Much is written about traditional approaches to medicine and the remedies used for hair loss get their fair share of attention. We take a closer look at some of the most popular and the theory behind it.
Traditional Medicine – How Medicine Got Started
The World Health Organisation defines traditional medicine as “the sum total of the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness.” Which is a long winded way of saying everything we knew about medicine until the point we invented the equipment to start understanding how things really worked. In fact modern medicine has simply proved the efficacy of many of these ancient remedies… and have yet to outdo them.
We take a closer look at a few of the most popular massage oils, the ones people reach for when they are looking for something to help with hair loss, and explain the theoretical science that lies behind the claim.
Coconut Oil
Far and away the most commonly used. sworn by as a sealant to prevent moisture loss, it contains lauric acid whose antibiotic properties are claimed to improve scalp health.
Olive Oil
Highly regarded for it’s antioxidant properties it is claimed in some quarters to be able to suppress the production of the hormone DHT.
Almond Oil
This ridiculously nutritious nut produces an oil containing a range of vitamins, iron, calcium and magnesium. Its slow absorption offers deep nutrition to the scalp they claim.
Rosemary Oil
Reputed to be able to stimulate the roots of the hair and improve blood circulation. Used by many sufferers of alopecia areata.
Geranium Oil
This beautiful smelling oil is claimed to have properties which are beneficial in controlling the production of sebum.
Lavender Oil
A straw poll of HIS HQ proved this as our most popular. Some just liked the smell but lavender has a remarkable list of qualities. Burned in S Europe to keep biting insects away it is also put under pillows to aid restful sleep. In medicine it is known to possess antifungal and antibiotic properties. These are credited with with improving and the overall condition of your hair and scalp, not least by preventing dandruff.
HIS Hair Clinic
Even the World Health Organisation goes on to warn “inappropriate use of traditional medicines or practices can have negative or dangerous effects” and that “further research is needed to ascertain the efficacy and safety” of several of the practices and medicinal plants used by traditional medicine systems. So the distinction between snake oil and ancient wisdom can still prove a tricky one.
Here at HIS HQ we applaud anyone doing something about their hair loss, within reason of course. The treatments listed here are, at worst, benign. Maybe they can do some of the things they claim, maybe gently massaging your scalp is just a nice thing to do anyway.
If you are ready to have a discussion about your hair loss then book in to meet one of our friendly team of experts for a free consultation, to get in touch complete the form on this page or click here to find your nearest clinic.
