 | ||||||
| ||||||
Gentle Shampoo
2 cups (473 ml) distilled water
1 tablespoon (15 ml) calendula (pot marigold)
2 teaspoons (10 ml) rosemary
1 tablespoon (15 ml) nettle
2 teaspoons (10 ml) orange peel
2 teaspoons (10 ml) comfrey
2 tablespoons (30 ml) chamomile
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) essential oil of lavender
1 teaspoon (5 ml) jojoba oil (omit if hair is oily)
1/2 cup (118 ml) all-natural, gentle baby shampoo
Bring water to a boil and remove from heat. Add the herbs, cover, and allow to steep for 30 minutes. Strain mixture into a medium-sized bowl, add the oils and stir vigorously. Add the shampoo and gently stir until thoroughly mixed. Pour into a labeled bottle and keep refrigerated to preserve the freshness. You may keep a small bottle in the shower with enough shampoo for about one week, if you wish. Use approximately 1 tablespoon (15 ml) per application. This shampoo will not produce mountains of billowy suds as it does not contain strong foaming agents. It cleans gently with minimal sudsing.
Plant me a garden to heal the heart, Balm for joy, and the sweet violet Cowslips, pansies and chamomile to ease the pain I want to forget.
--Elizabethan herb song
Ho shou wu (Fo-Ti) is fabled in Asian history to restore the original color of graying hair. It nourishes the glandular, nervous, and skeletal systems. This herb is reputed to enhance the health of the liver and kidneys. The properties of Ho Shou Wu are said to be similar to Golden Seal, Chamomile and Ginseng. It is known to help improve health, stamina and resistance to diseases.
