The beard is a big part of a man’s look. It can make him feel masculine – and keep his face warm! If bald patches show up, it can be stressful.
This condition is known as alopecia barbae. It’s similar to alopecia areata, but affects the mustache and beard instead of the scalp.
At the store, you can find products designed to treat alopecia. But they’re also full of harmful chemicals. To use homeopathy, turn to these five natural remedies.
5 Homeopathic Remedies For Alopecia Barbae
1. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is one of the best homeopathic treatments for alopecia barbae. This remedy can increase the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an enzyme that controls hair growth. It also promotes mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). Even blood circulation will improve, helping your skin and hair flourish.
On the head, its effects are just as good as minoxidil, the major ingredient in Rogaine. Imagine what it can do for your beard!1
2. Lavender Essential Oil
Healthy hair follicles mean healthy hair growth. And thanks to lavender essential oil, you can make it happen. This natural ingredient encourages hair growth by deepening the hair follicles.
It also works by decreasing mast cells, a major cause of inflammation. This can shorten the life cycle of hair follicles and make it easy for hair to fall out.
Fortunately, lavender oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, so mast cells won’t be an issue.2
3. Japanese Cypress Essential Oil
Japanese Cypress oil, or hinoki oil, blows minoxidil out of the water. It can enhance IGF-1 mRNA expression by 426 percent. This is more than two times the effect of minoxidil, which only has a 204 percent increase.
The best part? Japanese Cypress oil doesn’t have toxic side effects like minoxidil.
This homeopathic treatment also prolongs the life cycle of hair follicles. Collagen and elastin will also get a boost, giving each and every follicle enough support.3
4. Propolis
Propolis is the resin-like material found in tree buds. Bees collect it for the hives and use it as a glue. Like honey, propolis is extremely healthy for the skin.4
Specifically, it’s jam-packed with polyphenols and flavonoids, which provide nourishment for hair follicles. Propolis also has anti-inflammatory properties. So if your alopecia barbae is from inflammation, propolis may be your answer.
Patches caused by fungal infections can also be cured with propolis. This bee product has anti-fungal properties, making it an excellent natural remedy.5
5. Ginseng Root
An enzyme called 5-alpha reductase might be the culprit of alopecia. It transforms testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen that causes hair loss.6
Luckily, ginseng root can stop 5-alpha reductase activity. It’s all thanks to an anti-oxidative polyphenol called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (ECGC). When 5-alpha reductase is blocked, hair growth is more likely.
Like peppermint oil, ginseng is a worthy alternative to minoxidil.7 Aside from fresh ginseng, you can find it as a tea, tablet, or essential oil.
How To Use
To use these natural remedies, make a homemade beard oil. It’ll soften your beard while promoting hair growth.
Dilute five drops of essential oil in one tablespoon of a carrier. You can mix and match peppermint, lavender, hinoki, and ginseng oils.
As for the carrier? Excellent options include coconut, grapeseed, and olive oil.
If you’re lucky enough to find a propolis essential oil, add it to your beard oil. Powdered propolis can also be made into a paste. Depending on the size of your patches, mix a small amount with coconut oil or honey. Apply on the bald spot then wash off with warm water.
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