As the age advances, normally the hair has a tendency to lose its natural colour.
But premature graying of hair is a morbid condition, which renders a typical
cosmetic problem and makes the young to look older. This causes a gigantic deal
of concern to affected persons, especially women.
Anatomy of hair
The hair is just an appendage of the skin. It is composed of the same kind
of cells as are found in the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis. It grows
from a hair follicle, which is a deep interlude in the epidermis. The sebaceous
glands of the scalp secrete an oily substance called sebum, which is the source
of nutrition, luster and blackness of the hair.
The hair cannot be fed externally, for such nourishment as the scalp requires
must come to it from the bloodstream.
Causes of Graying
Two primary causes of premature graying of hair are:
A. Flawed diet
* It is predominantly due to the lack of some of the B vitamins, of iron, copper
& iodine in the daily diet that this hair disorder is caused at a young age
these days. Mental worries produce an extraordinary tension in the skin of the
scalp, which interferes with the supply of vital nutrition necessary for the
health of the hair.
* Other causes of premature graying of hair are unclean condition of the scalp
which weakens the roots of the hair as the pores are blocked by the collected
dirt;
* Washing the hair with hot water & drying them in electric dryers which emits a
blast of hot air;
* The use of hair dyes in earlier stages when the hair has just started graying;
* Diseases like chronic cold, sinusitis, anaemia, chronic constipation;
* The use of factory made hair oils, which are generally cleaned with acids &
some of the acids have the tendency to remain in the oil.
* Heredity is another predisposing factor which gives rise to the ailment.
B. Mental worries.
* Mental worries produce an extraordinary tension in the skin of the scalp,
which interferes with the supply of vital nutrition necessary for the health of
the hair.
* Anxieties, fear, jealousy & failures have adverse effects on the hair. They
dry out the scapular marrow, the vital sap at the root of the hair.
C. Other causes
* Some other causes of premature graying of hair are unclean condition of
the scalp which weakens the roots of the hair as the pores are blocked by the
collected dirt; washing the hair with hot water and drying them with electric
dryers which emit a blast of hot air; the use of hair dyes in the earlier stages
when the hair have just started graying; diseases like chronic cold, sinusitis,
anaemia, chronic constipation; and the use of factory- made hair oils, which are
generally cleaned with acids and some of the acids have a tendency to remain in
the oil. Heredity is another predisposing factor which gives rise to this
ailment.
D. Premature graying of hair secondary to disease
* There are many instances where a systemic disease can indirectly affect
hair color. The implements by which hair color changes occur in such diseases
have not been investigated in any detail although various suggestions have been
made.
* HIV and subsequent development of AIDS can sometimes involve changes in hair
color. This may be brought about perhaps though indirect effects of the immune
system in hair follicle activity, but more likely the significant alterations in
hormone levels, and nutritional deficiencies as progressive wasting occurs
(effectively Kwashiorkor), are the more conceivable causes.
* Several studies have been conducted on the possible association of premature
graying of hair and low bone mineral density (osteoporosis). It is possible that
low hormone levels associated with low bone density also affect melanocyte cell
pigment producing activity. It is also possible that the melanocyte cells rely
upon the activity of genes that are expressed in both bone mineral deposition
and pigment production. If these genes are defective in some way, it may result
in low bone mineral density and low pigment production.
* Some research reports suggest an association between coronary artery disease
and gray hair development. Autoimmune diseases that do not normally directly
affect the skin, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and Addison”s
pernicious anemia have been associated with graying of hair.
Treatment
Diet is of utmost momentousness in the prevention and treatment of premature
graying of hair and persons suffering from this disorder should take a diet rich
in all essential nutrients. The vitamins contemplated useful in premature
graying of hair are pantothenic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid or PABA and
inositol. The minimum daily requirement of these vitamins appears to be 10 mg.
of pantothenic acid, 100 gm. of para-aminobenzoic acid and 2000 mg. of inositol.
