Almost all causes of hair loss, except those requiring an appointment with your doctor and further medical attention such as genetics, autoimmune disorders and underlying medical conditions, can be treated with proper nutrition. With an adequate intake of water, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and proteins you can take care of stress, hormonal imbalance, infections, skin and particularly scalp irritations and any nutritional deficiency which may lead to having weak, dry and unhealthy looking hair prone to splitting and breaking off.
Silica is a micro nutrient vital for growth and development. Also known as silicon, it is one the most abundant minerals on the planet. It’s also called a trace mineral, meaning the body needs very small amounts silica to function properly. Silica is responsible for regulation of calcium and magnesium, the building block of bones and teeth. It also balances the absorption rate and balance of minerals, whose imbalance leads to osteoporosis, a disease causing bones to become weak and fragile.
Silica’s alkaline properties make it a good counterbalance for overly acidic conditions caused by poor dieting, and it regulates the overall pH levels in the body, helping the immune system fight diseases.
Like olive oil, it is used to treat acidity of the scalp, which causes infections, impaired functions of the follicles and weak hair. Besides controlling acidity and aiding bone production, it is essential for production of collagen, needed by the skin and tissues, especially those surrounding hair follicles.
Research has shown that silica is also used for transporting nutrients to the skin, nails and hair, aiding the hair growth sequence. Monthly period and child birth wreak havoc with the hormones, making the hair weaker and liable to falling off, so intake of silica balances the hormone levels leading to strong, shiny and above all, healthy hair.
Due to chemical treatment and processing, the food we eat now is quite low in silica levels and other essential minerals. That being said, there are some foods that are rich in it, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, marjoram, radish, whole grains and alfalfa seeds. Horsetail is a plant abundant with silica and has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. You may use it for making teas, shampoos and massaging gels. To make a tea, add 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried herb to a cup of boiling water. You can make a shampoo by mixing 2 cups of distilled water, a cup of liquid castile soap and 2 teaspoons of dried horsetail. Use it once or twice a week, depending on the needs of your hair.
Although silica deficiency is rare, it happens naturally as we get older. Yes, Horsetail is rich in silica, but prolonged use of it may cause a drop in B vitamins and thiamin levels, so it is best you consult with your doctor or a dermatologist before using silica products and supplements or make sure you take plenty of B complex vitamins. You should not use Horsetail if you have heart or kidney disorders, diabetes and gout or use heart medication and diuretics.
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