There are a number of treatments available to sufferers of depression who are looking for more help than using antidepressants alone in fighting depression. Treatments ranging from herbs and acupuncture to guided imagery are all finding their place in an ever modernising approach to treating depression. Although this field of medicine is vast, it is worth looking at treatments that are becoming increasingly popular with those looking to help them deal with their depression.

There are a number of herbal treatments available all claiming to relieve the symptoms of depression. Very few of them however do as most are unstudied or have had limited studies into their effectiveness.

Those herbs that are effective are just a few that have undergone multiple clinical trials whose outcome provides clinic proof backed by research. It is important to note that these herbs have proven to be effective only when taking the correct dosage of the herb and in a quality equal or greater to that used in the studies. There is conclusive proof that pharmaceutical-grade St John’s Wort is very effective in relieving the symptoms of depression. Studies have found that high quality St John’s Wort is just as effective as popular anti-depressive drugs such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil. It also causes less side-effects than the anti-depressive drugs. Studies have thus indicated that high quality St John’s Wort is the most effect herbal treatment available for depression.

Ginkgo Biloba is considered to be the oldest living tree species in existence. Ginkgo Biloba is affective in increasing blood flow throughout the body. This includes the brain where it helps increase memory function. Memory impairment is one of the symptoms of depression and very prevalent in a major depressive episode.

Meditation is the art of breathing. Maintaining a steady breath while sitting relaxes the body and mind. You cultivate mindfulness by concentrating on the present moment and what it brings to you. Some say it is about clearing the mind of clutter, but that is not the sole purpose of meditation. Daily practice will promote relaxation not just during sitting but throughout the day.

Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to various parts of the hands and feet such that it will stimulate the body to heal itself. These various points are said to represent various parts of the human body, and by applying pressure to them, they induce healing in that particular part of the body.

The ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture involves ‘puncturing’ the patients skin with very fine needles into carefully positioned points on the human body. Acupuncture stimulates the release of chemicals that alleviate the sensation of pain. It also corrects imbalances by stimulating the body functions to fight illnesses and conditions such as depression.

Massage is the art of using touch to promote relaxation concentrating on the link between mind and body. When the body is relaxed this is believed to promote relaxation and calmness in the mind. This will lead to lowering symptoms of depression. There are a number of massage therapies available such as shiatsu, Swedish and spinal release therapy.

Guided Imagery uses powerful mental image techniques to promote harmony between the mind and body. The patient is encouraged to see peaceful mental images that create calm within the mind of the patient. This is taught as a coping skill that can be used to fight unhealthy negative emotions such as anger, as well as helping relieving pain, stress and depression. It can also help relieve insomnia which is a symptom of depression and anxiety.

Physical exercise produces endorphins which cause a natural ‘high’ felt by the person. Exercise is known to relax the body and mind along with relieving stress and depression.

