Handfuls of hair falling out daily

You run your fingers through your hair and come away with a clump. The shower drain clogs. Your pillow and your brush are full of strands each morning.

Everyone sheds some hair each day. A sharp jump in shedding often begins two or three months after a shock to the body. A high fever, surgery, childbirth, a crash diet, a new drug, or heavy stress can all set it off.

Doctors call this pattern telogen effluvium. Many hairs stop growing at the same time, then let go together weeks later. The thinning tends to spread over the whole scalp rather than form bald spots.

When to see someone

See a doctor if you have smooth bald patches, or a scalp that is sore, scaly, or itchy. Book a visit if you also feel very tired, feel cold, or your weight has changed. Get checked if a child is losing hair, or if heavy shedding lasts more than six months.

Below is a list of traditional and home remedies people have used for this kind of shedding. Each one carries an evidence grade. The grade shows how much research has looked at it, not that it will do anything for you.

Telogen Effluvium: natural remedies and the evidence behind them

11 options · 1 graded C · 10 traditional or ungraded

What do you think set off your hair shedding?

It started a few months after childbirth, an illness, surgery, a high fever, or stopping a medication

  1. Iron

    Limited human trials so far· Most of the research is laboratory or animal work (Evidence grade C · Traditional use not yet assessed)

    Corrects low iron, a common shedding driver

    Why this matches
    If your diet has been limited, iron is one of the first nutrients to run low, and low iron stores are a well-recognized reason hair shifts into the shedding phase.
    Why try it
    Iron is essential for making hemoglobin and carrying oxygen; when a blood test confirms low iron, restoring iron stores addresses a well-recognized contributor to shedding, though evidence that repletion improves hair shedding is still limited.
    Dose or use
    Only supplement if a blood test shows low iron or ferritin; follow your practitioner's dosing, take with vitamin C to aid absorption.
    Time to results
    Stores rebuild over several months; regrowth follows once levels normalize
    Key study
    Iron reliably corrects iron-deficiency anemia; evidence that repletion improves hair shedding is limited and applies only when confirmed low iron is the cause - it is not a general hair supplement.
    Caution
    Do not take iron without confirmed deficiency - excess iron is harmful; keep away from children and separate from thyroid or antibiotic medications.
  2. Iron Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Classic post-childbirth shedding trigger

    Why this matches
    Shedding that starts after childbirth, illness, or surgery is often tied to depleted iron stores from blood loss or recovery, making low iron worth checking.
    Why try it
    Iron deficiency is one of the best-documented, reversible drivers of diffuse shedding; identifying it points you to a simple blood test and a correctable fix.
    Dose or use
    Ask your practitioner for a ferritin and iron panel before supplementing; correct only a confirmed deficiency.
    Time to results
    Shedding typically slows over months as iron stores are restored
    Key study
    Low iron is a recognized cause of hair shedding; confirm with a blood test, as this deficiency card is for self-identification, not a diagnosis.
    Caution
    Fatigue, pallor, and breathlessness can accompany low iron - see a clinician for testing rather than self-treating.
  3. Vitamin D Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Low vitamin D is linked to shedding

    Why this matches
    After an illness, surgery, or a stretch indoors, vitamin D can run low, and low vitamin D is repeatedly associated with diffuse hair shedding.
    Why try it
    Vitamin D receptors help regulate the hair follicle cycle; identifying a low level points you to a simple blood test and an easy correction.
    Dose or use
    Confirm low vitamin D with a blood test before supplementing; your practitioner can set a dose.
    Time to results
    Follicle recovery is gradual over months as levels normalize
    Key study
    Low vitamin D is associated with hair shedding in the literature; the link is not proven causal, so confirm status before supplementing.
    Caution
    Vitamin D is fat-soluble and can build up - do not take high doses without testing and guidance.

