According to MayoClinic.com, dandruff is not a serious condition that poses a threat to your health, but the itchy scalp is uncomfortable, and the frosting effect on your shoulders and collar is embarrassing, so most people want to treat the condition swiftly. Numerous products claim to do so, but natural remedies, such as bergamot, can be just as effective at treating dry, flaky skin, says the Dermaxime skincare website.
About Dandruff
Dandruff is characterized by an itchy and peeling scalp, and is commonly caused by skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as plain old-fashioned dry skin, says MayoClinic.com. The link between all of these factors is that they cause the skin on your scalp to become dry and flaky and peel off in small, lightweight flakes of skin. Other factors, such as irritated oil glands on your scalp, tend to make your dandruff flakes heavier and oilier.
About Bergamot
From an herbal remedy point of view, the most useful part of the bergamot tree is its fruit. This isn't because you can eat it -- it's much too sour for that, says aromatherapy-oil website -- but because the peel is pressed to produce the essential oil. The oil is often burned for its sweet scent, but is also used for its traditional healing properties.
Bergamot Benefits
Bergamot oil has long been used as a remedy for stress and anxiety, says aromatherapy-oil. But its ability to relieve psoriasis and eczema makes it particularly useful as a treatment for dandruff. Bergamot oil can help relieve dandruff caused by overactive sebaceous glands on your scalp, by regulating the amount of oil they produce, says the Natural Healing Guide website.
Use
The first step is to find a pH-balanced shampoo -- that is, one that is free of perfume and additives, says the Natural Healing Guide website. Add about 10 drops of bergamot to half a cup of the shampoo, along with about five drops of lavender oil. Allow this concoction to stand for a week before using on your hair. When you do use it, you should notice that it cleans your hair and scalp but doesn't dry it out.
Precautions
According to aromatherapy-oil, bergamot is phototoxic, which means it can make your skin especially sensitive to sunlight. When going out in bright sunlight, always cover the parts of your skin that you are treating with bergamot, and ensure you rinse your hair thoroughly when using it as a shampoo.
