Ginger is a spice grown mainly in the Middle East and Asia. It has many recognized medical uses though there is no scientific evidence for its use as a treatment for dandruff. Ginger is one of the treatments recommended by herbal medicine practitioners to treat dandruff, and some large cosmetic manufacturers produce an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains ginger.
Ginger and Dandruff
Ginger is a rhizome, a plant with a thick bulbous root, which is harvested and then used fresh, dried or pressed to extract the juice. Ginger has been proven to ease nausea. Also, it is an effective anti-inflammatory and there is strong evidence to suggest that it has a role in preventing certain cancers. Chinese, Asian and Indian medicine traditionally uses ginger to treat dandruff, but no scientific research has been carried out to prove its efficacy. The antiseptic properties of ginger are probably most responsible for its effects on dandruff. It is also known to bring blood to the surface of the skin, and this may be a factor in altering the skin chemistry and clearing the fungus.
Dandruff Definition
Dandruff causes visible flakes of skin on the scalp and shoulders. Your scalp sheds skin cells every day as part of your body's renewal processes. A fungus called Pityrosporum ovale is one of the normal micro-organisms living on your skin, but if it grows more vigorously than usual, then irritation, increased skin shedding and dandruff result.
Dandruff Causes
The reasons for the overgrowth of the dandruff fungus are not fully understood but factors include stress, insufficient hair-brushing so that dead skin cells are not moved away from the scalp, conditions that compromise your immune system, Parkinson's disease and hormonal changes. Dandruff may also occur or get worse during cold, dry winters and improve in warm summers.
Treatment
Recipes for a scalp tonic to improve the health of your scalp and to treat dandruff are given on many natural health websites, including the blog GreenBlossoms.
Peel a root of ginger and then pulp and squeeze to obtain the juice. Mix equal quantities of ginger juice, lemon juice and either olive or sesame oil. Massage well into the scalp and leave for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Repeat three times weekly and you should find that your dandruff is gone after two to four weeks.
Warnings
Ginger is known to react with some drugs, so please consult your health care provider if you are taking any medication. Side effects of taking fresh ginger can include inflammation of the lining of the mouth, indigestion and occasionally diarrhea. These may be relieved by taking your ginger in a capsule.
If you suffer from gallstones or a bleeding disorder, you should not take ginger products. If you are about to undergo surgery or have a general anesthetic, you should let your doctor know about any ginger use.
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