Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition that is characterized by the flaking and shedding of dead scalp cells at an abnormally high rate. According to Jacqueline L. Longe, author of "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine," it affects almost a third of the U.S. population. A number of herbs have traditionally been used to treat and prevent dandruff naturally.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, or Melaleuca alternifolia, is an essential oil that is derived from leaves of the Australian tea tree through steam distillation. The National Institutes of Health reports on research indicating that a 5 percent tea tree oil shampoo may be an effective, well tolerated treatment for dandruff. The report credits this essential oil's usefulness in treating dandruff to its antifungal action against Pityrosporum ovale, a yeast that is associated with dandruff
Sesame Oil and Ginger Juice
Another potent herbal combination against dandruff includes sesame oil, or Sesamum indicum, and ginger juice, or Zingiber officinale. A combination of 3 tbsp.of sesame oil, 2 tbsp. of ginger juice and 1/2 tsp. of lemon juice is an ancient Egyptian remedy suggested by medical anthropologist, John Heinerman, PhD. Treat your dandruff by rubbing this herbal combination into the scalp three times a week. Author Bill Gottlieb of the book "Alternative Cures: The Most Effective Natural Home Remedies for 160 Health Problems," recommends simply massaging the scalp with warm sesame oil before retiring to bed each night.
Aloe
The transparent gel scientifically known as Aloe vera is obtained from the leaves of the aloe vera herb and has traditionally been used as a remedy for dandruff. According to MedlinePlus, early studies of aloe vera lotion suggest that it is effective as a topical treatment for dandruff.
Horsetail
The "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" suggests using an herbal infusion of dried horsetail, or Equisetum arvense, may be used topically as an anti-dandruff hair rinse. You can brew a horsetail infusion by steeping 2 tsp. of dried horsetail in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes.
Burdock
Burdock, or Arctium lappa, has historically been used to treat a range of skin conditions such as dandruff, according to Plant Botanic. A strong decoction of burdock root herbal tea can be applied externally to cure dandruff. Taken internally, a burdock decoction treats dandruff by helping the body cleanse itself of toxins. Rudolph F. Weiss, M.D., author of "Herbal Medicine," suggests massaging burdock root oil into the affected scalp.
Rosemary and Sage
A daily hair rinse with an infusion of rosemary, scientifically known as Rosmarinus officinalis, and sage, known as Salvia officinalis, is an old standard anti-dandruff remedy suggested by herbalist James Duke, Ph.D. Prepare this herbal rinse by steeping 1 oz. each of rosemary and sage in 2 cups of water for 24 hours. He further suggests adding parsley and thyme to the infusion for even better results.
References
- "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine;" Jacqueline L. Longe; 2004
- The National Institutes of Health: Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo
- "The Green Pharmacy;" James A. Duke, Ph.D.; 1997
- Alternative Cures: The Most Effective Natural Home Remedies for 160 Health Problems"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- MedlinePlus: Monogragh on Aloe Vera
