Graying hair food remedies

I decided to copy this after bumped into a former colleague and friend who has noticeable changes in his hair. Three medicinal foods came to mind: polygonum, black sesame, and walnut or pecan.

REVERSE GRAYING HAIR NATURALLY WITH MINERAL-RICH FOODS

Health Benefits Of Black Sesame Seeds

While there is not an abundance of research to promote these claims, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence. In fact, black sesame seeds have been used for this very purpose in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years.


Black sesame seeds are packed with fiber, vitamin E, phytosterols, lecithin, oligosaccharides, selenium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, folate, copper, zinc and iron. 

But, the two specific substances that are believed to help darken hair fibers are sesamin and sesamolin.

Some of the other health benefits of black sesame seeds include:

• Delaying aging
• Protecting skin from UV rays damage
• Reducing blood cholesterol levels and preventing hardening of the arteries
• Reducing blood sugar levels
• Supporting liver and kidney functions
• Improving health of the reproduction system
• Boosting the immune system and preventing oxidative stress
• Improving brain health
• And many more!

If you would like to include black sesame seeds in your diet, remember that they are best consumed in powder form (ground). Add them to your blender when making smoothies, or pre-grind them into powder form to be sprinkled into your oatmeal, soups, salads or any dishes. You will love the heavenly nutty smell.

reference: https://juicing-for-health.com/reverse-graying-hair

THE MIGHTY LITTLE SESAME SEEDS

MAY 8, 2015 

“Taking black sesame seeds can heal all the chronic illness after 100 days, improve skin tone on body and face after 1 year, reverse gray hair after 2 years and regrow teeth after 3 years,” says the Compendium of Materia Medica, the largest and most comprehensive medical writings in the history of Tradional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Experiements show that the content of vitamin E contain in black sesame seeds is the hightest in all foods of plant orgin.  It is well know that vitamin E can promote cell division and delay cell senescence. Long-term use can counteract or neutralize the delay againg and extend life expectancy.  Main chemical constituents of black sesame seed are up to 55% fatty oil, sesamin, sesamolin, sesamol, itamin E, phytosterols, lecithin, pedaliin, protein, oligosaccharides, planteose, sesamose, and small amounts of phosphorus, potassium and cytochrome C, folic acid, nicotinic acid, sucrose, pentosan and large amounts of calicum content.  In additon, fatty oil mainly contains approimately 48% oleic acid, approximately 37% linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidonic acid, and glycerolipid of lignoceric acid.

White sesame see is better for edible purpose but the black version is perferable if used for medicinal purpose.  To be specific, as the tonic black one is good at nourishing the liver and kidney and improving hair growth and hair color while white one is expert in relaxing bowel, nourishing yin and moisturizing to the skin.  Besides valuable seasmin and melanin.  As a result, it is widely used in treating hear loss and grey hair, inhibiting the growth of skin cancer cells from UV rays, lowering blood prssure, helping weight loss, improving fertility, and so on.  And its pharmacololgical actions can reflect these effects well.

1. It has anti aging effect, which postpone the aging phenomenon in experimental animals;

2. Linoleic acid can reduce blood cholesterol level, prevent and treat atherosclerosis;

3.  Linoleic acid can inhibit the adrenal coretex function to a certain degree in experimental animals;

4.  Linoleic acid can reduce blood sugar, increase glycogen content in liver and muscle, but decrese glycogen content in large does;

5. Fatty oil can lubricate intestines and relieve constipation.

Source: http://www.spineintelligence.com/2015/05/the-mighty-little-sesame-seeds/

Walnuts are best for: Banishing grey hair 

If your natural hair colour is fading then try adding walnuts to your diet. They contain copper which is needed to produce melanin pigment. Melanin gives hair its colour and also helps to thicken and add shine so eating walnuts may help reverse greying. Walnuts also increase blood flow to the head and scalp, so your hair will grow faster.

In Chinese Herbal Medicine, many foods are included in the medicinal literature because of their health benefits. After thousands of years of observation and recorded experience, walnuts have been shown to have very specific therapeutic effects in the human body.

Chinese herbal medicine categorizes herbs based on their taste attribute. An herb can have a taste attribute of acrid, sweet, sour, bitter, salty, bland or astringent. Walnuts fall into the sweet category. Sweet herbs often have tonifying and harmonizing properties.

