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Dandruff is a common skin condition that normally occurs on the scalp and results in formation of big and ugly white flakes that are clearly visible on the hair. There are many people who suffer from dandruff and resort to use of strong and harsh chemicals for treating the problem. However, the truth is that use of anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners only worsens the problem in most cases. Dandruff is hard to get rid off by use of cosmetics alone; to treat dandruff one has to make healthy lifestyle changes that include eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet and drinking plenty of water instead of sugar laced drinks.
The best way of treating dandruff effectively and completely is by use of herbs that will gently but surely get rid of the dandruff giving way to cleaner scalp and healthier hair. Most of the herbs and herbal oils used in the treatment of dandruff are readily available but one has to be very regular in their use until the dandruff goes off completely. In this section we will share with you the best herbs for clearing dandruff and how to use these herbs.
Treatment Of Dandruff Using Herbs
Lemon
Lemon is known for antioxidant properties that are very helpful in getting rid of the bacteria that cause dandruff. The juice of lemon contains enzymes that act on the bacteria and effectively arrest their growth. To treat dandruff take a large juicy lemon and cut into two halves; de-seed the lemon and rub the lemon halves directly onto the scalp. Don’t rub vigorously or you may lose hair; gently massage the scalp using the lemon halves. Cover the entire scalp with the lemon juice and leave for 45 minutes.
The lemon juice will sting the scalp initially but it means that the enzymes in the juice are working on the bacteria responsible for the infection. After 45 minutes wash the scalp and hair using warm water only. Perform the treatment daily for 15 days to get rid of dandruff completely. Once the dandruff is treated use lemon juice once a week on the scalp to ensure the dandruff doesn’t recur.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is obtained from the herb castor bean that is also a vegetable plant. The plant contains high amount of Ricinoleic acid that has anti-inflammatory as well as anti-bacterial properties. This is one main reason the oil from castor plant is effective in the treatment of dandruff. Castor oil is very thick and needs to be warmed before it can be easily applied on the scalp.
Dip a cotton bud in the warm castor oil and use this for applying the oil on the scalp. Leave the oil in the hair overnight and sleep with a shower cap over your head. In the morning wash hair using mild shampoo and warm water. You may need to shampoo the hair twice to get rid of the oil completely. The treatment with castor oil should be done every alternate day for two months at least for the scalp to be completely rid of dandruff.
Olive Oil
The anti-oxidant qualities of olive oil are well known and allow the oil to permeate deep into the skin. This makes the oil very effective in the treatment of dandruff because it keeps the scalp effectively moisturized thereby reducing the threat from dandruff causing bacteria. To treat dandruff with olive oil warm the appropriate quantity of oil and apply it generously on the scalp as well as the hair. Dip a bathing towel in hot water and squeeze the extra water from the towel. Wrap your oil treated hair in the wet towel for 10-15 minutes.
Remove the towel and wear a shower cap over your hair. After 40 minutes wash your hair using mild shampoo and warm water. Apply olive oil to your hair and steam it at least three times in a week. This will help provide nourishment and moisture to your hair while getting rid of the bacteria causing the dandruff.
Onion Juice
Onion juice is a well known herbal remedy used for treating dandruff easily and effectively. And onions are available everywhere and at all times. Onions contain enzymes that are well known for their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal nature. To treat dandruff with onion peel and cut a medium sized onion. Grate the onion using hand grater and squeeze out the juice. Apply the onion juice over your scalp in generous amounts and leave for a couple of hours.
The juice may sting the scalp a bit but the stinging will reduce after sometime. Wash hair using warm water and shampoo. The hair may smell a bit even after application of shampoo because of the overpowering smell of onion. Re-shampoo your hair if the odor bothers you. Perform the treatment regularly for 20 days to get rid of dandruff completely.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree is an essential oil that is widely used in skin and hair care products because of its antibacterial nature. The compounds present in tea tree oil effectively eliminate the infection causing bacteria leaving the skin clean and healthy. The oil is a great way of getting rid of dandruff in a short time. However, mix one part tea tree oil with two parts coconut oil before applying the essential oil to your scalp.
Tea tree is an essential oil and if used undiluted can harm the skin. Leave the oil mix on the scalp for 3-4 hours and wash with warm water and shampoo. You can even leave the oil overnight for best results. Use tea tree oil everyday on your hair for three weeks and you will never face the problem of dandruff again.
The above given herbs are very effective in treating dandruff but these alone will not help. You will also have to give particular attention to your diet and ensure that you are eating healthy and nutritious food. Lack of required nutrition in our diet leaves us more susceptible to attacks from infectious bacteria that can be hard to get rid of. Also, you will have to be very regular in your treatment of dandruff using the herbs because the herbs take time to work and show their effect.
