|
A Natural Alternative
to Minoxidil and Rogaine
A study carried in Scottland showed that a formula made from essential
oils may be as effective as Rogaine in helping regrow hair. The
natural formula had no side effects and it was a fraction of the
cost of a treatment with Rogaine.
Minoxidil a.k.a. Rogaine
Minoxidil is sold in pill form as a treatment for high blood pressure.
When applied topically for hair loss is known as Rogaine. This was
the first drug approved by the FDA for hair loss. Rogaine was developed
to promote hair re-growth. It appears that the lotion can prolong
the hair follicles' growth phase. Unfortunately it works only on
follicles that are still active, and it works only when used regularly.
Rogaine is more effective for bald spots than for receding hairlines,
but even then the benefits are usually modest. In one study, only
36 percent of men who had used the product for several years thought
it was worth the time and money.
The FDA approved 2% minoxidil for use as an over-the-counter drung.
Its use is approved for both Men and Women. Currently, 5% minoxidil
(known as Extra Strenght Rogaine) is only recommended for use by
men since women seem to experience excessive hair growth (in the
face area). This condition is reversible, but it may take up to
two months after stopping it use.
Topical minoxidil (Rogaine), must be used twice daily for several
months, to find out if it will work. The drug won't create new hair,
but it can stop hair follicles from shrinking and stimulate dormant
follicles to produce new hair (which tends to be soft, fine "baby"
fluff). As with Propecia, Rogaine requires a lifetime commitment.
Possible Side Effects of Rogaine
The following conditions are listed as adverse effects from minoxidil:
fluid retention, irregular heartbeat, and sodium retention. Less
frequent side effects include: angina, chest pain, dermatitis of
the scalp, and rashes. It is contraindicated for people with many
heart problems including congestive heart failure. Minoxidil-induced
hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth in the face area) can occur
in women; it is reversible, but this might take up to 2 months.
Hypertrichosis disappears after a year, even with continued use
of minoxidil, and remits within one to six months if treatment is
stopped.
Drawbacks of Rogaine
- To maintain whatever results are achieved, the drugs must be
used every day, indefinitely.
- When it's used over a long period of time it may cause changes
in the heart function.
- Studies have found that the quality of the hair produced by
using minoxidil is often poor, and you have to keep using minoxidil
for continued growth.
- Applications must be twice daily to be effective.
- Nineteen of the 96 men experienced mild to moderate itching.
- The cost can be high.
- About nine percent of the men had no hair regrowth.
- Hair will fall out two months after the drug is discontinued.
- Rogaine treatment requires perseverance: the lotion must be
applied twice a day for four to six months just to see if it will
work.
- The chances of substantial results are only one in five, a large
investment for a reasonably low chance of real cosmetic benefit.
The Natural Alternative
A Natural Alternative to Rogaine
If the side effects and drawbacks make you decide that Rogaine is
not for you. There is a natural alternative that may promote hair
re-growth without unpleasant side effects.
Dermatologists at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary tested a mixture of oils
(lavender, thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood) long used by aromatherapists
to treat hair loss. This Scottish study took 86 people with alopecia
and divided them into two groups. Each was given a formula of essential
oils to massage into their scalp daily. One group had essential
oils of rosemary, thyme, lavender, and cedarwood in a base of jojoba
and grapeseed oils. The others used the unscented carrier oils alone
with no essential oils added. At the end of seven months, the study
showed that 44% of people who used the essential oils had improvement
in their alopecia, compared with only 15% of those in the control
group (it is important to know that the control group used Jojoba
oil, long known for its benefits in fighting hair loss. This may
explain the reason a percentage of the placebo group also experience
some hair regrowth).
The study found that the improvement was significant and reproducible.
These essential oils, which are very strong dilutions of plant oils,
contain antibacterial and antiviral activity, along with unknown
properties that seem to improve hair loss in enough people to be
worth trying. This success rate matches that of drugs, and
patients suffered no side effects.
Home Remedy
We have created a formula like the one used in the study.
All the components and recipe are included in this page. You
will be able to recreate this formula at home for a fraction
of the cost of Rogaine. We offer all the ingredients together
as a Formula
Kit for additional savings.
The Formula
The ingredients in this formula have long been known for their ability
to improve hair and scalp health and prevent hair loss. Here is
a brief summary of each ingredient (the recipe
for the formula follows).
Rosemary
Essential Oil
Rosemary has been known to help increase circulation when applied
topically to the scalp or skin. Increased blood circulation to the
scalp is one of the theories as to why minoxidil works. In this
site we also discuss the importance of increased blood circulation
to the scalp to promote hair growth and maintain a healthy scalp
and hair.
Rosemary Essential Oil 0.5oz.
USD$11.99 
Note: Rosemary, Sage and Thyme are powerful
essential oils and should be used with caution. They should NOT
be used by people with high blood pressure or pregnant women.
