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Herbs for Hair Care
To condition dry hair:
Burdock root, Comfrey, Elderflowers, Marsh Mallow, Parsley, Sage, Stinging Nettle.
To condition greasy hair:
Calendula, Horsetail, Lemon juice, Lemon-Balm, Lavender, Mints, Rosemary, Southernwood, Witch Hazel and Yarrow.
To prevent dandruff:
Burdock root, Chamomile, Garlic and Onion bulbs (powerful but unpleasantly scented ), Goosegrass, Parsley, rosemary, Southernwood, Stinging Nettle and Thyme.
To soothe scalp irritation:
catmint (leaves and flowering tops), Chamomile, Comfrey.
To provide a hair tonic ( giving body and luster ):
Calendula, Goosegrass, Horsetail, Linden flowers, Nasturtium, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Southernwood, Stinging Nettles and Watercress.
Hair Treatments
Make a herbal oil using one of the above herbs and a polyunsaturated
vegetable oil such as peach kernel, almond or sunflower. Alternatively,
add 6 drops of essential oil to 2 tablespoons of almond oil or any
vegetable oil. Warm the oil, pour a small amount into your palm and rub
your hands together. Massage well into the scalp and along the hair
strands. Repeat as necessary. Cover the head with foil and a plastic
shower cap and wrap in a hot towel, replacing the towel when it cools.
Try to leave on for 20 to 30 minutes for greatest penetration, then wash
off with a mild shampoo.
Quick Herbal Shampoo
Pour one application of a mild baby shampoo into a cup and add 2
tablespoons of a strong decoction of your selected herb, or 4 drops of
essential oil. Mix together and use in the normal manner.
Soapwort Shampoo
A very gentle cleansing champoo which doesn't make much lather - but
then lather does not equal cleaning power.
2 Tbs finely chopped Soapwort root or a handful of leaves and stems
1 large handful of herb ( see above )
2 1/2 cups boiling water
Pour the boiling water over the soapwort and herb and infuse for at
least 30 minutes. Strain and use when cool. About half a cup should be
enough for average-length hair.
Dry Shampoo
2 Tbs powdered Orris Root
2 Tbs powdered Arrowroot.
Mix together. Part the hair in narrow regular bands and sprinkle the
powder along each row. Leave on for 10 minutes to absorb any grease and
then brush out vigorously and thoroughly until the hair is shiny.
Herbal Hair Rinses
Use these after your shampoo as the quickest and easiest way to improve
hair shine. Prepare the herbal rinse before shampooing so it will have
cooled when you are ready to use it.
1 Tbs selected herb
1 Tbs cider vinegar ( or lemon juice for fair hair )
4 cups boiling water
Infuse the herb in water until cool. Strain well. Add the vinegar. Pour
through the hair, massaging the scalp. Catch the runoff in a bowl and
repeat until either your patience or arms give out. If the final rinse
is of cool rather than warm water, it makes all the outer cells on the
hair strands lie flat, fiving a smooth, shiny finish.
Rosewater Pick-Me-Up
This is an excellent way to clean and revive your hair between shampoos.
Orange-flower water can be used instead, or Lavender water for greasy
hair. You will need a number of 4 inch squares of gauze dipped in
Rosewater. Force the gauze over a natural bristle brush and stroke
through the hair in sections, removing dirt as you brush. Repeat with
fresh gauze squares until the cloth picks up no more dirt. This
treatment also gives a lovely fragrance to the hair.
Instead of thinking of the problem, think of the answer
- Ernest Holmes
Soothing Herbal Hair Rinse
Combine equal parts of dried rosemary, comfrey, witch hazel leaves and nettles to make about 1/2 cup. Add to 2 cups of water in a covered pot. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let steep overnight. Strain. Shampoo and rinse hair then use herb tea for a final rinse to relieve itchy, flaky scalp.
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