What is the Connection Between Saw Palmetto and Hair?

The connection between saw palmetto and hair is related to the possibility that saw palmetto promotes hair growth in men and women who are losing their hair. Hair loss, also commonly referred to as alopecia, is typically the result of the hormone testosterone turning into dihydrotestosterone. The hormone dihydrotestosterone is considered responsible for pattern baldness in most people. There is an enzyme in the berries of the saw palmetto plant that may block the conversion of the hormone. More research is needed to determine whether there is anything to the link between saw palmetto and hair loss prevention, but there have been some studies done that showed promising results.

Saw palmetto is a type of dwarf palm that is native to the coasts of Georgia and Florida in the United States. In addition to treatment for hair loss, Native Americans discovered its potential to help with problems relating to the urinary tract and breasts in women. It has also been used as a treatment for asthma. Saw palmetto can still be found growing wild on the southeastern coast of North America and is widely available for sale both online and in most health food stores as an herbal supplement.

A person who is interested in taking saw palmetto because of the possible benefits relating to saw palmetto and hair loss can purchase it in supplement form. The recommended dosage for most people is about 150 to 300 mg per day, but less or more may be needed depending on a person's height and weight. There are many different brands that put out saw palmetto, and the dosage per capsule typically varies among suppliers. For this reason, it's very important for a person to read the label carefully so he or she will know how much of the herb is in each capsule.

There may be something to the link between saw palmetto and hair loss, but a person who is interested in taking it should probably talk to a doctor about it first. Even though there are many possible benefits to taking saw palmetto, there are also some potentially dangerous side effects. Mild side effects, such as stomach upset and bad breath, are common, but people who are on blood thinners should probably avoid saw palmetto because it acts as a natural blood thinner. Taking saw palmetto in addition to prescription blood thinners might result in the blood becoming dangerously thin. Saw palmetto might also affect hormone levels, and people who have hormone disorders should probably exercise caution before taking it.