My eating has been limited, restrictive, or unbalanced - I could be low on iron, protein, zinc, or B vitamins

  1. Iron

    Limited human trials so far· Most of the research is laboratory or animal work (Evidence grade C · Traditional use not yet assessed)

    Corrects low iron, a common shedding driver

    Why this matches
    If your diet has been limited, iron is one of the first nutrients to run low, and low iron stores are a well-recognized reason hair shifts into the shedding phase.
    Why try it
    Iron is essential for making hemoglobin and carrying oxygen; when a blood test confirms low iron, restoring iron stores addresses a well-recognized contributor to shedding, though evidence that repletion improves hair shedding is still limited.
    Dose or use
    Only supplement if a blood test shows low iron or ferritin; follow your practitioner's dosing, take with vitamin C to aid absorption.
    Time to results
    Stores rebuild over several months; regrowth follows once levels normalize
    Key study
    Iron reliably corrects iron-deficiency anemia; evidence that repletion improves hair shedding is limited and applies only when confirmed low iron is the cause - it is not a general hair supplement.
    Caution
    Do not take iron without confirmed deficiency - excess iron is harmful; keep away from children and separate from thyroid or antibiotic medications.
  2. Zinc Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Low zinc can drive diffuse shedding

    Why this matches
    A limited or restrictive diet can leave you low in zinc, and hair thinning is one of the recognized signs of zinc deficiency.
    Why try it
    Zinc supports cell growth and repair in the hair follicle; when shedding traces to genuinely low zinc, correcting the deficiency can help the shedding settle and support regrowth.
    Dose or use
    Confirm low zinc with your practitioner before supplementing; excess zinc depletes copper.
    Time to results
    Regrowth follows over months once levels are restored
    Key study
    Zinc deficiency is a recognized cause of hair loss that can improve once levels are restored; confirm status before supplementing, as this card is for self-identification, not a diagnosis.
    Caution
    Do not take high-dose zinc long term without guidance - it can cause copper deficiency and stomach upset.
  3. Protein Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Too little protein weakens keratin

    Why this matches
    If your eating has been restrictive or you have been crash dieting, low protein intake is a recognized reason hair enters the shedding phase.
    Why try it
    Hair is built from keratin, a protein; identifying inadequate protein points you to a straightforward dietary fix that supports regrowth.
    Dose or use
    Aim for adequate daily protein from varied food sources; a practitioner or dietitian can help set a target.
    Time to results
    Improvement follows over several months of consistent intake
    Key study
    Inadequate protein is a recognized precipitant of hair shedding; this card is for self-identification of a dietary gap, not a diagnosis.
    Caution
    Very low-calorie or restrictive diets can worsen shedding - address the underlying eating pattern rather than one nutrient alone.
  4. Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Low biotin shows up early as thinning

    Why this matches
    A restricted or unbalanced diet can leave biotin low, and hair thinning is one of the earliest signs of biotin deficiency.
    Why try it
    Biotin helps metabolize the fats and proteins hair needs; spotting a genuine deficiency points to a targeted correction.
    Dose or use
    True biotin deficiency is uncommon; confirm before supplementing and be aware high doses can skew some lab tests.
    Time to results
    Regrowth follows over months once a genuine deficiency is corrected
    Key study
    Biotin deficiency is a recognized cause of hair thinning, but it is uncommon; this card is for self-identification, not a diagnosis.
    Caution
    High-dose biotin can interfere with thyroid and cardiac blood tests - tell your clinician if you take it.
  5. Biotin

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Common hair supplement, best if biotin is low

    Why this matches
    If you are unsure of the trigger and want general support, biotin is the supplement most people reach for, though it works best when your biotin is genuinely low.
    Why try it
    Biotin is a B vitamin involved in building the keratin that makes up hair; it is a low-risk general option, with the honest caveat that it mainly helps when levels are actually low.
    Dose or use
    Follow product labeling; there is little added benefit above adequate intake if you are not deficient.
    Time to results
    Typically several months of consistent use
    Key study
    Biotin is widely used for hair support, but clear benefit is established mainly in genuine deficiency; general regrowth use is not confirmed in controlled trials.
    Caution
    High-dose biotin can distort thyroid and cardiac blood tests - tell your clinician before any lab work.

