Herbal Treatments For Seborrhea Dermatitis

Seborrhea dermatitis, also referred to as seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that results when the sebaceous glands secrete excessive amounts of oil. It commonly affects the scalp, face and chest, causing itching, redness, dryness and swelling. A number of herbal treatments can be used to treat seborrhea dermatitis.

Tea Tree Oil

Naturopath Darin Ingels, N.D., reports that tea tree oil is an effective treatment for seborrhea dermatitis. Based on a 2002 report published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, he reports that washing hair once a day with shampoo that contains 5 percent tea tree oil will significantly reduce symptoms of dandruff. This therapeutic effect is attributed to tea tree oil's antifungal properties. In the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine," author Jacqueline L. Longe suggests massaging tea tree oil into the scalp to alleviate symptoms.

Aloe Vera Cream

In a monograph on seborrhea dermatitis, healthlibrary.epnet.com proposes the use of aloe vera as a herbal treatment. The monograph cites the results of a 1999 double-blind, placebo-controlled study, which indicated that the topical application of aloe to affected areas can significantly reduce symptoms of scaliness and itching. Noting that aloe vera cream typically contains 0.5 percent aloe, it recommends applying it three times a day.

Goldenseal Herbal Rinse

According to the book "1,801 Home Remedies," a herbal rinse prepared from goldenseal can be used to treat dandruff. The active constituent in this herb, called berberine, has strong antifungal properties that are beneficial in alleviating and preventing this scalp condition. The book suggests preparing a rinse by steeping 2 tsp. of chopped goldenseal in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain and allow it to cool down. Use this herbal rinse daily after shampooing your hair. Alternatively, add a few drops of goldenseal tincture to your shampoo.

Rosemary Herb

Rosemary can also be used as a remedy for seborrhea dermatitis. Mary Beth Janssen, a certified herbalist and aromatherapist, describes rosemary as a stimulating herbal treatment for inflammatory skin conditions such as dandruff. In the book "Naturally Healthy Hair," she notes that rosemary also conditions the hair and scalp. Steep 1 tsp. of rosemary in 1 cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes, strain and use this as a hair rinse once a day.