Dandruff
Explanation
Attention to hair is one of the favorite pre-occupations of those who are conscious about their looks. Hair care is a billion dollar industry across the world. But even to those who are not bothered about hair-dos, the tell-tale while flakes of skin that cling on to hair like snowflakes can be quite embarrassing. More than a simple skin condition, dandruff can be quite debilitating too many in terms of self-esteem. It is the bane of many a teenager. Quick remedies are dime-a-dozen for dandruff. Yet we are ignorant of the fact that there are simple cures for dandruff in a natural way, the way of Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India.
Dandruff is not Dandy!
Skin cells of the scalp die and flake off once in a month– this is normal. But in those suffering from dandruff, this flaking off occurs every 2-7 days. Every time one combs up that thick hair, the tiny white skin flakes appear persistently. You may be wearing that stylish dark suit, but the sprinkle of 'white dust' on your shoulders give away your skin condition. Though not contagious, many find dandruff a bit repulsive.
Signs/Symptoms
The most common symptoms of dandruff are:
Sometimes acne, acidity and indigestion also could be indicative of dandruff.
Reasons/Causes
There are different causes for dandruff. Most can be avoided which would prevent the onset of this skin condition.
Dandruff as per Ayurvedic Concept
According to Ayurveda, dandruff is due to an imbalance of the Vata and Pitta doshas. When these two doshas are aggravated, it gives rise to Ama, an impurity. This condition causes itching and patchy flaking of the scalp. Ayurvedic treatment aims at the restoration of the balance of the doshas through the use of herbs and dietary corrections. The holistic approach of ayurveda is not focused on the cure of the condition but at the total removal of the environment that lead to it. Freedom from dandruff comes at a price.
Lifestyle Guide & Recommended Diet
Homemade Therapies
Attention to hair is one of the favorite pre-occupations of those who are conscious about their looks. Hair care is a billion dollar industry across the world. But even to those who are not bothered about hair-dos, the tell-tale while flakes of skin that cling on to hair like snowflakes can be quite embarrassing. More than a simple skin condition, dandruff can be quite debilitating too many in terms of self-esteem. It is the bane of many a teenager. Quick remedies are dime-a-dozen for dandruff. Yet we are ignorant of the fact that there are simple cures for dandruff in a natural way, the way of Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India.
Dandruff is not Dandy!
Skin cells of the scalp die and flake off once in a month– this is normal. But in those suffering from dandruff, this flaking off occurs every 2-7 days. Every time one combs up that thick hair, the tiny white skin flakes appear persistently. You may be wearing that stylish dark suit, but the sprinkle of 'white dust' on your shoulders give away your skin condition. Though not contagious, many find dandruff a bit repulsive.
Signs/Symptoms
The most common symptoms of dandruff are:
- White flakes of skin on the scalp.
- Dry scalp
- Redness, irritation and itchiness of the scalp
- Softness of the scalp skin.
Sometimes acne, acidity and indigestion also could be indicative of dandruff.
Reasons/Causes
There are different causes for dandruff. Most can be avoided which would prevent the onset of this skin condition.
- Food habits. Excessive or regular consumption of dry, cold, oily and spicy food.
- Hyperactivity of sweat glands.
- Allergens such as dust, sunlight, cobwebs, certain soaps, shampoos and food.
- Sensitivity to seasonal changes.
- Heightened stress level
- Excessive use of cosmetics on hair dressing.
Dandruff as per Ayurvedic Concept
According to Ayurveda, dandruff is due to an imbalance of the Vata and Pitta doshas. When these two doshas are aggravated, it gives rise to Ama, an impurity. This condition causes itching and patchy flaking of the scalp. Ayurvedic treatment aims at the restoration of the balance of the doshas through the use of herbs and dietary corrections. The holistic approach of ayurveda is not focused on the cure of the condition but at the total removal of the environment that lead to it. Freedom from dandruff comes at a price.
Lifestyle Guide & Recommended Diet
- Massage your head with herbal oil before every bath. Shampoo with mild lotions twice or thrice every week. The juice taken from crushed leaves of hibiscus make an excellent natural shampoo.
- Dietary restrictions include avoidance of spicy and oily foods and aerated drinks. Junk food is a strict no-no, not only for dandruff but also for overall health.
- Enrich your diet with fiber-rich foods, leafy vegetables and fruits.
- Regular exercise and practice of yoga reduces stress, which is an important cause of dandruff.
- Resist the urge to scratch the scalp.
Homemade Therapies
- A mixture of one teaspoon of Indian gooseberry (Amla) juice and 2- 3 teaspoons of coconut oil should be massaged gently on to the scalp every day.
- Boil leaves of Margosa (Neem) and Indian gooseberry (Amla). Mix the extract in water and rinse your hair with it after bath.
- At least once in a week, apply to the scalp a mixture of ten drops of lemon juice and one egg white beaten well.
