Dandruff is the excessive shedding of dead skin from the scalp. It is generally harmless, but can make a person feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. It may also be an indication of an inflammatory or infectious scalp condition.

Dandruff can occur for many different reasons:

• The scalp can be excessively dry, causing flaking (Vata type)
• Inflammation may be at the root of dandruff, causing itchy scalp and irritation (Pitta type)
• A fungal infection is another common cause of dandruff (Kapha-Vata type)
• Overwashing or harsh shampoos can also irritate the scalp

Regular scalp massage with coconut oil or bhringraj oil will soothe both a dry and inflamed scalp. Avoid dehydration by sipping warm water throughout the day, or have a natural electrolyte balancing drink with 1/2 tsp coconut sugar, pinch mineral salt, and squeeze of lime in warm water. If fungal infection is the cause of dandruff, antimicrobial neem oil can be applied topically.

Disclaimer: Conditions such as 'Dandruff' that cause tissue changes could be serious and should be checked by a medical doctor.

DIET REMEDIES FOR 'DANDRUFF'

AVOID DIETS, LIFESTYLES & HERBS THAT AGGRAVATE THESE EFFECTS

Symptoms Tell A Story

The first step to healing is learning patterns from your symptoms. Symptoms are clues that reveal underlying imbalances. Symptoms show you where your body is weakened. Ultimately, all disease has a root in tissues too weak to defend itself. Ayurveda describes these patterns of weakness using doshas & qualities. If you notice a quality or dosha appears next to many of your symptoms, it helps you establish a pattern that may be systemic.

V = VATA, P = PITTA, K = KAPHA

GUNA	FOODS TO AVOID	DO YOU HAVE THIS IMBALANCE?
DRY ABOUT DRY GUNA Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis. LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY	AVOID DRY FOODS THAT MAY AGGRAVATE DANDRUFF	FIND OUT Status Unknown Take these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Dry' guna.
SOUR ABOUT SOUR GUNA Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic. LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUR	AVOID SOUR FOODS THAT MAY AGGRAVATE DANDRUFF	FIND OUT Status Unknown Take these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Sour' taste.

To learn more about the symbols above, click on them.

SEE A DIET WHICH REMOVES THESE CAUSES

ADDRESS ISSUES IN STAGE OF DISEASE 3

If you have symptoms in this category it means that your imbalances are becoming stronger and weakening your body's resistance. Most people have a weakness in one or more organs. These areas of weakness are the 'weak link in the chain.' They are first to succumb when an imbalance reaches a tipping point. Repairing imbalances in this category often represent your last opportunity to prevent disease. At any moment, these imbalances could overwhelm weakened tissue and develop into a disease. You may feel pain or discomfort in the weakened area. At this stage you will need to support the weakened tissue with specialized foods and herbs for the weakened tissue.

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR UNIQUE BODY?

What aggravates it? What heals it? Then get your Personal Ayurvedic Body Book! This book, written by founder and director of Joyful Belly, John Immel, is individually formatted for your unique body and will help you confidently choose food that restores your healthy glow to get you feeling like your best self. Just $19.99!

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda exudes a certain ease, which many find enjoyable and insightful. His online course Balance Your Ayurvedic Diet in a Week provides tools for gracefully healing with Ayurveda to thousands. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , which specializes in digestive tract pathology & Ayurvedic nutrition. John and his wife Natalie recently published Explore Your Hunger: A Guide to Hunger, Appetite & Food.

John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, including his public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well.

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