Dandruff is a common condition that causes dryness and flaking in the scalp. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are readily available to treat an outbreak of dandruff; however, there are many types of herbal treatment for dandruff that also work. Cider vinegar, fenugreek seeds, snake gourd, and hibiscus leaves all play a role in treating dandruff. Everyone responds to treatment differently and what works for one may not work the same for another; finding the best herbal treatment for dandruff is often a matter of trial and error.
A cheap and easy herbal treatment for dandruff that many people already have in their kitchen cabinet is apple cider vinegar. A combination of equal parts of cider vinegar and water can be dabbed onto the scalp to help heal and soothe the skin. This mixture can be left on the scalp between washings, and as a rise after shampooing the hair for extra help.
Using a paste made from fenugreek seeds can help remove dandruff from the scalp. It is believed that the seeds act as a kind of fungicide, which helps to kill a type of fungus that can cause dandruff. You can create a paste out of fenugreek seeds by soaking about 2 tablespoons (22 grams) of the seeds overnight in water. Massage the paste over the entire scalp and allow it to sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse the paste out completely; you may want to follow it with a rinse made with shikakai, an Indian fruit that is often used in hair care.
When looking for a preventative method as well as a soothing herbal treatment for dandruff, the juice of a snake gourd may be of help. The snake gourd is a fruit from Asia that is said to taste somewhat like a cucumber. Apply the juice to the scalp before washing your hair, and rinse it out in the shower. You can repeat this process as needed to prevent dandruff from returning, or use it during flair ups to soothe an irritated scalp.
It is important to remember to keep the scalp conditioned when dealing with dandruff. One herbal treatment for dandruff involves the application of ground up hibiscus leaves, which help to thoroughly condition the scalp. The leaves can be ground into a paste, which is then applied to the scalp for up to half an hour and rinsed off.
Many things can cause of dandruff, including poor nutrition, vitamin deficiency, and fungal or yeast infections. All of these things can — and should — be corrected over time to eliminate dandruff. As part of the process, however, an herbal treatment for dandruff can help correct this problem. For dandruff that does not respond well to herbal treatment, prescription medication may be necessary.