Alopecia areata is a skin disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, preventing new hair growth and resulting in bald patches on the scalp. In most cases, people recovered in a year, but sometimes the bald patches remained for longer periods of time.             A common natural remedy for alopecia areata is to make a mixture of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood essential oils in a carrier oil, like jojoba, and massage the scalp with this mixture daily to stimulate hair growth.             This issue is particularly close to my heart because immediately following my mother’s remission from breast cancer, she was diagnosed with alopecia areata. Imagine losing all your hair due to radiation, then have it finally grow back again, and then have it fall out all over again in patches. Amazingly, she didn’t let it devastate her and took it in stride. I remember, she incorporated the essential oil regiment into her routine and eventually the bald spots went away, but we never discussed the emotional aspect of it all.           My mother is a strong, lighthearted woman. She is often mischievous and likes to not take life too seriously. Although, she can worry about her children something fierce, she never dwells too long on the negative. A true Michael Franti fan, she lives to enjoy life and terrorize her children with practical jokes. The only makeup I’ve ever seen my mother wear is lipstick for pictures, special events, and visiting family. She despises perfume and any synthetic ingredients, only using sandlewood and egyptian musk essential oils. Her favorite item of clothing is a dress that reminds me of an oversized cotton bag. She finds it incredibly comfortable and has replicated the exact pattern a few times in different colors, so I could finally stop hassling her about wearing the exact same dress too often.  So you see, she is not wrapped up in vanity, but for anyone anywhere, having your appearance drastically change is transformative in so many ways. In her own words:   Well, at the time, I didn’t know you could get steroid shots from a dermatologist. I used a herbal oil mixture of lavender, cedar, and rosemary in a jojoba base. I shaved my head and massaged the oil mixture into my scalp three times a day. The experience taught me to love scarves. Haha. Seriously though, to be grateful for my life. It could be a lot worse. It taught me to look within and tap into the LOVE that is always there, the compassion, the joy, and to focus on that. To share that as there is always someone who needs that.   My mother has a big, open heart. The best thing for her to do during that time was to take care of her body by nourishing it with healthy food and to do relaxing things like deep breathing and yoga.          Here’s my favorite recent picture of my mom at a Michael Franti concert: