Treatment of alopecia by alternative means: oils, ointments, herbs

Although today medicine is trying to help with partial or complete lack of hair growth on the head, but more often in the course are various folk remedies for alopecia.

However, not all of the recipes on the Internet for hair loss can provide real help to 70% of men and 25% of women who have this problem. Therefore, the "popular" councils should be treated more closely, with a reasonable degree of skepticism, since there are many doubtful among them. But first try to answer the question: why there is no cure for alopecia?

Why do people grow bald, and can this be avoided?

We will not explain in detail the causes of baldness: more detailed information about this in the material -  Usual hair loss or alopecia

Recall only that for the majority of relatively healthy people,  androgenic alopecia  or alopecia, caused by genetic predisposition and damage to hair bulbs, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a much more active derivative of testosterone and is formed as a result of the action of the enzyme 5α-reductase, is characteristic.

This polypeptide compound in the form of two isoenzymes (5α-R1 and 5α-R2) takes part in the production of steroid hormones and is present in skin cells of the scalp, and the degree of its activity is laid down at the level of genes, that is, each person is individual and transmitted by heredity . And further, penetrating into cells of follicles, DHT acts on androgen receptors, as a result of which follicles undergo dystrophic changes against the background of increased secretion of sebum. Gradually, the hair on the head becomes thinner and shorter, and eventually cease to grow at all.

In addition, both in men and in women, genetically programmed features of the hair follicle cycle: its growing phase (anagen), a short period of apoptosis-induced involution (catagen), a phase of prolapse (exogen) and rest (telogen). In addition to androgenic hormones, follicles may decrease due to a reduction in the anagen phase. More in the publication -  Telogen and anagen hair loss

So why is there no cure for alopecia?

All of the above, in part, can explain why there is no cure for alopecia. In addition, it is not a deadly disease, and the search for funds from hair loss is not as relevant as, for example, the development of drugs that can defeat oncology.

By the way, the known remedy for alopecia  Minoxidil was  in fact developed by pharmacologists for the treatment of hypertension, and the slowing of hair loss and stimulation of new growth is an unexpectedly observed side effect.

The blocking action of the enzyme 5α-reductase drug Dutasteride (Finasteride, Avodart, Duodart) is also not designed to combat baldness, but for the treatment of hyperplastic prostate in men. And its effect for hair growth stops, as soon as a man ceases to take medicine, giving side effects in the form of erectile dysfunction.

The mass of cosmetic products - shampoos and soaps from hair loss, lotions and mousses, mask-balms and serums from alopecia is produced and advertised, but their effectiveness is not clinically proven.

In the composition of such tools, natural components are often introduced. For example, in Indola Innova Root Activating shampoo there is an aloe vera extract; the basis of balms for hair Weleda are oils of burdock and rosemary; Serum Floresan (RF) - indelible Serum "burdock" from alopecia, in addition to burdock oil, contains extracts of bitter pepper and nettles; Creasoin Trinity lotion-tonic uses zinc and coffee from baldness, more precisely, contained in it alkaloid caffeine. At the same time, according to foreign experts, caffeine in the constantly consumed natural coffee (three cups a day) significantly increases the synthesis of DHT.

Vitamins from Alopecia

Doctors recommend taking mineral-vitamin complexes and vitamins from baldness, containing vitamins B7 (H or biotin) and zinc, which are important for hair growth. More details -  Hair and microelements

All this includes Centrum vitamins after 50 years of alopecia - Multivitamin Complex from A to Zn: for men - CENTRUM ON 50+, and for women - CENTRUM ONA 50+. The balanced composition of vitamins, macro- and microelements also contains VITRUM Century. Keep in mind that the amount of vitamins such as thiamine and niacin (B1 and B3) should be minimal, as they activate 5α-reductase. But here vitamins A and D should be enough, because with their deficiency the body loses zinc, and it helps to maintain a balanced level of testosterone.

According to one theory, zinc deficiency leads to changes in the structure of hair follicle proteins and the weakening of their cell membranes. This means that newly grown hair will fall out faster than expected. Therefore, you should eat foods rich in Zn (red meat, liver, egg yolks, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, etc.).

Read -  Vitamins for men against baldness

And to strengthen immunity, you can take adaptogens of natural origin, for example, eleutherococcus or ginseng from alopecia as a tincture (15-20 drops once a day - before meals).

