Natural and home remedies for dandruff and scalp problems.
Archive for August, 2009
Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss – What Natural Remedies Can I Use To Stop My Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss?
Aug 31st
Anne Cresacre
asked:
Itchy scalp and hair loss are fairly common problems that are sometimes distinct problems in themselves, or one can be the cause of the other.
Hair loss can be particularly difficult for the sufferer to deal with, especially if she is a woman – this is not to say that it’s not difficult for male sufferers, but many women would identify their femininity with their hair. Also, hair loss can occur at any time in a person’s life, it is not restricted by age.
Finding the right natural remedy for itchy scalp and hair loss will often depend on what the symptoms are, but there are a number of general good practices that you can begin to get in to which can greatly help the itchy scalp hair loss problem.
Check and Change Your Shampoo
In many cases an itchy scalp and hair loss will become aggravated and worsened by continual use of harsh oil-stripping shampoos. What may surprise you is how many of the so-called “soft and sensitive” shampoos contain strong industrial strength de-greasing chemicals.
By choosing a natural shampoo – ideally containing Zinc Pyrithione in its natural form, which is a great anti-fungal ingredient and can be effective for treating itchy scalp conditions such as Psoriasis, and Sebhorreic Dermatitis – you can begin to stop the irritation on your scalp and return the skin to its normal pH balance.
Essential Oils
Adding essential oils like Tea Tree and Rosemary to your shampoo will cleanse and soothe the skin, while Lavender will stimulate hair growth. (Please patch test all essential oils prior to use, as some people have certain sensitivities or allergies to natural oils).
Jojoba – great for treating seborrhea, eczema, psoriasis, or dandruff. Jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-ba) oil has been used for centuries by Mexicans and Southwestern Native American nations to promote hair growth and the control of dandruff. It’s a great moisturizer and mimics the scalp’s own sebum. It absorbs readily into the scalp and helps remove deposits of sebum from the hair follicles, neutralizes acidity, and nourishes the scalp with all the B vitamins, vitamin E, silicon, copper, zinc, chromium, and iodine.
Aloe Vera – used by Native Americans, Indians and many in the Caribbean to promote healthy hair and prevent hair loss. It can help the scalp by healing it and balancing the pH level while cleansing the pores. A common preparation of Aloe Vera gel with a small amount of wheat germ oil and coconut milk is used as a shampoo and has traditionally shown great benefit.
Massage
A vigorous rubbing of the scalp with fingers after washing the hair with cold water can help to stimulate hair growth. The scalp should be rubbed vigorously till it starts to tingle with the heat. By doing this you activate the sebaceous glands and energise the circulation of blood in the affected area, which can encourage the hair to grow back. Be careful with this technique if you have a very sore scalp or any broken skin, as you may aggravate your condition. Also, take care to avoid causing unnecessary damage with your fingernails. If you have long fingernails you can perform the massage using your flattened palm.
Caffeinated Content
asked:
Itchy scalp and hair loss are fairly common problems that are sometimes distinct problems in themselves, or one can be the cause of the other.
Hair loss can be particularly difficult for the sufferer to deal with, especially if she is a woman – this is not to say that it’s not difficult for male sufferers, but many women would identify their femininity with their hair. Also, hair loss can occur at any time in a person’s life, it is not restricted by age.
Finding the right natural remedy for itchy scalp and hair loss will often depend on what the symptoms are, but there are a number of general good practices that you can begin to get in to which can greatly help the itchy scalp hair loss problem.
Check and Change Your Shampoo
In many cases an itchy scalp and hair loss will become aggravated and worsened by continual use of harsh oil-stripping shampoos. What may surprise you is how many of the so-called “soft and sensitive” shampoos contain strong industrial strength de-greasing chemicals.
By choosing a natural shampoo – ideally containing Zinc Pyrithione in its natural form, which is a great anti-fungal ingredient and can be effective for treating itchy scalp conditions such as Psoriasis, and Sebhorreic Dermatitis – you can begin to stop the irritation on your scalp and return the skin to its normal pH balance.
Essential Oils
Adding essential oils like Tea Tree and Rosemary to your shampoo will cleanse and soothe the skin, while Lavender will stimulate hair growth. (Please patch test all essential oils prior to use, as some people have certain sensitivities or allergies to natural oils).