Thyme
Essential Oil
Thyme has been used in medicine for hundreds of years because of
its component thymol, which is a powerful antiseptic and
bactericide. It has also been used as an inhibitor of enzyme activity
in the hair follicle, which encourages hair growth.
Thyme Essential Oil 0.5oz.
USD$14.99
Note: Rosemary, Sage and Thyme are powerful
essential oils and should be used with caution. They should NOT
be used by people with high blood pressure or pregnant women.
Lavender
Essential Oil
Lavender is the most versatil of the essential oils. Its actions
include analgesic, antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-depressant,
anti-bacterial, decongestant and sedative effects. Helps prevent
scarring while simultaneously promoting rapid healing. Lavender
has been known to nourish hair and improve the condition of
damaged hair. The combination of Lavender and Rosemary have
long been use to revive damaged hair. Skin, hair, circulation,
muscles and joints, respiratory, digestive, genitourinary,
immune and nervous are a few of the body's systems that benefit
from lavender.
Massaging lavender into the scalp will also reduce stress
and promote restful sleep. Stress does play an important part
in hair loss, so this is another added benefit of lavender.
Lavender Essential Oil 0.5oz.
USD$11.99
Cedarwood
Essential Oil
Cedarwood helps hydrate and moisturize the scalp and hair. It is
also well known for its purifying properties.
Cedarwood Essential Oil 0.5oz.
USD$9.99
Jojoba
Oil
Jojoba oil is the oil most similar to the skin and scalp's own oily
secretions, and so will help to balance any scalp condition. Jojoba
oil is an excellent product and an important component to the any
hair loss halting strategy. Its scalp cleaning properties have been
well documented. In addition, promotes hair growth, has anti-aging
properties and promotes overall healhier hair. Delays aging through
its unique anti-oxidant properties which protect the hair and scalp
from free radical damage. It also improves the overall health of
the scalp and hair. We have covered the importance of Jojoba oil
in many sections of this website. Learn
more about Jojoba oil.
Pure Jojoba Oil 4oz.
USD$15.50
Grapeseed
Oil
Grape seed oil is known as a carrier oil. It is used in this recipe
as a natural preservative. It has virtually no odor of its own,
it does not obscure the scent of the essential oils. Its light consistency
facilitates the penetration of the essential oils into the scalp
without leaving an oily residue.
Grapeseed Carrier Oil 4oz.
USD$9.99
It is an interesting medical discovery to see that the combination
of thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood oils for a safe and
effective treatment for alopecia. The study shows that this method
makes sense for a safe approach to growing healthy hair. This formula
offers you many possible benefits at a fraction of the cost. You
can re-create this formula in your own home. This will offer you
and natural, side-effect free alternative to Rogaine. In addition,
it will improve the health of your hair and scalp. Yor hair will
look and feel wonderful. We have each individual ingredient for
sale in this page. You can save money by buying all the ingredients
at once in the formula kit. We offer only the best quality
essential and carrier oils.
Formula
Kit (all ingredients)
USD$69.99
Recipe and Instructions
Hair Regrowth Aromatherapy Recipe
- 15 drops of Rosemary
- 20 drops of Lavender
- 3 drops of Thyme
- 5 drops of Cedarwood
- 4 teaspoonfuls of Jojoba Oil
- 6 teaspoonfuls of Grapeseed Oil
Mix all the ingredients and put into an air-tight container. Massage
your scalp (instructions follow) with this formula every night.
It is best to massage your scalp when your hair is dry. You may
cover your head with a towel or shower cap for an hour or more.
The heat will help the essential oils penetrate better.
Leave the formula on over-night and wash-off in the morning. Style
you hair as usual. For more styling options consider using a hair
loss concealer like HairSoReal.
You will not need to use a lot of product. You just need a few
drops (enough to moisten your entire scalp to allow your fingers
to move easily). This batch will last you about a month. The ingredients
purchased will allow you to make many more batches. The cost per
month for this remedy is very low.
Scalp Massage
A daily scalp massage invigorates your scalp, promotes circulation
and hair growth. It will also relax your entire body and soothe
your mind. For best results follow these instructions.
- Wash your hands with a good antiseptic soap before your begin
the scalp massage. Since you will be working with the scalp it
is important to make sure that the hands and fingernails are clean.
- It is important to make sure your nails are smooth and filed
so as to not accidently snag or rip hair. Remove any rings or
other jewelry that could tear the hair.
- Examine the scalp for any cuts, abrasions or lesions. Do not
apply formula or massage if these are present.
- Your hair and scalp should be completely dry.
- Drape your neck to prevent any oils from staining clothing.
- Apply a few drops of formula. Always used the pad of the fingertips.
- The movementes should be rhythmic and continuous.
- Start from the forehead hairline along the arteries in the front,
side, and back of the head, making small circles with your fingertips.
- Work your way toward the top of the head as if drawing a circle.
- Cover your head with a towel or shower cap for at least 30 minutes
(optional).
|
