Natural Cures Guide

In infants, it’s called cradle cap, but in adults it goes by a harsher name–dandruff. Either way, it refers to flaking pieces of skin on the scalp, which can be noticeable.

Dandruff is an inflammation of the skin, which is why it produces redness along with those telltale flakes. Although it typically occurs on the head, it can also appear on the face, back, stomach, and folds of the body. Psoriasis is a similar disease; it’s often confused with dandruff. Unfortunately, dandruff can be a chronic disorder that last a lifetime.

Nobody knows exactly what causes dandruff. It may be inherited. It may be related to an infection of the skin by a fungus similar to the one the causes athlete’s foot. It may even be caused by an allergic reaction to the fungus itself. Stress, fatigue, weather extremes, oily skin, infrequent hair or skin cleaning, obesity, and alcohol-containing skin lotions can trigger outbreaks of dandruff. The elderly and patients with AIDS and Parkinson’s disease tend to develop dandruff more frequently than other people.

HERBAL REMEDIES

Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)

The oil from this plant’s seeds is commonly used to treat allergic rashes, but it may help if you have dandruff. Evening primrose contains gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, which is converted by the body to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Typical dosage: 8 to 12 capsules per day; or try rubbing evening primrose oil into the scalp.

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)

Another beneficial seed oil, flaxseed, with its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, turns up in lists of remedies for many inflammatory conditions. Typical dosage: 1 teaspoon per day internally; you can also use flaxseed oil as a scalp rub.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

The essential oil of this tree is a potent antifungal agent. It’s also very strongly drying, so your best bet is to add a few drops if tea tree oil to one of the above-mentioned oils. Rub the mixture into the scalp before bedtime. In the morning wash it out.

HEALTHY SCALP RINSE

The herbs in this hair and scalp rinse have antifungal and soothing properties. The vinegar helps restore the hair’s correct pH.

2 cups apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup dried sage, rosemary, or thyme leaves, or any combination

Heat the vinegar just to the boiling point. Remove from heat and add the herbs. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain; discard the herbs. Pour into empty shampoo bottles and label. Use about 1/4 cup in 2 cups of water as a rinse after shampooing.