Jojoba – great for treating seborrhea, eczema, psoriasis, or dandruff. Jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-ba) oil has been used for centuries by Mexicans and Southwestern Native American nations to promote hair growth and the control of dandruff. It’s a great moisturizer and mimics the scalp’s own sebum. It absorbs readily into the scalp and helps remove deposits of sebum from the hair follicles, neutralizes acidity, and nourishes the scalp with all the B vitamins, vitamin E, silicon, copper, zinc, chromium, and iodine.
Aloe Vera – used by Native Americans, Indians and many in the Caribbean to promote healthy hair and prevent hair loss. It can help the scalp by healing it and balancing the pH level while cleansing the pores. A common preparation of Aloe Vera gel with a small amount of wheat germ oil and coconut milk is used as a shampoo and has traditionally shown great benefit.
Massage
A vigorous rubbing of the scalp with fingers after washing the hair with cold water can help to stimulate hair growth. The scalp should be rubbed vigorously till it starts to tingle with the heat. By doing this you activate the sebaceous glands and energise the circulation of blood in the affected area, which can encourage the hair to grow back. Be careful with this technique if you have a very sore scalp or any broken skin, as you may aggravate your condition. Also, take care to avoid causing unnecessary damage with your fingernails. If you have long fingernails you can perform the massage using your flattened palm.
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Remedy and Causes of Scalp Itch
Aug 28th
Tim Faber asked:
The causes of scalp itch range from excessive dryness, profuse sweating, climate change, and fungus to poor oil production.
The primary cause of inflammation and resulting irritation is fungus or bacteria that have become trapped in follicle pores. Mixed with sebum (oil), yeast can form clogging pores leading to infection. Chemical treatments and harsh hair products can leave the scalp and hair dry or inflamed leading to itchiness as well as bumps or sores.
High humidity and sweating caused by exercise or strenuous work can further complicate and increase symptoms. Likewise, low oil production from the sebaceous glands dry-out the skin and can cause flakes that clog and enlarge follicle pores.
The best remedy for scalp itch is a two-part solution.
If itchiness is a result of dryness, then using a shampoo that provides deep moisture to the skin and hair is the best recommendation. Products with Panthenol, naturally-derived Jojoba Oil and Emu Oil are your best bet. These active ingredients have been proven to hydrate and soothe irritated skin. Emu Oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial and is commonly used in Anti-Fungal Shampoos and in products to increase moisture.
If, on the other hand, scalp itch is due to bacteria from excessive oiliness, sweating, or oily hair, use a shampoo formulated with Zinc PCA. Zinc naturally regulates oil production and helps irrigate pores of dirt and bacteria that causes itching. Again, products that compliment Zinc PCA, such as Fenugreek, Ivy and botanical extracts help promote circulation, provide topical nutrients, and soothe itching, clear flakes, and improve scalp health.
The best remedies for scalp itch provide help and rapid relief, while soothing, calming and clearing bacteria and fungus.
Looking For a Dandruff Remedy
Aug 27th
Juliet Cohen asked:
Dandruff is due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Dandruff can happen at any age but is most commonly found in people between the ages of 12 and 80. Dandruff is not an organism like lice; it is just dead skin that accumulates in the scalp. Dandruff is unlikely to be the cause of hair loss. Dandruff is a global phenomenon and many people find that dandruff can cause social or self-esteem problems. Dandruff is an itchy, annoying and persistent skin disorder of the scalp. A dark shirt and dandruff just simply don’t go together! There is nothing more embarrassing than to have someone brush white flakes off your new black sweater or denim jacket. In the past ten years dandruff problems in the United States have become more serious and more frequent. In a normal scalp, the process of sloughing off old cells and manufacturing of their replacements is very orderly and complete. In the dandruff scalp, there is mass disorder and often the departing cells are not dead before leaving the scalp.
Dandruff can cause either an overly dry scalp with itchy white flakes that may be waxy or greasy or dandruff can manifest as an oily greasy scalp with scales. Dandruff mostly occurs after puberty, usually between the ages of 20 and 30, and affects males more than females. Dry skin. Simple dry skin — the kind you get in winter when the air is cold and rooms are overheated — is by far the most common cause of itchy, flaking skin. Seborrheic dermatitis. This condition, a frequent cause of dandruff, is marked by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. Seborrheic dermatitis affects not only your scalp but also other areas rich in oil glands, such as your eyebrows, the sides of your nose and the backs of your ears, your breastbone, your groin area, and sometimes your armpits. Dandruff is the shedding of excessive amounts of dead skin flakes from the scalp.
