Dandruff: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Dandruff, medically known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a skin condition characterized by flakes of dead skin, typically on the scalp, but also on the face, ears, and torso.

Caused by a combination of factors, including fungal infections, sensitivity to hair care products, hormonal imbalances, and genetics, dandruff can lead to discomfort, itchiness, and embarrassment. If left untreated, it can cause further complications such as skin infections and hair loss. To alleviate dandruff, herbal remedies like tea tree oil, neem, and aloe vera can be used in shampoos or applied directly to the scalp.

However, it is essential to note that these remedies may interact with other medications or exacerbate sensitive skin, so it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using them and to follow proper usage guidelines.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of dandruff, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of dandruff?

The main causes of dandruff are a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.

It is estimated that 50% of the population experiences dandruff at some point in their lives. Research suggests that an overproduction of skin cells, typically due to an imbalance of the skin's natural pH levels, contributes to the formation of dandruff. Fungal infections, particularly malassezia, which breaks down oils on the skin and produces byproducts that irritate the scalp, are also a known contributor.

Additionally, factors such as stress, poor diet, and certain medical conditions, like eczema and psoriasis, can exacerbate dandruff.

• Malassezia: Malassezia is a type of yeast that naturally occurs on the scalp and feeds on oils produced by the sebaceous glands, leading to an overgrowth of this fungus, which can cause irritation and inflammation, resulting in dandruff.
• Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hair care products, such as shampoos or conditioners, can cause dandruff due to irritation and inflammation of the scalp.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during puberty, menopause, or pregnancy, can lead to an increase in oil production on the scalp, causing dandruff.
• Stress: Stress can cause an increase in oil production on the scalp, leading to dandruff.
• Dry Skin: Dry skin on the scalp can lead to flaking and irritation, resulting in dandruff.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of zinc or omega-3 fatty acids, can lead to an increase in dandruff.
• Skin Conditions: Underlying skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, can increase the risk of developing dandruff.
• Genetics: Genetics can play a role in the development of dandruff, as some people may be more prone to it due to their genetic makeup.
• Poor Hygiene: Poor hygiene, such as not washing the hair regularly enough, can lead to the buildup of oils and dirt on the scalp, causing dandruff.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for dandruff?

The main medicinal herbs used for dandruff are Melaleuca alternifolia, Cymbopogon citratus, Aloe barbadensis, Curcuma longa, Aloe vera, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Azadirachta indica, Urtica dioica, Zingiber officinale, Saponaria officinalis.

Melaleuca alternifolia, an essential oil rich in tea tree oil, exhibits antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of Malassezia, a fungus responsible for dandruff, according to in vitro studies. Cymbopogon citratus, or lemongrass oil, has been shown to possess antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can help reduce flaking and inflammation associated with dandruff. Curcuma longa and Aloe vera contain anti-inflammatory compounds, such as curcumin and aloin, respectively, that can soothe and calm the scalp.

Additionally, Azadirachta indica, Urtica dioica, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Zingiber officinale, and Saponaria officinalis have been studied for their potential benefits in reducing dandruff, although more research is needed to confirm their efficacy.

• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, helps with dandruff due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, which reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria that contribute to scalp infections and inflammation.
• Cymbopogon citratus: Cymbopogon citratus, or lemon grass oil, helps with dandruff by its antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help to reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria that contribute to scalp infections and inflammation, and also by its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the scalp.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, helps with dandruff due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help to calm and soothe the scalp, reducing redness and irritation, and also by its moisturizing properties, which help to hydrate and balance the scalp's natural pH.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, helps with dandruff due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress on the scalp, and also by its antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria that contribute to scalp infections and inflammation.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with dandruff due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help to calm and soothe the scalp, reducing redness and irritation, and also by its moisturizing properties, which help to hydrate and balance the scalp's natural pH.
• Cinnamomum zeylanicum: Cinnamomum zeylanicum, or cinnamon oil, helps with dandruff due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, which reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria that contribute to scalp infections and inflammation, and also by its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the scalp.
• Azadirachta indica: Azadirachta indica, or neem oil, helps with dandruff due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, which reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria that contribute to scalp infections and inflammation, and also by its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the scalp.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica, or nettle, helps with dandruff due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help to calm and soothe the scalp, reducing redness and irritation, and also by its moisturizing properties, which help to hydrate and balance the scalp's natural pH.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, helps with dandruff due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress on the scalp, and also by its antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria that contribute to scalp infections and inflammation.
• Saponaria officinalis: Saponaria officinalis, or soapwort, helps with dandruff due to its saponin content, which has a gentle cleansing and soothing effect on the scalp, reducing flaking and irritation, and also by its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the scalp.

What are the main herbal preparations used for dandruff?

The main herbal preparations used for dandruff are Decoction, Shampoo, Tincture, Cream, Oil, Capsule, Tea, Gel, Ointment, Salve.

Decoction of neem leaves has antifungal properties that help reduce dandruff-causing yeast on the scalp. Shampoo formulations containing tea tree oil exhibit antifungal and antibacterial activities, alleviating dandruff symptoms. Tinctures of herbs like aloe vera and calendula are used topically to soothe and calm the scalp, reducing inflammation and itching.

Capsules or creams containing herbs like saw palmetto and zinc may be used internally or applied topically to reduce dandruff and promote healthy scalp oil production.

• Decoction: A decoction of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia helps with dandruff as the antimicrobial properties of the tea tree oil contained within it reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria that can contribute to the condition.
• Shampoo: A shampoo containing the extract of the plant Cinnamomum zeylanicum helps with dandruff as the antifungal properties of cinnamon oil present in it inhibit the growth of fungi such as Malassezia globosa that cause the condition.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of Aloe barbadensis helps with dandruff as the anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera present in it reduce redness and itching associated with the condition.
• Cream: A cream containing the extract of the plant Urtica dioica helps with dandruff as the antifungal and antibacterial properties of nettle oil present in it reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria that can contribute to the condition.
• Oil: An oil containing the extract of the plant Melaleuca alternifolia helps with dandruff as the antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil present in it reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria that can contribute to the condition.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the extract of the plant Curcuma longa helps with dandruff as the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin present in it reduce redness and itching associated with the condition.
• Tea: A tea made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis helps with dandruff as the antimicrobial properties of catechins present in it reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria that can contribute to the condition.
• Gel: A gel containing the extract of the plant Cinnamomum zeylanicum helps with dandruff as the antifungal properties of cinnamon oil present in it inhibit the growth of fungi such as Malassezia globosa that cause the condition.
• Ointment: An ointment containing the extract of the plant Urtica dioica helps with dandruff as the antifungal and antibacterial properties of nettle oil present in it reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria that can contribute to the condition.
• Salve: A salve containing the extract of the plant Melaleuca alternifolia helps with dandruff as the antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil present in it reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria that can contribute to the condition.