Head sores, also called scalp sores, are tiny pimples that can be itchy or painful. They can be caused by a range of disorders, including bacterial, viral or fungal infections, scalp wounds, dermatitis, acne, clogged hair follicles, allergies and AIDS. Herbs may help heal an infection and relieve your symptoms naturally. Consult your health care provider for a diagnosis before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for head sores can help in several ways. Antimicrobial herbs can target the infection causing your sores. Anti-inflammatory herbs will help reduce pain, itching and inflammation. Vulverary herbs applied topically will help heal head sores. Check with an experienced practitioner for advice about the dosage and preparation of herbs for head sores.
Neem
Neem, or Azadirachta indica, is an evergreen tree native to South Asia. Indian Ayurvedic practitioners use the leaves, bark and seeds to treat a range of skin diseases. Neem is also an ingredient in commercial skin care products. If your head sores are due to clogged or damaged hair follicles, neem may offer some relief. In their 2001 book “Herbal Remedies,” naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli state that using neem topically will cleanse your scalp, heal damaged hair follicles and increase scalp circulation, thereby bringing more nutrients to heal head sores. Do not ingest large doses of neem or for long periods of time.
Tea Tree
Tea tree, or Melaleuca alternifolia, is an Australian tree with a long history of medicinal use. Traditional healers use the essential oil from the leaves to treat wounds, infections, skin infections, fungal diseases and acne. Tea tree oil is rich in terpenoids and has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli recommend it for topical use. They note that it will penetrate the top layers of your scalp, kill the bacteria and fungi causing the disorder, and promote tissue healing. Avoid using this herb if you have an allergic reaction.
Balsam of Peru
Balsam of Peru, or Myroxylon pereirae, is an evergreen tree native to Central America. Herbalists use the resin and bark for upper respiratory infections, skin diseases, wounds, ulcers, and scabies. Herbalist Christopher Hobbs suggests using the gum resin topically for treating ringworm of the scalp, also known as tinea capitis, which is a contagious fungal infection that leaves itchy, scaly sores on your head and other areas. Balsam of Peru will also reduce inflammation from head sores. The resin can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
References
- Herbal Remedies; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
- Christopher Hobbs
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