5 Min Read
By haircoach@nutrafol.com2017-08-09
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.
What is horsetail?
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.
How does it benefit skin, nails and hair health?
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.
So to sum it all up:
- 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.
Horsetail and hair growth
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.
I'm an expert in the field of botanical ingredients and their impact on health, particularly with a focus on hair care. My extensive knowledge is grounded in scientific research and practical applications. In this context, let's delve into the article discussing the benefits of horsetail, a key ingredient in Nutrafol's formulation.
Horsetail Overview: Horsetail, scientifically known as Equisetum arvense, has a rich history dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times. Its traditional use included addressing various health concerns, such as stopping hemorrhages, treating tuberculosis, kidney diseases, and promoting skin, nail, and hair health.
Silica Content: A pivotal component of horsetail is its high silica content, specifically silicon dioxide. Silica is a crucial element known for its widespread presence in nature and its importance in various biological processes. The article references a 2005 study from the Archive of Dermatological Research, demonstrating that silicic acid, derived from silica, can enhance the tensile strength and thickness of hair while reducing brittleness.
Applications of Horsetail:
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Kidney and Bladder Health: Historically, horsetail has been employed to address kidney and bladder issues.
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Weight Loss: The plant has also found application in weight loss regimes.
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Menstrual Health: It has been used to manage heavy menstrual bleeding.
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Topical Use: Apart from oral consumption, horsetail is applied topically, particularly on wounds, burns, and skin irritations. This is relevant for those experiencing hair thinning who prefer topical application.
Blood Circulation and Hair Health: Horsetail is noted for its ability to improve blood circulation, leading to healthier hair follicles. This improved circulation can be beneficial for individuals dealing with hair thinning issues.
Antioxidant Effects and Hair Growth: The primary reason for horsetail being associated with stimulating hair growth is its antioxidant effects. These effects, coupled with improved circulation, contribute to healthier hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. Additionally, as a diuretic, horsetail increases urine output, aiding in system cleansing and detoxification, which, in turn, promotes overall health and better blood circulation.
Silica for Hair Growth: Due to its silica content, horsetail is valuable in stimulating hair growth. Silica rejuvenates hair, providing a glossy appearance and strength to hair shafts. The herb also contains selenium and cysteine, known for promoting healthy hair growth and protecting cells from free radicals, further contributing to overall hair health.
In conclusion, horsetail, with its rich history and scientifically-backed benefits, is a noteworthy botanical ingredient, particularly for those seeking to improve hair health and stimulate growth. The synergistic effects of its components make it a valuable inclusion in supplements like Nutrafol, contributing to the revitalization of hair and overall well-being.
