- Burdock oil provides the skin with essential fatty acids. After shampooing and drying, apply about 1 teaspoon to the scalp. Copaiba oil is very effective for curbing inflammation and flaking. You can buy copaiba shampoo or add a few drops of oil to a commercial dandruff shampoo. Tea tree oil is a strong anti-fungal agent. Add 2 teaspoons of oil to 1 quart of water and rinse your hair with this solution after shampooing. Do not use tea tree oil if you have an allergy to celery or thyme. Ayurvedic medicine suggests making a paste from fenugreek seeds soaked overnight in water. Apply to the scalp and rinse off after one hour.
- The benefits of burdock oil can also be achieved by eating goboshi, a Japanese cereal made from burdock. Eat 1 ounce daily. Gamma-linolenic acid promotes healthy skin, hair and nails. This essential fatty acid is contained in black currant, borage and evening primrose oil. Take 500 milligrams in capsule form twice a day. Flax seed, sardines and salmon are also rich in essential fatty acids. You can eat these foods or use fish-oil or flaxseed-oil supplements as directed on the label.
- Use natural shampoos that do not contain artificial chemicals. To make your own herbal anti-dandruff shampoo, use one part propylene glycol, four parts baby shampoo and then add in some copaiba and tea tree oil. Rinsing the hair with vinegar instead of plain water can help prevent flaking. Use ¼ cup of vinegar in 1 quart of water. Vinegar can have a strong odor but it dissipates. If odor is a concern, use at night and the odor will surely be gone in the morning.
previous post