You can control and eliminate dandruff with various natural herbs. These herbal treatments for dandruff are often deemed to be quite effective and safe.

Dandruff is known to be a form of dermatitis. It has been suggested that hereditary traits play an important role in its occurrence although it usually arises because of a bacterial infection.

When planning to use these herbal remedies it pays to be aware on how they will react with other medicinal herbs, natural supplements, and medications. When it comes to dandruff, the danger of side effects and interactions is usually small; still, it is important to observe any reactions such as rashes, burning, or itching that may manifest shortly or immediately after using one herb or a combination of herbs. When you use herbs, there is always a risk of allergic reaction no matter how safe the herb is reported to be.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa is known to promote hair growth. It can be crushed, applied and the oil extracted from alfalfa can be mixed with other ingredients such as lettuce or carrots to form a poultice with which to treat the dandruff. This may sound strange, but the truth is, a lot of various common vegetables are rich in nutrients that can be beneficial for both the hair and scalp.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a very popular anti-dandruff herbal remedy. The plant’s seeds are softened and then used as a poultice to eradicate the dandruff.

Indian Hemp

The Native Americans believe that Indian hemp can be used to stimulate the growth of hair and treat dandruff. To cure dandruff, crush the hemp, and apply the juices to the scalp.

Tea Tree Oil

Herbalists believe that Tea Tree oil possesses powerful antiseptic properties that can help treat dandruff. It has substances that are known to alleviate irritation, disinfect the skin, and promote a healthy scalp.

Rosemary

When it comes to fighting dandruff, Rosemary is a widely used herb. It is used as lotion, shampoo, or tonics for the care of the scalp. It is found in various hair growth products.

Ash Gourd

The peel and seed of this plant can be applied daily on the skin to alleviate itching and preserve the moisture in the scalp to prevent drying and flaking.

Licorice

Glycyrrhizin, the substance found in licorice, can help decrease oily secretion of the scalp. Some herbalists believe that licorice reduces the oils in the scalp that can help prevent and even cure dandruff completely.

Comfrey

Allantoin, a chemical found in comfrey, has known dandruff fighting properties. Shampoos with allantoin are widely available in alternative living and health stores. You can also turn your herbal shampoo into allantoin shampoo by simply adding a couple of drops of comfrey tincture into it.

Eucalyptus

The oil of eucalyptus is one of the most widely used anti-dandruff herbal remedies in the world. When mixed with coconut oil, a few drops of the oil can be massaged into the scalp to clear flakes and resolve dandruff. To prevent further outbreaks, it is recommended that the oil should be used a minimum of 1 – 2 weeks.

Lemon

Lemon and other citrus can help stop dandruff and other skin conditions. Lemon has high vitamin C content which can help restore the skin’s pH balance. An herbal shampoo added with drops of lemon can leave the hair shiny and silky.

Emily Farish is a licensed acupuncturist in Spokane, WA, and the founder and clinical director of Emily Farish Acupuncture.