Particles from plants make useful additions as culinary ingredients and medicinal herbs. Many of these same vegetative substances also provide benefits as cosmetic additives in lotions, shampoos and conditioners. Biota is just one name for an evergreen tree that commonly goes by the name of Chinese cedar or oriental arborvitae. Although herbalists often use biota in hair tonics, scientific research does not confirm the benefits of this herbal remedy.
Baldness
Biota trees are native to China and the herb from these trees has long been used as a traditional herb for treating baldness. Baldness is a common hair complaint that can occur for a variety of reasons. Heredity is a major factor in the development of hair loss.
Other common uses for biota include the treatment of bronchitis, insomnia, depression, restlessness and nervousness -- although more research is necessary to support the efficacy of this herb for these purposes.
Hair Growth Promotion
According to author and nutritionist, Phyllis A. Balch, both the leaves and seeds of the biota tree provide the ingredients for tinctures and lotions that may help promote new hair growth and reduce hair loss. In her book, “Prescription for Herbal Healing,” Balch describes using the substances in topical treatments and massaging them into the scalp to help thicken hair.
Treatment
Chinese Herbs, an online reference guide for popular Chinese herbs and other herbal supplements, suggests steeping fresh biota leaves in 60 percent alcohol for seven days to make a topical tincture for treating baldness. Apply the tincture to bald spots three times each day.
Precautions
Using biota as a topical tincture on areas of thinning hair is not a standard or formally recognized method of treating baldness. Talk to your doctor or a trusted health care practitioner before using an herbal product to treat hair loss. Although hair loss is a common condition, some types of baldness may signal the presence of an underlying health condition that requires medical testing, proper diagnosis and treatment.
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