Holistic Treatment for Alopecia

Alopecia comes in several forms. The most common is androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness. Other forms result from an overactive immune system that destroys hair follicles. Certain natural treatments might be beneficial but nothing can guarantee they will work on all people who try them.

Using Natural Treatments for Alopecia

• Consider working with a health care professional experienced in alternative medicine if you plan to take supplements. She can offer guidance on appropriate dosages.

Stimulating the Scalp

• Consult with a compounding pharmacist or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to get biota or drynaria lotions; they can thicken existing hair and stimulate hair growth. Massage the scalp daily with a combination of lavender, rosemary, thyme and cedarwood. Mix a few drops or each oil with 1 table spoon of jojoba or grapeseed oil.

Using Natural Supplements

• Beneficial supplements for all types include black current or evening primrose oil, both of which are rich in beneficial fatty acids and ginkgo which improves circulation to the scalp. Biotin and zinc aspartate are good for immune-induced alopecia while beta-sitosterol and saw palmetto are good for androgenetic alopecia.

Dietary Suggestion for Immune-Induced Alopecia

• Reducing inflammation is an important part of treating conditions resulting from an overactive immune system. Restrict protein intake to less than 10 percent; plant protein is preferable to animal protein. Eliminate dairy in all forms, polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, partially hydrogenated oils and trans fats. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Other Benefical Foods

• The following dietary suggestions might also be beneficial. Avoid sweets and fatty foods. Increase your consumption of soy foods; they inhibit the production of the chemical implicated in hair loss.