The term dandruff generally refers to the condition of the skin where
in shiny, silvery scales separate from the scalp and collect amidst the
hair. The condition can become troublesome when the skin gets infected.
Main symptoms are when the hair is combed or brushed, or when the
scalp is scratched, the scales from the scalp fall like snowflakes and
settle on the eyebrows, shoulders and clothes. These scales sometimes
appear as lumps or crusts on the scalp. Often there is itching as well
and the scalp may become red from scratching.
Treatment:
Main herbs used in treatment are Fenugreek seeds, Lime, Green Gram
Powder, Snake gourd. Dandruff can be removed by massaging the hair for
half an hour with curd which has been kept in the open for three days or
with a few drops of lime juice mixed with alma juice every night before
going to bed. Another measure, which helps to counteract dandruff, is
to dilute cider vinegar with an equal quantity of water and dab this on
the hair with cotton wool in between shampooing. Cider vinegar added to
the final rinsing water after shampooing also helps to disperse
dandruff. People should avoid spicy and greasy food because it helps
dandruff to increase and spread.
People should add more vegetables and fruits on the diet. It is very
essential to take fresh foods avoid taking tinned and canned foods add
more green vegetables and fruits. Strong tea and coffee, processed foods
should be avoided for the dandruff. The foremost consideration in the
treatment of this disorder is to keep the hair and scalp clean so as to
minimise the accumulation of dead cells. The hair should be brushed
daily to improve the circulation and remove any flakiness.
The most effective way to brush the hair is to bend forward from the
waist with the head down towards the ground and brush from the nape of
the neck towards the top of the head. The scalp should also be
thoroughly massaged everyday, using one-finger tips and working
systematically over the head.
This should be done just before or after brushing the hair. Like
brushing, this stimulates the circulation, dislodges dirt and dandruff
and encourages hair growth. Exposure of the head to the rays of the sun
is also a useful measure in the treatment of dandruff. Use any herbal
shampoo for clean the hair. Also a herbal hair pack can be prepared and
used by mixing henna powder, curd, ritha power together and apply on the
head keep it for ½ an hour and wash with water, after this you wash
your head with a herbal lime based shampoo for dandruff. Lime is good
for dandruff as well as conditioner.