Are you seeking effective and natural ways to combat dandruff from the comfort of your home? Discover the power of Ayurvedic remedies to address dandruff and alleviate the discomfort of an itchy scalp. This guide delves into the realm of natural solutions, offering insights into effective methods to bid farewell to dandruff and promote a healthier scalp and hair.
How to get rid of dandruff naturally at home? Know about Ayurvedic remedy for dandruff and hair fall to get rid of dandruff and itchy scalp.
Dandruff in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, dandruff, known as darunak or daranak is categorized as a Shudra Roga. It means, dandruff is caused by an imbalance of all three doshas (Vata, Pitta or Kapha). Of all these three, the primary doshas that causes dandruff are Kapha and Vata.
It must be noted that Kapha dominates softness and stickiness and Vata represents dry and rough aspect in the human body.
When these two doshas are in an aggravated state, Vata-Kapha Doshas cause impurities as the deep tissues on the scalp. These impurities causes the scalp to shed a higher amount of dead epidermal cells which is known as dandruff.
According to Ayurveda, Daranak (dandruff) has the following symptoms:
- Formation of flakes on scalp and itching.
- Dryness of scalp and sometimes one may also experience softness in the scalp skin.
- Hair loss.
In Kshudra Roga-Daranakam, dry dandruff is due to the aggravated Pitta dosha and Vata dosha. And, wet dandruff or oily dandruff is caused by the imbalance in Kapha dosha and Vata dosha (because Kapha dosha causes excess sebum production).
In general, dirty scalp (and hair) leads to the accumulation of dead skin cells on the scalp. Also, the deficiency of nutrients like Zinc, B-complex vitamins or omega-3 fatty acids increase the risk of dandruff.
Ayurvedic Remedies For Dandruff
In Ayurveda, there are several remedies suggested for curing dandruff.
1. Amla, Reetha, Shikakai
Amla, Shikakai (acacia concinna) and Reetha (soap nut), all three when combined has rich value of vitamin C which can kill dandruff and regain the nomral scalp condition. Reetha has an effective scalp cleansing property with anti-microbial power. The concotion (potion) made out of amla, reetha, and shikakai promotes hair growth, can stop hair loss and prevent dandruff.
It is very easy to make this combination of Amla, Reetha and Shikakai. All you have to do is soak 10 reetha pods, 10 shikakai pods and 10 amla pods in water for overnight. Next morning, make the paste of all these three and heat this mixture to boil and let it cool. When the mixture is cold, strain the mixture and use this liquid concoction to rinse and shampoo the scalp for 5-10 minutes with hands. Leave it to dry and after 15-20 minutes, wash the hair with cold water.
2. Methi (Fenugreek)
Methi or Methika or fenugreek seeds are one of the most effective remedies to stop dandruff naturally at home. Methika have high amount of protein, nicotinic acid and lecithin, all of which helps prevent dandruff and hair fall. The high amout of nicotonic acid present in Methika is very useful in treating scalp issues like dryness of hair and hair thinning. The lecithin (in fenugreek seeds) hydrates the hair and strengthens the hair-roots or hair-follicles. It also stimulates blood flow to the scalp and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties treats scalp irritation and acne.
You can soak fenugreek seeds overnight and make its paste (next morning) or can also use fenugreek seed powder to make a paste of it. Another great way to use fenugreek seeds is grinding to paste and using it with coconut oil. To do this, make a fine powder of dry methi seeds and mix this with warm coconut oil. Let it rest for a while (10-15 minutes) and then massage the scalp thoroughly. Leave it for around 2 hours and then wash away with warm water (you can also use cold water).
3. Amla
Amla has many kinds of vitamins and minerals which help scalp blood circulation and thus stimulates natural hair growth. Vitamin C-rich amla juice cures the dryness and prevents the formation of dandruff. The Vitamin C in amla produces collagen protein which stimulates hair growth and makes hair long and dense. One must apply fresh amla juice to the scalp, leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse it off. One can use a mild cleanser to wash it off.
One can also use lemon (Nimbuka) and neem (Nimba). Citrus lemon contains vitamin C, citric acid, zinc, and flavonoids, making it one of the best Ayurvedic herbs for dandruff treatment. Neem (Nimba) has powerful antifungal and antiviral properties, which fight dandruff.
Apart from these, one must avoid excess sugar, salt, dairy products, meat, acidic food, junk food, and aerated drinks. One can also chew 10 holy basil leaves (Tulsi), 10 Margosa leaves (neem), and 10 bael leaves (belpatra) on an empty stomach early in the morning to cure dandruff.