Ginger Treatment for Hair

Ginger is a popular spice from the root of the Zingiber Officinale herb. You're probably familiar with ginger in Christmas cookies and Asian foods, but the root is also used for a multitude of health problems, including nausea, respiratory issues, indigestion and heart health. And that's not all: the strong, stimulating properties of this root make it an excellent hair treatment.

* Hair Growth

Ginger works to increase scalp circulation. When blood flows to the scalp, it stimulates the hair follicles and encourages growth. The fatty acids in the root are great for thin hair. Use this recipe for hair loss, thinning hair or growing out a bad hair cut.

* Grate about 1 tbsp. of ginger root into a small bowl. Add 1 tbsp. of jojoba oil (or olive oil) and mix well. Rub this mixture into your scalp with massaging, circular motions. Leave on your hair for 30 minutes or longer. You should feel a warming effect on your scalp. Shampoo or rinse well.

* Dandruff

Ginger has antiseptic properties that work to get rid of dandruff. Use this recipe three times a week until you're dandruff-free.

* Mix 2 tbsp. of freshly grated ginger with 3 tbsp. of oil (preferably sesame, though olive will be fine). Add a dash of lemon juice. Massage into your scalp---you may not need the whole mixture, so refrigerate any leftovers. Leave this treatment on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse well.

* Sensitive Scalps

The strong tingling sensation of ginger may irritate your scalp, but you can still get the benefits of ginger hair treatments with a little modification. For hair growth, mix 1 tsp. of grated ginger with 1/4 cup of oil. Leave on your hair for 10 minutes. For dandruff, increase the amount of oil used in the recipe to 1/3 cup. Remember, you can decrease the amount of ginger and/or the duration of the treatment until you find the perfect mixture for your hair.