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Coconut Oil and Amla (Indian gooseberry): A Natural Remedy for Dandruff

Coconut Oil and Amla (Indian googeberry)

Coconut Oil and Amla (Indian gooseberry) for Dandruff

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Dandruff can be very itchy and embarrassing. It is also considered as a sign of poor hygiene. This, however, is not true.

What is dandruff? Normally the scalp skin cells are constantly repairing and renewing themselves. The old cells are pushed out to the surface and they get cleared off when you wash your hair. For people with dandruff, the turnover of cells is unusually fast. This results in excess skin being shed, making the flakes visible. There is also some underlying inflammation going on that makes the scalp red and itchy.

The exact cause of dandruff remains unknown and hence it becomes tricky to address this issue. There are many speculations about its cause โ€“ water hardness, stress, yeasts infestation, harsh shampoos, poor diet, stomach ailments, sedentary lifestyle. Despite, once it happens, dandruff can be really difficult to get rid off and it can sit on the scalp for years without showing any sign of budging.

I have suffered from dandruff occasionally. Only recently I was advised on putting aย concoctionย of coconut oil and fresh amla juice. This mixย literally works miracles. Most of the time just one application is sufficient to ward-off, even stubborn, dandruff.ย This remedy was recommended by my beautician mother-in-law who has many such tips to share. However, this has been the best suggestion so far :-).

Why is coconut oil and amla juice so effective:

Coconut oil:ย Coconut Oil is a great natural remedy to sooth dry and itchy scalp. Packed with antioxidant and saturated fatty acids, coconut oil penetrates scalp skin to moisturise and soften it, thus reducing itching and inflammation. Coconut oil also has some antibiotic and anti-bacterial properties which will keep your scalp healthy and itch free.

Amla: Amla or Indian gooseberry is one of the most revered fruit since ancient times. In traditional Indian culture, amla is considered a valuable hair tonic and forms a regular part of hair care ritual.

Amla is one of the riches source of vitamin C,. Plus, it also contains minerals, amino acids, flavonoid and tannins. This wonderful berry acts as a natural conditioner, minimizes hair loss and greying, and improves texture and thickness. It is has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent inflammatory scalp condition, and keep dandruff away.

Together, amla and coconut oil form a powerful blend and will look after your scalp and keep you dandruff free.

How to use coconut oil and amla juice to relieve dandruff:

To extract the amla juice: begin by grating half amla and squeeze the juice out from the grated amla (discard the pit). Enjoy the remaining half as a snack sprinkled with salt and pepper! Add about 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil into the juice.

  • 1 tablespoon amla juice
  • 1-2 tablespoon coconut oil

Place amla juice and coconut oil in a bowl and mix well.

Coconut Oil and Amla

Coconut Oil and Amla

ย 2. If your coconut oil is solid, stand this mixture in hot water for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the coconut oil melts.

Stand coconut oil and amla in warm water

Stand coconut oil and amla in hot water

3. Apply the mixture evenly on the scalp, and massage gently using your finger tips.

4. Leave on for an hour and then wash off with natural shampoo.

Where to find amla?
Amla can be found in Indian stores or you can buy it online. If you canโ€™t find fresh amla, then use amla powder or amla oilย and itย is equally effective.
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How has it worked for your hair? share with usโ€ฆ
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References:

Garg, A. P., and Muller, J. Inhibition of growth of dermatophytes by Indian hair oils. Mycoses, 35, 363-369 (1992).

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