Most of us have suffered from hair loss at one point or another. Whether it is hair loss because of weight changes, balding due to stress, or postpartum hair loss, none of us like to see strands bunching up on the pillow or clogging the drain.
So how do we make sure our hair retains its strength, density, bounce, and shine? Well, one way is to introduce Moringa into our diet.
You might have heard of Moringa in connection to treating diseases and conditions like diabetes, diarrhea, asthma, obesity, edema, bacterial diseases, symptoms of menopause, erectile dysfunction and much more. It has also been used for ages to help improve milk production during breastfeeding. But do you know it can also be taken to improve your hair health?
Let’s dive in and explore how Moringa can help with hair growth and more.
What is Moringa and Why is it Called the Miracle Tree?
Moringa or Moringa Oleifera is a plant that is native to India and its surrounding areas like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. It can also be found in certain African regions and the tropics.
The plant is fairly easy to grow and once fully grown, all parts of the tree including the leaves, bark, seeds, and even seed pods are used to make different kinds of medicines and remedial concoctions.
Moringa tree is called the ‘Miracle Tree’ because it contains a large host of essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This all-natural multivitamin is said to have:
- Iron - 3x more than Spinach
- Potassium - 3x more than Banana
- Vitamin C - 7x more than Oranges
- Protein - 2x more than Yogurt
- Calcium - 4x more than Milk
- Vitamin A - 25x more than Carrots
Moringa is called a superfood because it contains over 90 nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants. It is very low in fats and does not contain any cholesterol. Plus it has very little known side-effects and is generally suitable for people of all ages.
Common Reasons for Hair Loss
Moringa isn’t just great for your body but its benefits extend to hair care and growth as well. Before we dive into how Moringa can help your hair, let’s take a look at some of the common reasons for hair loss and damage.
Our hair goes through a constant cycle of growth, resting, and shedding. We normally lose hair during all three phases, however, there are certain conditions that may cause more hair loss than usual, causing baldness.
Some of these conditions include:
- Thyroid issues like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto disease etc.
- Hormonal changes that can be caused by medication, stress, or other medical conditions
- Excessive stress
- Vitamin deficiency
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
It is important to note here that we lose hair follicles as we age as well. Baldness that is caused due to age or genetic factors is generally irreversible through topical and oral treatment alone.
How Moringa Helps Counter Hair Problems
As a powerhouse plant, Moringa features a number of nutrients that can help with hair fall, hair growth, dry scalp, dandruff, damage due to free radicals, and much more. Here is a deeper look at how Moringa helps your hair.
Vitamins A and B in Moringa Stimulate Hair Growth
When it comes to hair health, no other vitamins are as important as Vitamins A and B. Vitamin A is responsible for growing healthy hair follicles to promote hair growth. It is also responsible for moisturizing the scalp by stimulating the production of sebum. Vitamin A deficiency can also cause your scalp to become thicker and dryer causing dandruff.
Vitamin B helps hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the scalp so your hair follicles can grow stronger.
Moringa features high quantities of both Vit A and B. Vitamins B6, biotin, and folic acid in Moringa help your hair grow thicker and stronger while making sure your scalp stays hydrated.
Iron in Moringa Nourishes the Scalp
Iron is an important ingredient for healthy hair growth as it increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry to your scalp. More oxygen means your hair follicles have enough juice to grow stronger and healthier.
Furthermore, iron deficiency has been associated with hair loss. Since Moringa contains three times more iron than spinach, it is one of the best vegetarian sources for iron. Regularly taking Moringa powder in your diet or applying it topically can boost your hair health tremendously.
Zinc in Moringa Strengthens Hair Follicles
Zinc plays an important role in strengthening your hair follicles by promoting damage control and recovery. It also prevents the drying and clogging of sebaceous glands on the scalp so that there is enough sebum production to keep the scalp hydrated.
High levels of zinc in Moringa can help prevent hair loss due to zinc deficiency and promote healthy hair by speeding up the recovery of damaged hair follicles.
Essential Amino Acids in Moringa Build and Protect the Hair
One of the reasons why Moringa is so good for your hair is that it contains rich amounts of essential amino acids that are the building blocks of all cells in the body (including those in our scalp).
Essential amino acids like Arginine, Cysteine, Lysine, and Methionine are linked to healthy hair growth. Cysteine doesn’t just promote hair growth but its antioxidant properties are also great for protecting hair from sun damage.
Vitamins C and E in Moringa Prevent Hair Damage
Free radicals from both outside and inside the body can cause your hair cells to break overtime. They create oxidative stress in your body, which in addition to being the cause for many diseases, can also cause your hair to weaken and turn grey.
