By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 03, 2024
10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Dandruff
Herbal tinctures for dandruff are a natural and effective way to treat this common scalp condition.
They work by using the concentrated plant extracts to soothe and calm the scalp, reducing inflammation and flaking. For example, tea tree oil has antifungal properties that help combat yeast overgrowth on the scalp, while lavender oil calms irritation and reduces stress.
By incorporating these tinctures into a daily routine, individuals can reduce symptoms of dandruff and improve their overall quality of life.
The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for dandruff, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Melaleuca alternifolia
- 2. Aloe vera
- 3. Sanguisorba minor
- 4. Taraxacum officinale
- 5. Calendula officinalis
- 6. Hypericum perforatum
- 7. Equisetum arvense
- 8. Achillea millefolium
- 9. Taraxacum kok saghyz
- 10. Berberis vulgaris
- What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for dandruff?
- What ailments similar to dandruff are treated with herbal tinctures?
1. Melaleuca alternifolia
Tea tree tinctures helps with dandruff because of its potent antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tannins present in tea tree extract help to reduce fungal overgrowth on the scalp, which is a common cause of dandruff. Additionally, the tincture's antioxidant properties soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and flakiness.
Regular use of tea tree tinctures can also help to restore a healthy balance to the scalp's natural flora, promoting a clear and flake-free complexion.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia tinctures that help with dandruff.
- Cineole: This monoterpene helps to reduce inflammation and soothe the scalp, providing relief from the itching and flaking associated with dandruff.
- Methyl salicylate: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, which help to combat fungal infections that can contribute to dandruff and scalp irritation.
- Cymene: This monoterpene has antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce the growth of yeast and fungi on the scalp, thereby reducing inflammation and flaking associated with dandruff.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make tinctures for dandruff.
- Leaves: The leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia contain compounds that have antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help to control the growth of fungi and bacteria that contribute to dandruff.
- Buds: The buds of Melaleuca alternifolia contain essential oils that have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to soothe and calm the scalp, reducing irritation and inflammation associated with dandruff.
- Barks: The barks of Melaleuca alternifolia contain compounds that have antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help to control the growth of fungi and bacteria that contribute to dandruff, while also providing a protective barrier for the scalp.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea tree for dandruff.
- Gather 1 part of melaleuca alternifolia leaves and flowers and combine with 2 parts of 95% ethanol.
- Combine the plant material with the ethanol in a clean glass container and seal the lid tightly.
- Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks to allow for extraction.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass container to remove the solids.
- Transfer the tincture to glass dropper bottles and label them for future use and storage.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe tinctures helps with dandruff because of its natural anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
The aloe vera gel contains salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates the scalp, reducing flaking and itchiness caused by dandruff. Additionally, aloe's antioxidants help soothe and calm irritated skin, promoting a healthy scalp environment that discourages the growth of fungi and bacteria that contribute to dandruff.
As a result, aloe tinctures can effectively alleviate symptoms of dandruff, leaving the scalp feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera tinctures that help with dandruff.
- Anthraquinones: Help with dandruff by reducing inflammation and preventing the overgrowth of yeast on the scalp, which is a common cause of dandruff.
- Polysaccharides: Help with dandruff by soothing and calming the scalp, reducing irritation and flaking, and promoting a healthy balance of the scalp's natural flora.
- Vitamins and fatty acids: Help with dandruff by nourishing and moisturizing the scalp, reducing dryness and itchiness, and promoting a healthy scalp environment that is less prone to flaking and irritation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make tinctures for dandruff.
- Leaves: They contain aloin and aloe-emodin, which help to reduce inflammation and combat fungal infections that cause dandruff.
- Flowers: They have antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help to soothe the scalp and prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria that contribute to dandruff.
- Stems: They contain compounds like anthraquinones, which have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that help to treat and prevent dandruff.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for dandruff.
- Chop 200g of fresh aloe vera leaves into small pieces to release their medicinal properties.
- Combine the chopped aloe vera with 500ml of 80% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the aloe vera in the ethanol mixture for 2-3 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into another clean glass jar to separate solids from liquid.
- Filter the liquid tincture through a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and store it in a cool dark place.
3. Sanguisorba minor
Salad burnet tinctures helps with dandruff because of its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
The herb has been traditionally used to soothe skin irritations and reduce redness, which makes it an effective remedy for calming itchy scalps and reducing flaking associated with dandruff. Additionally, salad burnet contains compounds that help to balance the scalp's natural pH level, creating a less hospitable environment for yeast overgrowth, a common contributor to dandruff.
