Horsetail And Hair Thinning – This Is How It Works

One of Nutrafol’s ingredients is the herb horsetail. Horsetail contains high levels of silica (or silicon dioxide), one of the planet’s most common and most important elements. The element contains silicic acid, which is shown to increase the tensile strength and thickness of hair and reduce brittleness, according to a 2005 study in the Archive of Dermatological Research.

Horsetail’s botanical name is Equisetum arvense. Its use as a medical herb dates back to the times of the Greeks and the Romans. These ancients used it to stop hemorrhage and external bleeding and to treat tuberculosis and kidney diseases. Promoting skin, nail and hair health are also benefits of using the herb.

One of the first things to know about horsetail is that it contains a high level of silica. Silica is a compound that strengthens both nails and hair. Horsetail plant is also known to improve blood circulation which leads to healthier hair follicles. Therefore, it’s also suitable for men and women struggling with thinning.

• Horsetail is a plant that grows naturally in the wild.
• The most common uses for horsetail include kidney and bladder issues, weight loss, heavy menstrual bleeding and to prevent or reverse balding.
• Horsetail is also good to apply to wounds, burns and other skin irritations which may explain why some people suffering from thinning hair prefer to use it as a topical as opposed taking it orally.

The main reason why the herb is believed to be able to stimulate hair growth is because of its antioxidant effects. Horsetail can also improve circulation, leading to the improvement of hair follicles and to help stimulate hair growth. The herb also has the ability to increase urine output by acting as a diuretic, leading the system to cleanse and detox itself. This tends to result in better overall health and improve blood circulation. Blood circulation improves the condition of both the scalp and the individual hair follicles. With these improvements comes the ability for hair follicles to produce new hair.

Because of its silica content, horsetail is also useful when trying to stimulate hair growth. The herb rejuvenates your hair, adding sheen to the appearance and strength to the hair shafts. It also contains selenium and cysteine, which are known to promote healthy hair growth. Both of these substances contribute to healthier hair and prevent free radicals from damaging the cells. So when looking for supplements, make sure to look for those where all three ingredients are included.

Photo by: Ute via Flickr.