The scalp is the skin that covers the head, not including the face and ears. The scalp can be affected by several different scalp problems. These problems can produce itching, irritation, and embarrassment. Some of these conditions include:
- Dandruff
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Psoriasis
Causes of Scalp Problems
One of the most common scalp conditions people face is dandruff. Anyone who has experienced dandruff knows how embarrassing those little white flakes can be. The cause of dandruff is an excess of dead skin flakes shedding from the scalp. The cause of the excess skin flakes is unclear but may be due to a reaction to a skin fungus that is present in most of us.
Dandruff isn’t dangerous or contagious, but it can be itchy and annoying. There is no redness or scabbing of the scalp. Though it can’t be cured, dandruff is fairly easy to control.
Seborrheic Dermatitis is very similar to dandruff. Both have many of the same symptoms including dry, itchy scalp. Flaking occurs with this condition as well. Seborrheic Dermatitis is caused by an overproduction of sebum in the skin that results in inflammation.
Psoriasis is a common skin affliction that can affect the scalp. The condition is not contagious, but can be very troublesome. The condition causes red patches of flaky skin. The cause of psoriasis is generally thought to be an overproduction of skin cells.
Natural Solutions
A first step in treating any scalp condition is switching the hair products you use. Finding a great, natural brand of shampoo and conditioner can help to alleviate the symptoms. For some suggestions on brands we recommend, read our e-book Alternative Diet and Lifestyle Manual (ebook)
Rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar is a good way to restore the pH balance to the scalp and lessen the itch associated with various scalp conditions.
You can also make your own herbal-based hair rinse that can lessen itchy scalp symptoms. Some herbs to use include:
- SageRosemary
- Sarsaparilla
- Maidenhair
- Chamomile
Boil these herbs together. Let cool down to room temperature and pour into an amber or cobalt bottle and store until you wash your hair. Pour about a cup of this solution into your hair and massage into the scalp. Let the mixture sit in your hair and scalp for five minutes and then rinse.
Allow your hair to go natural periodically. Avoid chemical hair products on your head when possible. The scalp and hair will greatly appreciate this relief.
Hot oil treatments can be very soothing and restoring to the scalp as well. Use melted shea butter or coconut oil and allow the treatment to sit on your hair for a period of 15-30 minutes, or as time allows.
Essential oils can be therapeutic to the scalp. Use oils to soothe and rebalance your scalp. Botanical oils to try are:
- Cedarwood
- Tea Tree
- Olive
- Coconut
- Almond
Dherbs Solutions
Dherbs recommends combating scalp issues inside and outside the body. Some products available on Dherbs.com include:
- Full Body Cleanse
- Hair-Skin-Nails
- Hair-Skin-Nails Tea
- Healing Facial and Body Oil
- Blood and Lymphatic
- Electric Greens Combo
Our Alternative Diet and Lifestyle Manual (ebook) offers additional information on alleviating scalp issues. Remember, that health always starts on the inside.
Thank you for reading!
This article is compliments of Dherbs.com.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