The Top Four Herbs - The Four %26quot;G%26quot;s For Ultimate Health

It’s true; the top four herbs in the world are all begin with the letter G. They are ginger, ginkgo biloba, garlic and ginseng. These mighty four herbs cure and prevent literally hundreds of ailments. Here is what each of them can do for you!Ginger. Although widely used in cooking, but is a very powerful anti-oxidant Ginger is more than just a spice and is widely used as a digestive aid used in the treatment and prevention of nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain. Ginger is also used to alleviate menstrual cramps, morning sickness, and postoperative sickness. In addition, ginger is effective in maintaining a clean and healthy colon.Ginger helps relief the symptoms of colds, flu, and coughs, acts as an effective anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritis, acts to relieve both high cholesterol levels and blood pressure, relieves headaches and toothaches. Eating ginger regularly is said to reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Ginkgo Biloba. The Ginkgo tree is considered a living fossil. It is the oldest living tree, and has been around for more than 200 million years. The Chinese have passed it down to our current generations, and considered a vital herb for health and longevity. Ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain and the rest of the body.It aids metabolism, increases the oxygen flow to the brain, the boosts the nervous system. It will aid memory and act to keep the mind active. Ginkgo is a powerful anti-oxidant, and will also keep cholesterol levels in the body to normal levels. Ginkgo comes close to being a panacea. Garlic. Garlic has gained recognition as a medicinal remedy in both Chinese and Western cultures. Considered as a panacea, garlic and has often been referred to as a wonder drug. Garlic’s active ingredient allicin, aggressively destroys, and inhibits various bacteria and fungi. Garlic is effective in lowering the risk of heart disease, has anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, and enhances the resistance of the immune system. Additionally, garlic is said to protect the liver from damage induced by pollutants i.e. synthetic drugs. Eating garlic regularly will help in the treatment of digestive disorders, diarrhea, and food poisoning. Additionally, garlic helps in the treatment of high blood pressure, bladder infection, flu, liver and gallbladder problems, sinusitis, Ginseng. Ginseng is one of the most popular healing herbs ever used. It is ancient, and as is important today as it was thousands of years ago. Ginseng is an effective general rejuvenator and tonic. Additionally ginseng contains vitamins A, B-6 and the mineral zinc, which promotes the production of thymic hormones, necessary for the functioning of the immune system and is often prescribed to ward of colds and minor illnesses. Ginseng helps the body to manage stress. Ginseng increases estrogen levels in women and is used to treat menopausal symptoms. Chinese medicine uses ginseng in the treatment of diabetes, as it helps lower blood sugar. It acts as an appetite stimulant, and is believed to possess anti-cancer properties.Ginseng aids in promoting sleep, it enhances endurance, stamina, performance and general wellbeing. It stimulates the immune system and the ability of body to ward off common aliments. Ginseng relieves tension and anxiety and improves mental alertness. It is used to normalize blood pressure and increase blood circulation. The Chinese use it as a sexual stimulator. Ginseng reduces the risk of heart disease; it improves memory, concentration and cognitive abilities.So these are the mighty 4 “G” herbs, and can be taken daily in combination without fear. Enhance your life, your lifestyle, and be healthy.

Ginseng - Increase Libido Naturally With This Time Tested Chinese Herb

Beware of Inferior QualityToday, Ginseng has entered into the mainstream and is commonly seen on health food shelves - but don’t be fooled, many of the these supplements do not contain enough quantity or quality ginseng to have any affect whatsoever on the body.When buying, look for Ginseng extract from the root, (rather than leaf) which is up to more powerful 500% more potent! than leaf extract and keep in mind Ginseng is like a wine the older it gets the better it gets so really only look for Ginseng in the product which is at least 20 years old. In Ginseng there is a huge difference in terms of potency and strength and all Ginseng is definitely not to the same. Combining With Other Herbs In Chinese Medicine overall health and sexual health are linked. You need to heal the whole and while Ginseng helps boost blood flow and energy, two of the major components of sex drive, its best to combine it with other herbs and 3 popular ones are: Horny Goat Weed, Cnidium and Ginkgo Biloba which all act to help increase energy and blood flow. Today, many companies are blending formulas which contain all these in one potent cocktail to increase libido and boost overall wellness. Finally… Ginseng remains one of the most potent tonic herbs in the world and if you get quality Ginseng it can not only boost your libido but also your overall sense of wellbeing. It’s been used for thousands of years and if you try it, you maybe glad you did.

Male Sex Drive - How to Increase it Naturally and Enjoy Better Sex

If you are in general good health and just find your libido has dropped and you don’t have the rush of desire you used to, then you can increase male sex drive naturally, with these proven herbs… So Why Does Sex Drive Fall? As we get older it falls naturally and the most common causes include: Low testosterone and nitric oxide levels that decline with age - the latter nitric oxide, is a key cause of low libido, as it is the chemical that relaxes the blood vessels allowing blood to pool and create an erection. If you don’t get enough, you simply will never get an erection. Another common cause is sluggish blood circulation, this of course is important for overall health and vital for sex drive and last but not least - fatigue tiredness and low energy levels. When your energy levels drop the body diverts what it has to what it considers more important matters. Fighting Back!You can fight back at any age and increase male sex drive and the good news is you can do it naturally with some proven herbs to enhance and rejuvenate libido.Let’s look at some herbs, which if combined with a sensible diet, are proven to give your libido a lift. Let’s start with one which can attack 3 key problems of low libido - Horny Goat Weed. A great name yes and it works.It increases nitric oxide production and free testosterone levels in the body, as well as decreasing stress levels and raising energy, to make you feel more in the mood. Another herb to combine with the above is Cnidium which although not well known in the West is one of the most important herbs for boosting libido. Again it raises nitric oxide levels and acts as a blood tonic and promotes better blood circulation. Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba also help to achieve strong blood circulation to all areas of the body and keep the blood vessels healthy. These tonic herbs also help combat stress, lift energy levels and make you feel better.Finally, let’s throw in another energy herb Schizandra Berries. This ancient powerful Chinese herb increases sexual stamina and strengthens the sex organs and also helps fight tiredness and stress. So we have with the above combination of herbs given a way to increase testosterone, nitric oxide and get the blood pumping. On a mental level, we have lifted mood, decreased stress and injected the body with energy, so you feel in the mood!These are not the only herbs you can use - but their certainly some of the best for increasing male libido and the good news is they will also make you feel better and make you healthier to and that’s good news.So if you want to increase male sex drive, get some proven herbs and eat sensibly. You are what you eat and what you put in your body can have a profound affect on your sexual and general health.

