Long and Healthy Hair

Cleopatra’s silky, long black hair is legendary. She was known as one of the most beautiful and intriguing women of her time. Men desired her. And women wanted to look like her.

Historians say she used different styles to her advantage, mimicking Greek queens to establish a royal appearance; or styling her long locks to appear “god-like.” She even referred to herself as a living goddess.

In the 1963 movie “Cleopatra,” much effort and money were spent on Elizabeth Taylor’s hair and wardrobe — recreating the Egyptian beauty’s look. The movie even won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.

So what was the secret to Cleopatra’s infamously beautiful hair?

She was known to rub “black seed” oil on her hair which gave it that deep, shimmering gloss.

It’s called Nigella sativa.

And its transformative properties for hair are nothing short of amazing.

The oil from black cumin seed (nigella sativa) was used in ancient Egypt for hair conditioning and strength.

It was even found in the tomb of King Tut — he believed in its healing powers so much that he took it with him on his journey into the afterlife.

And during the time of the Roman Empire, Nigella sativa was so revered it was named “Panacea” the Latin word for cure-all.

I first discovered this hair-healing miracle while studying Ayurvedic medicine in India.

These wonderous black seeds contain more than 100 medicinal compounds, including linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, myristic acid, palmitoleic acid, palmitic acid, protein, calcium, copper, phosphorous, folate, zinc, iron, and vitamins B1, B2 and B3.¹

These nutrients provide your hair all the fuel it needs for a long, healthy life.

Nigella sativa also strengthens hair roots — thanks to its antioxidant properties — giving it an incredible ability to grow new hair. Black seed oil also clears out dandruff that can suffocate your hair follicles and keep them from sprouting.

But a recent study confirms Nigella sativa’s real strength — the power to regrow hair and add new life to thinning, frail hair. More than 70% of study participants regrew or experienced fuller, thicker, more luxurious hair.²

For Cleopatra’s vibrant hair secret, try black cumin seeds. Find them at health food stores or online. Don’t get these seeds confused with the common kitchen spice cumin. They come from totally different plant families.

Use them like any other spice. You can also find oil pressed from black cumin seeds. Look for organic 100% pure black seed oil. You can rub it into your hair and scalp.

For even better results, add black seed oil to my 3-step healthy hair plan.

Supercharge Your Hair Growth in 3 Easy Steps

1. 1. First, nourish healthy long hair with the oldest strengthening herb on earth. Horsetail is one of the oldest medicinal herbs on earth — it even precedes dinosaurs on earth. This powerful herb stimulates hair growth due to its antioxidants. Horsetail can also improve circulation, leading to the improvement of hair follicles and to help stimulate hair growth.It also contains high levels of silica — an ingredient used to build collagen — so it’s of great benefit to your hair, building strong roots for better sustainability. I recommend 200 mg daily.
   2. Then, build up a steady supply of amino acids to create new hair growth. Native Americans have long used burdock root for medicinal purposes. It contains vitamin A, which can help nourish the scalp and strengthen hair. It also contains all of the necessary amino acids for building the kind of protein that creates hair growth. I recommend 425 mg daily.
   3. Lastly, trade in Big Beauty’s “hair care” product for this sacred herb. Steer clear of harsh chemicals that are in mass-produced, off-the-shelf products. They’re brutal on your fragile hair. That’s why I suggest a natural alternative that was used by ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Hebrews. I’m talking about rosemary. It promotes hair growth and thickness. By stimulating cell division and dilating the blood vessels, it stimulates the hair follicles to grow new hair.³

For your hair, I recommend using rosemary essential oil. Rosemary oil is extracted from the flowering tips of the plant. But not all essential oils are created equally. Some are synthetic. Look for oils that are organic if possible.

To promote hair growth and thickness, try using rosemary essential oil as a leave-in conditioner. This is also a good treatment for people who have itchy scalps or dandruff. Here’s one of my favorite recipes:

Feed Starved Hair Follicles with Rosemary Conditioner

Ingredients:

• 15 drops rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 1 cup of filtered water

Directions:

1. Bring water to a boil. Remove from heat.
2. Add essential oils.
3. When cool, pour mixture into a spray bottle.
4. After shampooing and while your hair is still damp, spray on the conditioner.
5. Let your hair air dry.
6. Use every time you shampoo or between washes to freshen up hair.

You should start to notice a boost in hair growth in one to two months. It may also help reverse graying and gently darken hair.

Don’t take rosemary essential oil internally. And dilute it with a carrier oil before using it directly on your skin. Some good carrier oils include coconut, avocado, evening primrose, olive, macadamia or rosehip seed oil.

And don’t use rosemary essential oil if you have high blood pressure, or are pregnant.

To Your Good Health,

Al Sears, MD, CNS

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1. Ahmad A, et al. “A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb.” Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013;3(5):337-352.
2. Rossi A, et al. “Evaluation of a therapeutic alternative for Telogen Effluvium: A pilot study.” J Cosmetics Dermatol Sci App. 2013;3(3A):9-16.
3. Prager N, et al. “A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.” J Altern Complement Med. 2002;8(2):143-152.

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