Green tea has been used for centuries to cure a variety of
health problems, from minor headaches to depression. Full of antioxidants,
green tea contains vitamin B, folate, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and
caffeine. This is said to make it ideal for those who are experiencing hair
loss, and here The London Centre of Trichology explains the full benefits of
green tea.
Green Tea Traditions
Green tea leaves are richer in antioxidants than other types
of teas, due to the different way that they are processed. The traditional
Chinese way of producing green tea involves steaming and then drying the leaves
for preservation. This is much healthier than other methods used for teas such
as black tea and oolong, which involve fermentation of the plant leaves.
It was originally believed that the catechins, a type of
natural phenol and antioxidant found in green tea, could reduce hair loss due
to their inhibiting properties of 5-alpha-reductase. However further studies
have found this link to be weak, and have stated that it is the
anti-inflammatory properties of green tea which are responsible for preventing
hair loss.
A later study found that mice suffering from hair loss who
were given green tea in their drinking water stopped losing as much hair, and
some even began to grow hair once again. Once again this was proved inaccurate
due to the vast differences between mice and humans. The green tea given to the
mice also held high levels of polyphenols in it, and to get a similar result we
would need to be drinking green tea throughout the day and night.
Relaxing Properties
Green tea does, nonetheless, have relaxing properties and can
reduce stress in both men and women. Stress is a known contributor to hair
loss, so drinking a few cups of green tea a day could help reduce your stress
levels. Another benefit of this tea is its strong antiseptic properties, which
can reduce both dandruff and scalp flaking to alleviate hair loss which has
occurred as a result of a dry scalp.
It has also been found that green tea contains high levels of
vitamin B, which is commonly found in hair products, especially conditioners,
to nourish and strengthen hair. This is often used to prevent split ends,
soften the hair and strengthen the hair follicle to leave you with silky and
smooth hair. To apply this to the hair, create a green tea rinse using freshly
brewed tea which, when cooled, can then be applied directly onto the scalp. This
is said to stimulate your hair follicles and help to prevent problems such as
dandruff.
Health Benefits
If you find the tea too bitter to drink, it is worth knowing
the best temperatures to brew it at. Tea brewed at a lower temperature and for
less time will be sweeter, while tea that is steeped for longer or at higher
temperatures can often turn out bitter. A benefit of brewing the tea at lower
temperatures is that this will release more theanine, a chemical that is
responsible for increasing the production of dopamine in the brain, which in
turn will (hopefully) give you a happy and alert sensation.
Although the effects of green tea on hair loss are not yet
certain, it’s worth drinking for its other benefits, such as boosting weight
loss educing cholesterol and possibly even helping to guard against cancer.
At the London Centre of Trichology, we offer
a variety of natural treatments for hair loss. Contact us today for a free
consultation.
