Natural Treatments

[Truth Seeker]

I'm pretty much into health. I avoid medicine as much as possible. I just got over a cold and treated it with echinacea and herbal teas, whereas everyone else I know went to their local CVS. I read something a while back about "procyanidin" which can be found in apples, but must be used topically. I have not found a recipe for this. The studies were done in Japan with decent results.

 

I just subscribed to a newsletter for alternative health by a Dr. Williams. I sent him an e-mail with questions about hair loss. This is the reply I got from his office:

 

Thank you for your email.

 

I searched Dr. Williams' archive and found this article that seems to

pertain to your question. Alternatives is dedicated to providing

timely, accurate health information based on Dr. Williams' experience

and opinion. The recommendations in this newsletter should not be viewed

as a substitute for personal medical care, and Dr. Williams encourages

all readers to work closely with qualified professionals to accomplish

their health goals.

 

"Hair Loss:

 

Essential Oils. Researchers in Scotland report a safe and unique

treatment for alopecia areata, a condition characterized by the sudden

loss of hair in a particular area. If hair loss happens during

adolescence or affects the entire body, the hair rarely returns. If it

happens later in life and is confined to a specific area, the hair is

more likely to regrow within a few months. In each of these cases, the

application of certain essential oils appears to help hair grow back.

 

In a double-blind study on 84 men and women with alopecia, half were

given a combination of jojoba and grapeseed oil and told to massage the

oil into the scalp for two minutes, then wrap a warm towel around the

head. The other half followed the same procedure, but the jojoba and

grapeseed oil contained a mixture of essential oils: two parts Thymus

vulgaris (thyme), two parts Cedrus atlantica (atlas cedarwood), three

parts Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and three parts Lavandula

angustifolia (lavender). The jojoba and grapeseed oils merely acted as

the carrier for the essential oils.

 

After seven months, 44 percent of the 43 individuals using the essential

oils exhibited significant hair regrowth. In the control group, only 15

percent regrew a significant amount of hair.

 

These oils are readily available and nontoxic when used in this fashion.

However, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use this

therapy. Rosemary and atlas cedarwood can promote menstruation and

stimulate the central nervous system, neither of which are desirable for

women in these situations. Look for these essential oils in health food

stores.

 

Cut Back on Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates. Some studies have linked

premature hair loss to increased sugar consumption. Researchers found

that men who experienced early male-pattern baldness (beginning before

age 35) had an increased incidence of insulin resistance and higher

blood levels of insulin. They had a two-fold increase in

hyperinsulinemia, a two-fold increase in moderate obesity, and a nearly

150-percent increase in severe obesity. They were also more likely to be

taking medications for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and

diabetes. (Lancet 00;356(9236):1165?1166)

 

Based on this information, it would seem that if you begin to lose your

hair before age 35, there?s a good chance the loss could be related to

imbalances stemming from excess sugar and carbohydrate consumption.

Cutting back on sugar and refined carbohydrates is a far more sensible

course of action than reaching for the Rogaine. Diet changes address the

cause of the problem; drugs merely treat the symptom."

 

If I may be of any further help, please reply to this email.

 

Sincerely,

 

Holly G.

================

 

I can tell your right now that I do not eat refined sugars and carbohydrates. I rarely eat pastas and breads anymore. So I doubt that is a cause for my hair loss.

 

What do you all think of this e-mail?

[Truth Seeker]

I'm pretty much into health. I avoid medicine as much as possible. I just got over a cold and treated it with echinacea and herbal teas, whereas everyone else I know went to their local CVS. I read something a while back about "procyanidin" which can be found in apples, but must be used topically. I have not found a recipe for this. The studies were done in Japan with decent results.

 

I just subscribed to a newsletter for alternative health by a Dr. Williams. I sent him an e-mail with questions about hair loss. This is the reply I got from his office:

 

Thank you for your email.

 

I searched Dr. Williams' archive and found this article that seems to

pertain to your question. Alternatives is dedicated to providing

timely, accurate health information based on Dr. Williams' experience

and opinion. The recommendations in this newsletter should not be viewed

as a substitute for personal medical care, and Dr. Williams encourages

all readers to work closely with qualified professionals to accomplish

their health goals.

