Natural Health: How can I help my thinning hair postpartum? 

Stress and lack of sleep are two key reasons for increased hair loss or thinning postpartum.

My hair got noticeably thinner after the birth of my second child. He’s now aged two, and there is little sign of it returning to its former fullness. I changed my shampoo but it didn’t make a difference. What would you suggest?

Thinning hair is a common issue following pregnancy. Stress and lack of sleep are two key reasons for increased hair loss or thinning postpartum. However, hormonal fluctuations are the most common triggers.

It is somewhat unusual to be experiencing this issue two years after your son’s birth, so I would advise booking an appointment with a health professional to investigate whether there is an underlying issue at play.

Thyroid imbalance is often the reason why women experience hair loss after giving birth.

It is a good idea to find a functional medicine practitioner who specialises in working with hormone imbalances and who will run a full panel of appropriate tests. (See www.ifm.org for contact details.)

The B vitamins are crucial for maintaining the hair’s condition, strength, and thickness. Biotin deficiency, in particular, can trigger hair loss. These vitamins are best taken together, so choose a B-complex that will deliver 1,000 micrograms of biotin daily.

Selenium supports healthy hair growth, with a deficiency in this mineral being a common issue — the recommended dosage is 200 micrograms twice daily.

Other hair growth tips include drinking plenty of water since hydration plays a significant role in maintaining hair health and preventing breakage.

You can also try head massage to enhance scalp circulation and stimulate growth. Using massage in combination with nourishing hair oils such as neem, argan, black seed (nigella), and jojoba, alone or together with essential oils like lavender, rosemary, ginger, and cedarwood can promote growth and nourish the hair follicles.

Some people like to take this a step further and use a microneedle derma roller to help the essential oils penetrate more deeply.

However, a simple scalp massage should do the trick.

Our family cat died a month ago. He was just over a year old and died of natural causes. I’m finding it difficult to get over the grief which surprises me. Is there a natural remedy that could help?

Pets are cherished family members and provide valuable companionship to many, so the grief we experience after losing our furry family member can be complex and profound.

It is essential with grief of any sort to acknowledge your feelings and afford yourself the space and time to navigate the healing process.

Homeopathic remedies such as Ignatia and Nat Mur are commonly used for grief. Ignatia is often indicated for emotional shock or suppressed grief, while Nat Mur is prescribed for individuals who tend to internalise emotions and find it more challenging to express their sorrow.

The flower essence Rescue Remedy is a good option since this combination of Bethlehem, rock rose, cherry plum, impatiens, and clematis is commonly used for immediate emotional support during times of trauma or loss.

Star of Bethlehem, in particular, is known for its potential to alleviate the effects of grief.

You could create a dedicated spot with a photograph and a candle to help you preserve and honour the memory of your cat.

Recognising that grief is a personal journey with no fixed timeline is crucial as it allows individuals to move through it at their own pace.

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NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.