Greying hair is a sign of wisdom and maturity but it can create a dent in one’s personality. In the modern era of hustle and bustle, hair loss and premature greying can also be caused due to pollution, stress, and several external factors. While there are numerous treatments to prevent grey hair and hair fall, the one that has been most widely used to dye is Polygonum multiflorum.
It is a traditional Chinese perennial herb that is commonly known as ‘He Shou Wu‘. It is officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and has a plethora of healing properties. This herb helps in improving renal functions, prevents atherosclerosis, treats cardiovascular diseases, and above all, prevents premature greying of hair. Depending on the concentrations, this herb can be orally consumed or used as a topical treatment. However, oral consumption can lead to some side effects, and hence, it is best to utilize its benefits in topical hair care products.
History of Polygonum multiflorum used as Dye
Polygonum multiflorum root extracts have been long used by Chinese chemists to formulate potent concoctions and treat hair loss along with premature greying. The herb takes an eerie human figure shape and grows best in warm climates. It was particularly used for its antioxidant properties that could easily remove accumulated free radicals in the hair follicles and boost melanin synthesis. According to a traditional Chinese hypothesis, polygonum acts by improving kidney and liver functions, which in turn prevents greying. However, there are no recent studies that connect the health of kidneys to that of hair greying.
Reasons For Hair Fall & Premature Greying
If you experience extensive hair fall, it might be best to ascertain the reason behind it. There are several factors that can contribute to premature greying and reduce the efficacy of your melanocytes. Some of the common factors include-
- Stress- Each one of us goes through some amount of stress in our day to day lives and our body is smart in handling it. However, when the stress becomes persistent or increases by the day, our body shows external signs of aging. As a consequence, you may see grey hair strands even at the age of 20.
- Unhealthy Lifestyle- Good sleep and a good diet are the best medications for our body. Lack of proper sleep, exercise, and essential nutrients from the diet can cause severe hair fall and slow down the overall body metabolism.
- Autoimmune Disorders- Certain autoimmune disorders like Alopecia Areata, Grave’s Disease, Lupus, and Rheumatoid arthritis can cause premature greying and thinning of hair.
In order to reverse the hair damage caused by these factors, you can opt for shampoo bars or hair oils with polygonum multiflorum extracts. The herb’s extracts will help by boosting the catalytic reactions in your scalp and gradually regrowing your hair.
How Polygonum Multiflorum Works?
Polygonum multiflorum has potent phytochemicals that mainly catalyze the enzymes responsible for hair follicle growth and degrading free radicals. The main color of our hair comes from melanin, which is synthesized by melanocytes with the help of alpha-MSH(Melanin Stimulating Hormone). Moreover, enzymes like Tyrosinase and POMC(Proopiomelanocortin) stimulate hair growth and prevent oxidative stress.
Polygonum multiflorum helps in enhancing the actions of these enzymes and increases the production of melanin. The phytochemicals maintain your hair follicles in the Anagen stage, which is the main step where hair follicles grow. In addition, polygonum activates the Fibroblast Growth Factor-7(FHF-7), which is primarily responsible for hair follicle growth, maturation, and differentiation. As a result, your mane grows thicker and blacker with every use of this herb.
The Best Way To Incorporate Polygonum Multiflorum
Since the herb has highly potent phytochemicals, it is essential to use the extracts at low concentrations. Higher strengths of phytochemicals can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced potassium ion levels. Hence, the best way to reap the benefits of the herb is via using a polygonum shampoo bar.
For the herb to be effective, it should be grown for at least four years before the extracts are incorporated into any hair product or supplement. Polygonum extracts in shampoo bars are highly refined and well-formulated with other balancing ingredients. Moreover, since you wash-off your shampoo, there are zero chances of adverse effects. While there are several brands that manufacture shampoo bars, the PURC Organics bars are the most effective.
They are formulated with an optimal concentration of the herb extracts in combination with hydrating ingredients like argan oil, Shea butter, and antioxidants like vitamin E.
If you are looking for an effective yet pocket-friendly option to get thicker and blacker hair, go for it!
Research And Results On The Efficacy Of Polygonum
Polygonum multiflorum is one of the most extensively researched herbs that has become a part of modern therapy. According to one of the studies, topical application of polygonum resulted in thicker, blacker hair in post-menopausal over a period of 6 months.
In another study, 91% of men and 87% of women above 60 years old reported hair growth in a period of three to six months. On average, 97% of individuals in an experiment show improved hair growth while 77% of individuals experience blacker hair.
Scientists say one of the primary causes of these hair problems is the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide at the base of our hair follicles. This free radical prevents the hair follicle from carrying out its normal functions and stops hair growth. Polygonum acts by removing the hydrogen peroxide and clearing the surroundings of affected hair follicles.
This re-activates the melanocytes and helps in producing the hair pigment.
In addition, the herb also activates several cell receptors, signaling pathways, and the target enzymes to induce hair growth and strengthening.
Conclusion
Polygonum multiflorum extracts have been recognized as an effective solution for hair fall and premature greying from scientists and doctors alike. The phytochemicals in the herb not only rejuvenate the hair follicles but also increases blood circulation and cell turnover.
Although chances are extremely low, you can patch test a polygonum shampoo bar or hair oil to see if it triggers an allergic reaction. It is important to buy a good quality shampoo bar that retains the beneficial properties of polygonum and is formulated without adulterants. According to research, you can see visible improvements in your hair in three months at least and six months at most. Go ahead and reap the benefits of this excellent Chinese herb.
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