Reishi mushrooms have gained popularity in recent years for their numerous health benefits. Also known as lingzhi mushrooms, these medicinal fungi are prized in Chinese medicine for boosting immunity and reducing stress and inflammation. Aside from its health-promoting properties though, reishi mushrooms may also help encourage hair growth when used topically or taken as a supplement. This article will explore how reishi can support healthier hair and how to best utilize it for stimulating hair follicles.
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How to use reishi mushroom for hair growth?
There are a few different ways to use reishi mushroom for promoting hair growth:
- Make a reishi hair mask or rinse by steeping dried or powdered reishi in hot water. Allow it to cool then apply the mixture to hair and scalp, massaging gently. Leave on for 15-30 minutes before rinsing. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in reishi can boost circulation to hair follicles.
- Take reishi as a supplement in capsule or powder form. Opt for a high-quality supplement and follow dosage instructions. Internal use supports overall hair health by reducing stress, improving nutrient absorption and supporting a healthy immune response in the scalp.
- Apply reishi extract or oil topically. Look for an extract containing triterpenoids, which have been shown to stimulate hair follicles when applied directly. Massage a few drops onto the scalp, focusing on thinning areas.
The combination of internal and external reishi use may provide the best results for encouraging hair regrowth and fullness over time.
How reishi benefits hair growth
Reishi mushroom contains unique compounds that give it its anti-aging and restorative properties. The same compounds also make it beneficial for supporting healthy hair growth when used topically or consumed as a supplement. Here are some of the main ways reishi works to stimulate hair follicles:
Boosts blood circulation
Reishi is full of antioxidants that improve microcirculation. Increased blood flow delivers more nutrients and oxygen directly to hair follicles, promoting stronger and thicker growth. Compounds like sterols and triterpenes widen blood vessels to boost circulation when reishi is consumed or applied directly.
Reduces stress and DHT levels
Chronic stress is a leading cause of hair loss. Reishi's adaptogenic properties combat stress and lower levels of DHT, a hormone linked to hair miniaturization. Less stress on the body and scalp encourages follicles to remain in the growing phase for longer.
Fights inflammation
Inflammation is damaging to hair follicles and a major player in conditions like dandruff, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis that cause hair shedding. Reishi contains polysaccharides and fungal sterols that calm scalp inflammation to promote an optimal environment for growth.
Supports nutrient uptake
Reishi stimulates digestive enzymes and supports detox pathways in the liver. This better absorption and elimination of nutrients means more are delivered to hair follicles for building strong, resilient strands. Vitamins A, B, C, D and minerals like iron are crucial for hair fiber production.
Additional tips for using reishi for hair
Here are some additional tips for using reishi most effectively as a natural remedy for thicker hair:
Choose a high-quality supplement
Look for supplements containing at least 1,000 mg of dried reishi mycelium or fruiting body powder to get meaningful antioxidants, triterpenes and polysaccharides. Standardized extracts are best for ensuring potency.
Massage into scalp daily
Gently massage any reishi hair rinses, oils or extracts directly into the scalp, focusing on thinning areas. This delivers compounds to follicles most in need of support. Make it part of your daily hair care routine.
Be patient with results
It can take 2-3 months of continuous use to see improvements when addressing hair loss. Reishi nourishes existing follicles over time rather than producing overnight changes. Stick with it for best results.
Combine with a healthy lifestyle
Reishi works best as part of an overall healthy approach including a nutrient-dense diet, managing stress, protecting hair from damage and possibly adding other natural DHT blockers like saw palmetto.
Consult your doctor first
People on medications or with medical conditions should check for herb-drug interactions before regularly consuming reishi supplements. It's generally safe when used as directed by a qualified herbalist or naturopath.
Should you try reishi for hair regrowth?
For most people experiencing mild hair thinning, worries about genetics or dealing with stress-induced loss, reishi is a great natural option worth exploring. Its anti-inflammatory, nutrient-supporting and stress-relieving properties make it well-suited to nourishing hair follicles back to health over the long term. Using reishi both internally and externally maximizes its benefits.
While not a cure-all, reishi has stood the test of time in Chinese herbalism for restoring balance and bolstering the body's natural defenses - including for hair. Those unwilling to commit long-term to pharmaceutical solutions would be wise to give this adaptogenic mushroom 3 months or more of consistent use. Paired with a healthy lifestyle and possibly other DHT-inhibiting herbs, it may very well coax follicles durmantly resting into active growth once again.
For its low risk, wide-ranging health perks and ability to boost circulation directly to hair roots, reishi is worth exploring as a first-line solution. Its strengthening effects support underlying causes like stress and inflammation versus just hiding symptoms. Overall health will likely improve in the process as well - making choice investment into retaining a full, vibrant head of hair into the future.
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