Herbal Hair Tonic that Really Works
In January one of my readers asked me if I knew of an herbal remedy for baldness. I love it when a question from one of my readers inspires productive research. I found a scientific study that supports the use of herbal treatment with some forms of baldness or alopecia.
1998 Scottish study on hair loss treatment
A 1998 study at the Department of Dermatology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, tested an essential oil treatment to see if it would help patients with hair loss caused by alopecia areata. [2]
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune skin disease where the immune system attacks a personโs hair follicles causing bald patches and sometimes causing complete hair loss. In alopecia areata, the hair follicles remain alive and can regrow. No one knows why some people get alopecia areata. It is estimated to affect 2 percent of the population.
The study used 4 essential oils because as whole herbs they have traditionally been used as hair tonics. Cedarwood Atlas, Lavender, Rosemary, and Thyme have been used to treat hair loss for over 100 years.
In this Scottish study, the essential oils were used with carrier oils. Patients self-administered the herbal hair loss treatment, massaging the essential oil treatment into the scalp for a minimum of 2 minutes.
โThe active group received the essential oils: Thyme vulgaris (2 drops, 88 mg), Lavandula agustifolia (3 drops, 108 mg), Rosmarinus officinalis (3 drops, 114 mg), and Cedrus atlantica (2 drops, 94 mg). These oils were mixed in a carrier oil, which was a combination of jojoba, 3 mL, and grapeseed, 20 mL, oils.โ[2]
Then they wrapped their heads in a warm towel to increase circulation to the scalp. In this double-blind study, 44% of those treated with the essential oils saw improvement in hair regrowth over a 7 month period.ย Some of the changes were dramatic, with both hair colour and growth being restored.
![In this Scottish study the essential oils were used with carrier oils. Patients self-administered the herbal hair loss treatment, massaging the essential oil treatment into the scalp for a minimum of 2 minutes. โThe active group received the essential oils: Thyme vulgaris (2 drops, 88 mg), Lavandula agustifolia (3 drops, 108 mg), Rosmarinus officinalis (3 drops, 114 mg), and Cedrus atlantica (2 drops, 94 mg). These oils were mixed in a carrier oil, which was a combination of jojoba, 3 mL, and grapeseed, 20 mL, oils.โ[2] Then they wrapped their heads in a warm towel to increase circulation to the scalp. In this double blind study, 44% of those treated with the essential oils saw improvement in hair regrowth over a 7 month period.](https://g6c4m6d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/hair-tonic-3.jpg)
Would this essential oil treatment help other forms of baldness?
I wondered if the same essential oils would have a positive effect on other forms of hair loss, including age-related hair loss and male pattern baldness. At least, these essential oils canโt harm. So it was worth a try.
Instead of the carrier oils jojoba and grapeseed oil, I used aloe vera gel in my formula. The carrier oils used in the Scottish experiment would need to be shampooed out of the hair every day. The shampoo contains chemicals that are known to denature protein, like sodium laurel sulphate. Hair and skin are also made up of protein.ย Limiting the use of commercial shampoo is recommended for those with hair loss. [3]
Aloe vera, on the other hand, is known to re-establish the blood supply to tissue.[1] It also has been used traditionally for hair loss.
Aloe is anti-inflammatory and is used traditionally in creams and ointments to assist the healing of wounds, burns, eczema, and psoriasis. It has been found to increase collagen connectivity, increase circulation, and have an anti-bacterial action. [1]ย Aloe doesn’t need to be washed out of the hair.ย Some people use it as a styling gel.
My hair tonic has a 4% dilution of essential oils. The original formula has a 2% dilution of essential oils.ย I don’t know whether increasing the concentration of essential oils has any effect on the results, but I liked the scent.
You can make this hair tonic up in just a few minutes.ย Keep it in a silicone tube to make the application easy.ย When you run out just mix more.
