Dry Scalp: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A dry scalp, also known as seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, is a common condition characterized by flaky, itchy skin on the scalp, often accompanied by redness and irritation.

The causes of dry scalp include genetics, hormonal imbalances, stress, and poor diet. If left untreated, dry scalp can lead to hair loss, increased risk of skin infections, and compromised overall health. To alleviate dry scalp, herbal remedies such as tea tree oil, aloe vera, and neem oil can be used in medicated shampoos or applied topically.

However, it's essential to take precautions when using medicinal herbs, as some may cause allergic reactions or interact with other medications.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of dry scalp, 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 dry scalp?

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

Seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory condition characterized by an overproduction of sebum, is often linked to dry scalp. Other contributing factors include dandruff, which is caused by a fungus called Malassezia, and an imbalance of the scalp's natural pH, leading to irritation and dryness. Harsh chemicals in hair care products, such as sulfates and parabens, can strip the scalp of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness.

Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of vitamin B7 (biotin) and zinc, have been identified as potential causes of dry scalp.

• Dandruff: Dandruff is a common cause of dry scalp due to the overproduction of skin cells in the scalp, resulting in flakes and itchiness.
• Eczema: Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and dryness on the scalp, leading to flaking and itchiness.
• Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, resulting in thick, scaly patches on the scalp.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes inflammation and flaking on the scalp, often resulting in a dry and itchy scalp.
• Shampooing too frequently: Shampooing too frequently can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
• Hair care products: The use of hair care products that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances can cause irritation and dryness on the scalp.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can cause changes in the scalp's oil production, leading to dryness and itchiness.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of zinc or iron, can cause inflammation and dryness on the scalp.
• Stress: Chronic stress can cause inflammation and dryness on the scalp, as well as exacerbate existing conditions such as dandruff or eczema.
• Thyroid issues: Thyroid issues, such as hypothyroidism, can cause changes in the scalp's oil production, leading to dryness and itchiness.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for dry scalp?

The main medicinal herbs used for dry scalp are Melaleuca alternifolia, Aloe barbadensis, Urtica dioica, Cymbopogon citratus, Aloe vera, Rosmarinus officinalis, Avena sativa, Calendula officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Saponaria officinalis.

Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as tea tree oil, has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and calm the dry scalp, while Aloe barbadensis and Aloe vera provide moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects to hydrate the scalp. Urtica dioica, or stinging nettle, has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that help to reduce inflammation and soothe the scalp. Rosmarinus officinalis, or rosemary, has antioxidant properties that help to promote blood flow and reduce dandruff.

Avena sativa, or oat kernel oil, provides moisturizing and soothing effects, while Calendula officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, and Saponaria officinalis have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that help to soothe and protect the scalp from dryness and irritation.

• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia contains compounds like tea tree oil that exhibit antimicrobial and antifungal properties, helping to control the growth of pathogens that contribute to dry scalp conditions.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as other nutrients that help soothe and moisturize the scalp, reducing dryness and inflammation associated with dry scalp.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica contains flavonoids and phenolic acids that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce redness and irritation on the scalp associated with dry scalp conditions.
• Cymbopogon citratus: Cymbopogon citratus contains compounds like geraniol and linalool that exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe and calm the scalp, reducing dryness and irritation associated with dry scalp.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera contains glycoproteins, vitamins, and minerals that help to moisturize and soothe the scalp, reducing dryness and inflammation associated with dry scalp conditions.
• Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosmarinus officinalis contains compounds like rosmarinic acid that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce redness and irritation on the scalp associated with dry scalp conditions.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa contains flavonoids and other compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which may help calm and moisturize the scalp, reducing dryness and irritation associated with dry scalp.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis contains triterpene saponins that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping to soothe and protect the scalp from irritation and infection associated with dry scalp conditions.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids and terpenoids that exhibit antioxidant properties, which may help reduce oxidative stress on the scalp associated with dry scalp conditions, but its use is not specifically supported by scientific evidence for this application.
• Saponaria officinalis: Saponaria officinalis contains saponins that exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help soothe and protect the scalp from irritation and infection associated with dry scalp conditions.

What are the main herbal preparations used for dry scalp?

The main herbal preparations used for dry scalp are Decoction, Cream, Tincture, Salve, Capsule, Essential Oil Spray, Tea, Gel, Ointment, Balm.

Decoction is made by boiling herbs to release active compounds that help to nourish the scalp and promote hair growth. Cream and Salve are topical preparations that contain emollients and moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the scalp, while Tincture, which is a concentrated liquid extract, is often added to creams or gels for its medicinal properties. Capsule preparations contain dried herbs that can be taken orally to address scalp issues from the inside out, and Essential Oil Spray is a topical preparation that combines the antifungal and antibacterial properties of essential oils with a gentle spray that can be applied directly to the scalp.

Tea, Gel, Ointment, and Balm are also used to treat dry scalp, with Tea being consumed orally to promote overall health, Gel providing a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizing effect, Ointment offering a thicker, more intense moisturizing effect, and Balm providing a rich, nourishing treatment for dry scalp.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of the plant Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, helps with dry scalp by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of healthy hair follicles.
• Cream: A cream made from the extract of the plant Cinnamomum zeylanicum, also known as Cinnamon, helps with dry scalp by reducing flakiness and providing moisturizing properties to soothe the scalp.
• Tincture: A tincture of the plant Saponaria officinalis, commonly known as Soapwort, helps with dry scalp by cleansing the scalp and removing dead skin cells without stripping the scalp of its natural oils.
• Salve: A salve made from the leaves of the plant Aloe barbadensis, also known as Aloe Vera, helps with dry scalp by providing moisturizing and soothing properties to calm irritation and reduce inflammation on the scalp.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the extract of the plant Calendula officinalis, commonly known as Calendula, helps with dry scalp by promoting the growth of healthy hair follicles and reducing inflammation on the scalp.
• Essential Oil Spray: An essential oil spray made from the extract of the plant Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as Tea Tree, helps with dry scalp by reducing flakiness and providing antimicrobial properties to soothe the scalp.
• Tea: A tea made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis, commonly known as Green Tea, helps with dry scalp by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of healthy hair follicles.
• Gel: A gel made from the extract of the plant Aloe barbadensis, also known as Aloe Vera, helps with dry scalp by providing moisturizing and soothing properties to calm irritation and reduce inflammation on the scalp.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the extract of the plant Cetraria islandica, commonly known as Icelandic Moss, helps with dry scalp by providing moisturizing properties to soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation.
• Balm: A balm made from the leaves of the plant Urtica dioica, also known as Stinging Nettle, helps with dry scalp by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of healthy hair follicles.