Dandruff is a common scalp concern that affects millions, often leading to discomfort, itchiness, and self-consciousness. While many turn to anti-dandruff shampoos for quick relief, persistent dandruff requires a deeper understanding of its root causes. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach that restores scalp balance for long-term results.
How Does Dandruff Form?
Dandruff occurs when the scalp’s natural renewal process speeds up, causing visible flakes. The main contributing factors include:
- Excess Sebum Production – Oily scalps create an ideal environment for Malassezia, a yeast-like fungus that triggers dandruff.
- Dry Scalp – Dehydration weakens the scalp barrier, leading to flaking and irritation.
- Product Buildup – Residue from hair products can clog follicles and disrupt scalp health.
- Sensitivity to Hair Products – Some ingredients, such as sulfates and artificial fragrances, can cause scalp irritation.
- Poor Diet & Stress – Nutrient deficiencies and high stress levels disrupt scalp function, making it prone to dandruff.
Common Myths About Dandruff
Myth 1: Dandruff Is a Result of Poor Hygiene
Truth: While washing too infrequently can contribute to buildup, dandruff is mainly caused by internal imbalances and scalp conditions.
Myth 2: Dandruff Is Contagious
Truth: Dandruff is not an infection and cannot be spread from one person to another.
Myth 3: Washing Hair More Frequently Eliminates Dandruff
Truth: Overwashing strips the scalp of essential oils, which can lead to more irritation and flaking.
Myth 4: Only People with Dry Scalps Get Dandruff
Truth: Dandruff can affect both dry and oily scalps. Oily scalps often experience more dandruff due to yeast overgrowth.
The TCM Approach to Treating Dandruff
In TCM, dandruff is often linked to excessive heat and dampness, which cause scalp inflammation, itchiness, and flaking. Unlike conventional treatments that only target surface symptoms, TCM addresses the root causes by restoring scalp balance through natural herbs and therapies.
Clearing Heat & Dampness
Excess heat in the body, often caused by stress, poor diet, or inadequate sleep, can lead to an irritated, inflamed scalp. This heat needs to be expelled to prevent flaking and discomfort. TCM herbs that help clear internal heat include:
- Houttuynia Cordata (鱼腥草) – Known for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps cool the body and reduce scalp irritation.
- Chrysanthemum (菊花) – A cooling herb that soothes heat-related scalp conditions and supports overall skin health.
- Scutellaria Baicalensis (黄芩, Chinese Skullcap) – A powerful herb for reducing inflammation and regulating sebum production.
For those with excess dampness in the body, which manifests as an overly greasy scalp and clogged follicles, TCM recommends:
- Coix Seed (薏苡仁, Job's Tears) – A natural diuretic that helps eliminate excess moisture and reduce oil buildup.
- Poria (茯苓) – A widely used herb for draining dampness and strengthening the body's ability to regulate scalp moisture.
- Rehmannia Root (生地黄) – Helps nourish and cool the blood while balancing internal heat.
Nourishing the Scalp
A dry, flaky scalp may be a sign of blood deficiency, which weakens hair follicles and contributes to dandruff. TCM herbs that help nourish the scalp and promote better blood circulation include:
- Polygonum Multiflorum (何首乌) – Traditionally used to strengthen hair roots and prevent premature graying.
- Angelica Sinensis (当归) – A well-known herb that promotes blood circulation and nourishes hair follicles.
Herbal Scalp Treatments
Instead of relying on chemical-laden anti-dandruff shampoos, consider herbal treatments that naturally restore scalp health:
- Lingzhi (灵芝, Reishi Mushroom) – Soothes inflammation and strengthens the scalp barrier.
- Ginger Root (姜根) – Boosts circulation, reduces excess oil, and relieves scalp irritation.
- Platycladus Orientalis Leaf (侧柏叶) – Known for its antifungal and antibacterial effects, helping to control dandruff.
Scalp Massage for Circulation
Regular scalp massages improve blood circulation, allowing nutrients to reach the hair follicles more efficiently. Applying herbal scalp serums or oils during massage sessions enhances the benefits by deeply nourishing the scalp.
