Natural Remedies for Premature Graying

The growth of hair occurs in successive stages. At a certain point of time, some hair strands are at the resting stage while others are growing. At the base of hair, follicles are present that contain a pigment called melanin.

This pigment is responsible for imparting color to the hair. Gray hair is a result of insufficient pigment present in the hair follicles, while absence of the melanin pigment causes white hair. When white hair and dark hair are mixed, the scalp color appears to be gray.

It is natural to have few gray hair in the scalp even at the age of about 8-10. Nevertheless, if graying occurs in more than 50 percent hair before an individual attains 40 years of age, then the condition is referred to as premature gray hair.

This is caused due to underlying health conditions such as vitiligo, thyroid problem, deficiency of vitamin B12, reduced bone-mineral density, anemia, and at times, stress. There are effective natural remedies for premature graying, which can be followed.

Proper management of mental worries and diet modifications are effective tips for reversing this problem. The diet plan should contain adequate amounts of vitamin B, iron, copper, and iodine.

Foods to be consumed include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean fish, and milk; whereas spicy foods, oily foods, refined flour, and soft drinks should be avoided as far as possible. Following are some natural remedies that can slow down the process of premature graying:

One of the most effective natural remedies for reversing gray hair is regular application of coconut oil. Use pure coconut oil for massaging the scalp each night before going to bed and wash next day. Another tip to cure gray hair is to use the extract obtained by boiling coconut oil and cut Indian gooseberry till the oil turns dark in color.

For application, add curry leaves in coconut oil and heat for a few minutes. Use the oil with curry leaves for massaging the scalp.

Amaranth vegetable is also an effective natural remedy for gray hair. Use fresh leaves of amaranth vegetable and blend to obtain the leaf extract. Apply the leaf extract on the hair scalp for restoring the natural hair color. Alternatively, one can boil the amaranth leaves in water and use the water extract for local application on the scalp.

Indian gooseberry is often considered as an effective natural remedy. For using, cut gooseberry into pieces and dry them in the sun. Grind the dried gooseberry pieces into powdered form and mix with coconut oil. Apply this mixture in the scalp regularly for treatment of graying hair.

For extensive graying, coloring them with henna can be an effective method to restore the hair color. Take coconut oil and heat till it boils. Add ample amounts of henna leaves in the oil and leave it till the coconut oil turns brownish in color.

Allow the mixture to cool down and apply on the scalp. Wash off the henna leaves after about 35-45 minutes; the gray hair will turn dark brown.

These are some of the basic home remedies for reversing premature graying. In addition, applying a mixture prepared by combination of one teaspoon lemon juice, one teaspoon almond oil, and one teaspoon Indian gooseberry juice can also be used to treat this problem.

Overall, proper hair care, consuming a balanced diet, and managing mental worries are the keys to maintain natural hair color.

Disclaimer: This content is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.