, is a member of the parsley family and is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine.
Native to India, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the South Pacific, it boasts thousands of years of use in some countries and supports mental clarity, skin conditions, and more.*REF#1189
Today, besides being regarded as a rejuvenating nervine for supporting a balanced nervous system, Gotu Kola is also used for skin, hair, and nail health.*
This tiny but mighty herb helps support connective tissue, healthy skin keratinization, skin tissue integrity, blood vessel strength and integrity, and healthy blood circulation.*
Nettle
While Nettle is a perennial originating from Europe and Asia, you may come across this prickly plant in northern Africa or North America's woods since it grows worldwide.REF#1190 You can recognize Nettle by its heart-shaped leaves that taper at the ends and yellow or pink flowers.REF#1190
Stinging Nettle, or Urtica dioica, has little hairs on its leaves and stems, leaving you with a stinging sensation or rash if you rub against them. However, this plant loses its sting when cooked and has a high nutritional content.
Used as a culinary plant and in traditional remedies to support joint, urinary tract, and skin health, it also has a history of supporting upper respiratory health and healthy prostate function.*REF#1190
Nettle is not only used in our Beauty and Radiance Support supplements but also in some of our products designed for Energy Support, Immune Support, Foundational Support, and Men's Health.*
Horsetail
Horsetail, scientifically known as Equisetum arvense, goes by many other names, including Bottle-brush, Horse willow, Paddock-pipes, Pewterwort, Scouring rush, Shave grass, and Toadpipe.REF#1191
It gets some of these names from its scratchy stems and bottle-like shape.
Horsetail is a non-flowering perennial that is closely related to the fern. It grows in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.REF#1191 Traditional medicine uses this unique plant for urinary tract support, among other uses.*REF#1192
When it comes to herbs for hair growth and health, the most notable aspect of this plant is that it is high in silica, which is an essential mineral for healthy hair, skin, and nails.* Horsetail is also a good source of the flavonoids quercetin REF#1191 glucoside and luteolin.*
Burdock
Used for culinary purposes and in herbal tonics, Burdock, or Arctium lappa, is a delicious root grown in China, Europe, Britain, North America, and other locations.
As a culinary herb, Burdock is eaten as a vegetable and has prebiotic properties and antioxidant activity.*[5] As a botanical herb, Burdock has been traditionally used to support skin health, liver health, and healthy digestion.*
It's believed to promote vital skin by helping maintain healthy liver function and supporting the body's natural cleansing process.*
Triphala
Triphala means “three fruit” and is a staple within Ayurvedic practice.
It is not one single herb but instead a combination of the dried powder of three different fruits: Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Harada (Terminalia chebula), and Bihara (Terminalia bellirica).
The Sushrut Samhita, an ancient Sanskrit text describing 1,120 conditions, 700 medicinal plants, and a detailed anatomy study, references Triphala use from at least 1500 BC.
What do these three herbs offer? Amla has a high content of vitamin C (20 times that of an orange!), which is beneficial for hair health and growth.* Bihara is astringent, tonic, digestive, and anti-spasmodic (relieves or prevents muscle spasms or cramps).* And, finally, Harada is a bitter and encourages peristalsis and good digestion.*
Some research on Triphala has found it to be useful for its ability to maintain vibrant skin, as well as to support digestion and much more.*REF#1194
Alfalfa
While adding sprouted Alfalfa seeds to salads is becoming popular, you might be more familiar with Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) for its uses with livestock. Like other legumes, it can produce a high-protein feed option, regardless of the available nitrogen in the soil.
Alfalfa is a green flowering plant with roots that reach deep into the ground. It also has a high nutritional value for humans and may support hormone balance in women.*
One of the reasons this plant is so healthy is that it has one of the highest mineral profiles of any land plant. Its high mineral content and antioxidants help promote the healthy growth of hair, skin, and nail tissue.*
Aloe Vera
A succulent plant native to North Africa, Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) grows in many parts of the world. Derived from the plant's fleshy leaves, Aloe Vera gel is widely known for its medicinal and cosmetic properties for skin care.
When applied to the scalp, aloe vera gel can help to soothe and hydrate the skin making it a great natural remedy for dry scalp.* It contains vitamins and minerals that nourish the hair and has enzymes that can help remove dead skin cells and unclog hair follicles.*
Additionally, aloe vera gel has beneficial properties that can help soothe scalp irritation, potentially helping to minimize hair loss and promote growth.REF#1196
Gingko Biloba
Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, Ginkgo Biloba is a tree species native to China. The leaves of the Ginkgo Biloba tree contain compounds called flavonoids and terpenoids that can have antioxidant properties. These compounds may help support blood flow and circulation throughout the body, including the scalp.REF#1197
Improved blood flow can help to nourish hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. Ginkgo Biloba may also help protect hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV radiation.*
In addition, Ginkgo Biloba may help balance hormone levels, which can sometimes contribute to hair loss.*
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a palm tree native to the southeastern region of the United States. Native Americans have traditionally used it to treat various ailments, including urinary and reproductive issues.* Saw Palmetto supplements may also help support prostate health.*
Saw palmetto may also have benefits for hair health. It can work by blocking an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that contributes to hair loss in men and women by shrinking hair follicles and shortening the hair growth cycle.
This can also contribute to androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, thinning hair, and baldness. By reducing DHT levels in the body, saw palmetto may help to address hair loss.REF#1195
An Herbal Supplement for Hair Growth*
All of the above herbs contribute in one way or another to healthy hair.* That’s why we’ve combined them into one supplement, Gaia Herbs Hair, Skin & Nail Support.*
This supplement contains a harmonious blend of Horsetail, Alfalfa, Burdock root, Gotu Kola, and Nettle leaf. These herbs are abundant in minerals that promote the healthy growth of hair, skin, and nail tissue.*
The herbs in this formula are also good sources of antioxidants.* To reap the benefits of Hair, Skin & Nail Support, adults should take two capsules twice daily between meals.
