Natural treatments for alopecia
Natural treatments for alopecia, a condition characterized by hair loss or thinning, offer various options for individuals seeking alternatives to conventional therapies. Essential oils, particularly a blend of thyme, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, and cedarwood, have shown potential in stimulating hair growth, with clinical studies indicating a higher success rate in those using these oils compared to a control group. Other proposed treatments include topical khellin, which may enhance hair growth when combined with UVA therapy, and melatonin, which has been found beneficial for women experiencing diffuse hair loss.
Additionally, nutrient supplementation, such as biotin and zinc, along with lifestyle modifications like stress reduction and a nutritious diet, are recommended strategies. Scalp massage is suggested to improve circulation to hair follicles, potentially promoting growth. While some herbs, including saw palmetto and ginseng, are considered to have beneficial effects, further research is needed to substantiate their efficacy. Overall, individuals exploring natural treatments for alopecia should approach these options with consideration for personal health and potential sensitivities.
Natural treatments for alopecia
DEFINITION: Treatment of the loss or thinning of hair.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Essential oils (combination of thyme, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and cedarwood)
OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Biotin, khellin, melatonin, nickel sulfate, Primula obconica, zinc, saw palmetto, lifestyle changes including reduced stress and improved diet
Introduction
Alopecia, or hair loss, can occur in several forms. One of the most common forms is male pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia. As one might expect from the name, this type of hair loss occurs most commonly in men, where it appears as the well-known receding hairline. It can also occur in women; however, it is generally in the form of overall hair thinning (diffuse hair loss). Conventional treatment includes the drugs minoxidil and finasteride and medical diagnostic techniques to rule out potential underlying problems (especially in women).
Hair loss that occurs in patchy areas is referred to as alopecia areata. It can occur in both men and women at any age, but it usually starts during childhood. Alopecia areata typically starts with one or more small, round, smooth patches in the scalp or beard area. In rare circumstances, it causes total body hair loss, a condition called alopecia universalis. Alopecia areata has no medical cure. However, in many cases, hair grows back on its own without treatment. Widespread hair loss is less likely to reverse itself. Corticosteroids injected under the skin may promote some hair growth, but the results usually do not last. One approach to treating alopecia areata involves inducing mild allergic reactions using nickel sulfate or the plant's leaves Primula obconica. When these substances irritate the skin, they appear to trigger new hair growth, but more extensive studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Other forms of hair loss include anagen effluvium and telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium is typically caused by chemotherapy, but it may occur due to various medical conditions. Telogen effluvium is generally caused by severe physiological stress, such as major illness.
Principal Proposed Natural Treatments
One study suggests that a combination of essential oils applied topically may stimulate hair growth in people with alopecia areata. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, eighty-four people massaged either essential or nontreatment oils into their scalps each night for seven months. The results showed that 44 percent of the treatment group had new hair growth; only 15 percent of the control group had new hair growth. The treatment oil contained essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood in a base of grape seed and jojoba oils. Peppermint oil is also believed to be beneficial in promoting hair growth.
Although there are no reported side effects associated with using thyme, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, and cedarwood oils topically, essential oils can be toxic if taken internally. They can also cause allergic reactions, which may be severe, when applied topically.
Other Proposed Natural Treatments
Preliminary evidence suggests that topical khellin, an extract of the fruit of the Mediterranean plant khella (Ammi visnaga), may promote new hair growth when combined with ultraviolet light (UVA) therapy in people with alopecia areata. Khellin selectively sensitizes the skin to UVA and is related to drugs used to treat psoriasis.
The supplements zinc aspartate and biotin, taken together in high (and possibly dangerous) doses, have been tried for alopecia areata in children. For women, one double-blind study found that the hormone melatonin, applied topically to the scalp as a 0.1 percent solution, may be helpful for those with diffuse hair loss. A proprietary form of silicon (choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid) has shown some promise. Hypnotherapy has been proposed as a treatment for alopecia areata, but a small study found it had no effect.
Several other proposed natural treatments for alopecia exist. Scalp massage has been suggested as beneficial for hair growth due to its promotion of circulation beneath the scalp. It is believed that increasing blood flow to the hair follicles may increase hair growth. Making changes in one’s diet may help alopecia. Individuals should aim to consume foods high in zinc, iron, biotin, and vitamin D. Meditation, yoga, and mindfulness techniques are recommended for patients with alopecia that may be stress-related. Herbs, such as saw palmetto or ginseng, may also benefit alopecia. However, more study is necessary.
Bibliography
Almanza, Aubrey. "11 Natural Hair Loss Remedies at Least Worth a Try." Reader's Digest, 29 Mar. 2022, www.rd.com/list/natural-hair-loss-remedies. Accessed 15 Aug. 2023.
Bryant, Erin. "How Stress Causes Hair Loss." National Institutes of Health (NIH), 13 Apr. 2021, www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-stress-causes-hair-loss. Accessed 4 Sept. 2024.
Cobb, Cynthia. "Scalp Massage for Hair Growth: Does It Really Work?" Healthline, 22 Nov. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/scalp-massage-for-hair-growth#research. Accessed 4 Sept. 2024.
Ezekwe, Nneamaka, et al. "The Use of Natural Ingredients in the Treatment of Alopecias with an Emphasis on Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia: A Systematic Review." The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, vol. 13, no. 8, 2020, pp. 23-27.
Fischer, T. W., et al. "Melatonin Increases Anagen Hair Rate in Women with Androgenetic Alopecia or Diffuse Alopecia." British Journal of Dermatology, vol. 150, 2004, pp. 341-345.
Hay, I. C., M. Jamieson, and A. D. Ormerod. "Randomized Trial of Aromatherapy: Successful Treatment for Alopecia Areata." Archives of Dermatology, vol. 134, 1998, pp. 1349-1352.
Wickett, R. R., et al. "Effect of Oral Intake of Choline-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid on Hair Tensile Strength and Morphology in Women with Fine Hair." Archives of Dermatological Research, vol. 299, 2007, pp. 499-505.
Wilson, Debra Rose. "9 Essential Oils for Hair Growth & Health: What to Use & How to Use." Healthline, 23 Apr. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-hair-growth#takeaway. Accessed 4 Sept. 2024.