Dandruff

Causes and Symptoms

Many holistic health practitioners feel that dandruff can be a manifestation of other health problems, particularly problems with the digestive system, and that it is necessary to treat the underlying problem in order to treat dandruff effectively. There are a number of factors that can worsen dandruff. These factors include:

• Genetics – dandruff has a definite genetic component
• Emotional and physical stress
• Climate – dandruff is generally worse in the winter time

Dandruff may also be associated with psoriasis, another common skin condition. In addition, those with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease may experience severe dandruff or other types of seborrheic dermatitis.

Home remedies

• Combine 1/2 cup distilled water and 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar. Wet your hair thoroughly and rinse with the mixture, massaging into your scalp. Allow to set for at least 15 minutes.
  
• Add 8 to 10 drops of mint essential oil to 2 tbsp. liquid eucalyptus castile soap. After rinsing the water and apple cider vinegar from your hair, apply the eucalyptus soap and mint oil mixture as you would a normal shampoo. Lather and allow to set for 15 minutes.
  
• Rinse your hair in lukewarm water and towel dry. Repeat this treatment at least three times a week until the dandruff subsides.
  
• Put a squeeze of fresh lemon to your natural mint dandruff treatment to further clean pores and prevent dandruff. Lemon is a natural astringent that can help remove oily build-up and hair product residues.
  
• Tea tree oil shampoo significantly reduces dandruff. No adverse effects were reported.
• Biotin is widely used to treat dandruff. Biotin is a water soluble member of the vitamin B family, and it helps to break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins. A typical dosage of biotin for treating dandruff is 3000 mcg twice a day. In addition to biotin supplements, foods rich in biotin include brewer’s yeast, nutritional yeast, nuts, whole grains, egg yolks, liver, sardines, cauliflower, mushrooms and bananas.
• Unrefined coconut oil is one of the best dandruff treatments available. By warming it up and massaging it gently into the scalp, it will help to reduce itchiness and normalise the scalp. This is best left on the scalp for a few hours at a time before washing it off.
• Jojoba oil is also an excellent treatment for dandruff as it helps to moisturize and nourish the hair and scalp. Because it is a natural moisturising agent, there will not be any oily build up on the hair after using it.
• apple cider vinegar : Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup of water. This can then be placed into a spray bottle and sprayed directly onto the hair and scalp. This solution is then left on for approximately 15 minutes while the hair is wrapped in a towel. Once the towel is removed, the hair can then be washed normally. This treatment can be done once or twice each week.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.