Saturday, January 9, 2010

Food and Plant Oil Explanations and Benefits (Updated)

Over the last few weeks I have been very impressed by the results of the various oils I've been using. They appear to helping me with my hair goals, and my hair doesn't appear as damaged as before. My skin also looks much healthier, which is a definite plus!

I have already posted a list of various herbs/oils that benefit the hair and scalp. I have since updated that list as I've come across more information. I have also included a video demonstration showing how a few of the herbs can be used to detangle and add sheen to the hair. I can't wait to try them on my own hair (I plan to add them to my conditioner). I'll let you know how it goes!


(please use extreme caution when using any products for the first time, natural or not. If you are allergic to any of the listed ingredients then do not use it on your hair/scalp. When you try out any herb, it is important to monitor for allergic reactions):

Aloe Vera - The gel found within the leaves of this plant has remarkable properties including healing, soothing, antibacterial, antiseptic, emollient and moisturizing qualities. Studies have shown that Aloe Vera enhances cellular regeneration and has remarkable results for the hair and scalp. Aloe Vera improves the skin's ability to hydrate itself, aids in the removal of dead skin cells and encourages skin rejuvenation. Some have raved about its ability to encourage hair stimulation and hair growth! This product also has incredible moisturizing properties.

Avocado/Avocado Oil - This oil is rich in potassium, sulfur, vitamins A,D and E and fatty acids. It is very nourishing for dry hair and scalp as it replenishes oils lost through washing and coats the cuticles. It is especially valuable for those with eczema, dry scalp and other scalp ailments. It leaves the hair feeling smooth and soft (see "The Power of Avocado Oil" for more information)

Banana - The pulp is a great biodegradable moisturizer and lubricant, excellent for dry hair. It is an excellent humecant, locking in moisture and coating the hair shaft, leaving the hair smooth. The pulp is rich in potassium and vitamin A, B, C (be sure to wash with cool water--I learned this the hard way).

Basil - This essential oil adds luster to hair and promotes hair growth.

Burdock Root - Many believe that this is the most effective herb when it comes to promoting hair growth. The main reason is because it is known to help the body detoxify certain substances which may cause you to experience hair loss. It is helpful for treating scalp irritation, as well as reversing hair thinning caused by alopecia. Also, burdock supplies essential fatty acids and natural phytosterols to hair roots, thus, improving hair shine, strength, and body. Burdock Root can be infused to your favourite oil and applied directly to the scalp or added to shampoo that you plan to wash your hair.

Calendula Oil - Moisturizes and conditions. Very good in soothing scalp and skin conditions like eczema.

Carrot Seed Oil - This oil is a true powerhouse in the hair growth category! Carrot Seed oil is rich in Vitamins A, B, C, D and E. As you know Vitamin A, B and E are excellent for hair growth as it improve moisture for increased elasticity, conditions hair and stimulates growth.

Castor Oil - Great for dry damage hair scalp. It is a natural emollient that promotes hair growth.

Cedarwood - This essential oil relieves dandruff and hair loss. It promotes hair growth and balances dry and oily scalp

Chamomille (Roman) Oil - This essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is very calming to the skin. It is both emollient and healing and thus is a wonderful addition to any skin care product!

Clary Sage Oil - Astringent, stimulates  growth, kills bacteria. It is also believed to darken gray hair.

(Virgin) Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is an amazing carrier oil! This is a great oil for general moisturizing and serves as a protective layer, helping to retain the moisture and protein in the hair. Coconut oil does not clog pores (which can inihibit hair growth--and even kill hair follicles), making it great for the hair. It stimulates hair growth, softens the hair and conditions the scalp. It also can also help eliminate dandruff! (see "Going (Coco)nuts!" for more information) 

Evening Primrose Oil - Moisturizes and conditions the hair 

Glycerine - Natural emollient, pulls moisture into the hair.

Honey - is a natural wonder full of properties beneficial to the hair. It is a natural humectant - meaning it attracts moisture and holds it in.

Horsetail - This herb is excellent for the hair. It’s valued for its high levels of amino acids, phytosterols, and silica. It strengthens, conditions, and makes the hair more resilient, and normalizes oil production of skin so hair follicles won’t get clogged by oil and sebum. It also is a natural source of silica which helps with split ends, and helps to add sheen and elasticity.

Jojoba Oil - The structure of Jojoba oil closely resembles that of your own skin oil (sebum). Jojoba is readily absorbed into the skin, is non-pore clogging and helps balance production of your natural sebum. Jojoba is moisturizing and helps prevent dry scalp. It contains linoleic acid and myristic acid, which account for its anti-inflammatoryand moisture retention properties. It adds moisture and gives your hair extra protection, shine and body. It also cleanses and is revitalizing to hair and scalp!

Lavender Oil - This essential oil has multiple properties that make it important for overall general health and well-being. In hair care, Lavender is used as a scalp treatment for itchiness, dandruff, and even lice!

