Why it happens (Nidana)
Dry cold weather, harsh shampoos and hot water, oily scalp with yeast overgrowth, poor scalp hygiene, high-sugar diet, stress.
Skin & Hair
Dandruff & Itchy Scalp · Darunaka
vata involvedkapha involved Source: Bhavaprakasha & Sushruta (Kshudra Roga: Darunaka)
Darunaka (dandruff) combines scalp dryness (Vata) with flaking buildup (Kapha). Ayurveda treats it with medicated oils (neem, Karanja), a weekly methi or amla hair pack, gentle cleansing, and reducing the sugar-and-fried diet that feeds it.
See a doctor first if: Thick yellow crusts, oozing, severe redness, or patchy hair loss with scaling need a dermatologist (possible seborrhoeic dermatitis/psoriasis/fungal infection).
How it shows up (Lakshana)
White or yellowish flakes, itchy scalp, dryness or excess oiliness, hair fall secondary to scratching, occasional redness.
Key herbs & formulations
Nimba (neem), Karanja, Bhringraj, Methika (fenugreek), Amalaki; Durdurapatradi or neem-based medicated oils.
Classical medicines beyond kitchen herbs should be taken under a registered Ayurvedic practitioner, especially with existing medication, in pregnancy, or for children.
Home care protocol (Chikitsa)
Overnight-soaked fenugreek paste on scalp 30 minutes weekly; warm neem oil massage 2x weekly, washed after 1 hour; rinse hair with amla-reetha-shikakai water; avoid very hot water; wash 2-3x weekly with a mild cleanser.
Food rules (Pathya–Apathya)
Favour
Fresh vegetables, bitter greens, amla, adequate water, omega-rich seeds (flax), buttermilk.
Avoid
Excess sugar and bakery food, fried snacks, excessive tea/coffee, curd at night.
Lifestyle (Vihara)
Keep combs and pillow covers clean; don't share combs; manage stress; protect scalp from dust with a light cover during commutes.
Yoga & breath
Adho Mukha Svanasana and forward bends improve scalp circulation; Bhramari for stress-linked itching.
AyurSetu provides traditional Ayurvedic wellness information for education only. It is not a medical diagnosis and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician. Seek immediate medical care for severe, sudden or persistent symptoms.