Herbal Hair Tonic
Ingredients:
2 ounce Aloe Vera gel
16 drops Lavender essential oil
16 drops Rosemary essential oil
10 drops Thyme essential oil
10 drops Cedarwood Atlas essential oil
10 drops of Marjoram essential oil (see note)
4 drops Vitamin E, natural source (optional)
![In this Scottish study the essential oils were used with carrier oils. Patients self-administered the herbal hair loss treatment, massaging the essential oil treatment into the scalp for a minimum of 2 minutes. โThe active group received the essential oils: Thyme vulgaris (2 drops, 88 mg), Lavandula agustifolia (3 drops, 108 mg), Rosmarinus officinalis (3 drops, 114 mg), and Cedrus atlantica (2 drops, 94 mg). These oils were mixed in a carrier oil, which was a combination of jojoba, 3 mL, and grapeseed, 20 mL, oils.โ[2] Then they wrapped their heads in a warm towel to increase circulation to the scalp. In this double blind study, 44% of those treated with the essential oils saw improvement in hair regrowth over a 7 month period.](https://g6c4m6d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/hair-tonic2.jpg)
Directions:
Place the essential oils in a 60 ml silicone tube. I used this one. Add the organic aloe vera gel up to the collar of the bottle. Add the vitamin E. Replace the cap. I’ve made this both with and without vitamin e and I haven’t noticed any difference in the results.ย Shake well to evenly distribute the essential oils and vitamin E.
May be kept at room temperature. This bottle should last 2 weeks, with daily use on short hair.ย If you have longer hair it may be used up faster.
To use:
Place a small amount of aloe gel in the palm and massage it into the scalp. As you massage, donโt stress the hair follicles by rubbing the hair. Instead, press firmly on the scalp and move the scalp under the fingers. This will increase the circulation on the scalp without stressing the roots of the hair. Finish by rubbing the fingers gently through the hair to coat each strand.ย Repeat once daily.
If you are sensitive to aloe vera gel, feel free to try the original recipe used in the Scottish experiment with grapeseed oil and jojoba oil, instead of aloe vera gel.
If you are a sensitive individual, please test the formula in an inconspicuous spot before going forward with the recipe on your whole head.ย Allergies are not to be taken lightly.ย Do not use if you know you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
Whatโs with the Essential Oils?
Lavender โ Analgesic, anticonvulsive, antimicrobial, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, carminative, cholagogue, choleretic, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypo-tensor, insecticide, nervine, parasiticide, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary.[3]
Rosemary โ Analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, choleretic, cicatrisant, cordial, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, fungicidal, hepatic, hypertensor, restorative, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, tonic. [3]
Thyme โ Anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, antitoxic, astringents, bactericide, balsamic, carminative, cicatrisant, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, hypertensive, nervine, rubefacient, stimulant, sudorific, aphrodisiac, tonic, vermifuge. [3]
Cedarwood Atlas โ antiseptic, anti-putrescent, anti-seborrheic, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, mucolytic, sedative (to the nervous system), stimulant (to the circulatory system), tonic. [3]
Sweet Marjoram — antiseptic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
This hair tonic will stimulate circulation in the scalp, especially if combined with massage. It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.
On a preliminary trial here, it seemed to restore some natural colouring to grey hair, possibly because of its antioxidant action. It will not dye your hair.ย There is no colourant in this hair tonic.
Where to get essential oils?
I buy my essential oils from Mountain Rose Herbs, Plant Therapy, and Tropical Traditions.
Will it restore your hair?
I donโt know. But it wonโt harm.
Mr. Joybilee has used this hair tonic for a year and has significant hair regrowth.ย It also restored his hair from grey to his natural red colour.ย ย Robin says his hair seems to be thicker, too. (I know that’s subjective.ย Maybe someone will fund a clinical trial!)
If you try it, let me know how it works for you.
![In this Scottish study the essential oils were used with carrier oils. Patients self-administered the herbal hair loss treatment, massaging the essential oil treatment into the scalp for a minimum of 2 minutes. โThe active group received the essential oils: Thyme vulgaris (2 drops, 88 mg), Lavandula agustifolia (3 drops, 108 mg), Rosmarinus officinalis (3 drops, 114 mg), and Cedrus atlantica (2 drops, 94 mg). These oils were mixed in a carrier oil, which was a combination of jojoba, 3 mL, and grapeseed, 20 mL, oils.โ[2] Then they wrapped their heads in a warm towel to increase circulation to the scalp. In this double blind study, 44% of those treated with the essential oils saw improvement in hair regrowth over a 7 month period.](https://g6c4m6d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Herbal-Hair-Tonic-lg.jpg)
Can I use this recipe on a child?
