Ginger has been used in herbal medicine for centuries – for digestive ailments and inflammatory conditions. In recent years, this pungent spice has been “discovered” by social media influencers touting its benefits for the hair and scalp. Claims abound that ginger can make the scalp healthier and regrow lost hair. These assertions are exciting, but are they true?
Is Ginger a DHT Blocker?
A huge driver of hair loss, particularly androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss), is an excess of (and inherited sensitivity to) a testosterone byproduct called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High DHT levels shrink the hair follicles and shorten the hair’s growth cycle… both of which lead to hair loss and much of it permanent.
There are a handful of claims but little hard evidence that ginger blocks DHT. There are other natural DHT blockers like saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, and reishi mushroom that show far more promise at lowering DHT levels and slowing hair loss. At this time, the only fully researched, FDA-approved DHT blocker is the oral medication finasteride – sold under the name Propecia®.
Can Using Ginger on Your Hair or Scalp Improve its Health?
While there isn’t much Western research on ginger and hair loss, it may indeed be helpful for certain scalp conditions. Ginger is packed with antioxidants that improve circulation, which in turn helps to nourish hair follicles.
Foreign studies indicate that using ginger extract helps reduce oxidative stress in the hair of alopecia areata patients, improving their hair growth. Ginger also may reduce scalp inflammation, dandruff, and acne above the hairline.
Are Gingerbread Cookies Good for You?
While ginger has some helpful anti-inflammatory properties, gingerbread isn’t its most efficient delivery system. An average gingerbread cookie contains more than 250 calories, mostly from sugar and saturated fats.
If you want to add ginger to your diet, consider consuming it in teas, marinades, or as an accent in vegetable dishes. Save the gingerbread cookies for special occasions only. They’re good for the soul, but probably not so much for your health and hair.
Can Too Much Ginger Cause Hair Loss?
Consuming too much ginger can have unpleasant side effects like nausea, gas, bloating, heartburn, or diarrhea. Some studies suggest that ginger actually may be bad for your hair as well – suppressing hair growth and prolonging its shedding phase. Whether taken orally or applied directly to the scalp, be aware that ginger may have unintended negative effects on your body or your hair.
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