As a doctor, I’ve always been intrigued by the science behind various health conditions, and I never thought I’d experience a perplexing issue like severe hair loss myself.
In this blog post, I’ll take you through my journey, delving into the roles stress, hormonal imbalances, and mineral deficiencies play in contributing to telogen effluvium.
We’ll also explore the three stages of hair growth to understand this phenomenon better. So, settle in with a warm cup of matcha tea and begin our journey together.
I will also give you a step by step instructions to prepare and apply my natural remedy for a thick hair growth post covid.
Hair fall or hair loss after recovering from COVID-19 is a condition known as telogen effluvium. Various factors, including severe illnesses, high fever, emotional stress, and nutritional deficiencies, can trigger this condition. COVID-19 may induce telogen effluvium due to the stress and inflammation it causes in the body.
Ever since I recovered from COVID-19, I couldn’t help but notice that my hair was falling out at an alarming rate. Each time I brushed my hair or ran my fingers through it, I would find strands tangled between my fingers, causing me great distress. I felt uncertain about what was happening, and my once-lush hair now seemed to thin rapidly.
Sitting in my room one day, I remembered a conversation with my grandma years ago. She told how she had struggled with hair loss when she was younger and discovered a remedy passed down through generations in our family. I could almost hear her gentle voice as I recalled the tale and felt a glimmer of hope.
My grandmother explained that the secret to her thick, beautiful hair was a blend of rosemary-infused coconut oil, a recipe she had learned from her grandmother. She had assured me that this natural concoction would help soothe the scalp, strengthen the hair, and ultimately reduce hair fall.
Intrigued and hopeful, I decided to give it a try. I pieced together the process of making the rosemary-infused coconut oil from my memories of my grandmother’s instructions – selecting the freshest rosemary sprigs and gently heating the coconut oil for the perfect infusion. The comforting fragrance that filled my kitchen as I prepared the oil reminded me of my grandmother, and I felt a sense of reassurance that I was on the path to restoring my hair’s health.
Over the next few weeks, I diligently followed the application method she shared. It became a cherished ritual when I felt connected to her and the generations of women in our family who had benefited from this age-old remedy.
Slowly but surely, I started to notice a change. My hair seemed stronger, and I found fewer strands on my hairbrush each day. As the weeks turned into months, my hair continued to improve, and my once-thinning locks began to regain their former thickness and vitality.
A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining overall health, including hair health. Nutritional deficiencies can negatively impact the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss.
Here’s a detailed explanation of how some essential nutrients affect hair health and the consequences of their deficiencies:
Source: Rich sources of iron include red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, and fortified cereals.
Source: Zinc-rich foods include oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, and whole grains.
Source: Rich sources of biotin include eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, legumes, and sweet potatoes.
Source: You can obtain vitamin D through sunlight exposure, eating fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk, and supplements.
Source: Good protein sources include lean meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, legumes, and soy.
Source: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
Severe illnesses, such as COVID-19, can cause significant stress on the body, leading to hormonal imbalances that may result in hair loss. Hormones, including the hair growth cycle, are crucial in the body’s functions. When hormonal levels are disrupted, it can impact the normal growth cycle of hair and lead to hair shedding or thinning.
The hair growth cycle consists of three phases:
In a healthy hair growth cycle, most hair follicles are in the anagen phase, while a smaller percentage is in the telogen phase. However, hormonal imbalances can cause a larger number of hair follicles to enter the telogen phase prematurely, leading to an increase in hair shedding, a condition known as telogen effluvium.
Some hormones that can be affected by severe illness and stress include cortisol, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. For instance, cortisol, commonly known as the “stress hormone,” tends to increase during stress and can affect the body’s ability to maintain a normal hormonal balance. Thyroid hormones, which help regulate metabolism and other body functions, can also be disrupted during illness, leading to hair growth imbalances.
In addition, sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone play a role in hair growth and maintenance. Severe illness can impact the production and balance of these hormones, leading to hair loss or thinning in some individuals.
Time needed: 15 hours
Ingredients:
Fresh or dried rosemary sprigs (2-3 tablespoons of dried rosemary or a handful of fresh sprigs)
1 cup of coconut oil (preferably virgin or cold-pressed)
If using fresh rosemary, thoroughly wash the sprigs and pat them dry with a clean or paper towel. Ensure no moisture is on the rosemary, as water can cause the oil to spoil.
Remove the leaves from the stems if using fresh rosemary. If using dried rosemary, measure out 2-3 tablespoons.
In a small saucepan or double boiler, gently heat the coconut oil until it completely melts. Be careful not to overheat the oil.
Once the coconut oil is melted, add the fresh or dried rosemary leaves to the oil, stirring gently to ensure the rosemary is evenly distributed.
Allow the rosemary to infuse in the coconut oil over low heat for 1-3 hours, depending on the desired strength of the infusion.
Stir occasionally to ensure an even infusion.
Be careful not to let the oil get too hot or simmer, as this can damage the beneficial properties of both the rosemary and the coconut oil.
After the infusion, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool down for a few minutes. Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a clean, dry jar or container, and carefully pour the infused oil through the strainer to remove the rosemary leaves. You can use a spoon to press the rosemary leaves to extract any remaining oil.
Once the oil has been strained, seal the jar or container with an airtight lid and store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. The rosemary-infused coconut oil should last for several months if stored properly.
In conclusion, understanding the various factors contributing to hair loss, especially post-COVID recovery is essential for promoting hair health and overall well-being.
Embracing natural remedies and time-honored traditions, like my grandmother’s rosemary-infused coconut oil, can provide a gentle and effective approach to addressing hair loss and fostering wellness.
As we continue to explore the power of natural healing, it’s vital to remain open-minded and curious about how nature can support our health and well-being. If you want to learn more about natural healing practices and their role in overall wellness, I invite you to subscribe to our blogs.
Stay informed about our latest insights, tips, and discoveries as we journey toward a more holistic understanding of health and the incredible potential of nature’s offerings.
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