A child’s immature liver cannot clear essential oils from their body in the same way that an adult liver can.ย ย Essential oils should be diluted more for children.ย For a child between 3 years and 10 years of age dilute the essential oils by 1/4.ย Instead of using 16 drops of lavender, use only 4 drops.ย Instead of using 10 drops of thyme use only 2.
Also, young children develop allergies more readily than adults, so always test a small area of skin before proceeding with covering the head.ย If there is redness or rash after you apply it, change the formula to remove the ingredient that is causing sensitivity.
Do not use it on a child under 3.ย Keep all essential oils secure and away from children.ย Treat them as you would any other strong chemical.ย Even though they are natural they are highly concentrated and can pose a risk of poisoning.
Note: I am not trying to sell you anything.ย I don’t know what your result will be if you choose to make a batch of this recipe and try it on your own hair.ย I don’t sell the hair tonic.ย I’m sharing as a neighbour to a neighbour just as I would if you were in my kitchen, sharing a cup of tea with me.ย Please do your own research.
If you try it I’d love to know if it works for you.
Blessings,
Chris
References:
- Barnes, J., Anderson, L. A., & Phillipson, J. D. (2007). Herbal medicines. London: Pharmaceutical Press. p.48-51
- Hay, I. C., MRCP, Jamieson, M., SRN, & Ormerod, A. D., FRCP. (1998). Randomized Trial of Aromatherapy: Successful Treatment for Alopecia Areata. Arch Dermatology, 135(5), 602-603. Retrieved February 23, 2016, from http://archderm.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=189618
- Lawless, J. (1998). The complete illustrated guide to aromatherapy: A practical approach to the use of essential oils for health and well-being. Shaftesbury, Dorset: Element.
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Hฤฑ, Can use this recipe for fallen eyebrow and eyelash ? or Is there any your a suggestion?
No essential oils are not safe to use near the eyes.
thank you very much for replie . So Can I use this for eyebrow ?
Have you received any additional feedback since 2016 on the results of the essential oil mix for hair loss? I have been sporadically using the mixture (without aloe vera gel) very sporadically. And have been thinking of switching to the mix using the gel. Have you received any positive or not positive results from people using it! Thanks! David
My husband uses it sporadically as well for male pattern baldness — with the aloe gel. When he uses it consistently his hair regrows. But if he stops using it, it thins again. But the other advantage is that his grey hair goes back to his natural auburn, when he uses it consistently. We use natural aloe gel with no additives from Mountain Rose Herbs. I honestly, don’t get a lot of feedback from my recipes. I wish more people would come back and tell us whether it worked for them or didn’t.
Thanks….I just ordered atlas cedarwood, which I realize is different than other cedarwoods, Now, I need to order pure aloe vera gel, and toss what I bought at Whole Foods. I do like your idea of using aloe, as I don’t want my pillow and sheets covered in oil!
Hi Chris
Rose Mtn herbs has both Wild Marjoram and Sweet Marjoram. Which do you recommend for your Hair loss tonic? is the marjoram an active ingredient or just added for the scent? Is majoram an alternate spelling or a typo?
Hi, Ray, nice to see you here. Yes, it’s a typo. Marjoram is an active ingredients according to the scientific study. You want the sweet marjoram for this.
Thanks for your kind reminder on the shampoo and think you are right! I have been using commercial shampoo for year and about a year ago (before the hair loss condition and pre-manopause kick-in) I started no-poo (baking soda and ACV but not doing well because my hair becomes very dry even I adjust the amount. Then I tried using Dr. Bronner castile soap & water – not working, hair becomes hard to wash and not smooth. Then tried DIY shampoo with castile soap + coconut oil + honey + water and still the same, I think it is the castile soap and the hard water (I live in Toronto). Now I am using DermOrganic Shampoo and Condition or Jason Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner, they are ok but not the best. I never tried soap based shampoo bar, I see some “natural” soap bar at Whole Food and local health food store, not sure which one is good and if those soap bar are for shampoo or just regular washing or bathing soap bar. What do you recommend? And what conditioner you use after shampoo soap bar? Thanks for your advice!!