Herbal Medication For Depression Can Work

Clinical depression is a serious mental illness that can haveserious consequences if left untreated. When prescription medicationsdon’t seem to work, or a more natural route is desired, many optionsare available. Some people find herbal medication for depression givesthem the boost they need. Herbal medication for depression can beparticularly useful when combined with other natural forms oftherapy.There is a number of herbal medication for depression that haveproven themselves quite useful. Their use, however, isn’t always backedby clinical studies. Additionally, some come with precautions.. Despitesome potential pitfalls, many users find herbal medication fordepression are very helpful for them.Common Herbal Medication For Depression OptionsThere are a number of common herbal medication for depression thatpeople use for mild cases, or even in more serious ones. Specially whencombined with other forms of therapy together they keep the symptoms incheck. They include:• St. John’s Wort - This herbal remedy for depression is a favoriteamong many patients. It is fairly affordable, easy to find and easy totake. It does have some potential side effects, however. It can alsointeract very poorly with prescription antidepressants. Consideringthis, it is important to exercise caution when using this herbalmedication for depression specially that it is not a proven therapy.• S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) - A healthy body makes all the SAMe itneeds, so there is no dietary requirements. However, SAMe levels can bereduced by deficiencies in vitamin B12, folate ormethionine. Sine SAMe is not found in required quantities in foods, itmust be taken as a supplement. Unfortunately, this herbal medicationfor depression is one of the most expensive supplements.• Ginkgo Biloba - This herbal remedy for depression is rather widelyused. It comes with a few side effects and is known to interact withcertain medications. It is recommended that patients carefully reviewthe precautions and let their physicians know about its introductioninto routine. Despite some warnings, this herbal medication fordepression has held up fairly well in clinical trials in regard to itseffectiveness in treating several mental-related conditions.• Siberian Ginseng - This herbal medication for depression has shown agreat deal of promise in studies. It does have a few known side effectsand interactions with other medicines. It is advised that a physicianbe consulted before introducing this herbal medication for depressioninto routine.There is a number of other possible herbal medications patients withdepression might consider. If depression is truly clinical in nature,however, it is wise to seek out professional counseling before takingany medications, herbal or otherwise. In cases of depression, a fullblown medical therapy might be in order to help people really combattheir symptoms effectively.