I can't pin down a trigger - I just want all-around support while my hair regrows

  1. Rosemary oil

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Topical scalp oil used for regrowth

    Why this matches
    When you just want to support regrowth without knowing the trigger, rosemary oil is a topical option you apply to the scalp, distinct from the oral supplements.
    Why try it
    Rosemary oil is traditionally massaged into the scalp to support circulation and is commonly used to encourage hair growth and reduce shedding.
    Dose or use
    Dilute a few drops in a carrier oil, massage into the scalp, leave on or rinse per product guidance; use a few times weekly.
    Time to results
    Typically 3-6 months of regular use
    Key study
    Traditionally massaged into the scalp to support hair growth; rosemary oil has been studied mainly in pattern (androgenetic) hair loss, and its use specifically for telogen effluvium has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Always dilute before use, patch-test for irritation, avoid broken skin and the eyes, and do not use undiluted essential oil in pregnancy.
  2. DU20 (Baihui) - Governing Vessel 20

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Crown-of-head point used to calm the mind

    Why this matches
    This point sits right on the crown of the scalp and is traditionally used to steady the mind and ease stress, which fits a shedding phase that started during a stressful stretch.
    Why try it
    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, DU20 is used to calm the mind, lift energy, and relieve stress and anxiety; gentle self-acupressure is a low-risk practice you can add alongside other support.
    Dose or use
    Apply gentle, steady pressure to the crown of the head for 1-2 minutes, breathing slowly; repeat daily.
    Time to results
    Varies; a calming effect may be felt during or shortly after a session
    Key study
    Traditionally used in TCM for stress and mental calm; this specific use for hair shedding has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Use light pressure only; avoid if you have a scalp injury or skin condition at the site, and it is not a substitute for medical care.
  3. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Silica-rich botanical for hair strength

    Why this matches
    If you are not sure what set off your shedding and just want general support, horsetail is a traditional whole-hair botanical rather than one tied to a single trigger.
    Why try it
    Horsetail is high in silica and has long been used to strengthen hair and nails and reduce brittleness, offering gentle general support during regrowth.
    Dose or use
    Taken as a tea or standardized extract; follow product labeling and limit duration of use.
    Time to results
    Typically 8-12 weeks of consistent use
    Key study
    Traditionally used to strengthen hair and nails; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Has a mild diuretic effect; avoid with kidney problems, in pregnancy, or alongside diuretic medications, and choose thiaminase-free products.
  4. Biotin

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Common hair supplement, best if biotin is low

    Why this matches
    If you are unsure of the trigger and want general support, biotin is the supplement most people reach for, though it works best when your biotin is genuinely low.
    Why try it
    Biotin is a B vitamin involved in building the keratin that makes up hair; it is a low-risk general option, with the honest caveat that it mainly helps when levels are actually low.
    Dose or use
    Follow product labeling; there is little added benefit above adequate intake if you are not deficient.
    Time to results
    Typically several months of consistent use
    Key study
    Biotin is widely used for hair support, but clear benefit is established mainly in genuine deficiency; general regrowth use is not confirmed in controlled trials.
    Caution
    High-dose biotin can distort thyroid and cardiac blood tests - tell your clinician before any lab work.

