Onion Juice
DescriptionThe following study is fairly widely cited as the basis for considering onion juice a viable alternative treatment for alopecia.
Onion juice (Allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata.
J Dermatol. 2002 Jun;29(6):343-6.Sharquie KE, Al-Obaidi HK.
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Iraq.
Alopecia areata is a patchy, non-scarring hair loss condition. Any hair-bearing surface may be involved, and different modalities of treatment have been used to induce hair regrowth. This study was designed to test the effectiveness of topical crude onion juice in the treatment of patchy alopecia areata in comparison with tap water.
The patients were divided into two groups. The first group [onion juice treated] consisted of 23 patients, 16 males (69.5%) and 7 females (30.5%). Their ages ranged between 5-42 years with a mean of 22 years. The second group [control; tap-water-treated] consisted of 15 patients, 8 males (53%) and 7 females (46%). Their ages ranged between 3-35 years with a mean of 18.3 years. The two groups were advised to apply the treatment twice daily for two months.
Re-growth of terminal coarse hairs started after two weeks of treatment with crude onion juice. At four weeks, hair re-growth was seen in 17 patients (73%), and, at six weeks, the hair re-growth was observed in 20 patients (86.9%) and was significantly higher among males (93%) compared to females (71%). In the tap-water treated-control group, hair re-growth was apparent in only 2 patients (13%) at 8 weeks of treatment with no sex difference.
The present study showed that the use of crude onion juice gave significantly higher results with regard to hair re-growth than did tap water, and that it can be an effective topical therapy for patchy alopecia areata.
While the results achieved in this study do seem promising, it is often noted that the unpleasant odor might be a deterrent to the use of onion juice. It is also difficult to determine exactly how the subjects in this study used the juice. It mentions a twice daily application of the treatment, but with what quantity, and what strength? Just the unaltered juice of onions? Any specific type of onion?
We must admit that we are intrigued, but further information would be helpful. If you have any experience with this interesting therapy, or know of any further clarification of the study modality, please leave a review or leave a comment.
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Raw onions have long been a part of the Aryuvedic treatment for Alopecia. I have to admit I’m really surprised the study came out as high as it did as *quickly* as it did! Lavendar is another thing that’s been studied, but its result were much less and over a 6 month period.
iam gonna try this one tomorrow and update you guys
Nadz, did it/has it work(ed)? And how did you apply it?
This remedy totally worked for me!
I found it made my hair grow back thicker thus skipping the ‘peach fuzz’ stage. My dermatologist said in all his years he’s never seen hair grow back so fast! I used organic onions, doubt it made a difference but I thought natural was the way to go. Yay! lol
How did you apply the organic onions? Did you boil them first or did you just cut the onion and rub on the scalp?
How did you apply the onions? Did you cook them? Blend them? Amount that you use? Thanks and have a bless day!
Sergio
dear nikki
Iam a plastic and a cosmetic surgeon and since 2-3 months am suffering from alopecia areata.
i have myself started using this since 2 days.
kindly let me know from your experience the quantity and duration and frequency of the application
Dr Anurag jain