To fight free radicals in your body, you need strong antioxidants that counter their effects. This is where Vitamin C plays an important role. Its antioxidant properties help combat the damage caused by free radicals and strengthen your hair.
Vitamin E, on the other hand, helps repair hair that is damaged by free radicals. It helps increase the blood circulation to the scalp, making sure your hair follicles have a steady supply of essential amino acids.
Moringa has high amounts of Vitamin C as well as other powerful antioxidants that can help you fight off the harmful effects of free radicals.
Omega-3 in Moringa Hydrates the Scalp and Makes Hair Thicker
Moringa is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids or unsaturated fats. In fact, it is one of the best vegetarian sources of this acid. Omega-3 fatty acids help your hair grow thicker and stronger.
Enriched with healthy fats, your hair follicles grow hair that has increased diameter and density. Omega-3 fatty acids also enrich your scalp by promoting the production of scalp oils. This in turn fights off dandruff and dry and brittle hair.
The unsaturated fats in Moringa increase hair elasticity and reduce hair breakage giving you stronger bouncier hair.
Additional Vitamins and Nutrients in Moringa Prevent Split Ends
Split ends are an indication of weak, brittle hair that is in dire need of essential nutrients. Your hair can also become weak and damaged if it is exposed to too much heat-styling, frequent hair dyeing, chemical treatments, and overwashing.
Moringa has abundant quantities of essential nutrients that can help prevent split ends and repair damaged hair by making it stronger. Vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, selenium, manganese, magnesium, copper, and more can help nourish your scalp so that your hair follicles produce strong strands that look healthy and shiny.
How to Take Moringa for Hair Growth?
Remember how we said every part of the Moringa plant can be used for medicinal purposes? Well, the same is true for when you’re taking Moringa for your hair.
Moringa powder, that is made from the leaves of the Moringa plant, can be used both topically and orally. For example, Zen Principle Organic Moringa Leaf Powder is packed with over 90 essential ingredients including 20+ types of amino acids, 40+ antioxidants, 35+ anti-inflammatory compounds, key vitamins, minerals, protein, Omega 3, 6 and 9 oils, and phytonutrients. It can be mixed in smoothies, gravies, or sprinkled over salads, cereal bowls, and more. You can also use the powder to make Moringa hair masks (we've included a recipe below) to add nutrients and shine to your hair.
Moringa hair oil is usually derived from the seeds and seed pods of the Moringa plant. It is generally recommended for topical use only. You can apply the oil to your scalp to make sure it gets enough nutrients and hydration to grow healthy hair.
Moringa capsules are another way to take your daily dose of Moringa. These are a convenient way of adding Moringa to your daily diet. For example, Zen Principle Organic Moringa Capsules can be taken everyday to ensure your hair gets all those amazing amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
There is no ‘best’ way to take Moringa for hair growth. You need to experiment with different sources (or even use different forms of Moringa at the same time) to find out which one or combination works best for you.
Moringa Hair Mask Recipe
This simple hair mask recipe covers all the bases; the moringa powder gives you rich amino acids and essential nutrients for hair growth, detoxification, and hydration. Honey acts as an antibacterial agent, plus it has amazing healing properties for dry, damaged hair. Tea tree oil is known for its hydrating properties, it is perfect for hair problems like dandruff and itchy scalp. Bananas are a rich source of Vitamin A, E, C and potassium that together help your hair grow longer and stronger.
Combine the following ingredients:
- Zen Principle Organic Moringa Leaf Powder -- 1tbsp
- Ripe Banana -- 1/2 (Mashed)
- Tea Tree Oil -- 2tbsp
- Honey -- 1tbps
Apply the mask to clean hair from roots to scalp. Cover your hair with a cap and let the mask do its magic for 30 min. Wash your hair as usual and repeat every week for best results.
Quick Moringa Q&A
Can Moringa grow hair?
Yes, the essential amino acids plus vitamins A, B, and iron in Moringa are linked with hair growth.
Can Moringa prevent hair loss?
Yes, hair loss due to damaged hair, weak hair follicles, and nutrient deficiency can be countered by using Moringa.
Can Moringa help with grey hair?
Vitamins C and E in Moringa help fight off free radicals and reverse the damage they cause. If your grey hair is caused by overexposure to free radicals then Moringa can help counter it.
Is it safe to take Moringa daily?
Yes, Moringa can easily be taken every day. It has very little known side-effects. However, if you have any preexisting conditions, allergies, or are pregnant, it is better to get expert medical advice before changing your diet.
Does Moringa have any side-effects?
Moringa doesn’t have a lot of side-effects. However, consuming large quantities of its bark or pulp may lower your blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and cause uterine contractions.
