Dandruff is not a serious condition, but it can be a considerable source of embarrassment.
Moreover, it might be one of the first signs of a major underlying imbalance in the body.
Here, you’ll find the ayurvedic approach to dandruff and the most effective home remedies to treat it.
Symptoms of dandruff
Dandruff is a common issue in which pieces of dry skin flake off the scalp.
There are several possible causes, including seborrheic dermatitis, allergic reactions, psoriasis, and eczema. It can also be exacerbated by age, cold and dry weather, high-stress levels, hormonal problems, inadequate hair products, and other medical conditions.
It is not related to how many times we wash our hair, but to the health of the skin on the scalp.
Symptoms:
- Greasy or dry scales on scalp, hair, eyebrows, and shoulders.
- Itchy scalp.
- Dry scalp.
- Inflammation in severe cases.
- Hair loss.
Ayurvedic approach to dandruff
According to Ayurveda, dandruff is often due to an excess of Vata dosha, which leads to dry and flaky skin and poor scalp circulation. Other possible reasons are lack of proteins or vitamin deficiency, likely a result of an unhealthy diet.
If the skin flakes are greasy, the affection probably involves an aggravated Pitta dosha.
When there is excess of sebum production or wet scales, Kapha might be part of the problem.
The imbalance in the three doshas probably exhibits an accumulation of ama or toxins in other parts of the body. After the initial disease stages of aggravation and overflow, ama is then manifested on the scalp as dandruff.
Therefore, the first step is to determine the doshas at play to implement the appropriate Ayurvedic lifestyle and diet.
Home remedies for dandruff
Besides improving our diet, there are natural home remedies that can help alleviate the dandruff problem.
Fenugreek paste
- Soak fenugreek seeds overnight.
- Grind the seeds to a fine paste the next day. Add fresh lime juice to the paste.
- Apply on your scalp and massage. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and a neem-based shampoo.
Olive oil and sandalwood
When Pitta is also aggravated, make a paste with extra virgin olive oil and sandalwood powder.
Apply this soothing and nourishing remedy on your scalp and leave it for at least 30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and a neem-based shampoo.
Neem oil
To improve circulation in the scalp, do a massage with organic neem oil (in a sesame oil base).
If possible, sleep with it and rinse it until the next morning.
Aloe vera
Applying raw aloe vera gel directly on the scalp can heal the itchiness and irritation.
This remedy could be left on the scalp overnight as well.
Egg whites
Putting on a mixture of organic egg whites and fresh lime juice can provide the skin on the scalp with the proteins it is lacking and reduce the dandruff symptoms.
Besides implementing the above home remedies for dandruff, make sure to:
- Follow a diet that contains enough omega-3 fatty acids (chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, walnuts).
- Avoid processed foods and artificial coloring and flavors that increase the Pitta inflammation.
- Choose a shampoo that either has tea tree oil (antiseptic, antibiotic, antifungal) or neem oil (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory).
- To improve circulation, do a gentle sun bath early in the morning.
- Avoid hair dyes, styling gels, and sprays until the dandruff is mitigated. Stick to just a few organic, plant-based products, as less is more.
- Try to avoid stress by meditating regularly and breathing deeply throughout your day.
