Q. Hi D! You’ve gotta help me. Your advise on bad breath and constipation in the past few issues of Masala Lite were spot on, and I am convinced only you can salvage the day for me. My girlfriend thinks I have this thing for shirts speckled with white dots on the shoulder she sees it on every shirt! Yeah right, I’ve got a chronic dandruff problem, and no matter how many Clinics and Head & Shoulders I lather on my fine scalp, the darn thing just won’t go. Too much shampoo has only made my hair dry and brittle. Not to mention the itching and falling hair. Help! I am sure this problem is as old as mankind itself – there’s gotta be a natural proven solution. Waiting eagerly for flakes, sorry, pearls of wisdom. – Guresh Adwani, Senior Executive.
D. Guresh, despair not since the ultimate healer Mother Nature awaits with her proven remedies for this ancient malady. First the science. Dandruff is sometimes caused by a fungal infection of the scalp, not merely dryness. Even oily air can be afflicted. This fungi is pretty resilient too – doesn’t go away too easily. Usually, it is produced when the scalp does not receive adequate blood supply, leading to lack of protein in the skin, which becomes dry and flaky. Deficiency of vitamin B6 can also be a contributing cause.
Fortunately, there are a few natural substances with antifungal property, and which act effectively against the stubborn fungi. The most common ones are coconut oil (next time dadi or nani offers a scalp massage with narial tel, don’t say no. Massage improves blood circulation to the scalp), neem oil (the best cure), rinds of kaffir lime (just rub it on the scalp and rinse after 20 mins or so), and lemon juice mixed with egg white. Mix two eggwhites with fresh juice of one lime and apply on the scalp. Leave for 30 minutes then rinse. Lemon takes care of the fungus, while egg white will supply the needed protein to the scalp. Voila!
One of the most effective treatment involves applying the fresh gel of aloe vera plant, before and after hair wash. It works wonders. Since the gel is odorless, just leave it on. Be regular with this treatment, and you’ll be free of dots on your shirt.
A scalp marinated with yogurt for 15-30 minutes can help rid you of dandruff after a few applications. All these measures will also leave the hair soft (to the touch), strong (until the roots) and shiny (to her eyes).
Consume food rich in vitamin A and E, as well as calcium, magnesium and zinc, all of which are essential nutrients for hair health. That means you need to actively binge on almonds, sesame seeds, carrots, broccoli (green veggies basically), coconut water and pomegranate juice
Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, soft cola drinks, high refined sugars and fast food. These hamper absorption of nutrients, which your hair follicles desperately need at the moment.