Lemon Oil - Besides having a refreshing and clean aroma, Lemon oil helps balance cell fluids and sebum and increases circulation. In hair care, Lemon oil helps control oily hair and gives golden highlights. It is also helpful in controlling lice.

Lemongrass: This herb helps to remove scalp build up and normalizes oil product in the scalp. It also increases fullness and body of the hair.

Marshmallow Root - is a medicated, conditioning, mucilaginous herb that provides an abundance of 'slip' which helps to nourish and detangle thick naturally curly, wavy & Afro type hair. 

Neem Oil - Neem oil has amazing healing properties and has long been used in Indian and Ayurvedic medicine. It moisturizes and protects skin. Its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving activity make Neem potentially useful against eczema on the scalp.

Nettle - is used for treating eczema and other conditions causing itching of the skin. It is a natural deep cleanser which is useful for oily hair. It is rich in vitamin A and C and has several key minerals and lipids that can be beneficial to the hair and promotes hair growth.

Olive Oil - Olive oil has been used for generations in natural soap products. Olive oil is high in the antioxidants Vitamins A and E providing anti-aging properties. It also has disinfectant properties, is moisturizing, soothing and healing. Simply a wonderful and gentle component in hair care!

Rosemary Oil - This is a well-known remedy for improving hair growth. It is a purifying, antiseptic agent that cleanses the hair follicles of any buildup, and stimulates the hair root to grow hair. Rosemary also increases the circulation to the scalp therefore promoting hair growth and imparting shine to dark hair. t also adds to the sheen of the hair. Additionally, it helps control oily hair as well as dandruff. Do NOT use if pregnant, nursing or experiencing seizures.

Sage (dry or fresh) - Sage is a purifying, antimicrobial, antiseptic and astringent botanical that is a wonderful conditioner for the hair. It not only has an active agent to eliminate hair loss but it stimulates hair growth and strengthens and thickens the current hair shaft as well. It is especially used for those who have experienced some sort of breakage or weakened hair strength.

Shea Nut Oil - This oil glides on the hair and scalp smoothly and helps heal and protects dry, damaged hair. It also creates a protective moisture barrier against the dry, harsh elements! (see "shea butter" for more information on properties)

Sweet Almond Oil This carrier oil is both nourishing and protective. It is high in linoleic acids, which account for its anti-inflammatory and moisture retention properties. Sweet Almond oil is a commonly used ingredient in beauty products as it treats and prevents dry, chapped and irritated skin (scalp). It also helps condition, nourish, and soften hair while stimulating hair growth! Contains Vitamin E and F, great properties for itchy scalp. It is mild and easily absorbed

Tea Tree Oil - Tea Tree Oil has so many beneficial properties that it is a must for all medicine cabinets! This oil soothes irritated, inflamed skin and stimulates healing while minimizes scarring. It is a natural antiseptic, antifungal and anti-microbial and treats dandruff.

Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) - As an anti-oxidant, Vitamin E prevents free radical damage from the sun and environment (yes your hair need UV protection too!). It improves moisture and helps soften the hair. Vitamin E also helps maintain the integrity (preventing rancidity) of product formulations. It contains valuable antioxidants that help to keep the immune systemup and improves circulation to all parts of the body, including the scalp.
While it’s okay to topically use vitamin E for hair growth, it possibly works best when it’s taken as a supplement. It’s important to know before you start taking vitamin E, however, that it does increase the amount of oxygen that gets to the body, and that can cause the blood to thin, as well as clotting problems, when too much vitamin E is taken. When taking a vitamin supplement like vitamin E, it’s a good idea to start slowly (e.g. 400IU), to ensure that there are no adverse affects from the vitamin, before slowly increasing the dose.

Ylang Ylang - This essenatial oil is an antiseptic that nourishes the scalp and promotes hair growth.

Try the following combination as a final rinse, homemade spritz or infusion to address your hair need:

To condition and detangle dry, coarse naturally curly Afro hair (including new growth included) use: Burdock Root, Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm, Nettle Leaf Herb, Blue Malva Herb, Chamomile Flower, Hibiscus Flower, Irish Moss and Coltsfoot

To condition thin, lifeless, greasy hair use: Horsetail Herb, Lavender Flower, Rose Buds, Irish Moss and Coltsfoot

To naturally prevent dandruff use: Horsetail Herb, Burdock Root, Chamomile Flower, White Willow Bark and Coltsfoot

To naturally soothe scalp irritation use: Nettle Leaf Herb, Chamomile Flower, White Willow Bark and Irish Moss

Naturally provide body, sheen and luster use: Burdock Root, Rose Buds, Horsetail Herb, Nettle Leaf Herb, Coltsfoot, White Willow Bark and Irish Moss

To promote healthy natural hair growth and prevent / repair split ends use:  Burdock Root, Hibiscus, Nettle Leaf Herb - or - Herb Combos of Nettle Leaf with Coltsfoot and Horsetail.
                                                                                                                                          source
The following videos demonstrate how this is done on relaxed hair:


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