I've been through a stretch of heavy emotional or physical stress, and the shedding followed

  1. Ashwagandha

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Adaptogen for stress and cortisol load

    Why this matches
    Since your shedding followed a stretch of heavy stress, an adaptogen aimed at the stress response speaks more directly to the trigger than a general anti-inflammatory would.
    Why try it
    Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic adaptogen used to help the body cope with stress and to ease feelings of anxiety, which may support you while a stress-driven shedding phase settles.
    Dose or use
    Commonly taken as a standardized root extract; follow product labeling and consult a practitioner.
    Time to results
    Typically 4-8 weeks
    Key study
    Traditionally used as an adaptogen for stress; this specific use for hair shedding has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Avoid in pregnancy; may interact with thyroid, sedative, or immunosuppressant medications - check with your practitioner first.
  2. Rosemary oil

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Topical scalp oil used for regrowth

    Why this matches
    When you just want to support regrowth without knowing the trigger, rosemary oil is a topical option you apply to the scalp, distinct from the oral supplements.
    Why try it
    Rosemary oil is traditionally massaged into the scalp to support circulation and is commonly used to encourage hair growth and reduce shedding.
    Dose or use
    Dilute a few drops in a carrier oil, massage into the scalp, leave on or rinse per product guidance; use a few times weekly.
    Time to results
    Typically 3-6 months of regular use
    Key study
    Traditionally massaged into the scalp to support hair growth; rosemary oil has been studied mainly in pattern (androgenetic) hair loss, and its use specifically for telogen effluvium has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Always dilute before use, patch-test for irritation, avoid broken skin and the eyes, and do not use undiluted essential oil in pregnancy.
  3. DU20 (Baihui) - Governing Vessel 20

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Crown-of-head point used to calm the mind

    Why this matches
    This point sits right on the crown of the scalp and is traditionally used to steady the mind and ease stress, which fits a shedding phase that started during a stressful stretch.
    Why try it
    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, DU20 is used to calm the mind, lift energy, and relieve stress and anxiety; gentle self-acupressure is a low-risk practice you can add alongside other support.
    Dose or use
    Apply gentle, steady pressure to the crown of the head for 1-2 minutes, breathing slowly; repeat daily.
    Time to results
    Varies; a calming effect may be felt during or shortly after a session
    Key study
    Traditionally used in TCM for stress and mental calm; this specific use for hair shedding has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Use light pressure only; avoid if you have a scalp injury or skin condition at the site, and it is not a substitute for medical care.

What kind of help would you rather start with?

I'd rather find the root cause first - check for the nutrient gaps that commonly drive shedding

  1. Iron

    Limited human trials so far· Most of the research is laboratory or animal work (Evidence grade C · Traditional use not yet assessed)

    Corrects low iron, a common shedding driver

    Why this matches
    If your diet has been limited, iron is one of the first nutrients to run low, and low iron stores are a well-recognized reason hair shifts into the shedding phase.
    Why try it
    Iron is essential for making hemoglobin and carrying oxygen; when a blood test confirms low iron, restoring iron stores addresses a well-recognized contributor to shedding, though evidence that repletion improves hair shedding is still limited.
    Dose or use
    Only supplement if a blood test shows low iron or ferritin; follow your practitioner's dosing, take with vitamin C to aid absorption.
    Time to results
    Stores rebuild over several months; regrowth follows once levels normalize
    Key study
    Iron reliably corrects iron-deficiency anemia; evidence that repletion improves hair shedding is limited and applies only when confirmed low iron is the cause - it is not a general hair supplement.
    Caution
    Do not take iron without confirmed deficiency - excess iron is harmful; keep away from children and separate from thyroid or antibiotic medications.
  2. Iron Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Classic post-childbirth shedding trigger

    Why this matches
    Shedding that starts after childbirth, illness, or surgery is often tied to depleted iron stores from blood loss or recovery, making low iron worth checking.
    Why try it
    Iron deficiency is one of the best-documented, reversible drivers of diffuse shedding; identifying it points you to a simple blood test and a correctable fix.
    Dose or use
    Ask your practitioner for a ferritin and iron panel before supplementing; correct only a confirmed deficiency.
    Time to results
    Shedding typically slows over months as iron stores are restored
    Key study
    Low iron is a recognized cause of hair shedding; confirm with a blood test, as this deficiency card is for self-identification, not a diagnosis.
    Caution
    Fatigue, pallor, and breathlessness can accompany low iron - see a clinician for testing rather than self-treating.
  3. Zinc Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Low zinc can drive diffuse shedding

