Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Stress and inflammation are the enemies of healthy and growing hair. Adaptogens benefit the hair in many ways. Adaptogens, a group of wonder-herbs and botanicals, can help your body manage stress, re-balance, boost your scalp health and benefit your hair.
What are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are a group healing plants. They are natural herbs and botanicals that have special properties that help the body resist and manage stress. They have been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Adaptogens assist in healing, and help defend the body against physical, environmental and even emotional stressors.
Adaptogens help to stimulate the stress protection response of the body, keeping the body in balance and reducing harmful inflammation. Though many cultures have long used adaptogens to benefit the body, hair and skin, adaptogens have only recently been heralded in the Western world for their incredible potential to boost not only your health—but your beauty too.
Adaptogens Benefit Your Hair
Stress is a common factor in inflammation and hair loss. The stress hormone, cortisol, can be lowered by adaptogens, which can help the body better adapt to stress. This reduction in stress and inflammation may help to improve hair growth and limit excessive hair loss.
Common Adaptogens
- Panax Ginseng
- Holy Basil
- Ashwagandha
- Astragalus Root
- Rhodiola
- Schisandra Berry
- Cordycep Mushrooms
- Turmeric
Stress reduction and management of excessive inflammation is a crucial part of a healthy hair ritual. Adaptogenic botanicals are finally receiving the respect they deserve for the key role they play in the health of the body, skin and hair.
With their ability to re-balance, restore and protect the body, skin and scalp, adaptogens –and plant medicine—are incredibly beneficial for the hair.
