Ayurvedic perspective of dandruff

Dandruff, as you all notice, is the white flakes falling off the scalp. These white flakes are actually dead skin cells that are normal for every individual. But the condition of dandruff becomes more evident when dandruff starts causing irritation, itching, acne, hair loss, etc. Hence, it is important that we notice this very condition right from the start.

When we talk about the ayurvedic approach to dandruff, we first have to understand what dandruff is in Ayurveda and how it manifests. 

To the best of our knowledge, any condition within the body is the result of an imbalance in the doshas of the body. In this case, the doshas vitiated are Kapha and Vata doshas. This article will specifically target the ayurvedic understanding of dandruff, its symptoms, and its causes.

Dandruff as per Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, dandruff is known as Darunaka and is regarded as Kshudra Roga. It is a non-infectious skin condition that affects the scalp and results in skin flakes. It frequently comes with itchiness. Although the actual cause is unknown, a number of things raise the risk. It is unrelated to bad hygiene, but it could be more obvious if someone does not frequently wash or brush their hair.

Dandruff involves both the Vata and Kapha doshas. Darunaka was discussed by Acharya Sushrutha in Kshudra Roga and by Acharya Vaghabata in Sirorogas.

When these two doshas are vitiated, it imbalances the third dosha, i.e., the Pitta Dosha, which may cause issues like acne. Vata and Pitta produce distinct pollutants termed Ama when they are disturbed. They pollute the scalp tissues and are hot and dry in nature. You might have dandruff, irritation, and baldness as a result of these factors.

Dandruff appears on an oily scalp when the Kapha dosha creates excessive amounts of sebum. Hair loss results from sebum’s obstruction of pores and restriction of blood flow to the hair follicles. The majority of the time, dandruff is not a real cause of baldness. 

But because it irritates some people, they may scratch. This may cause some baldness by damaging your hair follicles. It’s hardly total baldness, though. Additionally, dandruff can exacerbate the male- and female-pattern hair loss caused by androgenic alopecia in people.

Causes of dandruff according to Ayurveda

1. Excessive intake of sour foods

2. Excessive intake of cold water that accumulates Kapha dosha

3. Excess exposure to sun rays

4. Improper sleep

5. Exposure to polluted climate

6. Excessive sweating 

7. Stress

8. Not applying oil on the scalp leads to its dryness

9. Not washing hairs at regular intervals accumulates dirt and oil on the scalp

10. Cosmetic residues on the scalp

This causes clinical symptoms like–

1. Kandu (itching)

2. Keshachyuti (hair fall)

3. Swaapa (numbness)

4. Twak sputana (flaking of skin)

5. Daha (inflammation)

6. Daruna (dryness of the scalp followed by its flaking)

7. Gaura (heaviness)

8. Toda (pricking sensation)

Ayurvedic tips to control or prevent dandruff

• A healthy, balanced diet helps to prevent the illness.
• Brushes and combs need to be cleaned frequently.
• Dandruff is avoided by routine washing and combing.
• Comb cleanliness needs to be given top priority.
• Regularly cleaning your scalp will prevent a buildup of dead skin cells.
• Avoid shampooing your hair too vigorously.
• Avoid eating fried, junk, and too fatty foods.
• A healthy, well-balanced diet is desirable.
• Give fruits and vegetables more importance.
• A low GI diet reduces the amount of dandruff.
• In cases of Skin Yeast dominance, increased sebaceous gland production, and hormonal imbalances, dandruff is challenging to prevent.
• The condition of the dandruff is deteriorated by excessive stress.
• It’s crucial to have enough sunlight.
• Keep away from hair gels, sprays, and harsh shampoos.

Final Words

The Ayurvedic understanding of dandruff relates to the vitiation of doshas in the body, which can be managed by simple steps. It all connects to stabilizing doshas within the body to reverse the condition.

We hope that the article was useful. If you want to know about ayurvedic therapies for dandruff, click here.