    Why this matches
    A limited or restrictive diet can leave you low in zinc, and hair thinning is one of the recognized signs of zinc deficiency.
    Why try it
    Zinc supports cell growth and repair in the hair follicle; when shedding traces to genuinely low zinc, correcting the deficiency can help the shedding settle and support regrowth.
    Dose or use
    Confirm low zinc with your practitioner before supplementing; excess zinc depletes copper.
    Time to results
    Regrowth follows over months once levels are restored
    Key study
    Zinc deficiency is a recognized cause of hair loss that can improve once levels are restored; confirm status before supplementing, as this card is for self-identification, not a diagnosis.
    Caution
    Do not take high-dose zinc long term without guidance - it can cause copper deficiency and stomach upset.
  4. Protein Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Too little protein weakens keratin

    Why this matches
    If your eating has been restrictive or you have been crash dieting, low protein intake is a recognized reason hair enters the shedding phase.
    Why try it
    Hair is built from keratin, a protein; identifying inadequate protein points you to a straightforward dietary fix that supports regrowth.
    Dose or use
    Aim for adequate daily protein from varied food sources; a practitioner or dietitian can help set a target.
    Time to results
    Improvement follows over several months of consistent intake
    Key study
    Inadequate protein is a recognized precipitant of hair shedding; this card is for self-identification of a dietary gap, not a diagnosis.
    Caution
    Very low-calorie or restrictive diets can worsen shedding - address the underlying eating pattern rather than one nutrient alone.
  5. Vitamin D Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Low vitamin D is linked to shedding

    Why this matches
    After an illness, surgery, or a stretch indoors, vitamin D can run low, and low vitamin D is repeatedly associated with diffuse hair shedding.
    Why try it
    Vitamin D receptors help regulate the hair follicle cycle; identifying a low level points you to a simple blood test and an easy correction.
    Dose or use
    Confirm low vitamin D with a blood test before supplementing; your practitioner can set a dose.
    Time to results
    Follicle recovery is gradual over months as levels normalize
    Key study
    Low vitamin D is associated with hair shedding in the literature; the link is not proven causal, so confirm status before supplementing.
    Caution
    Vitamin D is fat-soluble and can build up - do not take high doses without testing and guidance.
  6. Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Low biotin shows up early as thinning

    Why this matches
    A restricted or unbalanced diet can leave biotin low, and hair thinning is one of the earliest signs of biotin deficiency.
    Why try it
    Biotin helps metabolize the fats and proteins hair needs; spotting a genuine deficiency points to a targeted correction.
    Dose or use
    True biotin deficiency is uncommon; confirm before supplementing and be aware high doses can skew some lab tests.
    Time to results
    Regrowth follows over months once a genuine deficiency is corrected
    Key study
    Biotin deficiency is a recognized cause of hair thinning, but it is uncommon; this card is for self-identification, not a diagnosis.
    Caution
    High-dose biotin can interfere with thyroid and cardiac blood tests - tell your clinician if you take it.

I'd rather take something daily - supplements or traditional botanicals that support hair from within

  1. Iron

    Limited human trials so far· Most of the research is laboratory or animal work (Evidence grade C · Traditional use not yet assessed)

    Corrects low iron, a common shedding driver

    Why this matches
    If your diet has been limited, iron is one of the first nutrients to run low, and low iron stores are a well-recognized reason hair shifts into the shedding phase.
    Why try it
    Iron is essential for making hemoglobin and carrying oxygen; when a blood test confirms low iron, restoring iron stores addresses a well-recognized contributor to shedding, though evidence that repletion improves hair shedding is still limited.
    Dose or use
    Only supplement if a blood test shows low iron or ferritin; follow your practitioner's dosing, take with vitamin C to aid absorption.
    Time to results
    Stores rebuild over several months; regrowth follows once levels normalize
    Key study
    Iron reliably corrects iron-deficiency anemia; evidence that repletion improves hair shedding is limited and applies only when confirmed low iron is the cause - it is not a general hair supplement.
    Caution
    Do not take iron without confirmed deficiency - excess iron is harmful; keep away from children and separate from thyroid or antibiotic medications.
  2. Ashwagandha

