Alopecia Areata: 9 Natural Ways to Treat Hair Loss

1. Probiotics

It’s true that digestive tract controls your immune system. This is why probiotics can help to treat a number of autoimmune conditions, including alopecia areata. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that feeding probiotic bacteria to aged mice caused beneficial changes to the integumentary system. This resulted in healthier and younger looking hair and skin. (13) Probiotic supplements can be used to improve your immune system so that your body doesn’t overreact to perceived threats and cause inflammation. You should also eat probiotic foods daily, such as kefir, kombucha, cultured vegetables, yogurt and apple cider vinegar.

2. Zinc

Zinc may work as a natural treatment for alopecia areata because it helps to boost your immune system and repair your gut, which is vital for normal immune responses. Plus, zinc is a vital mineral for important functional activities of the hair follicles. A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Dermatology found that lower serum zinc levels are common among patients with alopecia areata, with zinc levels being the lowest in patients with severe cases of the hair loss disease. Researchers suggest that zinc supplements may provide a therapeutic benefit, especially for patients with a zinc deficiency. It can also help to eat foods high in zinc, such as pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef, lamb, chickpeas, cashews, yogurt and spinach. (14)

3. Quercetin

Quercetin is a type of flavonoid antioxidant that is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and fight free radical damage. It has strong effects on immunity and works to down-regulate, or suppress, inflammatory pathways. This is why it’s often used to treat symptoms related to autoimmune disorders. A 2012 study conducted on mice found that quercetin was effective in stimulating hair regrowth when compared to placebo injections. Scientists believe that this is due to quercetin’s anti-inflammatory properties. (15)

Quercetin supplements and creams are available at vitamin or health food stores. Make sure to purchase these products from a reputable company. Read the ingredient list to make sure that quercetin is the main ingredient. You may find that many formulas also include bromelain. This is another anti-inflammatory enzyme that’s used to fight immune responses.

4. Ginseng

Ginseng is a popular herbal medicine that contains various pharmacological compounds. It works to reduce inflammation and boost immune function. This helps the body to maintain immune homeostasis. A 2012 study conducted at Korea University College of Medicine found that red ginseng serves as an effective and natural treatment for alopecia areata. People who are already receiving corticosteroid injections can use it as a complementary treatment. (16) There are many varieties of ginseng available today, including powdered, dried and tablet forms of both Asian and American ginseng.

5. Lavender Essential Oil

One of the many lavender oil benefits includes its ability to heal and protect the skin. It works as a powerful antioxidant and it reduces inflammation. A 2016 study conducted using mice found that when researchers applied lavender oil topically to bald patches on mice, it caused a significant increase in the number of hair follicles, deepened hair follicle depth and thickened the dermal layer. Lavender oil treatment also significantly decreased the number of white blood cells compared to the placebo group. (17)

Another study, conducted in Scotland, involved aromatherapy treatment for alopecia areata. Patients in the treatment group massaged lavender, rosemary, thyme and cedarwood essential oils, mixed with jojoba and grapeseed carrier oils, into their scalp daily. The control group used only carrier oils. Forty-four percent of the treatment group showed improvement compared with only 15 percent of patients in the control group. The degree of improvement using photographic assessment of hair growth was significant, proving that lavender oil and other beneficial essential oils for hair serve as an effective natural treatment for alopecia areata. (18)

6. Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary oil is commonly used to enhance hair thickness and growth. It works by increasing cellular metabolism that stimulates hair growth. Research shows that applying rosemary oil topically can be as effective as minoxidil, a conventional treatment for alopecia areata. (19) You can also use rosemary oil to treat dandruff and dry scalp. Simply apply 2–3 drops of rosemary oil directly to the area of concern twice daily.

7. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is used as a natural treatment for alopecia areata because it can reduce the T1 cells that are attacking hair follicles and causing hair loss. It also works to stimulate and warm hair follicles, reduce inflammation and increase blood circulation in the affected area. (20) Acupuncture also works to reduce anxiety and depression. These are two conditions many patients with alopecia areata experience.

8. Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

One of the most important components of treating an autoimmune disease naturally is to eat healing, nutrient-dense foods that will work to reduce inflammation and allow your body to recover quickly. Avoid all processed and sugary foods. Instead, eat anti-inflammatory foods like green leafy vegetables, beets, broccoli, blueberries, nuts, seeds, spices (especially turmeric and ginger), wild-caught salmon, bone broth and coconut oil. These foods provide antioxidants, important minerals and essential fatty acids. It is common for patients with alopecia areata to have nutrient deficiencies. So eat a well-balanced diet full of a variety of colors in order to make sure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals that you need to get well. You can also have your levels checked by your healthcare provider. Then take specific measures to correct a deficiency. (21)

9. Reduce Stress

To treat thinning hair and hair loss associated with alopecia areata, it’s important to reduce stress levels and allow your body to heal so that your hair will grow back quickly. There are a number of stress relievers that can help to encourage blood circulation and promote hair growth. These include exercise (like yoga), meditation, journaling and spending more time outdoors. Dealing with hair loss can be difficult emotionally, as you may begin to feel insecure about your appearance. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members during this difficult time. And, connect with other people who are also dealing with this skin condition.

Precautions

These natural treatments for alopecia areata are safe for topical and oral use. But if you notice any adverse side effects, stop using the herb, supplement or essential oil and ask your healthcare provider or nutritionist for guidance. If you are struggling with the psychological aspects of alopecia areata, such as anxiety, depression or insecurity about your hair loss, find support from a community group or therapist. It’s important that you reduce stress as much as possible in order to get well.

Final Thoughts on Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that involves the immune system attacking the cells in your hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
The most common symptoms of alopecia areata include patchy hair loss and nail changes, such as depressions in your fingernails, vertical ridges along your nails and rough nail texture.
Scientists believe that a combination of genes and environmental factors play a role in causing alopecia areata.
Conventional treatments for alopecia areata include corticosteroids (usually injected), minoxidil, anthralin, diphencyprone and immunosuppressants.
There are effective and natural treatments for alopecia areata, including probiotic and zinc supplements, quercetin, ginseng, lavender and rosemary essential oils, reducing stress, eating an anti-inflammatory diet and acupuncture.