Oats

Whether eaten or used topically, oats (Avena sativa) may help treat alopecia areata, cicatricial alopecia, and telogen efluvium types of hair loss. ^{135, 223}

Physiological Effects and Benefits of Oats

• Clinical trials show that oat is an effective anti-inflammatory agent against inflammatory skin conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis. ¹³⁵
• Antioxidant and UV-blocking properties. ¹³⁵
• Can help relieve itchiness. ¹³⁵
• 3% avenanthramide oat extract applied topically has been shown in clinical trial to have about the same anti-inflammatory effect as 1% hydrocortisone. ¹³⁵
• Contains essential nutrients for hair (e.g., iron, zinc, and manganese. ²²³

Oats have also been shown to be safe for people with celiac disease. ¹³⁵