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Aloe Vera: A Herbal Solution to Thinning Hair

Do some herbal concoctions really offer a cure to baldness? Do these offer a safe and effective way to prevent scalp hair from thinning?

We have heard of aloe vera, that exotic plant that looks like cactus but is actually from the lily family, haven't we all? Aloe vera comes in over-200 varieties. Some people have high regard for the medicinal value of the gelatinous sap from its succulent leaves, as it is reputed to reduce pain and inflammation and stimulate regrowth of healthy tissues to replace sick ones. The good reputation of the restorative and stimulating action of aloe vera is even inscribed in the runes of ancient Egypt, dating way back during the time of Cleopatra who regarded this gluey sap as her legendary beauty secret.

It is also believed that the pure form of the sap of aloe vera can cure even the sickest organic tissues. Following the school of thought that hair is tissue, it is believed that massaging the scalp with this sap will stimulate healthy growth (or regrowth) of hair. There are contentions, though, that this is true only for cases of hair thinning because the tissues of the scalp is damaged; if that is the case, then the concentration of the vitamins and minerals necessary for restoration of the tissues back to its healthy state is present in the natural, raw state of the sap of this plant.

Though using aloe vera as additive has its refreshing qualities, it is endorsed by the Food and Drugs Administration only as food supplement -- not yet as drug. This is because there is no substantiated clinical tests that would attest to its consistency and establish its limitations as a curative drug taken internally to cure some ailments. The results are inconsistent for different patients, and no standard beneficial claims could be established.

In these modern days, you will see soap, shampoos, moisturisers, lotions and other skin care products using aloe vera as additive. Aloe vera's popularity lies more on its benefits when used for topical application to promote regrowth of damaged tissues; it definitely gained popularity as hair-growth stimulant when massaged to the scalp in its raw, gelatinous state.

How does modern man with thinning hair regard herbal solutions to potential baldness? In these fast-paced world, convenience is a foremost consideration when choosing a solution to a problem. It is sad to note that some people prefer pills and laboratory formulations over herbal alternatives. These are the people who regard herbal concoctions as "inconvenient" and, sometimes, even "quack."