To obtain satisfactory results, all three of these vitamins, belonging to B
group, should be supplied at one time preferably in a form which gives all B
vitamins, such as yeast, wheat germ and liver. These three anti-Gray hair
vitamins can be produced in the intestinal tract by bacteria.
* Drinking a liter of yogurt (yogurt is a slightly acid, semisolid, curdled milk
preparation. It is rich in vitamins of the B complex group and a good source of
protein. It also gives a medium in the tract of the stomach and intestines that
slows the growth of harmful bacteria and aids in the absorption of minerals)
daily with a tablespoon of yeast before each meal will be an excellent remedy
for the prevention and treatment of premature graying of hair. If one wishes to
take tablets of calcium pantothenate and PABA, they should be taken in addition
to the yeast and yogurt and not as a substitute for them.
Besides fish, which is the main source of iodine, the requirement of minerals
can be met by adequate intake of carrots, bananas and similar other vegetables
and fruits.
* Carrots are especially useful in equipping fresh blood and maintaining the
health of the hair.
Home remedies
* Amla- It is a precious hair tonic for enriching hair growth and hair
pigmentation. The fruit, cut into pieces, should be dried, more willingly in the
shade. These pieces should be boiled in coconut oil till the solid matter become
little charred dust. This darkish oil is very useful in preventing graying.
The water in which dried amla pieces are soaked overnight is considered highly
beneficial in the treatment of premature graying of hair and also nourishing to
the hair. This water should be used for the last rinse while washing the hair.
Massaging the scalp with a teaspoonful of amla juice mixed with a teaspoonful of
almond oil or few drops of limejuice, every night has proved beneficial in the
prevention and treatment of premature graying of hair.
* Curry- Progressive intake of curry leaves is considered beneficial in
preventing premature graying of hair. These have the property to give vitality
and strength to hair roots. New hair roots that grow are healthier with normal
pigment. The leaves can be used in the form of chutney or these may be squeezed
in butter- milk or lassi. When the leaves are boiled in coconut oil, the oil
forms an excellent hair tonic to stimulate hair growth and bring back hair
pigmentation.
* Cow Milk Butter- The butter made from cow’s milk has the property to prevent
premature graying of hair. A small spindle may be taken internally and a little
quantity may be massaged into the hair root at least twice a week.
* Torai- Ribbed gourd called as torai in the vernacular, boiled in coconut oil
is another effective remedy for premature graying of hair. Pieces of this
vegetable should be dried in the shade. These dried pieces should be soaked in
coconut oil and kept aside for three or four days. The oil should then be boiled
till the solid is reduced to a blackened residuum. This oil should be massaged
into the scalp. It will help enrich the hair roots and restore pigment to the
hair.
* Hair Dye
The blend of henna leaves, boiled in coconut oil to get a darkish oil, can be
used as a hair dye to blacken gray hair. The paste itself can be applied to the
hair and washed away after a few hours to dye the gray hair.
Washing the hair with concentrated tea extract twice a week is also considered
useful in colouring gray hair to brown or black.
Ultimate Treatment- Homoeopathic Medicines-
Repertorial therapeutics-
* HEAD – HAIR – color changes- Kali-i1, Sarr1 (Sarracenia purpurea)
* HEAD – HAIR – gray, becomes- Ars2, graph1, hipp1, kali-i2, kali-n1, kreos1,
lyc3, nat-m2,
op1, ph-ac2, sec1, sil2, staph1, sul-ac1, sulph1, thuj1
* HEAD – HAIR – gray, becomes – spots, in- Psor1
Any constitutional Remedy whichever indicated.
Dr. Rajneesh Kumar Sharma
Homoeo Cure & Research Centre P. Ltd.
N.H. 74, Moradabad Road, Kashipur – 244713, Uttaranchal, INDIA
Ph. +91 05947- 274338, 277418, 279740, 275535, 270822
Cell. 98370-48594, 9837147000 Fax +91 05947 274338