People who actually have a dry scalp are also dry all over their skin. Some people say their dandruff gets worse when they are stress, anxiety and tension. Dandruff is a chronic condition that can almost always be controlled, but dandruff treatment may take a little patience and persistence. Zinc pyrithione shampoos-These contain the antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc pyrithione, which has been shown to reduce the fungus that causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Age-Dandruff usually begins at puberty — about the same time as acne. It’s common throughout adolescence and young adulthood and peaks around age 40. Oily hair and scalp. Malassezia feeds on oils in your scalp. For that reason, having excessively oily skin and hair makes you more prone to dandruff. Head & Shoulders anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredient Zinc pyrithione. Nizoral Shampoo anti-fungal/anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredient Ketoconazole. The antifungal properties of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil) have been reported as useful in the treatment of dandruff.
Dandruff Treatment Tips
1. Washing hair with rubbing alcohol gets rid of the dandruff and leaves hair feeling soft and clean.
2. Head & Shoulders anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredient Zinc pyrithione.
3. Nizoral Shampoo anti-fungal/anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredient Ketoconazole.
4. Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil) have been reported as useful in the treatment of dandruff.
5. Selenium sulfide been reported as the most effective of the tested shampoos at treating dandruff.
6. Oral anti-fungals and oral antibiotics if your scalp becomes infected.
7. Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, keratolytics to remove thick scaly patches.
8. Nizoral Shampoo anti-fungal/anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredient Ketoconazole.
9. Tar containing shampoos are also used for treatment of dandruff.
10. Washing hair with rubbing alcohol gets rid of the dandruff and leaves hair feeling soft and clean.
Website content
Dandruff is due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Dandruff can happen at any age but is most commonly found in people between the ages of 12 and 80. Dandruff is not an organism like lice; it is just dead skin that accumulates in the scalp. Dandruff is unlikely to be the cause of hair loss. Dandruff is a global phenomenon and many people find that dandruff can cause social or self-esteem problems. Dandruff is an itchy, annoying and persistent skin disorder of the scalp. A dark shirt and dandruff just simply don’t go together! There is nothing more embarrassing than to have someone brush white flakes off your new black sweater or denim jacket. In the past ten years dandruff problems in the United States have become more serious and more frequent. In a normal scalp, the process of sloughing off old cells and manufacturing of their replacements is very orderly and complete. In the dandruff scalp, there is mass disorder and often the departing cells are not dead before leaving the scalp.
Dandruff can cause either an overly dry scalp with itchy white flakes that may be waxy or greasy or dandruff can manifest as an oily greasy scalp with scales. Dandruff mostly occurs after puberty, usually between the ages of 20 and 30, and affects males more than females. Dry skin. Simple dry skin — the kind you get in winter when the air is cold and rooms are overheated — is by far the most common cause of itchy, flaking skin. Seborrheic dermatitis. This condition, a frequent cause of dandruff, is marked by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. Seborrheic dermatitis affects not only your scalp but also other areas rich in oil glands, such as your eyebrows, the sides of your nose and the backs of your ears, your breastbone, your groin area, and sometimes your armpits. Dandruff is the shedding of excessive amounts of dead skin flakes from the scalp.
People who actually have a dry scalp are also dry all over their skin. Some people say their dandruff gets worse when they are stress, anxiety and tension. Dandruff is a chronic condition that can almost always be controlled, but dandruff treatment may take a little patience and persistence. Zinc pyrithione shampoos-These contain the antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc pyrithione, which has been shown to reduce the fungus that causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Age-Dandruff usually begins at puberty — about the same time as acne. It’s common throughout adolescence and young adulthood and peaks around age 40. Oily hair and scalp. Malassezia feeds on oils in your scalp. For that reason, having excessively oily skin and hair makes you more prone to dandruff. Head & Shoulders anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredient Zinc pyrithione. Nizoral Shampoo anti-fungal/anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredient Ketoconazole. The antifungal properties of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil) have been reported as useful in the treatment of dandruff.
Dandruff Treatment Tips
1. Washing hair with rubbing alcohol gets rid of the dandruff and leaves hair feeling soft and clean.
2. Head & Shoulders anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredient Zinc pyrithione.
3. Nizoral Shampoo anti-fungal/anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredient Ketoconazole.
4. Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil) have been reported as useful in the treatment of dandruff.
5. Selenium sulfide been reported as the most effective of the tested shampoos at treating dandruff.
6. Oral anti-fungals and oral antibiotics if your scalp becomes infected.
7. Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, keratolytics to remove thick scaly patches.