By addressing these underlying issues, salad burnet tinctures can provide long-lasting relief from dandruff symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sanguisorba minor tinctures that help with dandruff.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds have been shown to possess antifungal properties, which can help control the growth of Malassezia, a fungus linked to dandruff.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Sanguisorba minor have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe and calm the scalp, reducing irritation and flaking associated with dandruff.
- Triterpenes: Triterpenes have been reported to exhibit antifungal and antibacterial activities, which can help prevent the overgrowth of microorganisms that contribute to dandruff and other scalp conditions.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of salad burnet used to make tinctures for dandruff.
- Leaves: The leaves are used due to their astringent properties, which can help soothe and reduce inflammation associated with dandruff.
- Roots: The roots are used because of their antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can help combat fungal and bacterial infections that can contribute to dandruff.
- Stems: The stems are used for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and itching associated with dandruff.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic salad burnet for dandruff.
- Harvest sanguisorba minor flowers and leaves at their peak potency in early summer when in full bloom.
- Dry the harvested material in a warm dark place or with a food dehydrator at 95 degrees fahrenheit for 24 hours.
- Chop the dried sanguisorba minor material into small pieces and store it in a clean glass container for up to six months.
- Steep one part of the chopped plant material in two parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar for four weeks shaking daily.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass container discarding the solids and label the tincture.
4. Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion tinctures helps with dandruff because of its remarkable anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
The herb's bioactive compounds, such as taraxasterol and taraxacin, have been shown to reduce inflammation and itching associated with scalp conditions like dandruff. Additionally, dandelion's antimicrobial properties help combat fungal overgrowth, which is often a contributing factor to dandruff.
As a result, regular use of dandelion tincture can promote a healthy scalp environment, reducing flaking and restoring a balanced skin pH, leading to relief from dandruff symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale tinctures that help with dandruff.
- Inulin: Inulin has anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and calm the scalp, reducing redness and itching associated with dandruff.
- Taraxasterol: Taraxasterol is a triterpenoid saponin that has been shown to have anti-fungal properties, helping to control the growth of Malassezia, a fungus that contributes to dandruff.
- Luteolin: Luteolin is a flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress on the scalp, contributing to the development of dandruff.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make tinctures for dandruff.
- Leaves: The leaves of Taraxacum officinale are commonly used to make tinctures for dandruff due to their antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Roots: The roots of Taraxacum officinale are often used to make tinctures for dandruff due to their ability to soothe and calm the scalp.
- Flowers: The flowers of Taraxacum officinale are also used to make tinctures for dandruff due to their antifungal and antibacterial properties that help to reduce flaking and itching.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for dandruff.
- Harvest 100 grams of fresh taraxacum officinale roots and leaves for tincture preparation.
- Chop the harvested taraxacum officinale roots and leaves into small pieces.
- Combine the chopped taraxacum officinale with 500 milliliters of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Store the jar in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks to allow maceration.
- Strain the tincture through cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids.
5. Calendula officinalis
Pot marigold tinctures helps with dandruff because it contains calendula, a natural anti-inflammatory compound that soothes and calms the scalp.
The tincture's antifungal properties also help to eliminate fungal infections that can contribute to flaky, itchy skin. Additionally, pot marigold has antimicrobial properties that prevent bacterial growth on the scalp, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy skin cell regeneration.
This natural remedy effectively targets the underlying causes of dandruff, leaving the scalp feeling calm, clean, and free from flakes.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis tinctures that help with dandruff.
- Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids present in Calendula officinalis have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and reduce inflammation on the scalp, thereby alleviating dandruff symptoms.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids in Calendula officinalis have been shown to possess antimicrobial properties, which can help control the growth of Malassezia, a yeast that contributes to dandruff development.
- Carotenoids: Carotenoids in Calendula officinalis have antioxidant properties, which can help protect the scalp from oxidative stress and promote healthy skin cell growth, ultimately reducing dandruff occurrence.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make tinctures for dandruff.
- Flowers: The flowers of Calendula officinalis are the most commonly used part in tinctures due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds, particularly triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that help soothe and treat dandruff.
- Leaves: Calendula officinalis leaves are also used in tinctures to treat dandruff due to their antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the growth of fungal and bacterial organisms on the scalp.
- Stems: The stems of Calendula officinalis contain bioactive compounds like flavonoids and terpenoids, which contribute to their antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, making them a valuable component in tinctures for treating dandruff.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for dandruff.
- Harvest calendula flowers in their full bloom and dry them thoroughly in a dark room for 2 weeks.
- Combine 1 part of the dried calendula flowers with 2 parts of vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 weeks shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and discard the solids then transfer the liquid to a clean dark glass bottle.
