Sunday, April 25, 2010

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Regrowth

While genetic hair loss can usually only be treated using medical intervention, for other forms of hair loss you may want to try apple cider vinegar hair regrowth. Both internal and external factors can contribute to the problem, and determining what is causing your hair loss will be the first step in deciding what sort of apple cider vinegar treatment is best for your situation.

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar

From the Inside Out

Apple Cider Vinegar Miracle Health System
Apple Cider Vinegar Miracle Health System

If your hair has recently lost its sheen as well as its thickness, it could well be a sign of nutritional deficiency. Thinning, dry, brittle hair can be an early sign of inadequate intake of certain vitamins and minerals.

Potassium, in particular, is implicated in hair damage and loss. The blood electrolytes sodium and potassium need to be consumed in a certain balance for good health. While the standard modern diet tends to be rich in sodium, many people do not take in enough potassium to create a balance. In The Apple Cider Vinegar Miracle Health System, author Paul Chappuis Bragg identifies the following hair symptoms in relation to potassium deficiency.

  • Dull, unhealthy-looking hair that lacks the shine normally associated with good health
  • Itchy scalp and chronic dandruff, together with premature thinning and baldness
  • Hair tangles easily and is generally unmanageable
  • Excess or inadequate oil production on the scalp

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, known to be rich in potassium, is an excellent way to balance out your electrolytes and restore health to your hair.

You can safely add raw apple cider vinegar to your diet in a number of ways. It is generally not a good idea to drink apple cider vinegar straight over an extended period of time, as the acidity may harm the enamel on your teeth. Instead, mix it with a bit of water and honey as a refreshing drink, or substitute it for distilled white vinegar when preparing sauces, salads, or marinades.

According to The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide: The Safe Way to Use Medications and Supplements Together (Random House of Canada 2007) there is no identified standard dosage for apple cider vinegar. The most prudent course is to start with a small dose, about one teaspoon per day, and adjust the amount according to how your body reacts.

Topical Treatments for Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Regrowth

As discussed in Smart Medicine for Healthier Living (Avery 1999) another common cause of hair loss is fungal infection on the scalp. This condition is surprisingly common, and manifests as an itchy, flaky scalp. Over time, fungal infections can lead to scarring of the hair follicles, rendering them incapable of supporting hair growth. In Herbs and Things: Jeanne Rose's Herbal (Last Gasp 2002) the authors recommend apple cider vinegar as a safe and natural remedy for fungal infections.

To use apple cider vinegar as a topical treatment, take advantage of the opportunity to combine apple cider vinegar with other substances known to enhance hair growth. A mixture of apple cider vinegar and sage is a common and effective treatment for stimulating hair growth as well as treating any fungal infections that might be present. According to The Complete Family Guide to Natural Healing (Knopf 2005) other herbs known for efficacy when treating fungal infections include:

  • Aloe
  • Calendula
  • Echinacea
  • Golden Seal
  • Myrrh

Mix the cider vinegar with your favorite herbs, then pour over your scalp after shampooing. Leave the mixture on your scalp from a few minutes to overnight, and rinse well. The acidity will kill the fungus and leave your hair shiny and healthy looking.

Buying Apple Cider Vinegar

Ordinary clear vinegar sold at the supermarket does not contain the necessary nutrients you need for apple cider vinegar hair regrowth. To enjoy the full health benefits of apple cider vinegar, look for a natural, raw, unfiltered product.. The murky bits you see floating in the bottle are called the mother of vinegar, and contain most of the goodness to be found in apple cider vinegar.

This kind of apple cider vinegar is generally not available in grocery stores. To buy natural apple cider vinegar, look in speciality markets and health food stores, or purchase online.


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