Women's Alopecia European Remedies

Alopecia is a condition that causes scalp hair loss in women and men. Regarded as an autoimmune disorder, alopecia is sometimes treated by a dermatologist with cortisone shots. In Europe, a centuries-old practice involves using plant materials such as herbs and essential oils to treat ailments. Visit a Polish apteka, a German bioladen or a British chemist, and you will find an array of nature-made formulas for conditions ranging from colds to depression.

Essential oils

• Essential oils are made from pressed flowers and leaves.

  A blend of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood essential oils in a mixture of carrier oils (jojoba and grapeseed) was used in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Archives of Dermatology. The oil was massaged into the scalp daily and proved useful in combating alopecia in more than 40 percent of persons in the study.

Aloe vera

• The aloe vera plant has a gummy liquid inside.

  The gel in aloe vera is known for its healing properties, such as for burns, and may contain chemicals with the ability to stimulate the immune system.

Bach flower remedies

• Bach flower remedies, developed by an English physician at the turn of the century, contain derivatives of 38 flowers and are intended to promote positive energy, on the idea that persistent negative feelings lead to a weakened immune system. Each flower is used for a particular emotion.