What is Alopecia Treatment?

A lush, glorious head of hair is desired by both genders, so sudden hair loss or progressive thinning can be quite demoralizing. Alopecia or balding is much more common in men than in women, and it has a long list of potential causes: hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, localized skin conditions, pituitary or thyroid deficiencies, smoking, lack of exercise, poor scalp hygiene, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, insufficient protein, chronic stress, frequent swimming in chlorinated pools, harsh dyes or bleaches, sudden traumatic stress, excessive shampooing, and overuse of hot styling tools.

Hair loss can also be a side effect of certain prescription medications and of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. And, of course, natural thinning often occurs as part of the aging process, as the hair follicles begin to shrink and produce thinner, finer hairs with a shorter life span. When seeking to remedy hair loss, take into consideration lifestyle, nutritional, and personal care habits. I highly recommend the following:

• Eat a whole-food diet that includes plenty of easily digestible protein such as eggs, fish, sprouted grains and beans, raw nuts and nut butters, and sea vegetables.

• Eat lots of sulfur-containing onions, garlic, cabbage, kale, and eggs, as sulfur does amazing things for hair health.

• Get ample fresh air and sunshine daily. • Observe a natural hair-care regimen by shampooing only once or twice a week, using a chemical-free shampoo followed by a nutrient-rich conditioner.

• Begin taking yoga classes and practice plenty of inverted postures (if you’re physically able) to increase blood flow to your head.

• Walk daily to keep your circulation up.

• Manage the stress level in your life. If you suspect a medical condition might be causing your hair loss, locate a holistic physician and perhaps a good dermatologist. They can be wonderful allies in your journey to regrow your crowning glory. The following two recipes are actually scalp treatments, because the primary problem with balding lies with the hair follicles and microcirculatory system deep within the dermal layer of the scalp. If the hair follicles are still “alive” or active, then the possibility for hair regrowth remains.

HERBAL SCALP CONDITIONER AND STIMULATOR

This blend of rosemary, basil, and lemon helps stimulate circulation, cleanse and oxygenate the follicles, encourage hair growth, and nourish the roots. It also aids in balancing sebum production, so don’t be afraid to use it if your scalp is oily. It has a sharp, fresh fragrance and may cause the scalp to slightly tingle. If you wish, you can actually sleep with this blend on your scalp and hair for ultimate conditioning. If your hair and scalp are very dry, like mine, you may not need to shampoo after treatment at all. It usually takes a minimum of 3 months to see noticeable new growth. Many people, though, notice a dramatic improvement in the texture and appearance of existing hair much sooner, even after the first use, especially if the hair is quite dry, overprocessed, or straw-like.

Bonus
This oil blend also makes a great pain-relieving massage oil for arthritic joints and can help ease the pain of tense, sore muscles. A few drops rubbed into the temples, followed by a brief period of quiet time with the eyes closed, will provide welcome relief from a muscle-tension headache.

30 drops rosemary (chemotype verbenon) essential oil
15 drops basil essential oil
15 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops geranium essential oil
5 drops clove essential oil
½ cup jojoba base oil

EQUIPMENT: Dropper, dark glass bottle with dropper top or screw cap
PREP TIME: 15 minutes, plus 24 hours to synergize
YIELD: ½ cup STORAGE: Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 2 years
APPLICATION: 3 times per week Add the rosemary, basil, lemon, geranium, and clove essential oils drop by drop directly into a storage bottle. Add the jojoba base oil. Cap the bottle and shake vigorously for 2 minutes to blend. Label the bottle and place in a dark location that’s between 60° and 80°F for 24 hours so that the oils can synergize.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Shake well before using. Place 1 to 2 teaspoons of the oil blend in a small bowl. Using your fingertips, gradually massage the entire amount into your dry scalp for several minutes, making sure to rub a little down the length of your hair and onto the ends. Wrap your hair completely with plastic wrap or a plastic shower cap, then cover it with a very warm, damp towel. Replace with another warm towel once the first has cooled. Leave on for at least 30 to 45 minutes, or overnight (if you do this, remove the plastic and sleep with a dry towel on your pillow to absorb the oil). Then rinse and lightly shampoo your hair with a chemical-free, low-sudsing product, if needed. Follow with a conditioner, if desired.

BHRINGARAJ “RULER OF THE HAIR” SCALP NOURISHING OIL

Bhringaraj is famous in India for its use in natural hair tonics, being the primary ingredient in most Ayurvedic hair oils. With consistent use, it promotes strong, healthy hair growth and helps maintain the hair’s natural color and luster. Quite beneficial for those who are turning prematurely gray! It is one of the best hair and scalp rejuvenators for people with a pitta personality — these “take charge” types tend to have a ruddy complexion and often exhibit impatience and a hot temper.

According to the teachings of Ayurveda, bhringaraj cools the head and calms the mind and is balancing for all constitutions/personalities. The sesame oil in this formula is nourishing, grounding, and balancing and a great conditioner for all hair types.

Warning: Works on all hair types, but not all colors. This formula will temporarily stain blond, bleached, or white hair.

¾ cup bhringaraj leaf powder
2 cups unrefined sesame base oil
1,000 IU vitamin E oil

EQUIPMENT: 1½-quart saucepan or double boiler, stirring utensil, candy or yogurt thermometer, strainer, fine filter, funnel, glass or plastic storage container
PREP TIME: 4 hours
YIELD: Approximately 1½ cups
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, away from heat and light; use within 1 year
APPLICATION: 3 times per week

Combine the bhringaraj powder and sesame base oil in a 1½-quart saucepan or double boiler. Stir thoroughly to blend. The mixture should look almost like soupy black mud. Bring the mixture to just shy of a simmer, between 125° and 135°F. Do not let the oil actually simmer — it will degrade the quality of your infused oil. (If you’re using a saucepan, set the heat to the absolute lowest setting.) Do not put the lid on the pot.

Allow the herb to macerate in the oil over low heat for 4 hours. Check the temperature every 30 minutes or so with a thermometer and adjust the heat accordingly. If you’re using a double boiler, add more water to the bottom pot as necessary, so it doesn’t dry out. Stir the infusing mixture at least every 30 minutes or so, as the powder likes to settle into a thick paste.

After 4 hours, remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes. While the oil is still warm, carefully strain it through a fine-mesh strainer lined with a fine filter such as muslin or, preferably, a paper coffee filter, then strain again if necessary to remove all herb debris. Squeeze the herb paste to extract as much of the precious oil as possible. Discard the marc.

Add the vitamin E oil and stir to blend. The resulting bhringaraj oil should be deep blackish-green in color. Pour the finished oil into a storage container, then cap, label, and store in a dark cabinet.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Place 1 to 2 teaspoons of the oil in a small bowl. Using your fingertips, gradually massage the entire amount into your dry scalp for several minutes, making sure to rub a little down the length of your hair and onto the ends. Wrap your hair completely with plastic wrap or a plastic shower cap, then cover it with a very warm, damp towel. Replace with another warm towel once the first has cooled. Leave on for at least 30 to 45 minutes, or overnight (if you do this, remove the plastic and sleep with a dry towel on your pillow to absorb the oil). Then rinse and lightly shampoo your hair with a chemical-free, low-sudsing product, if needed. Follow with a conditioner, if desired.

Bonus
This oil, with its cooling and calming properties, can be massaged into the feet just before bedtime to induce relaxation.