- Store the tincture in a cool dark place for at least 2 weeks before use allowing the flavors to mature.
6. Hypericum perforatum
St John's wort tinctures helps with dandruff because of its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, which work to soothe and calm an itchy scalp.
The herbal extract has been shown to reduce redness and inflammation caused by dandruff, while also inhibiting the growth of fungal and yeast infections that can contribute to flaking skin.
Regular use of St John's wort tinctures may help to clear up dandruff symptoms and promote a healthy, balanced scalp.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum tinctures that help with dandruff.
- Hyperforin: This phenolic compound has antimicrobial properties, which may help reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria that can contribute to dandruff.
- Flavonoids: These plant-derived compounds, particularly quercetin, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe and calm the scalp, reducing irritation and flaking associated with dandruff.
- Naphthoquinones: These compounds, including naphthodianthrone, have been shown to have antifungal and antibacterial properties, which may help control the underlying fungal infections and balance the scalp's natural flora.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make tinctures for dandruff.
- Leaves: Used for their antifungal properties to help combat fungal infections that may be contributing to dandruff.
- Flowers: Employed for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to soothe and calm the scalp.
- Stems: Utilized for their antimicrobial properties to help control the growth of yeast and bacteria that may be causing dandruff.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for dandruff.
- Harvest fresh hypericum perforatum flowers at peak bloom and dry them in a warm well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks.
- Weigh out 1 part dried flowers by volume and combine with 2 parts 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Seal the jar and store it in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks, shaking the mixture daily.
- Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass container, discarding the solids.
- Transfer the tincture to a dark glass bottle and label it, store it in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.
7. Equisetum arvense
Field horsetail tinctures helps with dandruff because of its exceptional ability to balance the scalp's natural pH levels, reducing itching and inflammation associated with this common condition.
The tincture's anti-inflammatory properties also soothe irritated skin and reduce flaking, promoting a healthy scalp environment. Additionally, horsetail contains silica, which strengthens hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth and reducing dandruff-related shedding.
As a result, using field horsetail tinctures can provide relief from dandruff symptoms and promote overall scalp health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Equisetum arvense tinctures that help with dandruff.
- Flavonoids: These plant compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm the scalp, reducing irritation and inflammation associated with dandruff.
- Saponins: These natural surfactants can help clean and purify the scalp, removing dirt, oil, and other impurities that can contribute to dandruff, while also helping to balance the scalp's natural pH.
- Furanosesquiterpenes: These terpenes have been shown to possess antifungal properties, which can help combat fungal infections on the scalp that may exacerbate dandruff, such as Malassezia.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of field horsetail used to make tinctures for dandruff.
- Roots: They are used for their anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties to soothe and treat scalp irritations associated with dandruff.
- Stems: The stems contain bioactive compounds that help to reduce inflammation and promote a healthy scalp environment.
- Leaves: The leaves are rich in antioxidants and have been traditionally used to treat skin and scalp conditions, including dandruff.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic field horsetail for dandruff.
- Harvest 1-2 pounds of fresh equisetum arvense roots and rhizomes in late summer or early fall.
- Dry the harvested material at 40-50 degrees celsius for 2-3 hours to reduce moisture content.
- Grind 1 part of the dried equisetum arvense into a fine powder using a coffee grinder.
- Combine the powdered equisetum arvense with 80% ethanol in a 1:5 ratio by weight and steep for 2-4 weeks.
- Strain the tincture through cheesecloth and bottle it in a dark glass container to preserve its potency.
8. Achillea millefolium
Yarrow tinctures helps with dandruff because its antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties work in harmony to soothe and calm the scalp.
The herb's ability to reduce redness and swelling alleviates irritation and itching caused by dandruff, while its antifungal properties combat fungal overgrowth that contributes to flaky skin.
Additionally, yarrow's antiseptic qualities prevent further infection and promote a healthy environment for the scalp, allowing for a natural resolution of dandruff symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Achillea millefolium tinctures that help with dandruff.
- Apigenin: A flavonoid compound that has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm the scalp, reducing irritation and inflammation that may contribute to dandruff.
- Caryophyllene oxide: A sesquiterpene compound with antifungal properties, which can help inhibit the growth of Malassezia, a fungus that can contribute to dandruff.
- Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress on the scalp, promoting a healthy scalp environment and potentially alleviating dandruff symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of yarrow used to make tinctures for dandruff.
- Leaves: They are used for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and calm the scalp.
- Flowers: They are used for their antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help combat fungal infections and reduce dandruff.
- Roots: They are used for their antimicrobial properties, which help reduce inflammation and combat fungal infections that cause dandruff.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic yarrow for dandruff.