8. Nizoral Shampoo anti-fungal/anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredient Ketoconazole.
9. Tar containing shampoos are also used for treatment of dandruff.
10. Washing hair with rubbing alcohol gets rid of the dandruff and leaves hair feeling soft and clean.
Website content
Dandruff Remedy – Easy and Effective Herbal Treatments
Aug 24th
Dr John Anne asked:
Dandruff, also called seborrheic dermatitis is an itchy, flaky and persistent skin disorder of the scalp, without redness. It results when the scalp sheds dead skin cells in large numbers. Dandruff appears as dry, white or greyish flakes usually on the top of the head.
It is normal to continuously shed some dead skin flakes, as the skin is constantly renewing itself. With dandruff, this whole process of skin renewal speeds up, so a greater number of dead cells get shed. In addition, the cells are shed in clumps, which are big enough to be seen with the naked eye as embarrassing flakes. The scalp may also feel slightly itchy.
Dandruff is a very common problem and 90% of the people around the world ail from it at some point in their lives. It can occur at any age, but is most likely in the early 20s. When it occurs in newborns and infants, dandruff is termed as cradle cap.
Although not dangerous, dandruff can be quite embarrassing. It causes a lack of confidence and self-esteem.
Possible causes of dandruff:
Internal causes -
• Hormonal imbalance because dandruff usually starts after puberty and is more common in men than women.
• For unknown reasons, people with some illnesses, such as Parkinson’s disease, are more likely to have dandruff
• Anxiety
• Oily scalp
• Family history – hereditary
• Food allergies
• Excessive sweating
• Faulty eating habits. – fried foods, fats, sugar
External causes –
• Frequent use of strong hairsprays, gels, dyes.
• Inadequate cleansing/rinsing of scalp/ hair after shampooing
• Use of lotions that contain alcohol
Treatment of dandruff:
Dandruff is a natural process. Elimination takes time, but you can manage and control it. Treatment of dandruff is directed at fighting the skin inflammation. This is done either directly, by using cortisone-based creams and lotions (which reduce inflammation), or by reducing the yeast that builds up on scaly areas and adds to the problem.
# Keep the hair and scalp clean, to decrease the accumulation of dead cells. Wash frequently so that flakes do not build up.
# The hair should be brushed daily to improve the circulation and remove any flakiness.
# Massage the scalp daily using the fingertips and working systematically over the head. This stimulates the circulation, dislodges dirt and dandruff and helps in the hair growth.
# Avoid spicy and greasy food because it helps dandruff to increase and spread. Add more fresh and green vegetables and fruits to the diet. Have a balanced diet containing lots of vitamin A, B6, B12. Avoid intake of fried foods, sugar, chocolates and nuts.
# Strong tea and coffee, processed foods should be avoided for dandruff.
What shampoo to use to treat dandruff?
There is no official branded shampoo for dandruff. Doctors usually recommend Nizoral, a medicated shampoo available only in drug stores as an anti-dandruff shampoo. It is medically proven and the effect is long lasting.
You have to try and find out which one is successful at controlling your dandruff. Some commonly available anti-dandruff shampoos in the market are Head & Shoulders, Clinic, Pantene Pro-V etc. Use a mild shampoo.
Some myths about dandruff –
Moisturizing the hair helps control dandruff. Infact, moisturizing lotions don’t do much more than smooth out scales and make patches look redder.
Switching brands of shampoo helps control shampoo. Shampoo doesn’t cause dandruff.
Dandruff is due to dryness of the skin. Dandruff occurs in areas where the grease glands of the skin are most active, and the skin is not usually dry.
Changing hair care routine helps control dandruff. There is no “right” shampoo or conditioner. There isn’t even a “correct” number of times to shampoo per week.
Dandruff is contagious. One cannot ‘catch’ dandruff from someone else, such as by using his brush or comb.
Natural home made remedies -
# Rub onion onto scalp. Onions are high in sulphur, which is essential for a healthy scalp.
# Avoid dyeing hair, unless an absolute must. We all have bacteria on our scalp, some of which are beneficial. This ‘good’ bacteria prevent dandruff yeast, and hair dyes reduce their numbers.
# Garlic whether eaten or applied externally is excellent for fighting dandruff.
# Apple cider vinegar (diluted with equal amount of water) when massaged onto scalp helps curb dandruff. It is a natural antiseptic.