Effective alternative means of alopecia

What kinds of folk remedies for alopecia are offered, and due to what they can make the hair follicles "work"?

Specialists note that folk remedies for balding women by 99% are aimed at strengthening existing hair, as well as controlling and regulating sebocyte production of sebum. And every second folk remedy for balding for men is based on improving the blood supply to the scalp and strengthening the nutrition of the hair roots.

In theory, the best alternative means of alopecia should act on the enzyme 5α-reductase, that is, suppress or at least weaken its function. As it turned out, this property is inherent in some monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids: oleic, linoleic, α- and γ-linolenic, palmitoleic, eicosanic (arachidonic) and docosahexaenoic (related to ω-3 acids).

And medicinal plants, that is, herbs from alopecia, should have among their bioactive components: polyphenols with antioxidant effect, flavonoids, cystine), stilbene derivatives, phytohormones, essential fatty and dicarboxylic acids, biotin, zinc, selenium, silicon. In herbs from hair loss in women during the postmenopause, it is necessary to have isoflavone phytoestrogens, β-sitosterol, diosgenin, etc. But the question is whether all this is taken into account in alternative recipes from baldness?

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]

Oil from alopecia

A traditional remedy, usually one or two times a week, is rubbed into the scalp and the roots of the hair (and left for two or three hours, wrapped in a towel and covered with a foil over the top), is considered an oil from the roots of a large burdock (Arctium lappa) burdock oil from alopecia. Its benefits are provided by a complex of amino acids, glycosides, aliphatic carboxylic and fatty acids, steroid alcohols (sitosterol and stigmasterol).

Along with this oil, you can use liquid natural honey from alopecia, adding it in a 1: 3 ratio. Some advise to add ground paprika from alopecia - to improve microcirculation in the scalp. Also come across recipes in which for the same purposes, cognac or vodka from alopecia is added.

For better hair growth, nutrition and moisturizing of dry skin, castor oil common (Ricinus communis) - castor oil (containing ricinoleic, oleic and linoleic fatty acids) is used. The oil is viscous enough, so it is better to dilute it a little with almond oil or grape seed oil and add essential oils (they will be discussed further on).

There is every reason to reckon olive oil, half consisting of oleic monounsaturated fatty acid (classified as ω-9), to drugs that help prevent hair loss and improve their condition, eliminating excessive dryness and flaking. It is used similarly to the method already described, but this oil can be too heavy for thin hair.

More benefits will bring the mask from alopecia based on olive oil, for example, with the addition of raw egg yolk. Although the eggs themselves will not be rescued from alopecia, but the lecithin found in their yolks contributes to deep cleansing of the scalp.

In the same way, you can use the oil of the osmosis - the dye wax (Isatis tinctoria), a practically weedy plant of the cruciferous family. In Chinese traditional medicine, oil from its roots - as an antipyretic and antibacterial agent - is taken orally for inflammatory diseases, but is applied externally in erysipelas and lichen. It is known that this plant (leaves and roots) has in its composition isoflavone genistein, which belongs to phytosterols.

Marin thistle or spotted milk thistle from baldness is used in the form of an oil that is rich in fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, eicosan) and selenium. This oil can be mixed with burdock, almond or olive oil.

Seeds of another variety of thistle - the dye cartoum (Carthamus tinctorius) or the dye safflower - give safflower oil (in Ayurveda - kusum), an easy to absorb, 78% consisting of unsaturated fatty acids. This oil is considered a natural vasodilator, which improves blood circulation in the scalp, and a daily 20-minute massage with safflower oil gives positive results after three weeks.

How to use essential oils against alopecia?

In the fight against alopecia it is advisable to use various essential oils. A good remedy for increasing the tone of the skin of the scalp, strengthening the roots of hair and stimulating the growth of new hair is recognized as essential oil from seeds of wild carrot (rich in zinc); cedar, cypress and lavender oils; Sage oil, yarrow, grapefruit, thyme (thyme).

With some skin problems (fungus, scabies), as well as with pediculosis helps to cope with fir oil, but its strong antimicrobial properties do not work in the case of baldness.

Disinfects and destroys pathogens of many skin infections cumin oil (Carum carvi), which contains, in addition to terpenic compounds, aldehydes. One of them, furfural, can cause irritation, so to massage the scalp, caraway cumin is recommended to mix with basil, lavender or grapefruit oils. Almost the same way, the oil of black cumin (Nigella sativa of the family Ranunculaceae) is used - black sheep Damascus or Kalindzhi.

Due to the large content of terpenic compounds (myrcene, linalool, limonene) it acts as an antiseptic and tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Details in the article -  Tea tree oil for hair

Rosemary essential oil has a wide range of uses, but most of all benefits from it - in stimulating blood flow to the skin cells of the scalp, moisturizing the skin and improving nutrition of hair follicles. As a base, you can use olive oil and raw almond oil: for a dessert spoon - 3-4 drops of essential oil.

Like essential oils of lavender, lemon, mint or cypress, rosemary oil is suitable for increased fatty hair, and then it should be added to sesame oil (5-8 drops per procedure). An additional effect gives juice or an extract of aloe from alopecia. Aloe vera improves hair growth, bringing skin pH back to normal and reducing the accumulation of sebum. More information on how to use it, read -  Mask with aloe for hair

It is fully justified to use the extract from the seeds of the plant Simmondsia chinensis of jojoba oil against alopecia containing up to 20% docosahexaenoic acid. It also contains waxy monoesters, carotenoids and antioxidant tocopherol (vitamin E); helps to balance the production of sebum and regulates its excess volume in clogged pores (which is often the reason for stopping hair growth). It is recommended that warm jojoba oil (4-5 drops) mix with a small amount of any edible vegetable oil and rub into the scalp, leave for 30 minutes, and then wash the head with shampoo.

Ointments for alopecia

Many people use unproven methods of treatment, and this, of course, also concerns such a problem as alopecia. For example, it is advised to use certain ointments from alopecia.

The recommendation to use capsaicin-containing topically irritating and distracting ointment Capsicum from baldness, and not for its direct purpose (from sciatica and neuralgic pain), is questionable. This ointment - when applied to the skin of the scalp - can lead to a chemical burn of its epidermal layer due to the action of the turpentine present in its composition, as well as contact dermatitis with rash and itching, which can be caused by other ingredients: cetyl stearyl alcohol, benzilnicotinate and a preservative bronopol (formaldehyde derivative).

And who came up with the use of anti-inflammatory ointment Levomekol from baldness, if it contains an antibiotic chloramphenicol and has nothing to do with the treatment of alopecia?

Under a big question and Ointment Vishnevsky from baldness. Who does not know why this wonderful ointment is used, look here -  Liniment, Ointment Vishnevsky

Although, perhaps, this idea was prompted by the presence in the ointment of birch tar and castor oil, as well as the cheapness of this remedy for purulent inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. And the content among the active ingredients of the Vishnevsky derivative of phenol and bismuth, xeroboform, is not taken into account at all, which not only disinfects, but also dries the skin.

But if you like ointments more, then they can be cooked at home. So, easily applied to the skin ointment is obtained if mixed with honey and thick cream (1: 2) very concentrated broth from the root of burdock (two tablespoons for 250 liters of water, cook for a quarter of an hour and at least three hours to insist in a sealed container). Instead of burdock, the root of nettle or ayr of marsh is well suited, and in the broth you can dissolve a couple of mummy tablets from baldness.

Ointment for two or three procedures is prepared from a raw grated onion and smaltz (2: 1) with the addition of 10 mg of fish oil (containing polyunsaturated docosahexaenoic fatty acid) and a few drops of essential oil (lavender, sage, grapefruit, etc.). Smalets can be replaced by coconut oil oil, but then before applying the composition it needs to be slightly heated in a water bath.

Herbs from Alopecia

The people used and use to this day burdock from alopecia: prepare a decoction of dried roots (a tablespoon of raw materials for 0.5 liters of water), insist it for several hours, filter and wash your head - twice a week.

The nettle from alopecia has been used for a long time (for better hair growth), since the ground parts of this plant - in addition to the mass of vitamins - contain almost 40% of alpha-linolenic fatty acid, and also enough oleic, linoleic and palmitoleic (in roots and seeds even more) .

From baldness, herbalists are advised to wash their hair and do wet wraps with decoctions of flowers of calendula, cornflower and mullein; grass horsetail, sage and yarrow; cones of hops and leaves of mother-and-stepmother.

