Excessive shedding of flakes of skin from the scalp Usually, the scalp skin dies and flakes off in a month, while in those suffering from Dandruff, this happens every 2-7 days.  More commonly seen in young adults. It is most often caused by a yeast organism that grows on the scalp.

Ayurvedic Concept 

Ayurveda places the problem of dandruff in the category of Shudra Roga-Daranakam which appears due to an imbalance of all three doshas (Ayurvedic humor). The primary doshas involved are Pitta and Vata. In an aggravated state, both doshas cause the production of specific impurities, called ama, which are dry and heating in nature. These impurities accumulate in the deep tissues of the scalp and contaminate them. Contamination of the deep tissues and aggravated Vata-Pitta Dosha cause itching and patches on the scalp. Due to these factors, the scalp sheds larger than normal amounts of dead epidermal cells, which leads to the problem of dandruff.

 The Ayurvedic line of treatment is to generally pacify Pitta and Vata through herbal medicines, as well as a tailor-made diet and lifestyle plan. This includes Siro abhyangam, Sirolepanam, Kshalanam, Siro dhoopanam, thalapothichil, Sirodharaetc. Panchakarma treatments such as Virechanam, Nasyam, etc. are also applicable. Rasayana therapy to improve general health to correct nutritional deficiencies.

Diet

• Avoid excess sugar, salt, dairy products, meat, acidic food
• Avoid spicy, fatty, hot, and penetrating foods, junk food, and aerated drinks.
• Have food with good nutritive value; include fibre-rich foods, salads, fruits, and lentils.

Activity restrictions

• Do regular yoga and exercises to minimize stress levels.
• Avoid scratching the scalp with your hands or any other objects.
• Proper washing of your hair and personal hygiene is important.
• Massage your hair with oil every time before washing the head and hair

Simple Home Remedies

• Mix 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of Indian gooseberry (amla) juice. Gently massage the scalp with this every day.
• Add 10 drops of lemon juice to 1 egg white and beat well. Apply to the scalp and hair once a week.
• Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of mustard oil, and 1 cup of yoghurt. Apply this to the hair 30 minutes to 1 hour before washing the head and hair.
• Soak 50 gm methi dana in 2 cups of water overnight, next day in the morning make the paste and apply on the scalp for 15 minutes.
• Chew 10 holy basil leaves (tulsi), 10 margosa leaves (neem), and 10 bael leaves (belpatra) on an empty stomach early in the morning.

Benefits