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Adaptogen for stress and cortisol load

    Why this matches
    Since your shedding followed a stretch of heavy stress, an adaptogen aimed at the stress response speaks more directly to the trigger than a general anti-inflammatory would.
    Why try it
    Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic adaptogen used to help the body cope with stress and to ease feelings of anxiety, which may support you while a stress-driven shedding phase settles.
    Dose or use
    Commonly taken as a standardized root extract; follow product labeling and consult a practitioner.
    Time to results
    Typically 4-8 weeks
    Key study
    Traditionally used as an adaptogen for stress; this specific use for hair shedding has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Avoid in pregnancy; may interact with thyroid, sedative, or immunosuppressant medications - check with your practitioner first.
  3. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Silica-rich botanical for hair strength

    Why this matches
    If you are not sure what set off your shedding and just want general support, horsetail is a traditional whole-hair botanical rather than one tied to a single trigger.
    Why try it
    Horsetail is high in silica and has long been used to strengthen hair and nails and reduce brittleness, offering gentle general support during regrowth.
    Dose or use
    Taken as a tea or standardized extract; follow product labeling and limit duration of use.
    Time to results
    Typically 8-12 weeks of consistent use
    Key study
    Traditionally used to strengthen hair and nails; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Has a mild diuretic effect; avoid with kidney problems, in pregnancy, or alongside diuretic medications, and choose thiaminase-free products.
  4. Biotin

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Common hair supplement, best if biotin is low

    Why this matches
    If you are unsure of the trigger and want general support, biotin is the supplement most people reach for, though it works best when your biotin is genuinely low.
    Why try it
    Biotin is a B vitamin involved in building the keratin that makes up hair; it is a low-risk general option, with the honest caveat that it mainly helps when levels are actually low.
    Dose or use
    Follow product labeling; there is little added benefit above adequate intake if you are not deficient.
    Time to results
    Typically several months of consistent use
    Key study
    Biotin is widely used for hair support, but clear benefit is established mainly in genuine deficiency; general regrowth use is not confirmed in controlled trials.
    Caution
    High-dose biotin can distort thyroid and cardiac blood tests - tell your clinician before any lab work.

I'd rather calm my stress response - simple daily practices to steady my system while the shedding settles

  1. Ashwagandha

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Adaptogen for stress and cortisol load

    Why this matches
    Since your shedding followed a stretch of heavy stress, an adaptogen aimed at the stress response speaks more directly to the trigger than a general anti-inflammatory would.
    Why try it
    Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic adaptogen used to help the body cope with stress and to ease feelings of anxiety, which may support you while a stress-driven shedding phase settles.
    Dose or use
    Commonly taken as a standardized root extract; follow product labeling and consult a practitioner.
    Time to results
    Typically 4-8 weeks
    Key study
    Traditionally used as an adaptogen for stress; this specific use for hair shedding has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Avoid in pregnancy; may interact with thyroid, sedative, or immunosuppressant medications - check with your practitioner first.
  2. DU20 (Baihui) - Governing Vessel 20

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Crown-of-head point used to calm the mind

    Why this matches
    This point sits right on the crown of the scalp and is traditionally used to steady the mind and ease stress, which fits a shedding phase that started during a stressful stretch.
    Why try it
    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, DU20 is used to calm the mind, lift energy, and relieve stress and anxiety; gentle self-acupressure is a low-risk practice you can add alongside other support.
    Dose or use
    Apply gentle, steady pressure to the crown of the head for 1-2 minutes, breathing slowly; repeat daily.
    Time to results
    Varies; a calming effect may be felt during or shortly after a session
    Key study
    Traditionally used in TCM for stress and mental calm; this specific use for hair shedding has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Use light pressure only; avoid if you have a scalp injury or skin condition at the site, and it is not a substitute for medical care.

