Nettle Leaf
I have tried many things over the past 3+ years with no luck and have lost more than half my hair (75% on top and temples).
FINALLY I had success with stopping the hair fall. It took almost a week to notice. 1) I have been taking 2 caps (870mg) of nettle leaf 2-3 times/day. 2) I am using a hair rinse I made -- about half ACV and half green tea (6-8 oz each) plus the contents of 2 capsules of nettle leaf. 3) I drink a large glass of water w/1T ACV first thing in the morning, and 4) I have added about 2-3 tsps of MSM powder to my bottle of theraneem scalp shampoo.
I have been doing these things for about 2 weeks. No signs of regrowth yet, but VERY happy not to have hair falling EVERYWHERE any more, worrying about hats and other cover-ups for the rest of my life.
I tried red onion juice treatment just yesterday, but what a smelly mess. Not so sure I will try again - may give the nettle some more time.
The other thing I've tried recently is painting my scalp with Betadine, leaving it on for 24-36 hours, but have only done this twice. Relieves itching, but so does the rinse. May do that some more before desperation drives me to the onion juice.
Hope this helps.
(Ca)
07/24/2017
Hi Julie,
Did the nettle leaf work for hair regrowth? I read about it on another site and came to EarthClinic to verify whether it works. I was surprised to see that you are the only one who's written about it.
Onion
★★★★★
You will put the juice and pulp to your scalp in which ever way is easiest according to your hair length-cover it and keep it on for at least an hour and then either simply rinse it out or if your hair texture and condition can tolerate it--wash/condition as you normally do.
Do this every day for at least 2 weeks to a month---that's why I say to either simply rinse it out or use shampoo, all according to your hair's texture etc. MOST have seen regrowth within a month, then they do it a few times a week then once a month.
Now, punching hair loss remedies into the google search led me to this onion remedy and I wound up on youtube where there are many, many testimonies and their videos-this seems to be the easiest and most "economical" one around.
I am doing this for 5 days now AND seeing tiny new hairs in the areas previously without any as in my receeding hairline, crown and sides.
I have never tried any remedies before and I feel this one needs to go 'round and be tried for at least 2 weeks.
(Oh)
06/22/2020
Post Menopausal Hair Loss
Thank you.
Protein
★★★★★
Quercetin
★★★★★
Red Light Therapy
★★★★★
Remedy Side Effects
 (1) |
100% |
(Atlanta, Georgia, Usa)
07/30/2012
Thanks for this warning. Will definitely read carefully.
Reproductive Issues and Hair Loss
★★★★★
Beware also that many sea salts do not contain sufficient iodine, a NECESSARY thyroid nutrient, so you must to read the lables for iodine content! (Thus, decades ago the USA mandated iodine fortification of table salt, in order to supply the recommended daily dose of iodine to the general populace [many of which did not consume seafoods on a regular basis, thus many were 'naturally' iodine deficient). A "Lite Salt" like Mortons table salt in the LIGHT BLUE canister is still good for your table (P less sodium and sufficient iodine), meanwhile cooking with sea salt!
***ATTN ALL WOMEN***Please consider my experience: I developed the same symptoms as you describe after being very sick (up & down) for over a decade (despite previous good health, then hundreds of doctor visits). Finally I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies/chemical sensitivities etc. Fortunately, most all these symptoms abated after my recent radical hysterectomy; it was actually OVARIAN CANCER (OC; found accidentally when I was palpating my naval area/lower waist and found rock hard lumps).
Unknowingly, I had all the key signs/symptoms of OC (but no doctor or OBGYN noticed): I still had my regular period/menses at age 57. I had started my menses very young (9/10 years old); had never had children or used chemical birth control; and had suddenly become quite overweight in the past 2 years (despite a VERY healthy diet; albeit too ill to do much exercise beyond necessities of daily living). These are ALL the common denominators of OC! However, most women with OC never experience such serious symptoms of "sickness", thus OC is called "The Silent Killer" prevalent among middle aged women!
THE GOOD NEWS: Within months of surgery (removal of all female organs, plus some) all my body hair started growing back, as are my nails! All my skin marks/scars are going from dark purple/black to light pink, & still fading! My skin is moist, not flaking. I am no longer "freezing to death" in Florida; my BP is back to normal; all my joints/muscles no longer ache 24/7; night sweats are much less troubling; and many other notable improvements (unfortunately hot flashes are still here, but no near as bad).