# Lemon juice or sour curd when applied onto scalp is also useful.
# Fenugreek seeds – ground into a fine paste, applied onto scalp, and left for half an hour.
# Juice of bitter gourd when massaged with oil onto scalp relieves dandruff.
# Boil some neem leaves in 4 teacups of water. After cooling and filtering, use for washing hair.
Treatment for dandruff is not a one-time affair. Dandruff comes back, if regular care on a daily basis is not taken.
Consult a doctor if your scalp is red and itchy – or if the skin is flaky around the eyebrows, round the nose or behind the ears – because this suggests you might be having a more severe form of seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Dandruff Treatment with Herbs and Ayurvedic Remedies, Dandruff Remedy
Aug 21st
Dr John Anne
asked:
When the cells of the scalp of the head excessively die and flake off, the condition is known as dandruff. Dandruff is easily visible as flakes present in the hair, most often accompanied by itchiness of the scalp. The itchiness can be mild or severe depending on the amount of dandruff that is present.
Though dandruff is mostly observed on the scalp of the head, it can also be present in the ears, eyebrows and the forehead. Medical science is still not clear why dandruff occurs, and why it is more prevalent in some people than in others. Some doctors indicate at dandruff being an infection of the yeast Pityrosporum ovale. There are also direct results proving that dandruff occurs due to the hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands of the scalp. Dandruff is aggravated by certain factors; so allergic causes can also be considered.
(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Dandruff
1. Alfalfa (Medicago satina)
The alfalfa has remarkable effect in the growth of hair. Its effects are much increased by the combination of carrots and lettuce with the alfalfa.
2. Ash Gourd (Benincasa hipsida)
The peel and the seeds of the ash gourd are very effective in the treatment of dandruff. Regular use can keep the scalp moist and livelier which will prevent dandruff.
3. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
Fenugreek seeds have curative powers to reduce dandruff. They are softened in water and applied to the scalp every morning. After an hour or so, they are washed with soap nut. This keeps dandruff away and prevents falling hair.
4. Indian Hemp (Cannabis sativa)
The juice of the Indian hemp can reduce dandruff when it is applied directly over the scalp.
5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is an active ingredient of several head tonics and shampoos. It rejuvenates the scalp by keeping it moist and hence prevents dandruff. It is also used in the treatment of premature baldness.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Dandruff
If dandruff is caused due to some food allergy, then stopping the consumption of that food will directly eliminate the dandruff. Even if no particular allergy is identified, it is found that a healthy diet can keep the scalp healthy and thus reduce the chances of dandruff.
The following are some dietary guidelines that can be used to prevent or reduce dandruff:-
1. Milk, dairy products, sea foods, animal proteins and fatty foods are on the list of foods to be avoided for people with dandruff.
2. Vitamin C is not good for dandruff. Most sour tasting foods have vitamin C in them. Therefore, tomatoes, oranges, lemons, tamarind, etc. which contain acidic content, must be avoided.
3. Fresh vegetables and fruits must be included in the diet. Green vegetables have the best effects.
4. Fermented foods and baked products must be avoided. This includes breads, cheese, wine and all kinds of alcohol.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Dandruff
There are many Ayurvedic medicines that can be used for the treatment of dandruff.
1. For external application, Dudurpatradi tailam is prescribed.
2. Gandhaka Rasayana is used as an internal medicine for the treatment of dandruff.
3. Taking one teaspoonful of Brihat Haridra Khand in a glass of milk twice a day takes care of dandruff quite efficiently. Along with that, it also deepens the color of the hair.
4. Since dandruff can be due to the impurity of the blood, medicines must also be taken to purify the blood. In Ayurveda, Khadirarishta and Saribadyaasavam are taken for the purification of blood.
(4) Home Medications
1 One simple remedy – which is used by many people all over the world – is to make a paste of sandalwood oil with triple the amount of lemon juice and to apply it on the scalp when still fresh.
i. Prepare a gel of the leaves of aloe vera. Apply this on the scalp and leave it overnight. Next morning, wash it with a shampoo, preferably containing shikakai.
ii. Make regular use of a combination of olive oil and ginger root on the head. It will reduce the dandruff and nourish the hair at the roots.
iii. Make a mixture of ginger root and beetroot. Apply this on the scalp.
2. Apart from these remedies, there are several things one must do regarding head hygiene in order to reduce dandruff. These personal hygiene guidelines are:-
i. A daily bath is essential. Even if you do not shampoo your hair daily (if you are doing this, then remember to use a mild shampoo suited to your hair type), you must wash your scalp thoroughly. After the bath, dry your hair and then brush it in order to remove the flaky dandruff from it.
ii. Keep your hair well-oiled. Dandruff tends to be formed more when the skin is dry. Also oiling the air will strengthen it at its roots.
