Illnesses from A to Z
Hair loss
It is completely normal to lose a few hairs every day. Every hair root passes through various cycles, which are characterised by growth, a quiet phase and by the expulsion of the hair. In this way, our hair continuously renews itself without this being clearly visible. However, the ratio of lost and growing hair is often thrown out of sync: if a person loses more than 100 head hairs every day over a prolonged period, his hair will gradually become more sparse. Medically, this is known as alopecia, baldness of the head caused by hair loss. One in two men experiences androgenetic alopecia as early as around the age of 30: initially, the typical receding hairline is formed, then the hair thins at the top of the back of the head, later only a fringe of hair is left or the head even becomes completely bald. The cause is a genetic oversensitivity of the hair follicle towards male hormones, so that the growth phase of the individual hair is shortened.
Women can also be affected by this form of hair loss, particularly after the menopause, but also through the hormonal changes after a birth or when taking the pill for a prolonged period. Diffuse hair loss is much more common than spot hair loss (Alopecia areata), where tufts of hair fall out suddenly without the precise cause yet being known. It is above all triggered by disorders of thyroid gland function, but also by various medications, harmful substances (for instance amalgam), an unbalanced diet or stress. Hair loss is among the most common side effects of chemotherapy as part of tumour treatment.
A balanced diet with wholegrain products and plenty of fruit and vegetables, above all a balanced supply of the trace elements zinc and copper to the body, verifiably has a positive influence on hair growth and the healthy structure of the individual hair. A deficiency in iron, folic acid, biotin and vitamin C can promote hair loss. The same also applies to overly frequent hair washing and the application of aggressive care products.
Polyporus umbellatus
Polyporus umbellatus is often used in particular when treating diffuse diet- or stress-based hair loss. Its efficacy with regard to stimulating hair growth has since been confirmed in numerous scientific studies. Certain active substances in the mushroom can extend the growth phase.
Reishi and Cordyceps
Both of these medicinal mushrooms are an option alongside Polyporus to generally balance deficiencies and thus improve the supply to the hair roots. Cordyceps provides particular support for hormonal imbalances.
Women can also be affected by this form of hair loss, particularly after the menopause, but also through the hormonal changes after a birth or when taking the pill for a prolonged period. Diffuse hair loss is much more common than spot hair loss (Alopecia areata), where tufts of hair fall out suddenly without the precise cause yet being known. It is above all triggered by disorders of thyroid gland function, but also by various medications, harmful substances (for instance amalgam), an unbalanced diet or stress. Hair loss is among the most common side effects of chemotherapy as part of tumour treatment.
A balanced diet with wholegrain products and plenty of fruit and vegetables, above all a balanced supply of the trace elements zinc and copper to the body, verifiably has a positive influence on hair growth and the healthy structure of the individual hair. A deficiency in iron, folic acid, biotin and vitamin C can promote hair loss. The same also applies to overly frequent hair washing and the application of aggressive care products.
Medicinal mushrooms for hair loss
Polyporus umbellatus
Polyporus umbellatus is often used in particular when treating diffuse diet- or stress-based hair loss. Its efficacy with regard to stimulating hair growth has since been confirmed in numerous scientific studies. Certain active substances in the mushroom can extend the growth phase.
Reishi and Cordyceps
Both of these medicinal mushrooms are an option alongside Polyporus to generally balance deficiencies and thus improve the supply to the hair roots. Cordyceps provides particular support for hormonal imbalances.
Our suggestions about the usage of medicinal mushrooms is no substitute for treatment from a doctor or alternative practitioner. Medications currently being taken or ongoing treatments should not be stopped without first consulting your doctor or alternative practitioner.