IS FENUGREEK HELPFUL IN REMOVING DANDRUFF?

You might have heard of fenugreek seeds being mentioned as one of the traditional dandruff home remedies. But does it work?

Fenugreek, or as it is better known in the Indian sub-continent - Methi, is a small plant that has green leaves and white flowers. It contains golden brown seeds which figure heavily in traditional medicines. They are often used as a spice or condiment, and you might have found some dish made of methi on your table at some point in time.

Consumption of fenugreek has shown to regulate hormones, lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation and even help with appetite control. There are various additional benefits that have been praised by grandmothers across the sub-continent, and you’ll even find fenugreek in soaps and cosmetic products. But can you use fenugreek as a home remedy for dandruff?

Properties of fenugreek

What about fenugreek seeds for dandruff?

How should you use fenugreek seeds for dandruff?

Any concerns with using fenugreek seeds?

Let’s look at the characteristics and claimed benefits of fenugreek seeds that make it a desirable product for your hair and scalp troubles. It might be through topical application or consumption.

• It contains Biotin and Vitamin A, B, C, which lend it an antioxidant nature. This can prevent premature ageing of your hair and skin.
• Rich in iron and protein. These nutrients are essential for your hair growth and can help to restore damaged hair strands.
• Anti-inflammatory in nature which can calm down any breakouts.
• It contains anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
• It is said to be a natural moisturiser, depending on how you use it.
• Consumption can help to regulate your hormones, which might affect oil secretion.
• It can potentially clear up any oil or product build-up on your hair and scalp.

The cause of dandruff is a naturally occurring fungus known as Malassezia Globosa. This fungus feeds on the oil that is secreted by the numerous sebaceous glands that are found on your scalp.

Your oil production can be disrupted due to hormonal imbalances, weather changes, or even your lifestyle. If for some reason your scalp starts producing excessive amounts of oil, this fungus can grow out of control.

The fungus breaks down the oil into constituents that you could be sensitive towards. Almost half of the people across the world react to this, and break out into itchy scalps, red patches of skin and flakes of dead skin cells. If you don’t have this sensitivity, you won’t develop dandruff, no matter how oily your scalp might get.

Employing methi for dandruff might be a natural solution for your scalp troubles due to the inherent properties of the plant. Using fenugreek seeds for dandruff can help to curtail the growth of the fungus that causes the dandruff. It can potentially cleanse your scalp of the excess oil, thus removing the food for the fungus. And the anti-inflammatory properties can help calm down the itching sensation that comes along with this ailment.

To get the most out of these seeds, you need to soak them overnight and then create a fenugreek hair pack for dandruff. It is important to note that creating these mixtures isn’t an exact science and might not answer your question as to ‘will fenugreek reduce dandruff for me’. But if you wish to try it out, here are some of the ways you can use fenugreek for dandruff:

• Directly -

  Grind the soaked fenugreek seeds into a consistent paste and directly apply it to your scalp. Leave it for about 30 minutes and then wash with a gentle shampoo. This should help clear out the dandruff causing germs.

• Lemon -

  Create a paste from soaked fenugreek seeds and add lemon juice to it. Apply it for 30-40 minutes to your head and then wash with a shampoo. This helps in clearing up the oil build-up and unclogging your pores.

• Curd -

  Using fenugreek and curd for dandruff is a frequently seen method that can clean your scalp, soothe the itching, and moisturise at the same time. Create a paste of soaked fenugreek seeds and add curd to it. Apply this to your scalp and leave it for 30 minutes. Wash thoroughly with a gentle shampoo.

• Coconut oil -

  You can use methi for dandruff by adding coconut oil. Grind soaked fenugreek seeds with coconut oil and create a paste from it. You can apply this directly onto your scalp and leave it for about 30 minutes. You can also create an oil by heating this mixture and straining it. Apply it for 30 minutes or leave it overnight. Wash with a shampoo after. This helps with bacterial growth and moisturises your scalp.

• Aloe Vera -

  Create a paste of Aloe vera and soaked fenugreek seeds, applying it to your head. Leave it for about 60 minutes and then wash with a shampoo after. This combination will help to clear the oil build-up on your scalp and its anti-fungal properties should work on the dandruff causing fungus.

• Apple Cider Vinegar -

  Fenugreek seeds and apple cider vinegar can help to get rid of the oil build-up on your scalp. Create a paste out of this combination, apply it to your scalp for 20 minutes and wash thoroughly after. Be extremely careful with the quantities.

• Amla, Shikakai, Reetha -

  Soak fenugreek seeds, amla, shikakai pods, and reetha overnight. Boil all of them together and strain the liquid once it cools down. Use this liquid as a natural cleanser for your hair and scalp. Always rinse it out thoroughly.

Fenugreek seeds are generally harmless and is a staple ingredient in many diets. But you should always be careful in your approach.

• An allergic reaction is always possible when applying anything to your skin. Always do a patch test on a small part of your skin to ensure that there is no reaction.
• There are limited studies on the relation of fenugreek seeds and dandruff, with mixed results.
• The efficacy of using fenugreek seeds is anecdotal and you should always be aware of this before applying it to your scalp.
• You should be cautious with the quantities and combinations that you use, as it can cause reactions that you’re unaware of.

If you’re rushed for time and need an easy option on how to get rid of dandruff, try the Head and Shoulders Neem shampoo. It uses the abundance of nature to cleanse your scalp and reduce the dandruff causing germs. If you’re looking for something that restores your damaged-dry strands and leaves you dandruff free, use the Head and Shoulders 2in1 Smooth and Silky shampoo and conditioner in one. Using fenugreek for dandruff might work or might not, it all depends on how your body reacts. But rest easy knowing that there is always another option out there to give you stress-free hair.