Why Garlic May Be the Best Natural Treatment Against Hair Loss Caused By Fungi

Anyone can suffer from hair loss issues. In some cases, it is a sign of aging, but men and women lose hair for many other reasons as well.

A great deal of natural treatments are focused on using rosemary infused oils, pumpkin seed oil or the addition of rosemary to shampoos and conditioners. But Garlic can also be an effective alternative to promote new hair growth for women and men.

Garlic: The Scoop

The various culinary and medicinal uses of garlic have been known as well as passed down for millennia. It is indigenous to Asia, but widely used across the globe. Laboratory

analysis has provided evidence which shows garlic contains many effective properties.

Cause & Effect

There are a number of reasons for hair loss including medical conditions; chemical side effects; stress; nutritional deficiencies; genetics; and aging.

The first step to combat it is to root out exactly what is causing it. Once the source is determined effective treatments may be implemented.

Such is the case with localized alopecia areata, a condition, which can affect any area of the body where hair grows. About 86% of incidences are in patients who are asymptomatic, or present no other physical signs relating to it. This type of hair loss may be the result of physical and/or psychological disorders.

Applying Garlic Oil Topically

The Department of Dermatology at the University of Medical Sciences conducted a clinical trial to determine the efficacy in treating localized alopecia areata with garlic when used in the form of a gel and applied topically. The results of the study gave evidence that garlic is an effective method to treat individuals with this specific type of hair loss. A total of 40 subjects participated 20 of which were treated with the topical garlic gel. The remaining patients received a placebo. Out of those 20 treated with the gel, 95% of subjects demonstrate positive results ranging between moderate to good. Only a single subject presented with positive results.

Why Garlic Works

Garlic contains two compounds which are regularly prescribed by medical professionals to treat dandruff and numerous other types of dermatitis.

These conditions are usually caused by the growth of fungus which affects hair follicles and therefore hair growth. Selenium and sulfur are both found in this excellent herb.

These properties reinforce hair which is present as well as encourage new hair growth. Selenium sulfide is commonly prescribed to treat many skin disorders, especially those caused by fungi.

Allicin is another agent in garlic which was studied to determine its effectiveness on fungal skin disorders. The Taihe Hospital of the YunYang Medical College discovered that allicin may be used in treatments of six different fungi.

Recipe Options

1. Garlic Juice and Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is making a comeback in medicine because it has numerous medicinal qualities including anti-fungal abilities.

Thoroughly combine one tablespoon each of coconut oil and garlic juice. It helps to warm the coconut oil a bit before incorporating the garlic juice into it. Massage the mixture into the scalp and let it rest for about 20 minutes.

The scalp will absorb the coconut oil so it may be necessary not only to rinse it, but wash it. The oil that remains will condition both the scalp and hair. This should be done at least twice a week; however, it may be used more often.

2. Garlic Juice and Honey

Garlic juice is generally available in most grocery stores as are garlic bulbs. One tablespoon of garlic juice either bought as is or pressed from a small bulb and one tablespoon of honey should be combined by mixing thoroughly. Honey has a long and interesting history in medicine which dates far into the past like garlic. This mixture should be applied to the area and left to penetrate for about 20 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly. This process can be repeated as little as twice each week or as much as every other day.

3. Garlic Oil for Hair

Garlic oil has been a success in promoting hair growth and can be gently massaged into the area. Allow the oil to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing clean. It is extremely important to use garlic infused oil and not garlic essential oil. This ritual can be performed several times each week. While garlic infused oil may be purchased from department stores or online, it is simple to make at home.

Homemade Garlic Infused Oil

Mince one garlic clove for each tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil or any other preferable carrier oil may be used instead. Heat the oil until it is slightly warm, but it should not be too hot or else it will cook the garlic instead of being infused with it. Put the minced garlic in a dark, glass jar with a lid that seals tight. Pour the warm carrier oil over it and seal it. Allow to infuse for at least one week. The longer the better as it will be more potent. When the infusion process is complete strain the oil off of the garlic.

Enhanced Garlic Infusion

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons of garlic infused oil (see method 1 above)
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of castor oil (which promotes hair growth)
• 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary essential oil (which also promotes hair growth)
• 10 drops of tea tree oil

Instructions:

Mix the garlic infused oil with the remaining ingredients and shake well. Store in the refrigerator to keep the oil from spoiling.