Dandruff: Apple Cider Vinegar by RisingSun Blog entry

Blog: Apple Cider Vinegar Cure Research Blog
by RisingSun

Dandruff: Apple Cider Vinegar

Dilute 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar (organic is preferable) with I/2 cup of water. Apply to scalp being careful not to get solution in the eyes or on the face then rinse. Repeat the treatment until condition disappears. You may need to repeat daily for a week.

Date: 5/27/2005 4:24:46 PM ( 19 y ) ... viewed 26876 times

Contrary to belief, dandruff problems tend to occur more frequently in people with oily skin and hair and isn't caused by too much shampooing or dry skin. Symptoms of dandruff get aggravated when exposed to dust, UV light, harsh chemical based shampoo, hair dyes etc. Seasonal changes, emotional stress, food allergies, excessive sweating, use of alkaline soaps, yeast infections and certain diseases also seem to affect the scalp. The cold, dry air of winter often triggers a flare-up. Some people avoid washing their hair, believing that the drying effect of shampoo will worsen their dandruff. In actual fact the scalp is probably not being cleansed enough resulting in scale building up into larger, more noticeable flakes before it falls off the skin.

While mild dandruff may be caused by overactive oil glands, recent evidence suggests that the more severe dandruff associated with seborrheic dermatitis may be caused by an overabundance of a yeast like micro-organism called pityrosporum -ovle (or now known as Malassezia furfura). This is normally present on a healthy scalp in low numbers. This fungus thrives on fat, and is consequently found on skin areas with plenty of sebaceous (oil) glands - the scalp, face and upper part of the body. When Malassezia furfur grows too rapidly, the natural renewal of cells is disturbed and dandruff appears with itching. With the increased scaling and oiliness of seborrheic dermatitis, these yeast organisms thrive and multiply, aggravating the condition. If dandruff flakes are greasy and yellow, this is the probable cause whereas dry, thick lesions consisting of large, silvery scales may be traced to the less common psoriasis of the scalp. These forms of dandruff -as well as normal variety - become a hazard if you continue scratching to the point of causing breaks in the skin. Placing you at greater risk for infections, particularly from staph and strep bacteria.

At sometime most people suffer from dry scalp conditions. Scalp cells replenish themselves in a pattern similar to that of hair, but more rapidly. The skin of the head normally renews itself about once a month. Dead scalp cells are constantly being pushed from the deepest layer of the epidermis to the skin's surface, where they gradually die. Usually the scalp sheds them in a nearly invisible way but for reasons that are still unclear, cell turnover sometimes becomes unusually rapid, and dead cells are shed as visible flakes.

"This may be due to an oily scalp supporting the growth of yeast in the scalp, which is thought to be instrumental in the development of scaling and scalp irritation," says Joseph P. Bark, M.D., chairman of dermatology at St. Joseph's Hospital in Lexington, Ky. "A large preponderance of males have dandruff, which may suggest some role of androgen hormones in dandruff." Bark says that dandruff does have its bright side: "If the scalp doesn't shed its dead skin cells, the human scalp would be tremendously thick. But when the cell turnover goes too far and increases, then you get not only visible excess scaling, but redness and itching.... seborrheic dermatitis also frequently occurs around the folds of the nose and the eyebrow areas, not just the scalp."

The following natural remedies will help put you "head and shoulders" above the commercially available toxic formulas:

Dilute 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar (organic is preferable) with I/2 cup of water. Apply to scalp being careful not to get solution in the eyes or on the face then rinse. Repeat the treatment until condition disappears. You may need to repeat daily for a week. Alternatively you can purchase our Organic Herbal Toner and use neat.

Warm 1/2 a cup of jojoba or cold pressed olive oil on low heat in a small saucepan and apply to the scalp (test temperature first). For best results leave in over night then brush the hair and scalp thoroughly. Shampoo out as normal. You may need to repeat this treatment 1-2 times a week until the condition alleviates.
White clay is excellent for scalp disorders such as dandruff, psoriasis and alopecia. Mix 1/2 a cup of white clay with water. Water should be added gradually until a smooth paste is achieved. Coat the hair and scalp with clay and leave to dry. You may want to wrap the hair in cling wrap. Shampoo out as normal. Repeat as necessary.
The following essential oils may be added to the oil and clay treatments for their beneficial effects on the scalp and hair: Clary sage, Geranium, Lavender, Rosemary, Sandalwood & Ylang Ylang.

http://www.muktibotanicals.com.au/mnews/newsletter_issue.asp?NLID=8

http://www.curezone.com/blogs/f.asp?f=179&t=64946.54