Nature's Medicine for Hair Loss
Updated: Oct 1, 2023
It's both weird and awesome to say I'm approaching menopause. Menopause and awesome don't usually belong in the same sentence, but for me, it feels like a rebirth into a more comfortable way of being. I hear this a lot from my similarly aged friends and patients, too -- we just feel more balanced and whole on the inside, but many of us are also struggling with some fresh little gifts from hell on the outside. Hot flashes, night sweats, fragmented sleep, and weight gain are the most common and unwelcome visitors. Many of us are also noticing more hair loss and thinning. It's a good thing we have rebirthed into this more comfortable way of being (i.e. we DGAF how we look anymore), but I'd really prefer to keep my hair. Many of my patients, both female and male, struggle with this issue and come to me seeking a natural solution. My pregnant patients, in particular, frequently experience noticeable hair loss both during and after pregnancy and need a natural and safe treatment option. After doing some research online, I stumbled across some interesting anecdotes about rosemary oil being an effective natural remedy for hair regrowth.
According to some dermatologists, rosemary oil has been found to be effective in regrowing hair in individuals with androgenetic alopecia, which is a common type of hair loss in both males and females. It also appears that the oil can also safeguard hair from the damaging effects of the sun and pollution and also helps treat dandruff. These anecdotal reports have a solid foundation in reliable data.
A randomized controlled trial published in Skinmed in 2015 showed that rosemary oil was as effective as minoxidil (also known as Rogaine) in regrowing hair in men who suffered from androgenetic alopecia. It is worth noting that the beneficial effects for both products were not seen until the 6-month endpoint.
Also, according to reports from Cleveland Clinic, rosemary oil has been found to be effective against dandruff and premature graying.
Rosemary contains carnosic acid, a compound that is likely responsible for its many benefits. This compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to rejuvenate damaged nerves and tissue in the body. When applied to the scalp, it creates an environment that promotes healthy hair growth. Increasing blood flow to the scalp provides the necessary nutrients for the hair to thrive, resulting in less shedding, more growth, and overall improved health.
To get the best results, massage a few drops of rosemary oil onto the scalp and leave it overnight before washing it out. This should be done two or three times a week, focusing on the scalp rather than the hair to avoid making it greasy.
✌🏻🤍🙂,
Dr. Aimee
Great information! Definitely going to give it a try. Thank you!