***So, regardless of estrogen levels/tests, please utilize OBGYN orWomens Center specialists if possible; or plead with your PCP to check you out extra well for hidden female/ovarian problems (of any kind/cause).
Good Luck & Best wishes!
(Wales)
12/11/2021
I had menopausal hot flushes for quite a while, but after dumping highly refined nutrient-stripped wheat & sugar they gradually went away. So did years of IBS, neuropathy, raging restless legs, acid reflux, hiatus hernia, high blood pressure & rampant Candida & fungal issues I'd tried unsuccessfully to eradicate for years!
I'm still working on the thinning hair...
Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Oil
(Fairfax)
10/05/2013
(Ny)
08/05/2016
It's a long time since you posted, but I just signed up to answer. I have hair loss from some years, but I noted that those last time, I had uneven fingernails on my two thumbs, and some other nails too. I don't know if it's linked. I'm also 46 year old. According research, some uneven nail can be a deficiency in iron too.
Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Oil
★★★★★
(Chicago, Il)
08/09/2010
(Chevy Chase, Md)
01/03/2016
Search internet for recipe used in on hair loss study by Isabelle C. Hay, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Scotland.
Test the Thyroid
★★★★★
As an aside, another thing we noticed was that several vegetables weren't popular there. How did we ascertain this? In the grocery store check-out line, we were always having to tell the cashier what the vegetables were called. It was a bit comical, and it has been explained to us that the families of the state share a very strong work ethic and value the ability to put a quick meal on the family table above fine tuning the ingredients.
In my case, probably because they were so well priced, I started cooking with a lot more cruciferous vegetables than we had been used to and I developed visible thyroid nodules. Tests indicated my condition required monitoring and no treatment. I'm glad of that because it caused me to go digging for my own thyroid answers here on EC. I took Bill Thompson's advice and began taking all of the recommended companion nutrients for iodine supplimentation and used Loguls iodine. I also cut way back on cruciferous vegetables. Alas, I never liked the way the iodine made me feel, so I tried cutting out the Loguls, but continuing the companion nutrients, with great success. I might add that I use iodized salt faithfully in the kitchen and pink Himalayan salt at table. For anyone with a thyroid issue, I would recommend those companion nutrients and salts. You may find, as I believe I have, that all the needed iodine can then be absorbed through a good diet without iodine supplementation. When I go a few weeks without taking those vitamins, I find a bit of anxiety creeps in and that if I go long enough, I see the familiar lump of an enlarged nodule. This episode took a few years of experimenting to play out, and today I am back to enjoying fresh cole slaw and making our own sauerkraut. My nodules appear to have resolved completely, and I owe it to the companion nutrients that are well discussed on this site.
Back to the original topic, my vote is that thyroid and hair loss are indeed related, even if testing indicates a level within a normal range. Best wishes to all in finding your answers.
(Midwest)
09/06/2018
Hi IowaMa, This is interesting to me as I am also in Iowa. This gave me a new lead to follow, thank you for taking the time to write this. I am going to check out the supplements.
(USA)
03/01/2021
Hi, there's a website called Stop the Thyroid Madness. On this site, they have lab tests that you can purchase and take to a local lab for your blood draw. There's a corresponding STTMadness free yahoo group where very knowledgeable people will be happy to interpret your lab results for you. There's also a website called Forefront Health where you can purchase thyroid glandular capsules without a prescription. Because I have no insurance, I've treated my hypothyroidism by myself for many years as have many of my friends. The Stop the Thyroid Madness website also has lists of recommended doctors who will actually listen to patients' concerns and who will happily prescribe the needed tests when asked. Thyroid issues are very complicated and many doctors just don't have enough training in this area. The STTM website helps fill in any missing crucial information so that even a layperson can understand this very complex disease.
Test the Thyroid
★★★★★
Test the Thyroid
★★★★★
(Boston, Ma)
04/05/2016
When my thyroid tests came back "within normal ranges" and I asked my doctor to do the additional testing you mentioned, she replied; "I can't justify doing those tests for someone whose test came back normal."