The Top Four Herbs - The Four %26quot;G%26quot;s For Ultimate Health

It’s true; the top four herbs in the world are all begin with the letter G. They are ginger, ginkgo biloba, garlic and ginseng. These mighty four herbs cure and prevent literally hundreds of ailments. Here is what each of them can do for you!Ginger. Although widely used in cooking, but is a very powerful anti-oxidant Ginger is more than just a spice and is widely used as a digestive aid used in the treatment and prevention of nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain. Ginger is also used to alleviate menstrual cramps, morning sickness, and postoperative sickness. In addition, ginger is effective in maintaining a clean and healthy colon.Ginger helps relief the symptoms of colds, flu, and coughs, acts as an effective anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritis, acts to relieve both high cholesterol levels and blood pressure, relieves headaches and toothaches. Eating ginger regularly is said to reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Ginkgo Biloba. The Ginkgo tree is considered a living fossil. It is the oldest living tree, and has been around for more than 200 million years. The Chinese have passed it down to our current generations, and considered a vital herb for health and longevity. Ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain and the rest of the body.It aids metabolism, increases the oxygen flow to the brain, the boosts the nervous system. It will aid memory and act to keep the mind active. Ginkgo is a powerful anti-oxidant, and will also keep cholesterol levels in the body to normal levels. Ginkgo comes close to being a panacea. Garlic. Garlic has gained recognition as a medicinal remedy in both Chinese and Western cultures. Considered as a panacea, garlic and has often been referred to as a wonder drug. Garlic’s active ingredient allicin, aggressively destroys, and inhibits various bacteria and fungi. Garlic is effective in lowering the risk of heart disease, has anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, and enhances the resistance of the immune system. Additionally, garlic is said to protect the liver from damage induced by pollutants i.e. synthetic drugs. Eating garlic regularly will help in the treatment of digestive disorders, diarrhea, and food poisoning. Additionally, garlic helps in the treatment of high blood pressure, bladder infection, flu, liver and gallbladder problems, sinusitis, Ginseng. Ginseng is one of the most popular healing herbs ever used. It is ancient, and as is important today as it was thousands of years ago. Ginseng is an effective general rejuvenator and tonic. Additionally ginseng contains vitamins A, B-6 and the mineral zinc, which promotes the production of thymic hormones, necessary for the functioning of the immune system and is often prescribed to ward of colds and minor illnesses. Ginseng helps the body to manage stress. Ginseng increases estrogen levels in women and is used to treat menopausal symptoms. Chinese medicine uses ginseng in the treatment of diabetes, as it helps lower blood sugar. It acts as an appetite stimulant, and is believed to possess anti-cancer properties.Ginseng aids in promoting sleep, it enhances endurance, stamina, performance and general wellbeing. It stimulates the immune system and the ability of body to ward off common aliments. Ginseng relieves tension and anxiety and improves mental alertness. It is used to normalize blood pressure and increase blood circulation. The Chinese use it as a sexual stimulator. Ginseng reduces the risk of heart disease; it improves memory, concentration and cognitive abilities.So these are the mighty 4 “G” herbs, and can be taken daily in combination without fear. Enhance your life, your lifestyle, and be healthy.

How does vitamin E capsules reverse the signs of aging?

We all want to look young and gorgeous for a long time, we dont like to age and loose our natural beauty of our body, this is why most people seek quick solutions to reverse the signs of aging, however you dont need to take harmful or risky surgery treatments, there are natural supplements and vitamins that if you taken every day will make a huge difference in your body.One of the most used vitamins to reverse the signs of aging is Vitamin E as well as Vitamin C. Our body creates anti oxidants that protect us from free radicals that are the cause of premature aging, cancer and heart disease. However as we age our body losses its ability to produce anti oxidants on its own and then the free free radicals produce harmful oxidation that damage our body tissues.That is the reason why we should take anti oxidants as we grow up to help our body neutralize the free radical and maintain our body and skin look. Some of the anti oxidant sources are fruits and vegetables because they contain vitmain E and C which have anti oxidants that help our body.So it has become common to take multivitamin capsules that have antioxidant properties. However they are not the only source of it, some experts claim that there are more potent antioxidants like:Green, Tea, Turmeric, Hawthorn, Ginkgo biloba, Red Clover, Bilberry, Alpha Lipoic Acid.Now its your choice to start taking some vitamins to reverse the sings of aging, however there are also some creams that contain the necessary vitamins for your skin to destroy free radicals and stimulate collagen for a much better smooth and glowing skin. My recommendation is to use both methods so you can get the most beneficial results in a short period of time and look years younger.