Chinese herbal medicine also categorizes herbs based on their thermal property. Thermal property describes the temperature of herbs. Herbs can be categorized as cold, cool, neutral, warm and hot. Walnuts fall into the warm category. Many Chinese classic texts state that “Cold diseases must be warmed, and hot diseases must be cooled.” Therefore, appropriate herbs (and foods) are chosen to treat disorders based on their thermal category. Cold herbs would be chosen to treat disorders characterized by heat, such as sore throat and fever. Warm, or hot herbs would be chosen to treat cold conditions such as cold extremities.

Based on their therapeutic effects, herbs are said to enter one or more of the energetic meridians of the body. Walnuts are said to enter the Kidney, Lung and Large Intestine.

Walnuts tonify the Kidney and replenish the Kidney Essence. Kidney Essence controls the growth of teeth and bones and is manifested on the hair. Essence is essential for normal brain development, sexual energy and fertility. Chinese culture deducted thousands of years ago that walnuts benefit the brain. One of the oldest principals of Chinese herbal medicine is that the shape, texture or color of a plant or natural substance may mimic certain parts of the body or attributes of certain diseases and therefore suggest a therapeutic correspondence. Look closely at a walnut half. How cerebral does it look to you?

Walnuts are known to enrich the sperm. Walnuts are an important herb to strengthen the bones. Walnuts are combined with other Kidney tonifying herbs to treat soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees. Walnuts are combined with herbs like he shou wu and dang gui to treat premature gray hair.

Walnuts are said to warm the Lung and stop wheezing. The Kidneys control the reception of the Qi of the air that is breathed in by the Lung. The Lungs send this energy down to the Kidney. When the Kidney cannot hold this Qi, it creates congestion in the chest. This is a frequent cause of chronic asthma, characterized by a weak cough that gets worse with exertion. Walnuts are the perfect herb to treat this cold-type asthma, because walnuts are warm and tonify both the Lung and the Kidney. To treat chronic cough, walnuts are served with honey, another herb in Chinese herbal medicine.
Walnuts moisten the Intestines to treat constipation that is caused by lack of Essence or Blood or both. This often occurs in the elderly or following a chronic illness.

Western medicine now knows that walnuts are a rich source of calcium and omega-3 fatty acids which make them useful in the treatment of osteo and rheumatoid arthrits, bronchial asthma and other degenerative conditions involving poor immunity. But Chinese medicine has known this for centuries.

source: https://www.acupuncture-services.com/basic-theory/herbal-medicine/benefits-of-walnuts/

Flowers and herbs make wonderful natural dyes. Because they are so gentle, you will likely need to use them regularly to maintain the color. There are many herbal options depending on your natural hair color:

• Dark Hair – Rosemary, sage, nettle, cloves, cinnamon, black walnut hulls, and comfrey root
• Blonde Hair – Chamomile, calendula, lemon peel, saffron, marigold, yarrow, sunflower petals, and mullein flowers
• Red Hair – Hibiscus flowers, red clover, rosehips, red rose petals, beets, carrots, and marigold

source: http://www.naturallivingideas.com/home-remedies-for-gray-hair/


He Shou Wu is also called Fo-Ti or Polygala Vine. Its botanical name is Polygoni Multiflori. The Chinese believe this herb has a restorative property essential to the kidney and blood. Fo-ti is classified as a tonic and is taken in Traditional Chinese Medicine to slow the signs of aging especially premature graying of the hair and hair loss. It is available in the market in many forms, such as tea, extract, powder, capsules, juice, oil, pills, shampoo, supplements and tincture.

What Are the Benefits of Polygonum Multiflorum?

Polygonum multiflorum or Fo-ti root (traditionally known as He-Shou-Wu in China, or as tuber fleeceflower in North America) is a Chinese plant which is popular due to its rejuvenating properties. The Chinese people use the root of the plant for medicinal purposes such as promoting fertility, restoring hair color and preventing aging effects. Polygonum multiflorum is a native plant of China but it is also grown extensively in Japan, Taiwan and some parts of North America. Consult with your health care provider before taking Fo-ti or any supplement.

Processed Fo-ti

For centuries, Polygonum multiflorum has been used an herbal medicine by the Chinese. The significance of the plant is from the reddish roots which are usually boiled with black beans to form a preparation called the red Fo-ti. This processed Fo-ti is said to prevent heart disease by not allowing plaque to form in the blood vessels. At the same time it may also reduce cholesterol in the blood and the liver due to the presence of chemicals called lectins, which prevent fat accumulating in the blood. The processed roots of the Fo-ti also contain anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, immune-stimulant and sedative properties.