Final Thoughts
Dandruff is more than just an aesthetic issue—it’s a sign of underlying scalp imbalances. Instead of relying on temporary solutions, the TCM approach offers a holistic, long-term remedy by addressing heat, dampness, and blood deficiency. By incorporating natural herbs, scalp-friendly treatments, and a balanced lifestyle, you can achieve a healthier, flake-free scalp.
Xiong Jiao Shou combines century-old herbal wisdom with modern technology to restore your scalp’s natural balance. Try it today for lasting relief!
头皮屑解析:成因、误区与中医调理方法
头皮屑是一种常见的头皮状况,表现为头皮角质异常脱落,伴随瘙痒或不适。针对这一问题,许多人使用去屑洗发水,但如果头皮屑持续存在,需要进一步了解其成因。中医通过整体调理,从根源调整头皮环境,维持头皮平衡。
头皮屑的形成原因
头皮屑的产生与头皮的新陈代谢加速有关,主要因素包括:
- 油脂分泌过多 – 头皮油脂过量容易滋生马拉色菌(Malassezia),从而引发头皮屑。
- 头皮干燥 – 头皮缺乏水分会影响皮肤屏障功能,导致脱屑。
- 产品残留 – 造型产品或洗护产品残留可能影响头皮健康。
- 对护发产品的敏感反应 – 某些成分(如硫酸盐、人工香料)可能引发头皮刺激。
- 饮食与压力 – 营养摄入不足和压力水平过高可能影响头皮状态。
常见误区
误区 1:头皮屑由清洁不足引起
事实: 头皮屑的主要原因与头皮环境和新陈代谢相关,而非单纯的清洁问题。
误区 2:头皮屑具有传染性
事实: 头皮屑不是传染病,除非共用梳子或直接接触,否则不会在人与人之间传播。
误区 3:频繁洗头可以去除头皮屑
事实: 过度清洁可能破坏头皮的天然油脂,导致头皮屏障受损,加剧脱屑。
误区 4:只有干性头皮才会出现头皮屑
事实: 头皮屑可见于干性和油性头皮,油性头皮可能因真菌滋生而出现更多脱屑。
中医调理方法
中医认为,头皮屑的发生与湿热过盛、血虚等因素有关,可能导致头皮发炎、瘙痒、脱屑。
清热祛湿,改善头皮环境
体内湿热过盛可能引起头皮炎症和油脂分泌异常,可通过以下中药调理:
- 鱼腥草 (Houttuynia Cordata) – 具有清热解毒、抗炎作用,可调节头皮状态。
- 菊花 (Chrysanthemum) – 具有清热作用,可用于改善头皮环境。
- 黄芩 (Scutellaria Baicalensis) – 具有抗炎、调节油脂分泌的作用。
对于湿气较重(表现为油脂分泌旺盛、毛囊堵塞),可选用:
- 薏苡仁 (Coix Seed, Job’s Tears) – 促进水分代谢,减少油脂堆积。
- 茯苓 (Poria) – 帮助调节水分代谢,维持头皮水油平衡。
- 生地黄 (Rehmannia Root) – 调节体内燥热,改善头皮环境。
补养头皮,减少脱屑
若头皮屑由血虚导致,可使用以下中药补养头皮:
- 何首乌 (Polygonum Multiflorum) – 用于养护头发、改善毛囊状态。
- 当归 (Angelica Sinensis) – 促进血液循环,调节头皮状态。
草本头皮护理
可选择草本成分护理头皮,减少化学成分带来的影响:
- 灵芝(Reishi, 灵芝) – 具有抗炎、修复头皮屏障的作用。
- 姜根(Ginger Root, 姜) – 促进头皮血液循环,调节油脂分泌。
- 侧柏叶(Platycladus Orientalis Leaf) – 具有抗菌、抑制真菌的作用,有助于调节头皮环境。
头皮按摩与护理
定期头皮按摩有助于改善头皮血液循环,促进毛囊吸收养分,可结合草本头皮护理产品使用。
总结
头皮屑的产生与头皮环境和身体内部因素有关。通清热祛湿、补血养发、草本护理等方式,可调节头皮状态,减少脱屑问题。
熊教授结合中草药与现代护理技术,帮助调整头皮环境,维持头皮健康状态。