Some might say; "Get a new doctor! " but about 3 years ago, a co-worker had the same experience with her doctor. They won't do the additional testing unless your thyroid test came back outside of the normal range.
I'm glad this came up though, because it reminded me of something I meant to post weeks ago, but forgot. I wanted to ask those here on EC if I took a thyroid support supplement without having been 'officially' diagnosed with hypothyroidism, if it could harm me?
I have several hypo symptoms, most notably (or most bothersome, I should say) I'm always freezing! : If the temperature goes below 70, I have layers and layers of clothing and sweaters on.
My hair is thinner than it used to be too, but I always chalked that one up to getting older (I'm 58). My memory is dreadful--another symptom, I've read.
I've read some magnificent reviews of thyroid support type supplements and have been tempted to try them, but I wanted to run it by my EC family to see if this might do more harm than good. (Many of the reviewers also tested 'normal' but had great results with the supplement, but I'm extra-cautious and wanted to run it by you good folks first.)
Thanks so much, in advance!
(Oh)
04/05/2016
★★★★★
Hi Liz,
After reading "Stop the Thyroid Madness" by Janie Bowthorpe (sp?), I realized my doctor was not ordering the proper tests, either. I found this site:
http://www.lifeextension.com/Vitamins-Supplements/Blood-Tests/Blood-Tests
and order my own tests. There is a Lab Corp in town that draws the blood, and the results are sent to me. I mail a copy to my doctor, and she is OK with this. You can join for $50, but you get a $50 credit towards any supplement or blood test, but I don't think they take insurance. If you want to see all the thyroid numbers, you could order it only once to show your doctor and see how it compares to the numbers in Janie's book. The TSH number alone is not a good indication of how your thyroid is functioning. If you show antibodies as in Hashimoto's, or Free T4 or Free T3 numbers that are outside the suggested values, it may be a way to justify having your doctor order the tests herself next time. It's nice to know you can take charge of your own health with this alternative. Best wishes.
(Boston, Ma)
04/06/2016
Hi Rsw,
Thank you so much for your reply. I just checked out Life Extension's site. They have many thyroid tests to choose from. Would this one be sufficient: Thyroid Panel (TSH, T4, Free T4, Free T3)?
If not, and you could point me in the right direction in terms of which test I should order, that would be great and much appreciated! (The others are verrrry expensive...I wish they accepted insurance.)
Thank you, again!
(Usa)
04/06/2016
Liz, my suggestion is to go online to a site called request a test - and get your own thyroid panel done. Prices vary - there are several sites that provide labs. Before starting supplementation, consider doing this so you have a baseline.
Good luck!
Myway :D
(Boston, Ma)
04/06/2016
Hi Myway,
Thank you for your suggestion. I was excited to check out 'request a test' but when I did, I found that Massachusetts was not on their drop-down list of states where the testing is available. (Huh?! I live in Boston; a medical mecca, but they don't provide service here or anywhere in Mass?) Very odd; particularly where states like Alabama, etc. *were* on the list!
Back to the drawing board, I guess. Thank you for taking the time to reply though. :)
(Toronto)
04/06/2016
Hi Liz,
Can you post your results with normal range here?
Pretty often doctors only looking at the normal range... It is not right thing to do.
Many patients complain to their doctors of common hypothyroid symptoms yet because their TSH falls in the ‘normal' range, their thyroid is declared normal. Many traditional doctors rely strictly on the TSH range of 0.5 to 5.0 despite the patient's obvious symptoms.
(Boston, Ma)
04/06/2016
Hi Helena,
Thank you for your reply. The thyroid test, that was done at my request, by the way, took place about 3 years ago, so I don't recall what the exact number was.
All I remember, because it irritated me, was that my doctor saw "no need" to test me further, since my initial testing showed that I was within the normal range.
I have been *very* tempted to try a thyroid support supplement to see if it alleviates any of my symptoms (particularly the 'freezing to death if it's below 70 degrees and my poor memory), but I fear doing myself more harm than good, so I'm doing some more digging for info. Though, as I mentioned in my OP, there were many reviewers who said the thyroid support supplement helped them, despite their doctor telling them they were in the normal range as well.