Source:  https://www.livestrong.com/article/522426-what-are-the-benefits-of-polygonum-multiflorum/ 

He Shou Wu (Polygonum Multiflorum, Fo-Ti Root)

He Shou Wu, also known as Fo-Ti root and polygonum multiflorum in the western world, is an important part of ancient Chinese myths and legends of immortality. In China its historical legends and the effectiveness of ingredients are widespread and widely known to almost everyone. 

As the story goes, consuming the one that has shapeshifted into human form could make people live forever. However, in the mind’s eye of most people this incredible species is too good to be true – as it turns out nothing could provide humans with biological immortality. As a matter of fact this is truly an amazing herb that is capable of providing any health benefits but everlasting life. According to written records, this herb was initially used in Tang Dynasty and prevalent in the Song and Ming Dynasty. Today, it is hailed as the most famous 4 longevity tonics along with Ren Shen (Ginseng), Ling Zhi (Ganoderma Lucidum), and Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps Sinensis).

He Shou Wu benefits

There are many legends about this herb and the origins of its name. The most popular one is the story about “Black-haired Mr. He”. And others are mostly related to reverse gray hair, restore vitality and sexuality, and stay young too. The formation of human form of this herb is an interesting phenomenon. This type of tuber looks like a miniature people figure with head, face, hands, feet, and even breasts and genital in some of them. What is more, very often they occur in pairs, a male and a female. In recent years, related news, often treated as anecdote, were reported from time to time. So, does it work? how to take to make full use of it? From the perspective of TCM (Traditional Chinese medicine), hair and liver blood is closely related and blood is the nutrition source for hair growth. As a result, hair problems, such as hair loss, grey hair, alopecia areata, and male pattern baldness, are all closely relevant to the impairment of kidney jing. And that is where this herb comes in. Actually it has been available in the market in many forms, such as He Shou Wu eetee, Shou Wu Chih, tea, extract, powder, capsules, juice, oil, pills, shampoo, supplements, tincture, and so on. And its modern pharmacological actions can provide more testimonials and unlock the secrets of longevity and rejuvenation of this herb.

Modern pharmacology of Shou Wu

1. The feed containing 0.4% or 2% this herb can significantly prolong the old quails’ survival time and extend their lifespan on average;
2. Its decoction can significantly increase the protein content in brain and liver in both aged mice and young mice;
3. Its decoction can significantly inhibit the activity of type B monoamine oxidase on brain and liver tissue. And it also prevents the old mice’s thymus from shrinking and even keeps the level at young age;
4. Its decoction can significantly increase the weight of thymus, celiac lymph nodes, and adrenal gland. And it has trend of increasing the weight of spleen;
5. Its decoction can increase the total number of normal white blood cells, fight against the immunosuppression of prednisolone and induced leukopenia;
6. Experiments on acute hyperlipidemic rabbits showed that this herb could restore the high cholesterol levels in blood to normal quickly;
7. Chrysophanol extracted from this herb can promote bowel movement.

Proven He Shou Wu formulas

According to Chinese Materia Medica, it is bitter and sweet in flavor and astringent and slightly warm in properties. It covers two meridians of liver and kidney. Basic functions are nourishing yin and tonifying blood, relaxing bowels, preventing malaria, dispersing pathogenic wind, and detoxification. Main medicinal uses and indications are blood deficiency induced lightheadedness, palpitations, insomnia, soreness and weakness in lower back and knees due to liver-kidney yin deficiency, premature graying, tinnitus, spermatorrhea, constipation due to intestinal dryness, physical weakness caused by chronic malaria, rubella itching, carbuncle, scrofula, and hemorrhoids. So, how much He Shou Wu should you take? The answer from Chinese Materia Medica is that the recommended dosage is from 10 to 20 grams in decoction, oil, medicated wine, pills, or powder. 

1. Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan. Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, chosen from Tang Jing Yan Fang (Experiential Prescriptions from Jishan Clinic), is exclusively formulated to improve the hair and restore color, strengthen the bones and tendons, arrest spontaneous emission, and build stamina. Other herbal ingredients in this formula include Chi Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos Rubrae), Fu Ling (Poria), Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root), Dang Gui (Dong Quai), Gou Qi Zi (Goji berry), Tu Si Zi (Chinese Dodder Seeds), and Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea Fruit).

2. He Shou Wu Wan. This recipe comes from Chi Shui Xuan Zhu (The Black Pearl from the Red River). It is usually designed for yin deficiency due to chronic malaria accompanied with much heat and less cold. Other two basic herbs are Bie Xue (Soft-shelled turtle blood) and Chen Sha (cinnabar). 

3. He Ren Yin. He Ren Yin, from Jing Yue Quan Shu (Jingyue’s Complete Works), is mainly made for qi-blood deficiency due to non-healing malaria. Other herbs are dong quai, ginseng, Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), and Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome). 

