Herbs are highly beneficial for maintaining healthy hair as they encourage hair growth and prevent hair loss. Moreover, some herbs have anti bacterial and antifungal properties that help cure scalp infections and dandruff. Thus, you can consider using the following herbs for natural hair care.

Sage

The scientific name of this herb is Salvia officinalis. It is packed with vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, etc.

Sage is effective in treating hair loss. In fact, it is used as a herbal remedy to cure baldness. In addition, it heals scalp infections and reduces dandruff.

You can derive the benefits of this herb by adding a sage infusion in a gentle shampoo, preferably baby shampoo.

To prepare the infusion, boil a teaspoon of fresh or dried sage in a quarter cup of boiling water for 10 minutes and then, let it steep for 15-20 minutes.

Finally, cool and strain the solution. Furthermore, washing your tresses with this herbal infusion as a final rinse after shampooing intensifies the color of dark hair, whether black or brunette. It also adds shine to your hair.

Rosemary

This aromatic herb is rich in iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, and antioxidants. It improves circulation to the scalp and hence, stimulates hair growth. Plus, rosemary fights premature graying of hair and cures dry, flaky scalp.

You can make use of this herb in your hair care regimen by following hot oil treatment with a combination of organic coconut or olive oil mixed with rosemary essential oil. Besides, you can use rosemary water as a final rinse after washing your hair.

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba is an extremely popular herb that is native to China. It improves circulation, particularly to the brain and nervous system, thereby relieving stress and nervous tension. These are the most common factors that contribute in causing hair loss.

Furthermore, it increases blood circulation to the scalp and nourishes hair follicles. You can take this herb in the form of tea or capsules prepared from ginko biloba powder. Do not use this herb in excess, though as it may prove to be toxic when taken in large doses.

Horsetail

Horsetail is an excellent source of silica. Hence, it strengthens your hair and makes them shiny. You can add horsetail infusion in your shampoo just like sage. To prepare the infusion, steep two tablespoons of this herb in half a cup of hot water for almost 20 minutes.

Peppermint

This herb stimulates the hair follicles and hence, stimulates hair growth. Peppermint essential oil, however, should not be used directly on the scalp.

Thus, the simplest way to apply it on your hair to dilute it by mixing three drops of this oil in about three teaspoons of water or carrier oil (for instance, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, olive oil, castor oil) and then use. This cooling herb is particularly good for balancing the pH of the scalp and reducing excess oil production.

Watch this video showing how to prepare a natural herbal hair growth oil using rosemary, basil, peppermint, olive oil, and biotin.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that help maintain healthy hair. It contains an enzyme that promotes hair growth.

Moreover, it restores the natural pH balance of the scalp, reduces frizz, prevents hair breakage, protects against seborrhea and works as a great natural conditioner for dry hair.

You can use aloe vera gel on your hair and scalp in combination with coconut milk and wheat germ oil, all taken in equal quantities.

Besides, you can apply aloe vera gel on your mane a couple of hours before shampooing. Another simple way to use this herb is to mix aloe vera gel in your shampoo or conditioner.

Apart from using the above-mentioned herbs on your hair, consider drinking herbal teas like that of nettle, rosemary, sage, licorice, parsley, horsetail, burdock, red tea or rooibos, etc. to maintain healthy hair.

You can also take green tea. It is believed that regular consumption of green tea reduces the risk of developing male pattern baldness.

Certain other herbs that are considered for hair, particularly for curing hair loss, include cinnamon, cedarwood, maidenhair, saw palmetto, thyme, and willow.

Opting for a combination of stinging nettle and saw palmetto is considered useful for reducing hair loss as it stops the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone).

Besides, application of bay rum oil is good for hair because it acts as a brilliant hair tonic. It boosts hair growth and cures dandruff.