Randomized trial of aromatherapy: successful treatment for alopecia areata
Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD
Published in Archives of Dermatology
Methodology
Randomised double-blind controlled trial of scalp massage with thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood essential oils versus carrier oil for 7 months.
Key Findings
44% of the aromatherapy group showed improvement versus 15% of controls on blinded photographic assessment.
Conclusions
Essential oil scalp massage produced measurable improvement in alopecia areata in one randomised trial that has not been replicated.
Limitations
Single trial from 1998; small sample; massage co-intervention; no long-term follow-up.
Outcomes Measured
44% of the aromatherapy group showed hair-growth improvement versus 15% of controls.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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