4. He Shou Wu San. This prescription is from Wai Ke Jing Yao (Essentials of External Medicine). It is basically used for painful, itching sores all over the body. Other three herbs are Fang Feng (Ledebouriella Root), Ku Shen (Sophora Root), and Bo He (Field Mint). 

5. Shou Yan Shou Dan. Shou Yan Shou Dan, from Shi Bu Zhai Yi Shu (Medical Book of the Shibu Studio), is typically used for deficiency of liver and kidney, waist and knees weakness, dizziness, dim eyesight, and tinnitus and deafness. Other essential herbs are Sang Shen (Mulberry Fruit-Spike), Hei Zhi Ma (Black Sesame Seeds), Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark), and so on.

He Shou Wu side effects and contraindications

According to MHRA, adverse reactions of long-term use of He Shou Wu root preparations may have many signs and symptoms of liver disease, including jaundice (skin and sclera jaundice), dark urine, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, stomach pain, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. As a result, people with history of liver disease or other serious diseases should take this herb under the guidance of a doctor. And it is highly recommended to consult your doctor or pharmacist to make sure to get a reasonable treatment before taking it. From TCM perspective, it shouldn’t be used in the cases of loose stool and stagnation of phlegm.

Since I personally have consumed pumpkin seeds for fine thin hair and for pleasure :), I quote the other medicinal food such as pumpkin seeds here:

Pumpkin seeds are best for: Soft shiny hair 

Pumpkin seeds are not only a tasty snack, they’re great for adding shine to your hair. They contain a large amount of iron which helps supply oxygen to the roots and can help prevent hair loss. The protein in the seeds also helps build keratin, the protective coating that makes hair shiny. 

source: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/626420/avocado-walnut-eat-dramatic-effect-skin-hair-Beauty-superfoods

Greying hair in the view of conventional Western medicine: 

Grey hair looks gorgeous. It’s a sign of wisdom. But the trouble is if greying happens early in life. Research indicates that genetics plays a vital role in greying of hair. So does stress and poor nutrition.

Yes, you can’t change your genes, but you can certainly affect them by living a healthy lifestyle. So eating healthy will not just improve your overall health, it will also help preserve your hair color for many more year.

Things to avoid if you want to preserve your hair’s health and colour

• Smoking – reduces circulation of the scalp, and generates free radicals
• Too much Caffeine – makes body acidic, which is not good for our cells, including hair cells
• Packaged foods and drinks – contains little nutrients
• Excess sugar – depletes body of vital nutrients
• Use of synthetic dyes – can permanently damage the hair follicles
• https://www.hairbuddha.net/tired-of-fighting-grey-hair/

Salt and pepper, silver, pewter, charcoal. Whatever you call it, gray hair happens to all of us at some point. But why do some people go gray in their 20s while others don’t see the first sign of silver until age 50? If you’re going gray early, what are your options? Going gray, by itself, does not mean you have a medical problem, except in rare cases. 

Scientists don’t know exactly why some people go gray early, but genes play a large role.

Also, a vitamin B-12 deficiency or problems with your pituitary or thyroid gland can cause premature graying that’s reversible if the problem is corrected, Benabio says.

Hiding the Gray

There are lots of choices for concealing gray, says Ron King, owner of Ron King Salon and bô Salon in Austin, Texas, and a national spokesman for L'Oréal Professionnel. They include:

• Semi-permanent or demi-permanent color: The color lasts a few weeks and is a good option for people just starting to see gray according to King. "If you have a lot of your natural colors running through, you don’t want to take that away," King says. "You can just blend it without disrupting what you already have that’s already beautiful and natural."
• Highlights: Scattered strands are lightened to blend the gray with the rest of your hair.
• Permanent color: King suggests using it once you have 45% to 50% gray. Some clients leave some gray around their face to make a statement.
• Hair products: If you don’t want to dye but still want to conceal the gray, King suggests a coloring tool such as spray-on airbrush hair makeup, which washes out with a shampoo.

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/abcs-premature-graying

Not to my surprise, some conclusions from well-researched Western medicine are pretty similar to the conclusion from 5000-year empirical evidence of Eastern and holistic medicine. For example: 

“Eating walnuts, which are rich in copper, stops hair going grey,” says Marisa Peer, therapist and author of You Can Be Younger. It’s all about copper being crucial in melanin production, and melanin giving hair its pigment.
source: http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/health/hair-advice/5-unlikely-foods-you-should-be-eating-to-stop-your-hair-turning-grey-11363972802673