I'd rather work directly on my scalp - oils, massage, and hands-on care

  1. Rosemary oil

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Topical scalp oil used for regrowth

    Why this matches
    When you just want to support regrowth without knowing the trigger, rosemary oil is a topical option you apply to the scalp, distinct from the oral supplements.
    Why try it
    Rosemary oil is traditionally massaged into the scalp to support circulation and is commonly used to encourage hair growth and reduce shedding.
    Dose or use
    Dilute a few drops in a carrier oil, massage into the scalp, leave on or rinse per product guidance; use a few times weekly.
    Time to results
    Typically 3-6 months of regular use
    Key study
    Traditionally massaged into the scalp to support hair growth; rosemary oil has been studied mainly in pattern (androgenetic) hair loss, and its use specifically for telogen effluvium has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Always dilute before use, patch-test for irritation, avoid broken skin and the eyes, and do not use undiluted essential oil in pregnancy.
  2. DU20 (Baihui) - Governing Vessel 20

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Crown-of-head point used to calm the mind

    Why this matches
    This point sits right on the crown of the scalp and is traditionally used to steady the mind and ease stress, which fits a shedding phase that started during a stressful stretch.
    Why try it
    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, DU20 is used to calm the mind, lift energy, and relieve stress and anxiety; gentle self-acupressure is a low-risk practice you can add alongside other support.
    Dose or use
    Apply gentle, steady pressure to the crown of the head for 1-2 minutes, breathing slowly; repeat daily.
    Time to results
    Varies; a calming effect may be felt during or shortly after a session
    Key study
    Traditionally used in TCM for stress and mental calm; this specific use for hair shedding has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
    Caution
    Use light pressure only; avoid if you have a scalp injury or skin condition at the site, and it is not a substitute for medical care.

Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Telogen Effluvium, not a promise of results. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.

Other ways people describe this

Same underlying problem, different words.

These suggestions come from our full page on Telogen Effluvium, where you can see every option and how it is graded. Evidence grades are explained in our methodology, and every phrasing we cover is listed under health topics.

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store

Download today our free mobile application for iOS and Android

⭐️ Customer Reviews

(from verified users)

hero_img4.8
coma

This app is so cool! I've always wanted there to be a hub for all NATURAL remedies and preventative options but l've always had to do loads of digging to find the info I wanted for different natural products. HealisticMD has all the info I need in one place. It gave me various natural supplemental options for a condition I looked up, including what each remedy does and how much is usually recommended to take. It also gave me exact products I could buy for the problem I had looked up. It makes my process SO MUCH easier when I need to find non-pharmaceutical solutions to my needs.

user1

Olivia J.

tick

Verified User

rating_starts

5.0

coma

The tremendous value we have seen in this app and a lot of information and accessibility to the product that is natural and helped us finding a new ways to heal. I have came from a family filled with doctors. And we all prevented using pills as well all the pharmaceutical path and tried healing naturally The only thing we lacked of was information and research so when I saw this app, I definitely know it has a values we were looking for as well as my children enhance their immune system!!

user2

Audrey Mae.

tick

Verified User

rating_starts

5.0

coma

There is a wealth of information on the app! I recently had bloodwork done and found I was deficient in a handful of vitamins and minerals (Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Iron, etc.) HealisticMD made it simple for me to find out what foods to eat/ supplements I needed to improve these deficiencies. It gives you so many ideas on prevention, natural health tips, where to buy the vitamins, when to take them, why, etc. I love how easy the app is to use too. I am currently working on getting pregnant. I was pleasantly surprised to find compelling data along with supplement suggestions to aid in the process, some of which my fertility doctor wasn’t even aware of. Highly recommend downloading, after all health is one our greatest gifts!

user3

Rachel

tick

Verified User

rating_starts

5.0