If any of you are like me your concern always lies with knowing all of the additives in your favorite hair care product, and this is where ethnobotanical hair care comes into play! Ethnobotany is the scientific study of the interrelations between plants and humans on all varying areas. The area in focus here is hair care straight from the earth. No, I am not saying go outside and start rubbing dandelions and mums on your head, but I will be introducing a few recipes that your tresses will adore! For now let’s focus on natural blends of plants and their accompanying essential oils to restore those thinning edges and lacking napes! These five plants that I will introduce can have beneficial cosmetic properties extracted from every part of the plant, and with their origins spanning the Mediterranean region and the Northern Hemisphere, the different preparations or infusions will give your thinning areas and you a whole new meaning of life!
As women we love versatility with our hairstyles, but we never realize how much damage we have done to our beloved manes! Here are some earthly jewels to keep your royal crowns looking their best.
Sage Strengthening Butter
Sage (Salvia officinalis“> is a household herb that is easily accessible at any local grocery store or market. This herb can be used fresh or dried.
Origin: Mediterranean
Properties: Thymol is the leader of growth promotion for hair, as it increases circulation to scalp and also has astringent properties for cleansing of impurities on skin and scalp.
Directions
- Heat raw shea butter in a double boiler until it melts
- Add sage
- Steep for at maximum of 30 min
- Strain the mixture using a cheesecloth into a storage container. This will create a creamy, rich, sage infused butter that will not only strengthen hair in the applied areas, but also enable circulation, which is promotes growth.
Cedar Growth Stimulating Oil
Cedar (Juniperus spp.”> is a wood so you want to purchase the essential oil.
Origin: Northern Hemisphere
Properties: The cedrol is what causes this species to work as a therapeutic and also be extremely effective for hair loss.
Directions
Blend cedar with one of its companions such as rosemary or a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or almond oil to make the ultimate growth stimulating hair oil that can be used as frequently or sparingly as needed.
Rosemary Scalp Tingling Oil
Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis“> is another easily accessible herb that is extremely easy to work with.
Origin: Mediterranean
Properties: The pinene in this plant increases sheen and circulation to the scalp to promote growth.
Directions
- Steep a couple of sprigs of rosemary in coconut oil for 30 min
- Strain with a cheesecloth into a storage container
- Allow it to cool
Carrot Hair Mask
Working with carrots (Daucus carota“> and other such veggies and fruits will be a tad messier, but still worth it! Adding carrots to oil can create an awesome hair mask! That will not only leave your edges, nape region, and everywhere in between feeling and looking luscious and healthy while still promoting healthy, natural growth.
Origin: Mediterranean
Properties: The beta-carotene found in carrots is extremely good for you in every aspect of health including skin and hair. The oils extracted from the carrot plant also stimulate circulation to promote growth.
Directions
- Juice or blend the carrots you want to use
- Add the juice to a warm mixture of olive oil or castor oil and pour in a storage container
Peppermint Growth Salve
Peppermint (Mentha piperita”> can be prepared fresh or dried. The potency of peppermint is simply amazing.
Origin: Mediterranean
Properties: The limonene and pinene found in this plant is what enables the circulation for growth promotion and also smells lovely.
Directions
- Melt an extremely fatty carrier like coconut oil in a double boiler
- Steep for 30 min
- Strain with a cheesecloth into a storage container
Voila, here you have it! Five ethnobotanically inspired recipes that I can promise you will love! Remember add vitamin E oil to all products for longer shelf life! If these preparations are still too much for your busy schedule check out my handmade products highlighting some of these plants only at www.bijouxsbasket.com!
Sedia Ngofa, a senior at Frostburg State University, discovered her love for nature, traditional plant species utilization, and a specific science coined ethnobotany in the Appalachian Mountains. With the inspiration of her ethnobotanical education on topical and cosmetic preparations she developed her own line of ethnobotanically inspired hair and skin care products, Bijoux’s Basket!
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