Dandruff is a very common hair problem which is often made worse by repeated applications of strong, commercial dandruff treatments. Most cases of dandruff are caused by the accumulation and buildup of residue shampoo and/or soap on your scalp. Simple thorough rinsing after shampooing usually prevents dandruff. For all but the worst cases (when a doctor should be consulted), the stinging nettle and vinegar recipes work very well at both cleansing and killing bacteria on the scalp.
Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, is one of the best ingredients in hair rinses for all types of hair. It helps to restore the natural acid balance of the skin of your scalp and stops scalp itching. Vinegar, and herbal vinegar rinses, also thoroughly cleanse your hair and skin, get rid of all traces of soap and does not leave an unpleasant smell of its own.
Other herbs that can be used to treat dandruff are burdock, goosegrass, southernwood, witch hazel, and horsetail. (For more ideas and proven homemade recipes, see “ Herbs for the Hair”, “Effective Herbal Hair Conditioners” and “Effective Hair Tonics and Rinses” in the “Homemade Herbal Recipe” category of this blog.)
Make a strong infusion of any of the “Herbs for the Hair” and mix with cider vinegar for effective results.
Quick Dandruff Treatment
Fresh nettles, cider vinegar
Either steep fresh nettles in vinegar for a week or two, strain then bottle; or simmer fresh nettles in vinegar for 30 minutes.
To use: Rub 2 T into the scalp twice a week to eliminate then prevent dandruff.
Or, make a tonic or tincture with nettles. Use:1 T of this nettle tincture with1 T of warm water.
Sprinkle evenly over the hair, being careful to avoid the eyes, and massage well into the scalp. Repeat twice a week. (for directions on making a tincture, see, “How to make a tincture”)
FYI: Nettle as an herb, originates in Europe and is of the Urtica plant species. Because the nettle leaves are covered in stinging hairs caution should be exercised when handling them, as the formic acid injected by serious stings may cause recurrent ‘nettle rash’. Because of this, the alternate name of ‘stinging nettle’ is often used when referring to this plant.
The young leaves and flowers of the nettle are widely used, imparting a mild flavour in teas and some cosmetic preparations.
The older leaves are used for infusions, expectorates, and astringents. The are also used in hair restorers (the above dandruff treatment), and used homeopathically to treat various skin ailments.
On an interesting note, the stem fibers are strong enough for linen weaving, papermaking and spinning into ropes!
Related species are U. Breweri (North American), U thunbergiana (Japanese), and U urens (also called annual nettle and burning nettle), which is a smaller plant with reddish stems and small oval deep green leaves, but has similar uses to Urtica dioica.
When making a dandruff treatment, cover the nettle leaves with vinegar. The longer you steep this mixture, the stronger the resulting tonic will be.