Healthy hair and nails through natural medicine: tips for caring for them inside and out

Healthy hair and nails through natural medicine: tips for caring for them inside and out

In the world of beauty care, the mistake often made is to focus exclusively on external applications while underestimating the importance of a holistic approach. However, the basis for healthy hair and strong nails lies not only in the right external care, but also in the food that we feed our bodies. Naturopathy offers a treasure trove of knowledge and opportunities, both from within and without, to get closer to this ideal. This article highlights the role of a balanced diet and the importance of specific nutrients, discusses natural care routines and the use of medicinal herbs, and takes an innovative look at the evidence-based use of supplements and external applications. Dive into the world of natural medicine with us and discover how you can take your hair and nail health to a new level - in a way that highlights the power of nature.

The role of balanced nutrition and specific nutrients for healthy hair and strong nails

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in promoting hair and nail health. Specific nutrients important for hair growth and nail strength include vitamins, minerals and proteins. Biotin (vitamin B7) is particularly important for healthy hair, as it supports hair growth and makes hair stronger. Iron helps transport oxygen to the hair follicle and therefore promotes growth. Zinc is essential for protein production and cell division, both of which are necessary for hair growth and hair tissue repair.

Important nutrients for strong nailsinclude calcium, which plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of nail structure, as well as magnesium, which aids in protein synthesis and is necessary for healthy nail growth processes. Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain nail moisture and prevent brittle nails.

• Biotin (Vitamin B7): Unterstützt das Haarwachstum und macht das Haar kräftiger.
• Eisen: Fördert den Sauerstofftransport zu den Haarfollikeln und unterstützt das Wachstum.
• Zink: Wichtig für die Proteinproduktion und Zellteilung; essentiell für Haarwachstum und -reparatur.
• Kalzium: Kritisch für die Entwicklung und Erhaltung der Nagelstruktur.
• Magnesium: Unterstützt die Proteinsynthese und ist notwendig für das Nagelwachstum.
• Omega-3-Fettsäuren: Erhalten die Nagelfeuchtigkeit und verhindern Brüchigkeit.

The intake of these nutrients can be ensured through a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish. However, some individuals may need to supplement their diet with nutritional supplements to compensate for deficiencies and support hair and nail health.

The importance of a balanced diet and specific nutrients consumed cannot be overemphasized as these directly affect the health of hair and nails. Adequate supplies of these nutrients can help keep hair strong and healthy and improve nail quality.

Natural care routines and medicinal herbs to strengthen hair and nail structure

Natural care routines play a fundamental role in promoting hair and nail health. The use of specific medicinal herbs can both stimulate hair growth and strengthen the nail structure due to their diverse active ingredients. The proven medicinal plants in this context include nettle, rosemary and burdock.Nettleis rich in vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals (iron, silicon) that promote hair growth and combat hair loss.rosemaryimproves blood flow to the scalp, which can lead to stronger hair growth.burdockcontains essential oils and tannins, known for their anti-inflammatory properties and supporting scalp health.

An important method for integrating these medicinal herbs into your daily care routine is to use them in the form of herbal extracts or oils. As an example, rosemary oil can be massaged directly into the scalp to stimulate blood circulation. Likewise, nettle infusion can be used as a final rinse after washing to strengthen the hair roots.

Regular use of these natural remedies can result in significant improvements in the texture and growth of hair and nails. In addition to topical applications, taking herbal teas or dietary supplements based on these medicinal plants is also an effective method to support the nutrient supply to the hair follicles and nail beds from within.

• Vitaminreiches Ernährung spielt ebenfalls eine wichtige Rolle bei der Unterstützung der natürlichen Pflegeroutinen.
• Die Kombination aus äußerlicher Anwendung und der Zufuhr relevanter Nährstoffe durch die Ernährung kann zu optimalen Ergebnissen führen.

However, it is important to pay attention to individual tolerance when using medicinal herbs and natural oils and, if in doubt, to consult a specialist. Despite the generally positive effects of natural care products, individual intolerances or allergic reactions cannot be ruled out.

