Natural Remedies Treat Dandruff

Friday, May 14, 2010 by: Fleur Hupston
Tags: dandruff, natural remedies, health news

(NewsTarget) Take the time to read the ingredients on a bottle of anti-dandruff shampoo. These shampoos usually contain harmful chemical substances that can have damaging effects on health. Instead, alleviate dandruff naturally by using herbs, essential oils, vitamins and minerals.

Causes of Dandruff

Dandruff occurs when the fine cells of the outer layer of skin on the scalp are shed at a faster rate than normal, causing flakes to fall and settle like snowflakes on one's shoulders and face.

Dandruff is caused by a disorder of the sebaceous glands. If too little sebum is secreted, the hair is dry and dandruff appears as white flakes; if too much sebum is produced, the hair is greasy and the dandruff is a waxy yellow. Flaking occurs when the hair is brushed or combed, which loosens this dead skin.

Seborrheic dermatitis, a severe form of dandruff, causes inflammation and itchiness in addition to flaking.

Eczema, allergies to hair products and psoriasis may also cause dandruff.

Herbal Treatments for Dandruff

An herbalist may recommend rubbing rosemary-infused oil into the scalp before washing. Rinse greasy hair with rosemary vinegar or add a few drops of rosemary essential oil into rinsing water.

Take herbs such as burdock, kelp and heartsease internally to improve the condition of the scalp.

Aromatherapy for Dandruff

In addition to rosemary essential oil, cedarwood, tea tree or patchouli can be massaged into the scalp. Blend a few drops of therapeutic grade essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba.

Massage the scalp with a few drops of lavender oil and almond oil to eliminate dandruff.

Tissue Cell Salts to Combat Dandruff

Tissue Salt No. 5 - Kali. Mur. White, flaky dandruff shows a need for this mineral salt, but it should be taken over a long period. Flakiness may increase initially. Foods rich in Kali. Mur. are green beans, carrots, beetroot, fresh corn, kale, asparagus, pineapples, lemons and plums.

Tissue Salt No. 6 - Kali. Sulph. This is one of the most useful tissue salts for sticky, waxy dandruff; flaky, dry patches on the scalp as well as alopecia (hair loss). Eat plenty of parsley, linseed, mustard, watercress, salad burnet and melissa.

Tissue Salt No. 12 - Silica. This tissue salt treats dandruff and improves the condition of lusterless hair. It generally keeps the scalp healthy. Herbs and foods rich in silica are stinging nettle, dandelion, comfrey, wheat, maize, barley, oats, apples, guavas, spinach, chicory and celery.

Vitamins and Minerals

Increase intake of zinc, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B complex.

Sources:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152...

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-sebum.htm

Tissue Salts for Healthy Living by Margaret Roberts, published by Struik, 2008 edition

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies by Normal Shealy, published by Harper Collins, 2002 edition

About the author

Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about natural, healthy living and is currently studying to be a naturopath. She divides her time between writing for Natural News and various other sites, home schooling her children and studying part time.