Dandruff is the combination of shedding skin and inflammation of Sabaceous glands. Sabaceous glands supply the oil for your hair. Dandruff has nothing to do with hygiene. It isn’t dry scalp from over shampooing. Less frequent shampoos may result in leaving more flakes in your hair.

Often dandruff is caused by Pityrosporum ovale, a common yeast-like fungus that lives on oil. This naturally occurring fungus is found on skin surfaces but is often found in excess in dandruff sufferers. It can be caused by food allergies, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, neurological disorders (such as Parkinson’s disease) or weak immune system. Heavier dandruff can result from eczema or psoriasis (an increased shedding of scalp skin cells.

You will find many remedies in the pharmacy but medication may not be what you are looking for. These remedies have been suggested as natural treatments for dandruff.

Topical treatments
• Tea Tree oil.
  Tea Tree oil kills the dandruff-causing fungus. Use a prepared shampoo from the health food store. Shampoo everyday to prevent dead skin cells from building up. As you shampoo, rub your scalp vigorously to loosen excess skin cells.
  You may also use straight Tea Tree oil. Apply it to the scalp and allow it to remain for 10 minutes before shampooing.
• Rosemary, lemon or neem essential oilsApply it to the scalp and allow it to remain for 10 minutes before shampooing.
  (Neem oil is pressed from the fruits and seeds of Neem, an evergreen tree of India. It is known for its healing properties and is used as an astringent.)
• Apple cider vinegar
  Use full strength or in a 50% solution. Use a cotton ball or applicator bottle to apply it to the scalp. Rub it in and allow it to remain for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Scalp massage:
• Dandruff is sometimes a sign of low scalp circulation. Massage with sesame oil or apple cider vinegar for 5 to 10 minutes If you massage with apple cider vinegar, apply sesame oil afterward.

Internal Remedies:
• These supplements have been suggested for the treatment of dandruff. They are not proven and I suggest discussing any supplement with your physician before taking it.
• Fenugreek seed powder (an herb) 1 teaspoon mixed with honey everyday.
• Nicinamide ( a B Vitamin) 500 mg two or three times a day with food. Time release capsules are not suggested.
• Zinc gluconate or Zinc citrate Take 50 mg a day with food.
• Fish oil
  Take 1,500 EPA capsules of liquid with food.
• Bingrah an Indian herb, in tea form. Drink one cup daily.
• Amla fruit (Indian Gooseberry) helps with scalp inflammation. Take 2g per day in capsules.

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