Aromatherapy can be used as a supplement to treat alopecia. It uses highly concentrated extracts which are derived from the flowers, leaves, bark and the roots of various plants. The extracts that benefit hair loss are derived from:
- Bay – avoid during pregnancy, may aggravate the skin if used topically.
- Cedarwood – avoid during pregnancy, acts as a sedative so use caution if driving or operating heavy equipment after use.
- Grapefruit – photo sensitive so do not apply topically before going into the sun.
- Jojoba oil
- Lavender – some people are allergic to lavender – signs and symptoms are drowsiness, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, and constipation.
- Lemon – avoid using the oil in body care products when going out into the sun as it can cause redness and burning of the skin.
- Rosemary – avoid during pregnancy
- Roman Chamomile – avoid during pregnancy
- Ylang Ylang – may cause headache and/or nausea
How Aromatherapy Works:
The essential oils enter your system through the olfactory
system (inhalation) and/or through your skin. As with herbs that are taken orally, the essential oils reach your circulatory system (the blood) where they bind to receptors and change the chemical composition. These oils work not only on a cellular level to strengthen/calm your nervous system, but also on a spiritual one, providing you with a sense of well being.
Study:
In a recent study conducted by Isabelle C.Hay and co-researchers from the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Scotland, 86 people diagnosed with alopecia areata stopped using topical and oral alopecia medications for seven months to participate.
One group of patients received a placebo oil and the other group received an aromatherapy oil containing:
Thyme essential oil – 2 drops
Atlas cedarwood essential oil – 2 drops
Lavender essential oil – 3 drops
Rosemary essential oil – 3 drops
Jojoba oil – ½ teaspoon
Grapeseed oil – 4 teaspoons
These oils were massaged into the scalp for a minimum of 2 minutes daily for seven months. The result was that 44% of patients in the aromatherapy group showed improvement compared as compared to 15 % of patients in the placebo group who had showed signs of improved hair growth.
How To Use Essential Oils for Hair Loss:
Add 2 drops of the essential oil either to the rinse water or to grapeseed oil. Massage it well into the scalp. Wrap the hair in plastic wrap; place a warm towel around it. Leave it for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight. Shampoo the hair as usual, using a mild shampoo (avoid medicated shampoo), so that you do not damage the sebum balance.
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