Dandruff
Excessive shedding of flakes of skin from the scalp Usually, the scalp skin dies and flakes off in a month, while in those suffering from Dandruff, this happens every 2-7 days.  More commonly seen in young adults . It is most often caused by a yeast organism that grows in the scalp..

Symptoms

• Appearance of white flakes on scalp
• Dryness of scalp
• Softness of the scalp skin
• Some times associated with inflammation of eyelids
• Extensive dandruff caused scaling of the skin other areas of body such as the face,chest and back

Ayurvedic Perspective
Ayurveda places the problem of dandruff in the category of Shudra Roga-Daranakam which appears due to an imbalance of all three doshas (Ayurvedic humor). The primary doshas involved are Pitta and Vata. In an aggravated state, both doshas cause production of specific impurities, called ama, which are dry and heating in nature. These impurities accumulate in the deep tissues of scalp and contaminate them. Contamination of the deep tissues and aggravated Vata-Pitta Dosha cause itching and patches on scalp. Due to these factors, the scalp sheds larger than normal amounts of dead epidermal cells, which leads to the problem of dandruff.

Main Procedure
The Ayurvedic line of treatment is to generally pacify Pitta and Vata through herbal medicines, as well as a tailor-made diet and lifestyle plan.

This includes Siro abhyangam, Sirolepanam, Kshalanam, Siro dhoopanam, thalapothichil, Sirodhara etc.

Panchakarma treatment such as Virechanam, Nasyam etc. are also applicable.

Rasayana therapy to improve the general health to correct nutritional deficiencies

Duration of stay
One to two weeks  of Inpatient treatment according to the  condition.

Expected Outcome
Usually within 2 weeks it gets completely relieved.  As this is a recurrent condition, it may flare up over months.

Diet

• Avoid excess sugar, salt, dairy products, meat, acidic food
• Avoid spicy, fatty, hot and penetrating foods, junk food, and aerated drinks.
• Have food with good nutritive value; include fiber-rich foods, salads, fruits, and lentils.

Activity restrictions

• Do regular yoga and exercises to minimize stress levels.
• Avoid scratching the scalp with hands or any other objects.
• Proper washing of your hair and personal hygiene is important.
• Massage your hair with oil every time before washing the head and hair

Simple Home Remedies

• Mix 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of Indian gooseberry (amla) juice. Gently massage the scalp with this everyday.
• Add 10 drops of lemon juice to 1 egg white and beat well. Apply to the scalp and hair once a week.
• Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon mustard oil, and 1 cup yogurt. Apply this to the hair 30 minutes to 1 hour before washing the head and hair.
• Soak 50 gm methi dana in 2 cups of water overnight, next day in the morning make the paste and apply on scalp for 15 minutes.
• Chew 10 holy basil leaves (tulsi), 10 margosa leaves (neem), and 10 bael leaves (belpatra) on an empty stomach early in the morning.