(Oh)
04/06/2016
Hi Liz,
The tests that you have listed are what you need, with the possible addition of the Thyroid Antiibody Panel, which will tell you if you have an autoimmune disease called Hashimotos. I would also call the Lab Corp that you will use to make sure they accept the Life Extension prescription for the bloodwork before you pay for it, in case MA is a state that does not. There is a Yahoo Thyroid Group that has trained volunteers who can interpret the results if you post them with the range numbers from your tests, and make recommendations if you join. They are very helpful and kind people, and it's free of charge. They may also be able to recommend a thyroid supplement until you get your results. I think TimH on Earth Clinic has recommended some supplements for thyroid, and maybe others, too. It does sound like you may in fact be hypothyroid, so hopefully you can get some answers soon. Take care!
(Toronto)
04/06/2016
Liz,
So Doctor did not test your thyroid after this "normal" test? Even with the tests within normal range 3 years ago you can be way of the normal ranges now!!! Especially that you have Hypo symptoms.
I would advise you first do the necessary thyroid test ( at least Free T3, Free t$ and TSH) .
After that you ( or your Dr) can decide on thyroid supplements. But you should do the tests BEFORE starting the supplements.
(Boston, Ma)
04/07/2016
Helena,
No, when my test came back within the normal range, that was that. When I asked for additional testing because of my symptoms, she said that my normal results didn't justify additional testing.
She chalks a lot of things up to "getting older". (More sensitive to cold, etc.) I'm 58 for goodness sake! I see people in their late 70's walking around in short sleeves in an air conditioned room, while I'm bundled up looking like I'm going out to shovel snow.
I've been with this doctor for 12 years and for the most part, I'm happy with her--just not on *this* particular issue.
I could all but guarantee you that if I asked her to do another thyroid test, she'd say; "Well, we just did one a couple of years ago and it came back normal and your symptoms are still the same, so..." :
(Toronto)
04/07/2016
Liz,
Your doctor's attitude is really really strange!
I understand that he/she doesn't want to do the additional thyroid tests, but to test thyroid once in 3 years, this is total nonsense! Considering that you have all hypo symptoms this is unbelievable.
I know in US you can order tests through private labs. Maybe you should consider this possibility. You need as I said TSH, Free T3 and Free T4.
You will have the result the next day.
It will be your baseline result, and only after that you should start with supplements.
If the result will be out of normal range you can show it to the Dr, and I think she will be ordering the tests for you in the future through your insurance company.
Beyond the standard recommended supplements for Thyroid conditions, like Iodine, Tyrosine, Selenium, and Coconut Oil, I have used Magnet Therapy and Zinc Lozenges with good results.
Maybe not correct, but it seems very likely that infections in the mouth/gums could easily find their way to the Thyroid and Thymus Glands. So one might try Swishing Colloidal Silver for possible infections followed by sipping and slowly swallowing Colloidal Silver.
Fluoride may also be a problem if one is not taking measures to minimize this toxin.
Lastly, supplement Raw Bovine Thyroid Glandular and Raw Bovine Pituitary to help rebuild these glands.
Liz from Boston: I know all about thyroid after doing extensive study and having Wilson's Syndrome, myself. All you need is a supplement with both ioDINE and IoDIDE in it, and your thyroid levels will get back to normal. I had all 37 symptoms of the worst thyroid the doctor had ever seen. Those things I mentioned is all you need. I have a special supplement I take, but cannot give the name here, I don't suppose, but as long as you get a good combination iodine/iodide Supplement, you'll be fine.
Traction Alopecia Remedies
I would like to know if there is any way to reverse this trauma and regenerate the damage hair follicle to stimulate hair growth. Dermatologists and MDs have unanimously said that the damage is irreversible and my only options are scalp reduction or hair transplant surgery. I am hoping to better understand how a hair follicle is damaged, what it actually means to say that scarring has taken place and whether it is possible to repair and heal the scalp and follicle. Thank you for your assistance.
(Richardson, Tx, Usa)
07/30/2012
I noticed my hairline receding around my temples, but also it came to mind that that was where my towel was pulling (and I was feeling it) on my hair. So now I make sure my hair towel is loose and not too tight. I use castor oil for hair growth. Here is an unsponsored link
http://www.castoroilhome.com/castor-oil-hair-growth-treatment on castor oil use for hair. Also consider supplementing biotin and B-complex, especially pantothenic acid (B5).
