Super Hair Care contains the following essential nutrients for healthy hair
Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, is involved in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes . Mega doses of Vitamin A can cause hair loss . (U.S. Department of Agriculture , U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 4th ed. Home and Garden Bulletin No. 232. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC.). Vitamin B12, Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), and Folic Acid are important for the health and growth of hair. ( Fidanza A. Therapeutic action of pantothenic acid. Int J Vitam Nutr Res ; suppl 24:53–67, 1983). Biotin is essential for hair growth. The most visible symptom of Biotin deficiency (one of the Vitamin Bs) is thinning of hair, which can lead to total hair loss. It works best with Vitamin B5, B12 and Folic acid. ( Mock DM. Skin manifestations of biotin deficiency. Semin Dermatol ; 10:296–302. 1991). Niacinamide or Vitamin B3 is an amine form of niacin and is important in promoting a healthy nervous system, blood circulation, and healthy skin . ( Riley MR (Ed): Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons Inc, St. Louis , MO ; 2000). Calcium and Magnesium does more than just fortify our bones; it calms our nervous system and improves the quality of our cardiac contractions, and thus improves our general health. Calcium and Magnesium are vital for hair growth and nutrient uptake . For more information on calcium and magnenesium, please visit MD Healthline's Coral Calcium Calcium. Cooper is an essential trace element. It is needed to absorb and utilize iron, and has an anti-infectious effect that assists the body in better defending itself against all microbes. Cooper helps prevent microbe nests from forming around the hair follicles that are either too dry or too oily. It also plays a part in assuring the quality of keratin by allowing for better molecule oxygenation. Copper contains melanin, which is the pigment that colors hair and skin. Copper may also help reverse graying in those who are copper deficient . (Sandstead HH. Requirements and toxicity of essential trace elements, illustrated by zinc and copper. Am J Clin Nutr ; 61(suppl): 62S–4S., 1995). Iodine is a trace mineral needed to make thyroid hormones that control both the metabolism of fats and the production of energy. It increases resistance to external menaces to the skin and the scalp, and improves circulation of the skin under the follicle. Iodine deficiency may slow down circulation to the scalp, cause hair to fall out, and delay new hair growth. (How ell JG, Staehling NW, Hannon WH, et al. Iodine nutrition in the United States . Trends and public health implications: iodine excretion data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys I and III (1971–1974 and 1988–1994). J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1998; 83:3104–8, 1998). Zinc is required for the synthesis of normal collagen and maintenance of normal connective tissue structures. Zinc may slow hair loss and promote the growth of healthy hair. Zinc is best taken with copper to keep a proper mineral balance in the body. ( Cunnane, S.C., Zinc: Clinical and Biochemical Significance, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, FL, 1988). L-Cysteine is an amino acid and antioxidant. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Cysteine is a major component of skin, hair, and fingernails. L- cysteine supplementation may increase hair shaft diameter and hair growth density, and in some cases may prevent or slow down hair loss . (Neeley MD, Zimmerman L, et al, " Congeners on N-Acetyl-Cysteine but not aminoguanidine act as neurprotectants from the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal." Free Radical. Biol Med., 2000). Inositol, Choline Inositol, and Choline are B- complex vitamins. They work together synergistically, and are responsible for the formation of lecithin in the body. These important vitamins may have a protective effect on hair follicles. ( Peters, Ken; Stuss, David; and Waddell, Nick;. Hair Loss Prevention Through Natural Remedies: A Prescription for Healthier Hair, Apple Pub Co Ltd, 1966). Linoleic Acid is an essential fatty acid found in plant oils. It is used as a supplement for hypertension (high blood pressure), platelet aggregation inhibition (blood thinning), and dermatitis (skin problems). Linoleic Acid has been shown to inhibit 5-Alpha Reductase, which is the cause of testosterone conversion to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is considered to be the main cause of male pattern baldness . (Liang T; Liao S. Inhibition of steroid 5 alpha-reductase by specific aliphatic unsaturated fatty acids. Journal of Biochemistry , 285 (Pt 2):, 557-62, July 15, 1992). Selenium is an essential trace element found in the hair. It helps keep skin and scalp supple and elastic. Selenium has numerous uses, including the control of dandruff. Sources of this helpful element are found in seafoods, meats, milk products, cereals and whole grains, especially wheat. (Panel on Dietary Antioxidants and Related Compounds, Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine , National Academy of Sciences. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. National Academy Press, Washington , D.C. , 2000). Ho-Shou-Wu (Foti) is also known as Polygonum multiflorum. This herb was first recorded in Chinese Medicine in 713 A.D. Ho-Shou-Wu is used to improve the cardiovascular system, enhance immune functions, slow degeneration of glands, improve sexual functions, expand life expectancy, and increase antioxidant activity. In addition, it has been extensively used to restore hair color and increase hair growth. Chinese medical theories believe that the condition of the hair is an indication of the body's internal system. Traditional Chinese medicine views the cause of alopecia as a problem originating in the liver or kidney. When the kidney and/or liver is impaired, the quantity and quality of blood to the scalp is insufficient to nutritionally support proper hair growth . It is believed Ho-Shou-Wu offers the nutrients to restore a rich and vigorous blood flow to the scalp. (Bensky D, and Gamble A. