Home remedies for dandruff

The nuisance called dandruff

Dandruff is a very frequent problem that affects the scalpand causes itching and flaking of the skin. It is not contagious, but it is embarrassingand sometimes hard to treat due to persistency. The list of possible causes isa bit longer, but the most common culprits are dry skin, sensitivity to haircare products, irregular washing and shampooing of the hair, oily and irritatedskin, and conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Changes in the hormonelevels and stress might contribute to the overgrowth of the fungus calledmalassezia, which is also one of the causes of dandruff. The condition inquestion can be treated with various shampoos (which contain zinc pyrithione, coaltar, selenium sulfide), although depending on the cause, some cases mightrequire the treatment of the underlying condition. However, besides thesemethods of treatment, there are some home remedies that are also effective andhelpful.

Home remedies that help

Some of the home remedies that have really proven to behelpful in the treatment of dandruff involve curd, vinegar, ginger, olive oil, aswell as herbs such as ash gourd, fenugreek and rosemary.

A small amount of curd needs to be left for 2 or 3 days forfermentation, and then applied to the scalp. It is necessary to let it dry for approximatelyone hour, and then to wash the hair.Two tablespoons of vinegar and six tablespoons of hot watershould be mixed and applied on the scalp. It is recommended to leave it overnight and wash off in the morning. In order to give results, it might benecessary to do this two times every week for three months at least.The mixture of ginger root and olive oil should be usedregularly, because it does not only help in getting rid of the dandruff, but italso nourishes the roots of the hair.The mixture of sandalwood and lemon oil is also helpful whenapplied on the scalp, although it might be enough to rinse over the scalp twoteaspoons of the lemon juice (but only provided it is freshly prepared). The latterprevents dandruff and lice, and makes the hair shiny.

As for the herbs, the seeds of the ash gourd, fenugreek seeds,and rosemary are very frequently added to tonics and shampoos, particularly thelast mentioned, since besides the fact that it prevents dandruff, it also helpsin the treatment of premature baldness and in rejuvenating the scalp.