But kiprei or Ivan-tea from baldness is not used, useful for coughing and angina viburnum from alopecia, too, will not help. A water infusion of the hedgehog (Veratrum lobelianum of the Melanthiaceae family) containing highly toxic steroidal alkaloids (eg, veratridine) was used as a remedy for lice. But the chubby water from baldness should not be used: veratridine, easily absorbed through the skin, has a neurotoxic effect.

Powder from dried leaves growing in the hot climate of the tree. Lawsonia inermis - henna from alopecia helps to strengthen the roots of hair also thanks to its composition. And it includes tannins and resins, coumarins and antimicrobial quinones, gallic acid and polyphenols-antioxidants (xanthones), as well as stigmasterol, β-sitosterol and luteolin isomers.

They say that a good effect is provided by the mask against baldness, for the preparation of which I use henna powder and home-made curd (in a 1: 1 ratio). How else can I apply henna, see -  Mask of Henna

Pay attention to plants in which the researchers have shown the ability to in some way deactivate 5α-reductase and, accordingly, reduce the activity of dihydrotestosterone - due to the presence of polyphenols, isoflavones, triterpenes, phytosterols and unsaturated fatty acids in their composition.

It is basil (Ocimum basilicum), black pepper (Piper nigrum), Curcuma longa, Maranth or Pueraria Japanese (Pueraria lobata) family of legumes, Asiatic fungus or Centella asiatica of the umbrella family.

The flavonoids of the phenolic group-catechin, epicatechin-3-gallate and epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which are active components of the leaves of green (not fermented) tea, cocoa beans and peach and grape seed oils, are similar in effect.

Recipes from hair loss

If you continue the list, which includes the best alternative remedies for alopecia, then the first place among the most popular is occupied by two plants: Allium cepa and Allium sativum of the Amaryllis family. That is onions and garlic.

Due to the large content of sulfur, the onion from alopecia can stimulate the growth of new hair. Used onion juice (it applied to the scalp for a quarter of an hour, and then rinse with warm water). The onion mask is made from alopecia - with grated onions and sour cream, with onion juice and soaked in broth of herbs rye bread, etc.

Garlic from baldness, first, improves microcirculation in the epidermis, and secondly, it increases the synthesis of collagen, which strengthens the cuticle of hair. Take a few cloves of garlic, chop, add olive oil, warm the mixture to body temperature and apply for 30 minutes. It is necessary to wash off with cool water

The ginger root containing linolenic fatty acid is also very useful for hair, therefore it is possible to use ginger from alopecia - in the form of masks with oils, honey, egg yolk, etc. Read the material -  Ginger for hair

Honey from baldness is often used as an ingredient of masks - with oils, herbal decoctions, lemon (for oily skin on the head), with eggs, onions or aloe juice.

Whether it is possible to use coffee from a baldness, and as it to do, read - the  Coffee mask for hair

Dry beer yeast from alopecia is better to use, mixing not with water, but with herbal decoction (a teaspoon of yeast for two tablespoons of liquid), also add a tablespoon of honey. A mask is useful to do twice a week for a month.

By stimulation of the skin receptors and reflex blood flow, red paprika from alopecia, or more precisely, in focal or alopecia areata, should act  .

Tincture of chili peppers from baldness (preferably mixed with the same honey) for 10-15 minutes is applied to the area where hair has ceased to grow, and then washed off. In the same way, according to the advice, it is used finely grated horseradish against baldness or grated radish.

Mustard oil or mustard against alopecia is recommended. Prepares a mustard mask for alopecia: a mustard powder is mixed with warm water (to a thick slurry), one raw egg yolk and a little olive oil are added. Good mixing, the mass is applied to the roots of hair for half an hour, and then washed off with water. It is enough to do this mask once a week.

If the advice to apply tar soap from baldness can be explained by the fact that birch tar contributes to the inflow of blood to the hair follicles (while it contains phenol, and the skin after such soap can peel), then use the soap from balding and in general to wash the head - is contraindicated. In the cooking of laundry soap, fats are added with strong alkali - caustic potassium, and in the finished soap pH> 10. What happens with the skin and hair, it's easy to guess ...

Urine from alopecia definitely will not help, green tea (its catechins, mentioned earlier) will help. Just brew 0.5 liters of tea, and when it cools down to + 30-35 ° C, use to rinse hair after washing.

How is carried out peloidotherapy of alopecia, oh there is how the therapeutic mud from alopecia, described in the material -  Dead Sea mud for hair