The Nettle leaf we use in this formula is grown on our Certified Organic Gaia Farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. We chose this 350-acre farm for its rich alluvial soil and amazing biodiversity.
As part of our commitment to transparency, we make it easy for you to discover the origin of all the herbs in your formula. Find out how they were grown, harvested, and extracted, and see validation of your product’s purity level and potency.
Simply visit meetyourherbs.com, the world’s first herb traceability platform. Enter the ID number on the back of your Hair, Skin & Nail Support product, or any other Gaia Herbs product, to access this information and more.
Always speak to your healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements. They may interact with certain medications or health conditions, resulting in side effects. The appropriate dosage may vary depending on your needs.
Natural Hair Care Tips
Using herbs for hair growth is a great way to care for your hair from the inside out. But we also want to share a few other ways to care for your hair daily.
Massage Your Scalp
A scalp massage is excellent stress relief and an effective way to maintain blood flow to your scalp and the roots of your hair and support hair growth.
You can also use herbal hair tonics and extracts to nourish and strengthen your hair and scalp. Ayurvedic herbs, such as Amla, Bhringraj, and Brahmi, have been used for centuries in Indian traditional medicine to promote healthy hair growth.*
Use Natural Shampoo and Conditioner
Taking care of your hair and scalp is essential, and it all starts with the products you use. Chemical ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicone, synthetic fragrances, and formaldehyde can be irritating and damaging to your hair and scalp. When selecting shampoo and conditioner, it’s generally best to choose natural options that don't contain harmful chemicals.
Another important tip for maintaining healthy hair is to avoid shampooing every day. Try to shampoo every other day or even less frequently if possible. While keeping your scalp clean is important, over-shampooing can strip your hair of its natural oils necessary for healthy growth and shine.
It's also essential to use shampoo and conditioner properly. Shampoo is primarily for cleansing the scalp. Meanwhile, conditioner should be applied to the hair shaft, particularly the ends, to lock in moisture. Natural hair products and following these tips can keep your hair and scalp healthy and nourished.
Try Deep-Conditioning
Deep conditioning is a hair treatment that involves applying a nourishing product to the hair and leaving it on for an extended period to help repair and restore damaged strands.* This process can help improve the hair's overall health and appearance by delivering essential nutrients to the hair follicles and minimizing breakage.*
One natural way to deep condition hair is using a homemade hair mask made with natural ingredients like olive oil and coconut oil. These oils are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that can penetrate the hair shaft and provide deep hydration and nourishment to the hair.
To create a hair mask, mix equal parts of olive and coconut oil and apply them to your hair from root to tip. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the mask on for 30 minutes to an hour before washing it with gentle shampoo.
Natural hair products like oils can also help condition and protect the hair from damage. These products can be applied to wet or dry hair and help seal in moisture and protect the hair from environmental stressors.* Regular hair oil use can also help minimize breakage and promote healthier, stronger hair.*
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Just as taking the right herbal supplements can support healthy hair, what you eat directly impacts the health of your hair, skin, and nails.*
Growing healthy and strong hair relies on the nutrients you get from your food. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Reduce Stress
Exercising, meditating, spending time outside, and deep breathing are all great ways to reduce stress. We also recommend taking stress-support supplements to help your body and mind stay healthy and balanced naturally.*
Stay Away From Heat
Heat can do a number on your hair, which applies to steaming-hot showers, hot curling irons, and hair dryers.
Stay away from heat completely when you can, and when that’s not possible, consider turning the temperature of your shower and styling tools down.
Trim Your Hair Regularly
Regularly trimming your hair can promote healthy hair and growth by preventing split ends and breakage. When hair is damaged, the ends can become frayed and split, making the hair look dull and unhealthy. This can also cause the hair to break off, leading to shorter hair and uneven growth.
Trimming your hair can also help to remove any damage that has already occurred. When hair is damaged, it can become weaker and more prone to breakage. Removing the damaged ends can help strengthen the rest of the hair and promote healthy growth.
It’s generally wise to trim your hair every six to eight weeks to promote healthy growth, and prevent split ends.
Oil Your Strands
Oiling your hair with herbal extracts and essential oils is a great natural way to nourish and moisturize your hair, prevent breakage, and promote hair regrowth. However, too much oil can make your hair greasy and difficult to manage. To prevent this, applying the oils sparingly and strategically is essential.
Incorporate essential oils that are beneficial to hair and scalp health, such as lavender, peppermint, and rosemary oil.REF#1198
Mix a few drops with carrier oil, such as argan or jojoba oil. Apply the mixture to the ends of your hair and work your way up to the scalp, massaging it gently to distribute the oil evenly and prevent an oily buildup on the scalp. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner for the benefit of herbal remedies.*
Using essential oils and herbal remedies in moderation and with care allows you to enjoy the benefits of healthy, nourished hair without relying on harsh chemical hair products.*
Herbs for Hair Growth and Health*
What you put in your body can directly affect hair growth and health. That’s why you can turn to herbs that promote hair growth to give your hair the support it craves.*
Turn to herbs such as Gotu Kola, Nettle, Horsetail, Burdock, Triphala, and Alfalfa. Gaia Herbs Hair, Skin & Nail Support is an expertly formulated blend of all these herbs. And, of course, don’t forget to implement the natural hair care tips mentioned above.
Healthy hair, here you come!