Itchy Scalp: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

An itchy scalp, medically known as pruritus capitis, is a common condition characterized by an unpleasant sensation of itching on the scalp.

It can be caused by various factors such as dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, and allergic reactions to hair care products. If left untreated, an itchy scalp can lead to hair loss, skin irritation, and even mental health issues like anxiety and depression. To alleviate this condition, herbal remedies like neem, tea tree oil, and aloe vera can be used to create medicated shampoos and oils.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with other medications or exacerbate underlying conditions, requiring proper guidance on usage and dosages.

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

The main causes of itchy scalp are typically associated with skin conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis, which are often linked to an overgrowth of yeast-like fungus called Malassezia.

Other common causes include dry scalp, which can result from excessive shampooing, use of harsh chemicals, or cold weather. Additionally, skin conditions like eczema, contact dermatitis, and ringworm can also cause an itchy scalp. Hormonal changes, stress, and certain medical conditions such as thyroid disease and Parkinson's disease can also contribute to itchy scalp.

Furthermore, certain hair care products, especially those containing artificial fragrances and dyes, can irritate the scalp and cause itchiness.

• Dandruff: Dandruff is a common scalp condition characterized by flakes of dead skin caused by a fungal infection, specifically Malassezia, which feeds on the oils produced by the scalp, leading to irritation and itchiness.
• Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes the skin cells to grow at an abnormal rate, leading to thick, scaly patches on the scalp and intense itchiness.
• Eczema: Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause redness, itchiness, and flaking on the scalp, particularly in individuals with a history of allergies or asthma.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes a red, itchy, and flaky rash on the scalp, face, and other oily areas of the body, often triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
• Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction to an allergen or irritant, such as shampoos, hair dyes, or styling products, which can cause redness, itchiness, and inflammation on the scalp.
• Fungal infections: Fungal infections, such as ringworm, can cause a scaly, itchy rash on the scalp, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or who engage in activities that increase their risk of fungal exposure.
• Lice infestation: Lice infestation, also known as pediculosis capitis, is a common scalp condition caused by the presence of parasitic lice, which can cause intense itchiness, redness, and inflammation on the scalp.
• Tinea capitis: Tinea capitis, also known as ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection that causes a circular, itchy patch on the scalp, often accompanied by hair loss and redness.
• Thyroid issues: Thyroid issues, such as hypothyroidism, can cause an itchy scalp due to changes in hormone levels, which can lead to dryness, flakiness, and irritation on the scalp.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of essential fatty acids, zinc, or iron, can cause an itchy scalp due to impaired skin health and function.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for itchy scalp?

The main medicinal herbs used for itchy scalp are derived from various plants, each providing unique properties to alleviate the condition.

Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing fungal and bacterial infections that cause itchiness. Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera gel) is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, which soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation. Urtica dioica (nettle root) and Saponaria officinalis (soapwort) have been traditionally used to treat scalp conditions due to their antifungal and antibacterial properties, while Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass oil) exhibits antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, relieving itchiness and inflammation.

Additionally, Calendula officinalis (marigold) and Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus oil) have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, while Cassia auriculata (chickpea tree), Aloe vera, and Zingiber officinale (ginger) possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce itchiness and promote a healthy scalp.

• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as tea tree oil, helps with itchy scalp due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria that can cause itchiness.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera, helps with itchy scalp by reducing inflammation and providing soothing relief with its anti-inflammatory compounds, such as aloin and aloe-emodin, which calm irritated skin and scalp.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica, or stinging nettle, helps with itchy scalp due to its anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic properties, which reduce inflammation and alleviate itching caused by allergic reactions or skin irritations.
• Saponaria officinalis: Saponaria officinalis, also known as soapwort, helps with itchy scalp by providing a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect with its saponin content, which gently cleanses and calms irritated skin and scalp.
• Cymbopogon citratus: Cymbopogon citratus, or lemongrass oil, helps with itchy scalp due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, which inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria that can cause itchiness and inflammation.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis, or pot marigold, helps with itchy scalp by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing with its anti-inflammatory compounds, such as triterpenoids and carotenoids, which soothe and calm irritated skin and scalp.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus, or eucalyptus oil, helps with itchy scalp due to its decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation and alleviate itching caused by congestion or skin irritations.
• Cassia auriculata: Cassia auriculata, or avaram, helps with itchy scalp by reducing inflammation and providing soothing relief with its anti-inflammatory compounds, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, which calm irritated skin and scalp.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with itchy scalp by reducing inflammation and providing soothing relief with its anti-inflammatory compounds, such as aloin and aloe-emodin, which calm irritated skin and scalp.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, helps with itchy scalp due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce inflammation and alleviate itching caused by skin irritations or allergic reactions.

What are the main herbal preparations used for itchy scalp?

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

Decoction involves boiling herbs in water to release anti-inflammatory compounds from plants like neem and aloe vera, which soothe itchy scalps. Tincture of calendula and chamomile is applied topically to calm inflammation and reduce itching. Cream and Ointment preparations, such as those containing aloe vera and tea tree oil, moisturize and protect the scalp from further irritation.

Tea, Shampoo, Salve, Capsule, Gel, and Essential Oil preparations of herbs like saw palmetto, sage, and lavender oil also help to reduce dandruff and soothe itchy scalps.

• Decoction: A decoction of the plant Usnea barbata, rich in triterpenes and usnic acid, helps to soothe and calm an itchy scalp by reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy scalp environment.
• Tincture: A tincture of the plant Aloe barbadensis, containing aloin and aloe-emodin, helps to reduce inflammation and itching on the scalp by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting wound healing.
• Cream: A cream preparation containing the plant Cinnamomum zeylanicum, rich in cinnamaldehyde, helps to soothe and calm an itchy scalp by reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy scalp environment due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
• Ointment: An ointment of the plant Calendula officinalis, rich in triterpenes and carotenoids, helps to soothe and calm an itchy scalp by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Tea: A tea preparation of the plant Camellia sinensis, containing flavonoids and polyphenols, helps to reduce inflammation and itching on the scalp by promoting antioxidant activity and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Shampoo: A shampoo preparation containing the plant Melaleuca alternifolia, rich in terpinen-4-ol, helps to soothe and calm an itchy scalp by reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy scalp environment due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
• Salve: A salve preparation of the plant Plantago major, rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, helps to soothe and calm an itchy scalp by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Capsule: A capsule preparation containing the plant Rosmarinus officinalis, rich in carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, helps to reduce inflammation and itching on the scalp by promoting antioxidant activity and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Gel: A gel preparation of the plant Aloe vera, containing aloin and aloe-emodin, helps to soothe and calm an itchy scalp by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Essential Oil: Essential oils derived from plants such as Lavandula angustifolia and Eucalyptus globulus, containing linalool and eucalyptol respectively, help to soothe and calm an itchy scalp by reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy scalp environment due to their antifungal and antibacterial properties.