Randomized Trial of Aromatherapy for Alopecia Areata

    November 1998 in “ Archives of Dermatology ”
    Isabelle Hay, Margaret Jamieson, Anthony Ormerod
    From the encyclopedia
    thyme →
    Rosemary →

    herb and oil with stimulant, circulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

    Lavender →

    plant and natural oil with antimicrobial and some anti-androgenic effects

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    Studysummary This study found that aromatherapy involving essential oils significantly improved symptoms of alopecia areata compared to carrier oils alone in a randomized controlled trial. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    In a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial from 1998 involving 86 patients with alopecia areata, researchers found that aromatherapy using essential oils (thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood) mixed with carrier oils (jojoba and grapeseed) led to significant improvement in hair growth. The active group of 43 patients who used the essential oil mixture showed a 44% improvement rate, while only 15% of the control group of 41 patients using just carrier oils showed improvement. The efficacy of the treatment was assessed using sequential photographs, a 6-point scale, and computerized analysis, all indicating statistically significant better outcomes for the active group. The study concluded that aromatherapy with these specific essential oils is a safe and effective treatment for alopecia areata.
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