Your hair is naturally on the acidic side. Soap is naturally slightly alkaline. You need to restore the acid balance of your hair after shampooing with a natural soap or a Castile soap. You can do this by rinsing after shampooing, with diluted vinegar. And in your case, I’d highly recommend infusing the vinegar with fresh rosemary, thyme, and lavender sprigs. Infuse for a month. Then strain. Use 2 tbsp in a cup of warm water to rinse your hair after using natural soap. I think that might help with satisfaction when you use a natural shampoo bar, or a soap based product for shampooing.
Hi Chris,
Thank you for posting this herbal hair tonic recipe, very excited and am going to try it. I am at pre-menopause and the past 9 months my hair kept falling, I lost almost 1/4 hair and is very obvious. I have a few questions and appreciate your feedback.
1) For the aloe vera gel, can I use this brand – Lily of the Dessert Aloe Vera Gel (inner leaf)?
2) Can I make a big patch of 4 times the amount of your recipe and keep in a glass jar? Do I need to keep it in the fridge? I know the aloe vera gel will be good in the fridge but not sure if essential oil will do well in the fridge, any advice please?
3) When applying the hair tonic, is on dry hair ok? And does the scalp and hair need to be cleaned before applying? I wash my hair every 2 โ 3 days, I wonder will it affect the effectiveness if the hair and scalp is not the cleanest in between the washing.
4) After washing my hair and with conditioner on, is it more effective to apply the hair tonic on the scalp when the hair is still damp?
Thanks,
PT
I don’t know about the brand you mention. It should be pure aloe vera gel with no additives. The mixture can be kept in the fridge. Applying to wet hair is easier than applying it to dry hair. When you massage your scalp be careful not to rub too hard on the hair roots. You are just wanting to increase circulation to the scalp. Another thing is that losing hair can be a symptom of a more serious problem. So be sure and mention it to your family doctor.
Hi Chris,
Thank you so much for your reply. The Lily Dessert aloe vera gel is pure aloe vera gel with no additives and it is meant for internal consumption. So it should be pure enough?
My doctor said it is because of the hormonal change due to menopause and she said is normal. But I don’t want to settle on that and hope to try things see if it helps.
So applying it on dry scalp in between washing is fine even the scalp is not cleaned? Did Mr. Joybilee washed his hair daily before applying?
Thanks!!
Patty
Yes, yes, and yes. Mr. Joybilee only washes his hair every 2nd or 3rd day. On days that he washes his hair he puts the hair tonic all over his wet hair, as we found that for him, it removed his grey hair and restored his natural red colouring. However, on the days when he doesn’t wash his hair, he applies it on his dry hair, just over the part of his head where he had hair loss, the scalp at the forehead and back to the crown on the top of his head. The original recipe called for an oil base rather than the aloe, but that would require daily hair washing. The aloe dries completely and doesn’t leave his hair greasy feeling. It also seems to increase the body of his hair. Aloe is used traditionally as a hair tonic.
Hi Chris, thank you so much for your reply and appreciate the great tips and detail. I mixed the tonic and am applying it the past 2 days, last night my hair was due to wash and was a bit greasy and itchy but I was too tired to wash it and wait till this morning, so I didn’t apply the tonic last night thought the greasy itchy scalp won’t be able to absorb much of the tonic, is that right?
I will keep trying it and hope it works for me ๐
Another thought, are you using commercial shampoo? You may want to switch to a soap based shampoo bar. The ingredients in shampoo break down protein. In fact they are used in DNA experiments to break the nucleus of protein cells. This by itself can cause hairloss. I just thought of it because of your itchy scalp. My husband used to get a lot of dandruff until we stopped using commercial shampoo. We’ve been using shampoo bars (homemade) for over 20 years now and he hasn’t had a recurrence. Previously he was on a prescription shampoo. (redhead sensitivity to chemicals)