NaturalMedications

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.