Hair health and growth

For centuries, our hair has been a reflection of beauty and strength, one of the things you can see about a persons’ inner health. There has been a lot of plants that has been trusted by different cultures to aid in hair health and growth. They use oils, tonics, hydrosols, wet to dry shampoo, masks and a lot more. These plants are known to have compounds that provide nourishment to the hair so you can wear your crown of glory.

Getting to know our hair

We have about 150,000 strands of hair on our head and we lose 100 each day. Each strand of hair has a shaft in the center which is covered by an outer cuticle, made up of cells and if this is damaged, it loses its moisture and natural oils. Hair loss will be noticeable when you lose 50% of it, causing a lot of stress and diminished self respect.

Hair loss

There are numerous causes of hair loss and most of it can be prevented with proper nutrition. One of them is protein. That is why a lot of commercial hair products are “enriched with protein”. Protein is needed by every cell in our body including the ones that make our hair and nails. And since our body is designed to prioritize our major organs, it will utilize the protein designated for our hair and nails first. Same as with calcium. Calcium helps balance the acidity in our body and will use the intended calcium for our hair to nourish and protect a major organ, like the heart.

Herbs for the hair

ROSEMARY

Indeed, there are herbs for hair health and growth and rosemary is an old remedy. Its oils improve circulation and help stimulate hair follicles to aid in hair growth.

For dandruff and greasy, oily hair, place 2-3 drops in an unscented shampoo or conditioner.

ATLAS CEDAR

To slow hair loss, mix 2-3 drops in 1 ounce of carrier oil and massage on scalp periodically.

NETTLES

Used as a hair wash or use the juice to rub to the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Nettles are a rich source of protein and minerals especially calcium,vitamin C and builds collagen for stronger hair.

BAY LAUREL

Helps with dandruff and hair loss.

HORSETAIL

Rich in minerals silica and selenium which helps promote good scalp circulation.

PURSLANE

Considered a weed, this plant is high in omega 3, higher than fish oil.

Hair conditioner

Ingredients :

150 gms. of nettle leaves and roots (dried but fresh is better)

10 gms. dry bay leaves or 10 drops of bay leaf oil

100 gms. horsetail

200 gms. 90% proof alcohol

3 tbsp. castor oil

10 gms. wheatgerm oil

5 gms. rosemary essential oil or atlas cedar oil

1 1/2 pint cider vinegar

How to make :

1. Make an infusion of nettle leaves and roots if using fresh ingredients. Using gloves, as nettles can cause stinging feeling when it touches your skin. Wash thoroughly to clean debris and soil from the plant.
2. Cut in small pieces then add the alcohol. Blend until it becomes a liquid solution.
3. Transfer to a wide mouth jar, add bay leaves and steep for 2 weeks, under a window sill, shaking every day.
4. Strain and filter to separate the pulp from the liquid.
5. Pour into a dark, clean and dry bottle. Add the apple cider vinegar, castor oil, wheatgerm oil and essential oil.
6. Let sit for 24 hours.

How to use :

Shake well before use. Rub the solution into your scalp using a cotton ball before shower. Massage into hair and scalp and leave for 20 minutes. You can use a towel or a hair cap to hold hair in place.

Hair lotion

INGREDIENTS :

3/4 cup infused horsetail

125 ml. infused nettle

10 ml. carrier oil ( olive oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, apricot kernel oil)

1 tbsp. soft oil or butter (coconut, shea or mango butter)

1 tbsp. castor oil

10 ml. vegetable glycerin

1 1/2 tbsp. emulsifying wax

1 capsule vitamin E

1 tbsp. rosemary essential oil

DIRECTIONS :

1. With a double boiler or a bain marie, melt the Ewax.
2. Lower the heat and add the soft butter/oil, carrier oil and castor oil.
3. In a separate heat proof container, warm the herbal infusion and vegetable glycerin.
4. When both temperatures reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit, slowly add the water to the oil/butter mixture, whisking until creamy.
5. Stir in the vitamin E and essential oil.
6. Place in a clean, dark container.