Alopecia areata is a condition in which hair loss happens in some areas of the body, normally from the scalp, causing bald spots. It is also known as spot baldness. It can spread to the entire scalp. In this blog, I reveal all about Ayurvedic treatment for Alopecia Areata.
What is alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata, a type of hair loss, occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles. The damage caused is usually not permanent. Experts are yet to find out the reason why the immune system attacks the follicles. It affects men and women equally.
Also Read: How to grow hair naturally?
What causes alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata is caused by certain abnormal conditions in the immune system, which tends to attack particular tissues of the body, the hair follicles, in particular, and upsets normal hair growth. Clinical observations have revealed that immune lymphocytes penetrate into the hair bulb and disrupt growth. This condition is also associated with thyroid disease, vitiligo, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. It is an indication of an underlying medical concern, such as iron deficiency. Alopecia areata can be hereditary too.
Also Read: 15 foods for healthy hair
Permanent hair loss can happen due to:
Family history
Natural condition at a young age (before puberty)
An autoimmune disease.
Allergies (atopy).
Extensive hair loss.
Chemotherapy.
What are the symptoms?
Prominent spots of hair loss on the scalp.
Sudden hair fall
Patches of hair loss
Tiny hairs visible in the patches
Brittle and discoloured fingernails and toenails with ridges
Gradual shedding
Hairs fall even with gentle pulling
Bald Patches
Black dots in the patches on the scalp
Itchy scalp
Scaling
Inflammation (such as redness)
Did you know?
About 10% of people with this condition may never regrow hair. The psychological effect caused by alopecia areata can be devastating for self- esteem of women, especially young girls.
Also Read: How to cure hair fall in 7 days?
Ayurvedic treatment for Alopecia Areata
According to Ayurveda, Alopecia Areata is kapha avarodha which blocks hair growth. Some say it’s caused by Raktaja krimi. There are a few easy and simple ways to prevent and treat this condition. It includes applying pure aloe vera gel liberally on the scalp, massaging thoroughly and rinsing. Krimihara chikitsa and keshya chikitsa are highly effective recommended treatments by Ayurveda in treating hair loss and in retaining natural dark hair colour.
Also Read: DIY Scalp treatment you must try
Home remedies you can try
- Take a tsp. each of salt and black pepper powder, add this to 5 tsp. of coconut oil and apply it to the bald patches. It will restore the growth of hair.
- Rub onion juice on the bald patches regularly for some time. It will help the hair to grow again.
- Apply neem oil regularly for three months at the bald spots and notice the difference.
- Use henna as a natural conditioner because it helps in hair growth.
Also Read: Curdwash in hair care
A word of advice
Avoid stress and stressful situations. The more stress you have, the more it reflects on the body’s health, especially hair loss. Follow these few steps to avoid stress as much as you can:
- Eat slowly, don’t rush.
- Meditate
- Sleep enough
- Stay positive
- Spend time outdoors
- Take Deep Breaths
Testimonial – Ayurvedic treatment for Alopecia Areata
Monisha -29 years – Software Professional
I’d like to share my alopecia areata story to give you hope and comfort. You can certainly win against this awful disease!
The whole thing started 9 years ago. One day, when I was combing my hair, I noticed two strange bald spots. I consulted a dermatologist and took some medication. He told me the cause could be because of stress. The medication helped to a certain extent. The bald patches started to appear again after a few months. This time I was advised to take steroids to control.
That’s when I took a second opinion from Dr. Brahmanad Nayak. He gave a clear picture of this condition. Put me on a strict diet and Ayurvedic treatment. I am happy to tell you that I am totally out of this embarrassing condition.