Herbal Hair Loss Remedies That Offer Hope

Herbs hold an obvious appeal for many people because they support the body’s natural healing mechanisms to target the cause of the problem, as opposed to merely tackling the symptoms. It would be wrong to present herbal hair loss remedies as a miracle solution for all sufferers — there is however growing evidence to support the view that some herbal remedies offer real hope to many people.Let’s examine the case for some of the more popular remedies to determine if they’re worth trying.Ginkgo biloba: This popular herb is thought to improve blood circulation to the brain and skin. Herbalists believe that the increased flow of blood to the brain area delivers more nutrients to the hair follicles thus promoting hair regrowth. The recommended dose is 120-160mg of dry extract each day spread over three doses.Green tea (Camellia sinesis): It is thought that catechins found in green tea may inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone into hair-unfriendly DHT. It is therefore believed to be effective in preventing and treating male pattern type baldness. You should drink several cups of green tea each day or take it in capsule form as instructed by the manufacturer.He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum): Also known as Fo-Ti, this Chinese herb has traditionally been used to reduce hair loss. It is found in many commercial preparations, or in tea and capsule form.Pygeum (Pygeum africanum): Derived from the bark of an evergreen, it works in a similar way to green tea. It is widely used to treat prostate problems and male pattern baldness. Users should take 60-500mg per day in pill or capsule form.Saw palmetto (Seranoa repens): This is the current treatment of choice for many men due to its ability to protect the prostate, slow hair loss and encourage hair regrowth. It forms the core element of many commercially prepared hair loss treatments but can easily be obtained in its pure form. The recommended dose is a 160mg capsule twice each day, but make sure the ingredients are made from the berry extract not the dried berries themselves.Stinging nettle (Urtica diocia): This has long been favored as a means of preventing hair loss due to its ability to block the conversion of testosterone into DHT. It can be taken in pill or capsule form with an optimum dose of 50-100mg per day. It is particularly effective when combined with pygeum and saw palmetto.VIOLICA (www.violica.com) is India’s only online beauty store which offers a wide range of hair care products.

Ginkgo Biloba can Boost Memory, Improve Circulation And More

Ginkgo biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, grows naturally in two small areas of Eastern China. It is believed that even these sources are artificial, and planted and maintained by monks over many centuries, and that there are no true natural sources of the tree left. Other than these, all living ginkgo trees are now artificially farmed. The ginkgo seeds contain nuts that are a traditional food in China, served at Chinese New Year, and on other special occasions such as weddings, and is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. The seeds have been used in the treatment of coughs and asthma, and during the late 1970s and 80s, the uses of ginkgo biloba in medicine was extensively investigated with a view to determine the range of conditions that the tree could be used to treat. Given that many ancient Chinese remedies have found to be effective, and with a relevant scientific basis, this was a logical step.It has been established that ginkgo biloba could have three possible effects on the body. These are:* Improvement in circulation including that in the small capillaries.* An antioxidant effect against free radicals.* Prevention of some of the harmful effects of blood clotting and aggregation of platelets. The last of these has been responsible for many cardiovascular conditions, and disorders of the kidneys, lungs and central nervous system, and is due to the effect of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) that ginkgo appears to inhibit. Before delving deeper into the possible beneficial effects of Ginkgo, let us first examine the active ingredients believed to be involved in the perceived beneficial effects. Ginkgo leaf extract contains terpenoids (bilobalides and ginkgolides) and flavonoid glycosides. Flavones can reduce the fragility of capillaries, and protect the body from blood loss through damaged capillaries, particularly in the brain. The Ginkgolides, particularly ginkgolide B, inhibit the platelet-activating factor and so increase the fluidity of the blood that improves circulation, again particularly in the micro-capillaries of the brain. This is also why it is believed to reduce the incidence of cerebral thrombosis and resultant strokes. The antioxidant effect of ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has been widely studied, and by scavenging free radicals the extract can help to prevent cell membrane damage, and so prevent cells from being destroyed. It has been established that pretreatment of cells with GBE can prevent such damage in rats.The anti-inflammatory properties of ginkgo biloba, as seen in some asthma patients for example, is thought to be due to the inhibition of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) by ginkgolide B, PAF playing a significant part in the inflammatory response to allergens, and PAF is now believed to be responsible for conditions such as asthma, renal diseases, central nervous system disorders and ischemia, a restriction in the blood supply, particularly to the brain. It follows, therefore, that the effect of GBE on these conditions is likely to be due to PAF inhibition, and a reduction in the inflammatory response to a number of conditions. What evidence is there for this? In fact, results of the trials carried out have been inconclusive one way or the other.Hence, a trial published by the Journal of the American Medical Association reported no effects after a 6 week trial of Ginkgo on Alzheimer’s and memory disorders. However, other trials have indicated positive effects after 6 weeks, and it could be that the GBE has to be taken for more than 6 weeks for any effects to be noticed. It is certainly believed to be a longer term treatment rather than have instant results, although some tests have shown improvement in concentration for up to 2.5 hours after treatment. The bulk of the evidence is favorable on the effect of GBE on memory disorders. Test on rats, in which the blood flow to the brain was mechanically blocked by carotid compression, indicated that ginkgo biloba promoted an increase in the glucose and ATP levels in the brain neurons. Other trials have indicated that neurological damage in mice subjected to neurotoxins was reduced by the administration of GBE, and while not conclusive with respect to humans, the effect of GBE on the brain appears to be more than just opinion. To sum up, ginkgo biloba is believed to be effective in treating the following disorders by virtue of its effect in improving the fluidity of the blood, protecting fragile capillaries from damage, exerting an antioxidant effect on free radices, and so prevent damage to cell membranes, and its inhibiting effect on platelet-activating factor:Circulation ProblemsCirculation problems in the arteries can lead to blood clots that in turn cause strokes and cardiac problems. By preventing blood clots through the inhibition of PAF, ginkgolide B can help to maintain a healthy circulation system that also help to maintain circulation in the very small capillaries that feed the brain. AtherosclerosisThis is caused by hardening and blockage of the arteries, and one of the effects of ginkgo biloba is to soften the arteries, help to unblock them and to prevent plaque formation by its antioxidant effect on the free radicals that cause the plaque by oxidation of LDL lipids. This is particularly true of the cerebral arteries. Memory ImpairmentThe increased blood flow to the brain that GBE promotes can help to improve memory, although test are indicating that treatment has to continue for 6 weeks or more for it to be effective. Reduced blood flow to the brain is a common cause of memory impairment.Alzheimer’s diseaseGinkgo biloba has been used in the treatment of the symptoms of this condition, although it cannot be cured. It is thought that the improved circulation in the brain makes best use of the unaffected brain cells, improving memory and cognitive thought. Reynard’s DiseaseThis is a condition where the extremities fail to warm up after being exposed to cold, and is caused by poor circulation in the small capillaries in which the blood pressure is very low. They symptoms are numbness and pins and needles, and GBE helps to overcome this condition due to improvement in the circulation and protection of the capillaries by rendering them less fragile. VertigoGBE can help to reduce the symptoms of vertigo such as nausea and dizziness. This is believed, once again, to be due to an improvement in blood circulation. There are few doubts that ginkgo biloba extract improves the circulation, particularly in the micro-capillaries in the brain and extremities of the body, and also possesses antioxidant properties, both of which help to maintain and improve the memory, and that combined with its effect on the platelet-activating factor, most of the properties of GBE is due to its capacity to maintain and improve circulation, particularly through those blood vessels closest to the blood-brain barrier.

