Dandruff can be a tough problem to shake. The itchy, scaly particles are usually caused by simple dry skin, but occasionally a fungal or bacterial element can also be to blame. It's fairly simple to treat mild to moderate cases of dandruff with homeopathic remedies, but severe cases may require a doctor's attention (along with a prescription for some medicated shampoo).
Bay Leaf Rinse
Bay leaves have antifungal and antibacterial properties that can fight dandruff. Make a bay leaf rinse by placing a handful of crushed bay leaves in the bottom of a bowl and adding a quart of boiling water. Allow the mixture to steep for about 20 minutes, then strain the leaves out of the water. Wait until the rinse is cool, then pour it over your head. Wrap your hair in a towel and let the rinse soak in for about an hour, then shampoo as usual.
Tea Tree OIl
Tea tree has very strong antifungal properties, according to the book "1,801 Home Remedies." Use it to treat moderate cases of dandruff. Besides killing the fungus that causes the condition, tea tree oil also softens existing dandruff scales, allowing them to completely flake away so that the underlying scalp can heal. Combine several drops of tea tree oil with eight to 10 drops of olive oil and massage the mixture into your scalp. Place a shower cap over your head and allow the tea tree oil mixture to penetrate your scalp overnight. After at least eight hours, rinse the treatment from your hair using your usual shampoo.
Hot Oil Treatment
A hot oil treatment can do wonders for dandruff because it moisturizes dry patches on the scalp. Heat about 2 oz. of olive oil on the stove until it's just warm. Wet down your hair, then apply the warm oil directly to your scalp with a cotton ball or brush. Wrap your hair in an old towel or shower cap and let the oil treatment work for about 30 minutes. Rinse the hot oil treatment from your hair using either regular or medicated dandruff shampoo.
Vinegar Rinse
A vinegar rinse can kill fungi and bacteria, and it can add shine to dull strands. Mix 4 oz. of apple cider vinegar with 4 oz. of warm water and pour it over your wet hair after shampooing. Allow it to soak in for five to 10 minutes, then wash the vinegar rinse from your hair using cold water.
References
- "1,801 Home Remedies;" Editors of Reader's Digest; 2004
- "Family Guide to Homeopathy;" Andrew Lockie; 1993
- MotherNature.com: Dandruff
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