 

"Hair Loss:

 

Essential Oils. Researchers in Scotland report a safe and unique

treatment for alopecia areata, a condition characterized by the sudden

loss of hair in a particular area. If hair loss happens during

adolescence or affects the entire body, the hair rarely returns. If it

happens later in life and is confined to a specific area, the hair is

more likely to regrow within a few months. In each of these cases, the

application of certain essential oils appears to help hair grow back.

 

In a double-blind study on 84 men and women with alopecia, half were

given a combination of jojoba and grapeseed oil and told to massage the

oil into the scalp for two minutes, then wrap a warm towel around the

head. The other half followed the same procedure, but the jojoba and

grapeseed oil contained a mixture of essential oils: two parts Thymus

vulgaris (thyme), two parts Cedrus atlantica (atlas cedarwood), three

parts Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and three parts Lavandula

angustifolia (lavender). The jojoba and grapeseed oils merely acted as

the carrier for the essential oils.

 

After seven months, 44 percent of the 43 individuals using the essential

oils exhibited significant hair regrowth. In the control group, only 15

percent regrew a significant amount of hair.

 

These oils are readily available and nontoxic when used in this fashion.

However, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use this

therapy. Rosemary and atlas cedarwood can promote menstruation and

stimulate the central nervous system, neither of which are desirable for

women in these situations. Look for these essential oils in health food

stores.

 

Cut Back on Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates. Some studies have linked

premature hair loss to increased sugar consumption. Researchers found

that men who experienced early male-pattern baldness (beginning before

age 35) had an increased incidence of insulin resistance and higher

blood levels of insulin. They had a two-fold increase in

hyperinsulinemia, a two-fold increase in moderate obesity, and a nearly

150-percent increase in severe obesity. They were also more likely to be

taking medications for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and

diabetes. (Lancet 00;356(9236):1165?1166)

 

Based on this information, it would seem that if you begin to lose your

hair before age 35, there?s a good chance the loss could be related to

imbalances stemming from excess sugar and carbohydrate consumption.

Cutting back on sugar and refined carbohydrates is a far more sensible

course of action than reaching for the Rogaine. Diet changes address the

cause of the problem; drugs merely treat the symptom."

 

If I may be of any further help, please reply to this email.

 

Sincerely,

 

Holly G.

================

 

I can tell your right now that I do not eat refined sugars and carbohydrates. I rarely eat pastas and breads anymore. So I doubt that is a cause for my hair loss.

 

What do you all think of this e-mail?

[Bill - Seemiller]

Truth Seeker,

 

I agree that it is good to cut back on simple sugars and refined carbohydrates for overall body health, but I think it's a stretch to say that this causes people under the age of 35 to experience hair loss.

 

If this is true, why aren't the majority of women under 35 affected? Why are only certain men targets?

 

I certainly believe that overall body health plays an important role in preserving your hair. But there are plenty of fitness and nutritional experts that have had "premature" male pattern baldness.

 

Female and male pattern baldness is genetic, and DHT is the hormone genetically programmed to kill hair follicles susceptible to it. Any number of health related issues may facilitate this by 1) potentially weaking the hair follicles making them more susceptible to DHT or 2) increasing the production of DHT which expedites the loss of predisposed hair.

 

Interesting study on Jojoba and grapeseed oil (carrying "essential" oils) for alopecia areata. I'm don't feel the data is very convincing as there are a number of uknown variables like:

 

1. How old were the men?

 

2. In many cases of isolated incidents, hair returns on it's own (without any treatment) in a few months. How do we know the "essential" oils were really responsible for the additional 29% with successful hair regrowth and not time in itself?

 

I'm not arguing against that there is possibly some validity in these claims - but I proceed with skepticism since many companies market these herbal treatments as ingredients in so called "hair loss cures" masquerading as big brand name products.

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill

[Smoothy]

Truth Seeker, eveything you researched is true. Omega fatty acids/vitamins are also important along with diet as everything effect body chemistry and each person is different.

After 15 yrs I've found my perfect balance. Yes I've had HT, but am a health nut deluxe being an ex-pro athlete-- as I get older I am even more into health and wellness.

 

SMOOTHY

Shapiro

Propecia/Rogain xtra

MSM/Saw Palmetto

Nioxin Shampoo

Zrii 3oz Daily