Some people believe that dandruff is increased by stress. Hence it is advisable to keep the mind free with the help of yogic asanas.
Caffeinated Content
asked:
When the cells of the scalp of the head excessively die and flake off, the condition is known as dandruff. Dandruff is easily visible as flakes present in the hair, most often accompanied by itchiness of the scalp. The itchiness can be mild or severe depending on the amount of dandruff that is present.
Though dandruff is mostly observed on the scalp of the head, it can also be present in the ears, eyebrows and the forehead. Medical science is still not clear why dandruff occurs, and why it is more prevalent in some people than in others. Some doctors indicate at dandruff being an infection of the yeast Pityrosporum ovale. There are also direct results proving that dandruff occurs due to the hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands of the scalp. Dandruff is aggravated by certain factors; so allergic causes can also be considered.
(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Dandruff
1. Alfalfa (Medicago satina)
The alfalfa has remarkable effect in the growth of hair. Its effects are much increased by the combination of carrots and lettuce with the alfalfa.
2. Ash Gourd (Benincasa hipsida)
The peel and the seeds of the ash gourd are very effective in the treatment of dandruff. Regular use can keep the scalp moist and livelier which will prevent dandruff.
3. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
Fenugreek seeds have curative powers to reduce dandruff. They are softened in water and applied to the scalp every morning. After an hour or so, they are washed with soap nut. This keeps dandruff away and prevents falling hair.
4. Indian Hemp (Cannabis sativa)
The juice of the Indian hemp can reduce dandruff when it is applied directly over the scalp.
5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is an active ingredient of several head tonics and shampoos. It rejuvenates the scalp by keeping it moist and hence prevents dandruff. It is also used in the treatment of premature baldness.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Dandruff
If dandruff is caused due to some food allergy, then stopping the consumption of that food will directly eliminate the dandruff. Even if no particular allergy is identified, it is found that a healthy diet can keep the scalp healthy and thus reduce the chances of dandruff.
The following are some dietary guidelines that can be used to prevent or reduce dandruff:-
1. Milk, dairy products, sea foods, animal proteins and fatty foods are on the list of foods to be avoided for people with dandruff.
2. Vitamin C is not good for dandruff. Most sour tasting foods have vitamin C in them. Therefore, tomatoes, oranges, lemons, tamarind, etc. which contain acidic content, must be avoided.
3. Fresh vegetables and fruits must be included in the diet. Green vegetables have the best effects.
4. Fermented foods and baked products must be avoided. This includes breads, cheese, wine and all kinds of alcohol.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Dandruff
There are many Ayurvedic medicines that can be used for the treatment of dandruff.
1. For external application, Dudurpatradi tailam is prescribed.
2. Gandhaka Rasayana is used as an internal medicine for the treatment of dandruff.
3. Taking one teaspoonful of Brihat Haridra Khand in a glass of milk twice a day takes care of dandruff quite efficiently. Along with that, it also deepens the color of the hair.
4. Since dandruff can be due to the impurity of the blood, medicines must also be taken to purify the blood. In Ayurveda, Khadirarishta and Saribadyaasavam are taken for the purification of blood.
(4) Home Medications
1 One simple remedy – which is used by many people all over the world – is to make a paste of sandalwood oil with triple the amount of lemon juice and to apply it on the scalp when still fresh.
i. Prepare a gel of the leaves of aloe vera. Apply this on the scalp and leave it overnight. Next morning, wash it with a shampoo, preferably containing shikakai.
ii. Make regular use of a combination of olive oil and ginger root on the head. It will reduce the dandruff and nourish the hair at the roots.
iii. Make a mixture of ginger root and beetroot. Apply this on the scalp.
2. Apart from these remedies, there are several things one must do regarding head hygiene in order to reduce dandruff. These personal hygiene guidelines are:-
i. A daily bath is essential. Even if you do not shampoo your hair daily (if you are doing this, then remember to use a mild shampoo suited to your hair type), you must wash your scalp thoroughly. After the bath, dry your hair and then brush it in order to remove the flaky dandruff from it.
ii. Keep your hair well-oiled. Dandruff tends to be formed more when the skin is dry. Also oiling the air will strengthen it at its roots.
Some people believe that dandruff is increased by stress. Hence it is advisable to keep the mind free with the help of yogic asanas.
Caffeinated Content