Dandruff - combat it at the source

Okay - don't worry. I am not going to tell you to put away the Head and Shoulders! But a girl has got to get rid of it. Especially if you are like me with black hair! In fact, I am going to tell you what to do in addition to topical shampoos to help your skin. 1. Curb Oil Production Vitamin B5 - boost production of serotonin - a neurotransmitter that counteracts the stress hormones. Once that is counteracted, these stress hormones no longer stimulate skin glands to produce excess oil. Vitamin B6 - works directly on hair follicles to allow for the right amount of oil to release. The vitamin B5 is pantothenic acid. It is crucial for effective functioning of the adrenal glands. RDA is 6mg/day. Natural sources are wheat (so in morning cereal), eggs, red meat, fish, and legumes (beans/lentils). The vitamin B6 is pyridoxine. It functions in producing the proteins in the body through amino acid metabolism. As it is a crucial element of proteins production, it affects the heart, brain, skin, hair, immune system, and more. RDA is 2.0 mg a day. It is naturally available in wheat, green leavy veggies, bananas, melons, eggs, red meat. I believe in eating the natural sources as opposed to vitamins. Vitamin B can build up in the system so it is important not to overdo it. Nuts are also another way to enjoy the benefits. 2. Decrease Flaking (62%) The Indian Herb Fenugreek or Methi (If you shop in Indian stores) is a stress and dandruff reliever. It also helps hair loss. I understand there are a lot of topical products on the market that you apply to the hair that contain fenugreek extract. From the research I have read, I believe it is best if you ingest it rather than apply it. You can take a supplement of 1000 mg per day or mix 1 tsp with honey and eat it every day. It is available as a dried powder you can add to anything from cereal, hot oatmeal, or cooked rice. It is a bit bitter so it takes getting used to if you don't use the honey. It works by increasing circulation to the scalp and assisting the adrenal glands to effectively regulate cortisol levels in the body. 3. Itchy Scalp Rosemary oil and olive oil. Mix 4-5 drops of rosemary essential oil with 1 tbsp 0live oil and rub into scalp. Leave it on overnight and wash off in the morning. Another option is to heat a bit of olive oil on low and put in rosemary dried herbs to infuse the oil with the essence. Bottle a small quantity and use it within 2 weeks. I usually use the microwave for 20-30 second on medium low. Or you can microwave in 10 second bursts till the oil is warm to the touch.