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| - Quick Take
A social media post claims that spraying a mixture of methi, clove, kalonji, and onion on the scalp will cure dandruff for 100 years. We fact checked and found the claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
An Instagram video from the account doctorhelpai claims that spraying a mixture of methi, clove, kalonji, and onion on the scalp will not only cure dandruff for 100 years but also promote such rapid hair growth that it will need to be burned off.
Fact Check
Can a natural mixture provide a permanent cure for dandruff?
No, there is no natural mixture that can permanently cure dandruff for 100 years.
Dandruff is caused by a variety of factors such as scalp dryness, fungal infections (like Malassezia), seborrheic dermatitis, and even certain lifestyle habits. While ingredients like methi, clove, kalonji, and onion may offer temporary relief by soothing the scalp or addressing some causes of dandruff, they cannot offer a one-time cure lasting for 100 years.
Scientific evidence has shown that dandruff treatments, including natural remedies, can be effective in managing symptoms in the short term. However, dandruff often requires ongoing care because its underlying causes, such as scalp inflammation or fungal overgrowth, can persist. Thus, promising a cure that lasts for a century is simply not feasible.
Do the ingredients in this mixture help in managing dandruff?
Yes, some ingredients in the mixture may help manage dandruff, but they are not a permanent solution.
In a 2014 study the researchers used methi paste and it showed positive results on dandruff. Methi (fenugreek) has antifungal properties, which could help with dandruff caused by fungal infections. It also contains lecithin, which nourishes the scalp and may reduce dryness. But here methi soaked water is used and there is research paper on the same. Clove has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that can help maintain a clean scalp, preventing the growth of dandruff-causing fungi. Kalonji, or black seed, is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, which could soothe the scalp and reduce dandruff symptoms. Onion, rich in sulphur, is often used in traditional medicine to combat scalp infections, though its impact on dandruff is still under investigation.
While these ingredients can provide temporary relief and soothe an irritated scalp, they won’t eliminate dandruff forever. Even if they offer short-term improvements, they cannot prevent the condition from returning.
Can dandruff be permanently eradicated with any treatment?
No, dandruff cannot be permanently eradicated, but it can be effectively managed.
Dr. Sachin Gupta, Consultant Dermatologist at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, explained that dandruff is a chronic condition, meaning it can be managed with the right care and treatment but often returns. Medicated shampoos containing active ingredients like zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide, or ketoconazole are commonly used to treat dandruff. These ingredients address the root causes, such as the overgrowth of the Malassezia fungus or excess oil production on the scalp, but they must be used regularly to maintain their effectiveness. While frequent use is essential for control, the frequency of use can be reduced during periods of remission to sustain results.
He further added, “Even prescription treatments or medicated shampoos cannot guarantee a 100-year cure. If not properly managed, dandruff may resurface, especially during times of stress, environmental changes, or hormonal shifts.”
Dr. Mohit Sandhu, BAMS, CAD, CAC, and PGDAKS, Founder of the Association for Ayurvedic Palpative Pain Medicine, Gurgaon, said “Ayurveda highlights that external remedies alone cannot provide a permanent cure for dandruff unless underlying factors like poor diet, stress, or hormonal imbalances are addressed. While the mentioned mixture may offer temporary relief, it is not a ‘100-year cure.’ Ayurveda advocates for a holistic approach that combines diet, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies for long-term, sustainable results.”
Conclusion
While the combination of methi, clove, kalonji, and onion may provide relief from dandruff symptoms in the short term, it cannot offer a permanent, lifetime solution. Dandruff is a recurring condition that requires ongoing care and proper treatment. For long-term management, it’s essential to address the root causes of dandruff and stick to a consistent hair care routine. So, while the natural mixture might help soothe the scalp and reduce irritation, a century-long cure is, unfortunately, not realistic.
Read here for more similar claims: Does rinsing hair with green tea cure dandruff? Can adding crushed aspirin to shampoo help treat dandruff?
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