Herbs hold an obvious appeal for many people because they support the body’s natural healing mechanisms to target the cause of the problem, as opposed to merely tackling the symptoms. It would be wrong to present herbal hair loss remedies as a miracle solution for all sufferers — there is however growing evidence to support the view that some herbal remedies offer real hope to many people. Let’s examine the case for some of the more popular remedies to determine if they’re worth trying. Ginkgo biloba: This popular herb is thought to improve blood circulation to the brain and skin. Herbalists believe that the increased flow of blood to the brain area delivers more nutrients to the hair follicles thus promoting hair regrowth. The recommended dose is 120-160mg of dry extract each day spread over three doses. Green tea (Camellia sinesis): It is thought that catechins found in green tea may inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone into hair-unfriendly DHT. It is therefore believed to be effective in preventing and treating male pattern type baldness. You should drink several cups of green tea each day or take it in capsule form as instructed by the manufacturer. He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum): Also known as Fo-Ti, this Chinese herb has traditionally been used to reduce hair loss. It is found in many commercial preparations, or in tea and capsule form. Pygeum (Pygeum africanum): Derived from the bark of an evergreen, it works in a similar way to green tea. It is widely used to treat prostate problems and male pattern baldness. Users should take 60-500mg per day in pill or capsule form. Saw palmetto (Seranoa repens): This is the current treatment of choice for many men due to its ability to protect the prostate, slow hair loss and encourage hair regrowth. It forms the core element of many commercially prepared hair loss treatments but can easily be obtained in its pure form. The recommended dose is a 160mg capsule twice each day, but make sure the ingredients are made from the berry extract not the dried berries themselves. Stinging nettle (Urtica diocia): This has long been favored as a means of preventing hair loss due to its ability to block the conversion of testosterone into DHT. It can be taken in pill or capsule form with an optimum dose of 50-100mg per day. It is particularly effective when combined with pygeum and saw palmetto. VIOLICA (www.violica.com) is India’s only online beauty store which offers a wide range of hair care products.