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, rev. ed., Eastland Press, Seattle, WA., 1993). Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense) also known as Shave Grass, and in Chinese medicine as Mu Zei. It contains flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, fatty acids, and sterols (primarily beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and isofucosterol). Horsetail is also a rich source of various minerals, including potassium, selenium, and silica. Silica is necessary for strong and shiny hair. Tumeric (Curcuma longa), is a flowering plant in the ginger family. Tumeric has been used in Asian folk medicines for thousands of years, and is used to treat skin infections and liver ailments which impact the health of hair follicles. ( Park EJ, Jeon CH, Ko G, Kim J, Sohn DH. Protective effect of curcumin in rat liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride . J Pharm Pharmacol ; 52(4): 437-40, April 2000). Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean coast, but is now cultivated worldwide for ornamental, culinary, medicinal, and perfumery purposes. It is used for stimulating hair growth, and preventing premature baldness. Rosemary is also used to treat flaky scalps, and helps controls oily hair . (Zimmermann V. Rosemary as a medicinal plant and wonder-drug. A report on the medieval drug monographs; S udhoffs Arch Z Wissenschaftsgesch; 64(4):351-70,1980). Burdock (Arctium Lappa) has been a favorite medicinal herb for centuries. Burdock root oil extract, also called Bur oil, was traditionally popular in Europe as a scalp treatment to combat hair loss. It is also applied to get rid of dandruff, scalp itching, improve hair strength, shine, and body. (Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics , 2d ed. New York : John Wiley & Sons 107–8, 1996). Birch (Betula alba) is used to treat edema, various bladder and kidney ailments, and poor circulation. It is also said to prevent the formation of kidney stones. Birch sap is used to strengthen the immune system and as a general tonic. It is also used for nearly all skin ailments including dandruff, and to speed hair growth. Birch tar is also used for skin diseases, and to help wounds heal. (Lines, R. Man's use of birch past and present Proc. Roy. Soc. Edinburgh 85: 203-13, 1984). Rose Hips (Rosa canina) are tiny fleshy fruits loaded with nutrition. Rosehips have traditionally been used internally for cold, flues, minor infections, scurvy, diarrhea, and gastritis. Rosehips contain a large amount of bioflavanoids and vitamins, especially Vitamin C. Rose hips have an uplifting, restoring effect on the nervous system, and are often used to relieve insomnia , lift depression , dispel fatigue and soothe irritability . (Vinson J A, Bose P. Comparatve bioavailability to humans of ascorbic acid alone or in a citrus extract. Am J Clin Nutr ; 48:6014, 1988). Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus) is also known as pearl moss. It is a seaweed that grows among submerged rocks off the coast of France , and naturally Ireland . The plant consists of a greenish frond that turns purple when dried. Carrageenan is extracted from the seaweed, and is a natural thickener and emulsifier. It has a skin-smoothing effect, and helps retain moisture in the skin. (Rayment, W.J. & Pizzola, P.F.,. Chondrus crispus . Carrageen. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme Plymouth : Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , 2003). Coltsfoot ( Tussilago farfara). Early in the 18th century, doctors often prescribed Coltsfoot leaves to treat asthma and head colds. Later on, in the 19th century, Coltsfoot was utilized to relieve rashes and ringworm. It is used in modern day cosmetics to soften and regenerate skin. ( Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C (eds). PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale , NJ : Medical Economics Company 1993–5, 1998). Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). The first mention of the Dandelion as a medicine is in the works of the Arabian physicians of the tenth and eleventh centuries. It has along history of use for liver problems. Optimal liver functions, according to Chinese medicine is reflected in healthy hair. (Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston , MA : Integrative Medicine Communications, 119–20, 1998). Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) Primarily affects liver function, enhancing the detoxification mechanism, increasing straining of contaminants, and purification of the bloodstream. It is used in homeopathic medicine for a variety of skin problems. ( Newall CA , Anderson LA , Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London : Pharmaceutical Press, 274, 1996). Elder Flowers (Sambucus nigra). Native American herbalists used the plant for infections , coughs , and skin conditions. Elder flowers are a mild astringent, and are used in skin washes to refine the complexion and help relieve eczema, acne and psoriasis The flowers, leaves, berries, bark and roots have all been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries. The berries contain more vitamin C than any other herb except rosehips and black currant. ( Youdim KA, Martin A, Joseph JA. Incorporation of the elderberry anthocyanins by endothelial cells increases protection against oxidative stress. Free Radical Biol Med ;29:51–60, 2000).
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