Dandruff is caused when the dead skin on your scalp sloughs off in thick layers. The shedding of the dead skin is a normal body function and normally the skin that flakes off from your scalp is invisible to the eye. However, when it happens in an atypically thick fashion, it tends to come off in big, white flakes that cling to your hair and scalp.
If you do have dandruff in your hair and scalp, there are plenty of treatments that are available to keep it under control. One that’s worth trying out is Ayurveda. This alternative form of medicine has several remedies and treatments that might help you keep your dandruff away permanently.
Ayurveda works on the principle that there must be harmony in the body at all times. Whenever there is an imbalance within your body, it expresses itself in some kind of ailment. Ayurveda experts explain the formation of dandruff in terms of body imbalance too.
According to Ayurveda, there are three doshas in your body - vata (vayu), pitta and kapha. Whenever one of these doshas is disturbed, you are likely to see the impact on your body. According to Ayurvedic theory, dandruff is caused when your kapha and vata doshas become less effective. Together, the problematic kapha and vayu make your scalp extremely dry. In addition, the kapha makes your scalp itchy. This causes the dry skin to come out in flakes.
There are several Ayurvedic treatments prescribed for dandruff. Since it's believed that a lot of illnesses are caused by the diet, you might have to change your food habits while trying an Ayurvedic cure for your dandruff problem.
Take Care of Your Scalp
- If you have got dandruff, do not brush your hair too vigorously.
- Wash your hair at least thrice a week, because a dirty scalp will definitely aggravate the problem.
- Cover your head with a scarf or a hat to prevent its exposure to the harsh weather condition and pollutants.
Be Careful About What You Eat
- Avoid sweets and oily, fried foods.
- Follow a strict vegetarian diet and also eliminate dairy products.
- Do not eat any food that has vitamin C. This means that tomatoes, lemons, oranges, tamarind figure in the list of prohibited foods.
- No fermented foods and baked products.
- Eat lots of green, leafy vegetables and fruits.
Try the Following Remedies
- Take one measure of sandal oil. Mix it with three measures of lemon juice. Apply it to the scalp.
- Mix together olive oil and some ginger juice. Rub it onto your scalp. Wash this off after some time.
- Take some aloe vera leaves. Tear them into small pieces. Squeeze out the thick viscous juice of aloe. Apply it on your head and leave it overnight. Wash it off the next morning.
- Apply oils like neelibringahdhi, triphaladhi, and kayyunaythi to your scalp before having a bath. As per Ayurvedic medicine, dandruff is caused by excessive dryness. For this reason, you should always keep your scalp well-oiled.
Have the Following Ayurvedic Medicines
- Dudurpatradi tailam must be applied externally.
- Take medicines that purify your blood. These include Khadhirarishta and Saribadyaasavam.
- One of the more popular and effective Ayurvedic medicines for dandruff is Brihat Haridra Khand. Mix one teaspoon in a glass of milk and have it twice a day. Yet another medication often prescribed by Ayurvedic doctors is Gandhaka Rasayana.
Ayurveda does have a whole host of remedies and medicines in order to treat dandruff. If your dandruff problem is chronic, some of these remedies can be helpful. However, do remember that Ayurvedic medicines are effective only if you follow the diet restrictions strictly.
