Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder, in which the body’s own immune system recognizes hair follicles as foreign agents and attacks them to remove them from the scalp. This leads to hair loss and the appearance of round or oval, smooth patches of baldness in men.Most often caused by genetic predisposition to hair loss, exposure to environmental toxins, increasing age, thyroid problems, increasing stress levels and hormonal fluctuations in women, alopecia areata affects about 50% of men and 40% of women.
Even though, in most people the hair grows back in a year’s time without undergoing any treatments, in many individuals, this disease progressively deteriorates the health of the scalp and leads to the formation of bigger patches of hair loss.Hence, opting for natural ways of treating alopecia areata not only helps to avoid the side effects associated with medications and topical applications like thinning of the hair, permanent hair loss, etc., but it also saves you from spending money on hair treatments and cosmetic surgeries that are available at exorbitant prices in the market.
Natural Tips To Cure Alopecia Areata
Onion Juice
Despite the fact that the powerful stench of onion juice may not make onions a luring alternative for use, topical application or rubbing onion juice on the scalp has been found to stimulate the innate capacity of the hair to grow. Besides being a rich source of folic acid, iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium, onions are also a source of powerful antiseptic agents like vitamin A, B and C, which aid in keeping the scalp free from bacteria and fungi.The hair-restoring capabilities of onions can be attributed to its sulphur compounds that aid in promoting the re-growth of new and strong hair in people suffering from alopecia areata.
Onions also promote blood circulation to the scalp, thereby supplying all the essential nutrients required for the growth of healthy hair.Furthermore, the effectiveness of onion juice in promoting the re-growth of hair has been confirmed by a study published in the Journal of Dermatology, which has shown a success rate of 86% in men suffering from alopecia areata, on being treated with onion juice, within a time span of 4-6 weeks.
Essential Oils
Many tricologists, people who study the science of hair growth have acknowledged the benefits of many essential oils like lavender, rosemary, thyme, cedar wood oil, etc., for their ability to improve blood circulation, cleanse the scalp through the presence of antimicrobial agents and stimulate the hair follicles to promote the re-growth of stronger and thicker hair.Hence, massaging different combinations of essential oils into the scalp on a daily basis before going to bed or mixing essential oils in your shampoo or using them as a hair conditioner can serve as a safe alternative to treat alopecia areata. In order to make a stimulating massage lotion using essential oils, blend 2 drops of thyme oil with 2 drops of cedar wood oil, 3 drops lavender oil and 3 drops of rosemary oil.
Now add half teaspoon of jojoba oil and 4 teaspoons of Grape seed oil to the above mixture and massage it on the scalp. Wrap it using a towel or a plastic cover and leave it on for 2-3 hours or overnight. Rinse your hair in the morning using a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.This remedy has been examined by researchers who examined the effect of the above-mentioned combination by comparing the results obtained from a control group that only used carrier oils formed by a mixture of jojoba and grape seed oil. About 44% of the people among the treated group benefitted from the daily use of essential oils within 7 months as opposed to 15% of the people in the control group.
Soy Beans
Hair is essentially made up of a protein called keratin and soybeans serve as one of the richest sources of complete proteins that can be substituted for animal-based protein. They are also enriched with vitamins and minerals that are required for enhancing hair growth. Biotin found in soybeans acts as a precursor for the protein keratin that strengthens and maintains the sustainability of hair shaft.
Soybeans also serve as powerful antioxidants and prevent the accumulation of free radicals in the scalp that can destroy hair follicles. The high concentration of iron provided by soybeans aid in the formation of hemoglobin, thus leading to an improvement in blood circulation to the hair follicles that prevents hair from falling from its roots. Hence, soybean based foods like soy milk, soy beverages, soy cheese, tofu, etc., serve as natural boosters of hair growth for promoting the re-growth of hair in individuals suffering from alopecia areata.
Also Read
Alopecia
Alopecia Areata
Natural Home Remedies For Baldness/Hair Loss
How To Prevent And Treat Hair Loss Naturally
Amla
Predominantly used for treating cold due to its high vitamin C content, amla or Indian gooseberry has been in use for treating hair loss associated with alopecia areata since times immemorial. It strengthens the immune system to ward off microorganisms that attack hair follicles and also promotes blood circulation to the scalp.
Hence, consumption of amla or rubbing amla oil on the scalp not only prevents hair loss and hair thinning, but also promotes the re-growth of hair. In order to extract its benefits, rinse your hair by mixing equal quantities of amla juice and lime juice in a protein shampoo. You can also boil dry pieces of amla in coconut oil and use it as a hair tonic for massaging it on the scalp.
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Coconut Milk
Extracted from the flesh present inside the coconut fruit, coconut milk is enriched with proteins, vitamins and essential minerals that boost hair growth. It strengthens the hairs from its roots, thus slowing down the process of hair loss and baldness.
Hence, topical application of coconut milk on the scalp serves as one of the best home remedies for baldness by enhancing hair growth and preventing hair loss. Add a few drops of lime juice in coconut milk and gently massage it on the scalp, especially on the bald spots. Leave it for about an hour and rinse it using lukewarm water.
Even though, no cure has been found so far for alopecia areata, the aforementioned home remedies serve as an excellent way of curbing hair loss and promoting the re-growth of hair, without eliciting any adverse effects. Moreover, they are cost effective as opposed to the commercial hair products available in the market. However, too much of something good can also be bad and hence moderation is the key to extract the benefits from natural alternatives or home remedies for mitigating the symptoms of alopecia areata.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.