Herbs, for ages, have been vital ingredients of beauty products. Owing to their properties, they are still used in modern-day cosmetics and are an important part of various beauty regimens.
Here are herbs that are commonly used in cosmetics:
- Aloe Vera
Aloe is one of the most common herbs used in the cosmetic industry. It is commonly used as a base material for skin soaps, shampoos, sun lotions, moisturizers, perfumes, shaving creams, makeup creams, and bath aids. [1]
Aloe Vera has often been referred to as a miracle plant. The clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the aloe vera leaf is believed to work wonders for your skin.
Botanically known as Aloe barbadensis miller, aloe vera mainly grows in India, dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. The clear, jelly-like gel extract contains 99% water and vitamins, amino acids, glucomannans, lipids, and sterols.
Aloe vera contains mucopolysaccharides that are known to help retain moisture in the skin. [2] The enzymes present in Aloe Vera are known to help prevent hair loss by protecting the scalp. Aloe vera is also known to help reduce dandruff.
- Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek, or methi as it is called in India, is a herb that is commonly used in households and is known for its numerous health benefits. It possesses medicinal properties and is thought to be good for hair care. It is believed to increase hair volume and strength and is also known to reduce hair loss.
Hair loss is a problem faced by almost everyone. Fenugreek is thought to be extremely beneficial for those suffering from hair loss. Apart from proteins, vitamins, and iron, it also contains nicotinic acid which helps in hair growth as well as lecithin which strengthens hair follicles. The seeds have a kind of hormone which has been observed to increase hair growth and repair hair structure and form.
Fenugreek contains phytoestrogens. These are basically compounds with reduced estrogen activity. Phytoestrogen present in fenugreek seeds increases hair growth and reduces hair loss. [3]
- Henna
Henna, also referred to as mehndi, is one of the best beauty herbs for hair. It is known to give your hair a rich natural colour, make it less prone to breakage and cure dandruff.
Henna contains good protein to boost hair growth. It is also known to repair hair cuticles and ensure a proper hair damage repair system by healing the hair shaft.
The herb helps balance the pH of the scalp, besides covering the hair with a layer of protein, to keep hair problems, such as dandruff and dryness at bay. The protein in henna is known to moisturize the hair to make it silky, soft, and strong. [4]
- Hibiscus
Hair fall and reduced hair growth is an issue that plagues nearly everyone. The compounds in the hibiscus are believed to be helpful in rejuvenating the scalp, increasing hair growth, and in regulating the circulation of blood in the scalp. Apart from that, hibiscus also makes hair healthier and shiny. Scientific research has shown that hibiscus flowers and leaves have properties that can promote hair growth. Hibiscus is known to make hair follicles stronger. The leaves of the plant are equally beneficial for hair growth.
Hibiscus is a source of vitamin C and helps to nourish hair. It is a kind of natural emollient. A dry scalp reduces hair growth and mucilage in the hibiscus prevents the scalp from turning dry. [5]
- Garlic Gel
Garlic gel can be highly effective in the treatment of recurring, non-scarring baldness, known as Alopecia Areata. Garlic gel is believed to enhance the benefits of betamethasone valerate cream, when used topically in both men and women.
Garlic gel, when applied directly on the scalp, is believed to be highly effective in treating Alopecia Areata, and even induces re-growth of hair over time. It can actually reduce the size of bald patches and increase the number of hair on your scalp. This treatment is effective for both men and women and is not known to cause any complications.
When used in combination with topical betamethasone valerate cream, it can significantly enhance its efficacy and reverse the condition with regular use. So, people using garlic gel along with this topical steroid receive better benefits than those who use the cream alone.