- Harvest fresh achillea millefolium flowers and leaves in the morning when they are at their highest potency levels.
- Dry the harvested plant material in a single layer at room temperature for 1-2 weeks or until completely dry.
- Combine 1 part of dried plant material with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks, shaking the jar daily to facilitate extraction.
- Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids.
9. Taraxacum kok saghyz
Wild potato tinctures helps with dandruff because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties, which effectively combat the underlying causes of this common scalp condition.
The tincture's natural ingredients, such as camphor and borneol, soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing flaking and itching. Additionally, the tincture's ability to balance the scalp's natural pH levels helps to regulate oil production, preventing excess oil from accumulating and clogging pores.
This holistic approach addresses both the symptoms and root causes of dandruff, promoting a healthy and flake-free scalp.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum kok saghyz tinctures that help with dandruff.
- Inulin: Inulin helps with dandruff by reducing inflammation and improving skin integrity, which can alleviate symptoms of dandruff such as flaking and itching.
- Taraxasterol: Taraxasterol has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, which can help control the growth of fungi that contribute to dandruff, and reduce inflammation and redness associated with the condition.
- Luteolin: Luteolin has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the severity of dandruff by inhibiting the growth of fungi and bacteria that contribute to the condition, and alleviating inflammation and itching.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of wild potato used to make tinctures for dandruff.
- Roots: They are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help soothe and calm the scalp for dandruff relief.
- Leaves: They contain taraxasterol, which may have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties to help control dandruff-causing fungal growth.
- Seeds: They contain inulin, a prebiotic that may help maintain a healthy scalp microbiome and reduce dandruff symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wild potato for dandruff.
- Harvest 30g of fresh taraxacum kok saghyz roots and clean them thoroughly.
- Chop the roots into small pieces and combine them with 70% ethanol in a ratio of 1:5.
- Steep the mixture in a dark glass container for 14 days with occasional shaking.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth into another container and discard the solids immediately.
- Store the tincture in a cool dark place for up to 2 years to mature.
10. Berberis vulgaris
Barberry tinctures helps with dandruff because of its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The herb has been traditionally used to treat various skin conditions, including scalp issues like dandruff. The berberine compound found in barberry helps reduce fungal growth and soothe irritated scalps, while also combating flaky skin and itchiness associated with dandruff.
Regular use of barberry tinctures can promote a healthy scalp environment, reducing the appearance of flakes and promoting a clear, shiny head.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Berberis vulgaris tinctures that help with dandruff.
- Berberine: Berberine, an alkaloid compound, helps with dandruff by exhibiting antimicrobial properties that reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria that can contribute to scalp irritation and flaking.
- Vitamin c: Vitamin C, a phenolic compound, helps with dandruff by promoting collagen production and improving the overall health of the scalp, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
- Isoberberine: Isoberberine, a phenolic compound, helps with dandruff by exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and irritation on the scalp, and also by improving blood flow to promote healing and reduce flaking.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of barberry used to make tinctures for dandruff.
- Berberine-rich barks: The barks are used due to their high concentration of berberine, a compound with antifungal and antibacterial properties that help combat dandruff-causing infections.
- Berberine-rich roots: The roots are also used for their high berberine content, which contributes to their antifungal and antibacterial properties, thus helping to treat dandruff.
- Berberine-rich fruits: The fruits are used due to their berberine content, which has been shown to have antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help alleviate dandruff symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic barberry for dandruff.
- Harvest 50g of the ripe red fruit of the plant berberis vulgaris from a well-ventilated area.
- Clean the harvested fruit thoroughly with distilled water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use a juicer or blender to extract the juice from the fruit and collect it in a clean container.
- Mix 250ml of the extracted juice with 750ml of 80% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
- Allow the mixture to steep for 2-3 weeks in a cool dark place before straining and storing the tincture.
What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for dandruff?
The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with dandruff is a blend of Neem, Tea Tree, and Lavender.
Neem tincture helps to reduce inflammation and prevent fungal growth, while Tea Tree oil's antifungal properties combat scalp infections. Lavender tincture soothes and calms the scalp, reducing flaking and irritation.
Combine these three tinctures in equal parts and mix with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, for a natural scalp treatment that promotes healthy hair growth and reduces dandruff symptoms.
What ailments similar to dandruff are treated with herbal tinctures?
Ailments similar to dandruff/tinctures.html">dandruff/tinctures.html">dandruff that are treated with herbal tinctures are eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
These conditions are characterized by scaling, inflammation, and itchiness, and are often caused by an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria on the skin.
Herbal tinctures, such as tea tree oil and neem oil, have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that can help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing symptoms and promoting healing.