How to Control Dandruff With Herbs

Dandruff--those white flakes can wreak havoc on your self-esteem, especially if the situation is chronic. Dandruff can have many causes such as fungal infections, dry scalp or not enough of the right nutrients for a healthy scalp. You should see a dermatologist or a doctor for insight into why your dandruff is happening.



I find that the best remedies are those that occur in nature. I use hair rinses and essential oils to help control dandruff problems when they occur. Plus, I make sure to take a multivitamin and eat a healthy diet. This usually takes care of it. Here are the herbs I would consider using.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. My favorite hair rinse for dandruff is parsley. I know, we usually don't think of parsley as a cosmetic herb, but it works. It also makes the hair nice and soft. Just buy a fresh bunch of parsley from the store. Wash it off and pour 4 cups of boiling water over it. Let it steep for 30 minutes, strain the herb out and then add 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar. Pour it over your head after using shampoo and conditioner. Do not rinse.

2. Another great hair rinse is one that is made from stinging nettle leaves. Just pour 3 cups of boiling water over 2 tbsp. of stinging nettle. Let it steep for 30 minutes, strain the herb out and add 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar. Pour over your head after shampooing and conditioning and let it sit--do not rinse.

3. Tea tree oil can also help dandruff. Just massage a few drops directly into the scalp, or purchase a tea tree oil shampoo and conditioner to use each day. You can follow it up with one of the rinses outlined above.

4. Stick with natural shampoos that do not contain sodium laureth sulfate. This substance can be irritating to the scalp and cause dandruff-like symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

• Sodium laureth sulfate is also referred to as sodium lauryl sulfate, SLS or SLES
• Stay away from dandruff shampoos if you can--they have a tendency to be too harsh.
• See a doctor or dermatologist to help you get to the root cause of your dandruff.

[miasavc]

on 12/24/2008 I usually treat dandruff with over the counter products but they don't work best. I'll try this natural remedies & see if it works on me.

[kohuether]

on 12/10/2008 Thanks geargirl! I hope you find them helpful. :-)

[Geargirl113]

on 12/10/2008 These are great tips. I had heard about the tea tree oil for dandruff, but not the others.

[kohuether]

on 12/10/2008 Thanks mosscampion - I have a lot of success with them. :)

[mosscampion]

on 12/10/2008 These are really neat remedies!