Innovative approaches in naturopathy: An evidence-based look at supplements and external applications

Naturopathy has evolved greatly in recent years and now offers a variety of innovative approaches to promote healthy hair and strong nails. Evidence-based studies have shown that certain supplements and topical applications can significantly help improve hair and nail health. Key supplements include, but are not limited to:

• Biotin: Bekannt für seine positiven Effekte auf Haarwachstum und -stärke.
• Zink: Ein essentielles Spurenelement, das bei der Proteinsynthese eine Rolle spielt und damit zur Erhaltung gesunder Haare und Nägel beiträgt.
• Selen: Ein Antioxidans, das den Körper vor Schäden durch freie Radikale schützt und die Haarqualität verbessern kann.
• Eisen: Mangel kann zu Haarausfall führen; eine ausreichende Versorgung ist für die Haargesundheit von Bedeutung.
• Essenzielle Fettsäuren (Omega-3 und Omega-6): Wichtig für die Erhaltung der Hautgesundheit und können somit indirekt die Kopfhaut und Haargesundheit beeinflussen.

In addition to supplements, external applications based on plant extracts and oils have also shown a positive effect on hair and nails. In particular, applications with aloe vera, rosemary oil, lavender and tea tree oil can promote hair growth and keep the scalp healthy.

The evidence-based approach in modern naturopathy also emphasizes the importance of individual needs. Not all supplements and topical applications are equally effective for every person, highlighting the importance of personalized advice.

Ultimately, lifestyle also plays a crucial role in the health of hair and nails. A balanced diet, adequate fluid intake, stress management and regular exercise are complementary factors that support the effect of supplements and external applications.

Evidence-based research published in scientific sources such as the Journal of Dermatological Treatment and BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies supports the effectiveness of these natural approaches. By integrating these findings into your everyday care routine, individually tailored strategies can be developed that lead to healthier hair and stronger nails.

In summary, promoting healthy hair and nails is most effectively achieved through a holistic approach that includes both internal and external care strategies. Nutrition plays a fundamental role in providing the body with the necessary nutrients that are essential for strengthening the hair and nail structure. Natural care routines and the use of medicinal herbs also offer gentle but effective methods to support the health and growth of hair and nails. The innovative approaches to naturopathy discussed in this article, including the evidence-based use of supplements and external applications, open up new perspectives for the care and promotion of healthy hair and nails. The combination of these elements can help support the body's natural balance and therefore contribute to improved overall well-being. However, it is important to consider individual needs and, if necessary, seek expert advice to develop the best care routine for your own hair and nails.

Sources and further literature

References

• American Academy of Dermatology Association. „Haarausfall: Diagnose, Behandlung und Ergebnis“. Besucht im März 2023.
• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung e.V. „Mikronährstoffe: Ein Leitfaden für die Praxis“. 2018.

Scientific studies

• Reuter, J., Merfort, I., & Schempp, C.M. (2010). Botanicals in Dermatology: An evidence-based review. Am J Clin Dermatol, 11(4), 247-267.
• Schwalfenberg, G.K., Genuis, S.J., & Rodushkin, I. (2013). The importance of vitamin D, magnesium, and calcium serum levels for optimal health and chronic diseases. Biologische Spurenelementforschung, 156(1-3), 211-219.

Further reading

• Finner, A.M. (2013). Ernährung und Haargesundheit. In: Kräuter und Nährstoffe für die Gesundheit der Haut. Thieme.
• Michalun, M.V., & Michalun, N.J. (2015). Kosmetische Inhaltsstoffe: Ihr Leitfaden zur Hautpflege-Formulierung. Elsevier GmbH, München.
• Schneider, M.R., Schmidt-Ullrich, R., & Paus, R. (2009). Das Haar als Spiegel der Gesundheit: Link zwischen Haarerkrankungen und systemischen Erkrankungen. Lancet, 374(9698), 1142-1150.