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The hair has a tendency to lose its
natural colour with advancing age and turn grey, but premature graying is a
morbid condition and it makes even the young look older. The hair is an
appendage of the skin. It is composed of the same kinds of cells as are found
in the outer layer of the skin, which is known as the epidermis. Hair grows
from hair follicles which are deep recesses in the epidermis. The sebaceous
glands of the scalp secrete an oily substance called sebum, which is the source
of nutrition, lustre, and blackness of the hair. The hair cannot be fed
externally, for such nourishment, as the scalp requires, must come to it from
the bloodstream.
Symptoms
of Premature Graying of Hair
Causes of Premature Graying of Hair
Faulty diet, Mental worries and lack
of vitamins
A faulty diet and mental worries are
the two primary causes of premature graying of hair. Lack of some of the B
vitamins, iron, copper, and iodine in the daily diet is said to be a
contributory factor. Mental worries produce extraordinary tension in the skin
of the scalp; this interferes with the supply of vital nutrition necessary for
the health of the hair.
Heredity, unclean condition of scalp
etc
Other causes of premature graying of
hair are an unclean condition of the scalp, washing the hair with hot water,
drying it with an electric dryer, and use of hair dyes. Heredity is also a
predisposing factor.
Home Remedies for Premature Graying
of Hair
Indian Gooseberry
The use of Indian gooseberry is the
foremost among the home remedies found beneficial in the prevention and
treatment of premature graying of hair. This is a valuable hair tonic for
enriching hair growth and hair pigmentation. The fruit, cut into pieces, should
be dried, preferably in shade. These pieces should be boiled in coconut oil
till the solid matter becomes like charred dust. This darkish oil is very
useful against premature graying. The water in which dried amla pieces have
been soaked overnight is also nourishing for the hair. This water should be
used for the last rinse while washing the hair. Massaging the scalp every night
with a teaspoonful of amla juice, mixed with a teaspoon of almond oil and a few
drops of lime juice, also proves beneficial in the prevention and treatment of
premature graying of hair.
Amaranth
Amaranth is another effective home
remedy for hair disorders. Application of the fresh juice of the leaves of this
vegetable helps the hair to retain its black colour and prevents it from
premature graying. It also helps the growth of the hair and keeps it soft.
Curry Leaves
Liberal intake of curry leaves is
considered beneficial in preventing premature graying of hair. These leaves
have the property of providing vitality and strength to hair roots. New hair
roots that grow are healthier and contain a normal pigment. The leaves can be
used in the form of chutney, or may be squeezed in buttermilk. When the leaves
are boiled in coconut oil, the oil forms an excellent hair tonic to stimulate
hair growth and bring back hair pigmentation.
Ribbed Gourd (Jhinga)
Ribbed gourd boiled in coconut oil is
also an effective remedy for premature graying of hair. Pieces of this
vegetable should be dried in the shade. These dried pieces should be soaked in
coconut oil and kept aside for three or four days. The oil should then be
boiled till the solid is reduced to a blackened residue. This oil should be
massaged into the scalp. It will help enrich the hair roots and restore pigment
to the hair.
Butter
The butter made from cow's milk has
the property of preventing premature graying of hair. A small roll may be taken
internally and a little quantity may be massaged into the hair roots twice a
week.
Vitamins
The vitamins considered useful in
guarding against premature graying of hair are pantothenic acid,
para-aminobenzoic acid (paba), inositol. The minimum daily requirement of these
vitamins appears to be 10 mg of pantothenic acid, 100 mg of para-aminobenzoic
acid, and 2 gm of inositol. To obtain satisfactory results, all three of these
vitamins belonging to the B group should be supplied at one time, preferably in
a form which supplies all the B vitamins, such as yeast and liver. The three
anti-graying-hair vitamins can also be produced in the intestinal tract by
bacteria. Thus, taking a sufficient quantity of yoghurt daily and a
tablespoonful of yeast before each meal is an excellent remedy for the prevention
and treatment of premature graying of hair. If one wishes to take tablets of
calcium pantothenate and para-aminobenzoic acid (paba), they should be taken in
addition to the yeast and yoghurt, and not as a substitute for them.
Dietaries
for Premature Graying of Hair
Take nutrients rich diet
Diet is of utmost importance in the
prevention and treatment of premature graying of hair and persons suffering
from this disorder should take a diet rich in all essential nutrients.
Avoid devitalising foods, soft drinks
etc
Devitalising foods such as white
flour, refined sugar and all products made from them, soft drinks, pastries,
jams and jellies should be avoided. These foods take away energy, cause
wrinkles, unattractive skin, gray hair, and premature old age.
Other
Premature Graying of Hair treatments
Massage of scalp with almond oil
Massage of the scalp with almond oil
is recommended.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary
measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article.
Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility
lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED
TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a
substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.
