Natural Scalp Care Methods to Prevent Premature Graying

The pace and stress of everyday daily life, along with its traumas, can bring on premature graying.

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Lustrous and healthy hair is a sign of overall physical health. However, during periods of high psychological stress, disrupted daily routines, physical weakness, or illness, some people experience a sudden onset or exacerbation of graying hair symptoms. This serves as a warning sign that the body might have underlying health issues. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind the occurrence of premature graying, as well as methods for its treatment and prevention.

Understanding Hair Physiology and Anatomy

Each strand of hair grows from an individual hair follicle. The hair “bulb,” located at the base of the follicle is formed by the dermal papilla and hair matrix. The dermal papilla regulates the number of matrix cells, determining the length of the hair, and contains capillaries to supply nutrients to the hair. The hair matrix contains melanocytes responsible for hair pigmentation. In the middle part of the follicle, sebaceous glands secrete oils to nourish both the hair and scalp.

When the blood supply from the capillaries at the base of the hair follicle is inadequate or when the sebaceous glands in the follicle secrete excessively, it can lead to blocked pores and inflammation. This, in turn, causes the hair bulb to shrink, resulting in hair loss. On the other hand, insufficient melanocytes in the hair matrix can lead to the development of gray hair.

Causes of Premature Graying

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), hair is believed to be closely related to the functions and energy of internal organs. According to the classic text “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine,” “the brilliance of the kidneys is reflected in the hair.” While the nutrition for hair comes from the blood, as it is said, “hair is the surplus of blood,” the vitality of the hair is fundamentally linked to kidney qi (energy). The manifestation of kidney qi can be observed through the condition of the hair. In youth, when kidney qi is abundant, the hair tends to be thick and lustrous. Conversely, in old age or when the body is weakened, deficient kidney qi may lead to dry and brittle hair, as well as premature graying.

Dietary Approaches for Addressing Premature Hair Graying

1. Black-Colored Foods

In TCM, each color is believed to correspond to a specific organ, with black associated with the kidneys. Therefore, incorporating black-colored foods like black sesame paste, mulberries, black beans, and black rice is recommended for promoting lustrous and dark hair.

2. Dark-Colored Medicinal Herbs for Nourishing Liver and Kidneys

Dark-colored medicinal herbs that nourish the liver and kidneys include Polygoni Multiflorum Radix, Radix Rehmanniae Preparata, Fructus Psoraleae, Rhizoma Polygonati, Eclipta prostrata, and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi.

Darkening Hair With Black Sesame Seeds

For those with dark-colored hair, black sesame seeds are highly recommended for keeping color and luster.

1. Black Sesame Seeds

Black sesame seeds have a sweet and mild flavor. According to ancient Chinese medical texts, they are believed to offer various benefits, including nourishing the liver and kidneys, moisturizing the five viscera, enhancing qi and strength, promoting muscle growth, nourishing the brain and marrow, strengthening tendons and bones, and improving hearing and vision. They are recommended for conditions such as liver and kidney deficiency, post-illness weakness, premature graying of hair, dry skin, constipation, soreness, and pain in the lower back and knees, weakness in limbs, speech difficulties, slow movement, dizziness, and ringing in the ears.