For centuries, valerian root has been renowned for its sedative and sleep promoting effects. But its use is not just limited to helping relax. It has gained attention in recent years for potential benefits to hair health. Whether you’re suffering from hair loss due to thinning hair, dandruff or are looking to improve the overall vitality of your hair, valerian root might be your natural solution!
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore how valerian root benefits for hair can help your hair in different ways by combining scientific knowledge, traditional knowledge, and simple tips on how to add this herbal force into your hair care routine.
What is Valerian Root?
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a flowering plant whose leaves and roots are used as an herb. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia. For thousands of years, the root of this plant has been used in herbal medicine for its sedative and anxiety reducing properties. The plant is rich in valerenic acid, isovaleric acid and many other antioxidants, which give it different therapeutic qualities.
The Nutritional Composition of Valerian Root
Traditionally, valerian root is taken as a tea or in supplement form to calm the nerves and improve sleep, but it has recently become known for its less popular but booming use in hair care.
Before going into its hair benefits it is important to know the key nutrients and compounds of valerian root that assist in hair health. These include:
- Valerenic acid: Its reputation for producing a calming effect helps in relaxing, leading to the reduction in stress that has been shown to contribute to hair loss.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants, found in Valerian root, help protect your scalp and hair follicles from oxidative stress and environmental damage.
- B Vitamins: Vitamins help your hair become stronger, grow and shine better.
- Calcium and Magnesium: These are important minerals responsible for hair growth and a healthy scalp.
The Connection Between Stress and Hair Health
Stress reduction is one of the key reasons why valerian root is used to promote hair health. Stress is often linked to several hair-related problems, such as:
- Hair loss: Telogen effluvium is a common stress condition in which stress causes the hair follicles to prematurely go into the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, resulting in a significant hair loss.
- Dandruff and scalp irritation: Stress may trigger scalp skin diseases such as dandruff and psoriasis which, in turn, may cause irritation, flakiness and even infections.
- Poor hair growth: Chronic stress can also disrupt the hair growth cycle, causing hair to thin out or even to be slower growing.
The ability of Valerian root to relieve the stress added onto your body from outside sources indirectly benefits your hair and prevents stress related hair loss while also creating better growth conditions for your hair.
How Valerian Root Benefits Hair Growth and Strength
It’s time to look into how valerian root actually aids in hair growth as well as hair strengthening.
1. Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Stress-Induced Hair Loss
High stress causes the hair follicle to weaken leading to hair loss. Major contributors to hair loss are anxiety and stress. Valerian root, which has calming properties, can help reduce these two issues.
Valerian root helps to calm stress which in turn helps to maintain the hair growth cycle in its normal rhythm. If there is no stress, the hair follicles do not prematurely shed.
Tip: Incorporating valerian root supplements or tea made from valerian root reduces your stress levels indirectly, affecting hair health.
2. Improves Scalp Health and Reduces Inflammation
Strong hair is tied to a healthy scalp. Hair health can be inhibited by inflammation and scalp conditions such as dermatitis or psoriasis.
Anti-inflammatory compounds present in Valerian root help to reduce irritation and inflammation on the scalp, creating a more suitable atmosphere for hair growth.
Valerian root’s antibacterial properties can also help keep the scalp clean and infection free, as well as reducing the possibility of dandruff or other scalp problems.
3. Boosts Blood Circulation
Good blood circulation is essential as it delivers nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles – important for healthy hair growth. If you consume or apply valerian root to your scalp, it promotes circulation ensuring hair follicles receive the nutrients that allow hair to grow.
Over time, thicker, healthier hair may result from improved circulation, which also speeds up cell regeneration.
4. Strengthens Hair Strands
Immune boosting antioxidants found in valerian root fight against oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can cause hair strands to break. Breakage is one of the main problems when it comes to weak hair. Valerian root is a good substance to use at least twice a week if you are trying to strengthen hair from root to tip, reducing split ends and improving the overall structure of the hair.
5. Promotes Hair Growth
Valerian root is rich in calcium, magnesium and B vitamins, all of which are vital for hair growth. These vitamins and minerals nourish your hair follicles, and keep your hair growing faster and healthier. The presence of antioxidants promotes cell regeneration, which is essential for hair growth and repair.
How to Use Valerian Root for Hair
Now that you know how valerian root can benefit your hair, let’s explore some practical ways to incorporate it into your hair care routine.
1. Valerian Root Tea Rinse
A valerian root tea rinse can help improve scalp health and boost hair growth. Here’s how you can make one:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried valerian root
- 2 cups of water
Instructions:
- Boil valerian root in water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Strain the tea through the strainer and make it slightly warm.
- After shampooing, pour the valerian root tea over your scalp and hair.
- Massage it gently into your scalp for a few minutes.
- Leave it for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Once, or even twice a week, this tea rinse can help improve scalp health and stimulate hair growth.
2. Valerian Root Hair Mask
Valerian root can be combined with other natural ingredients to create a nourishing hair mask.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon valerian root powder (or valerian root extract)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
- Mix the valerian root powder in coconut oil and honey to form a smooth paste.
- Apply the mask to your scalp and hair, especially roots of your hair.
- Rinse it out thoroughly with a mild shampoo after 30 minutes.
Once a week, you can apply this hair mask to nourish and strengthen hair.
3. Valerian Root Supplements
Valerian root supplements can be taken if you prefer not to use topical treatments. Reduction of stress levels by consuming valerian root as a supplement supports healthier hair indirectly.
Note: Before you start any supplement especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing medical conditions, consult with your healthcare professional.
Precautions and Side Effects
Valerian root is an ideal substance for hair, and we have discussed several of the many benefits of valerian root for the overall health of your hair, but use it responsibly. Valerian root may cause some people to have side effects such as dizziness, headaches or stomach upset.
Valerian root may interact with other medications such as sedatives and anti-anxiety medications. Valerian root should not be used if you are on any medication, and you should consult with your doctor before using it.
Likewise, valerian root can help improve hair health but results may vary from person to person. Do not use it instead of medical treatment for problems like alopecia.
Conclusion
As a powerful herbal remedy, valerian root has many positive benefits for hair health. This ancient remedy could be exactly what you need to enhance your routine —from strengthening hair strands and improving scalp health, to reducing stress-induced hair loss and improving overall hair health.
Whether you use it in the form of a hair mask, tea rinse, or in supplement form, valerian root will help you achieve healthy, thick hair you have been dreaming of. Make sure to follow the recommended usage guidelines and always consult a health care professional when required to get the best from drinking valerian root for your hairs.
By incorporating this natural remedy into your health routine, you will unlock the secret to healthier and shinier hair. It will also make your hair more resilient!