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For the past few months now, I’ve been into making my own herb-infused oils (check out “Why You Absolutely Need to Try Some DIY Herb-Infused Oil””>. Since I’ve been learning more about how different herbs and essential oils are able to benefit my scalp and hair, it’s been amazing, the progress that my hair has made (not to mention the money that I’ve saved by making my own hair products”>. And while I never thought that I would become an “herb junkie”, it’s actually been kinda fun learning about herbs and oils that I’ve never heard of before.
That’s what today is all about — sharing with you some of the not-so-commonly-discussed herbs and essential oils that are some of the best-kept secrets when it comes to healing and protecting your scalp and getting your hair to flourish.
Where to buy these herbs and oils
Another best-kept secret is Etsy features many merchants who sell just about all of these at an affordable price. Just go to the site and put the name of the herb or oil in the search field.
4 “Uncommon” Herbs to Try
Shikakai
Let’s start with an herb that goes by the scientific name Acacia concinna and the nickname “hair fruit”. As far as your hair goes, it’s kind of crazy that it’s not mentioned more often in hair-related content. The properties in it can help to cleanse your hair, improve its texture and strengthen your hair follicles. Also, because it contains potent antifungal and anti-microbial, Shikakai is great at helping to prevent dandruff and soothe inflamed scalps. What a lot of people like about it is, it’s even the kind of herb that can slow down premature greying. Yeah, it’s definitely an herb to add to your hair care collection, if you ask me.
Bhringraj
This particular herb is a medicinal one that is pretty big in the Ayurveda because of how it helps to keep your liver healthy and strong. Bhringraj makes this hair list because it’s great at treating dry scalp, fighting the yeast that triggers dandruff (which is Malassezia, by the way”>, feeding hair follicles, reducing stress and, when added to your favorite hair conditioner, it can create a lot of sheen to your hair too.
Gotu Kola
One of the best things about this herb is it’s got antibiotics galore inside of it. Also, if you’re looking for one that is basically a multi-vitamin, Gotu Kola will certainly not disappoint because it has vitamins B and C, magnesium, potassium, zinc and even calcium in it. These nutrients work together to feed your hair follicles, reduce hair fall, strengthen your hair strands, increase blood circulation and increase hair growth. It really is great in so many ways.
Sorrel
Sorrel herb is a flower that flourishes in tropical and subtropical climates. It has vitamins A and C in it as well as amino acids and alpha hydroxyl acids too. If you’re looking for the kind of herb that fights hair frizz, reduces itchy scalp, increases hair volume, boosts hair shine and helps to prevent hair breakage and split ends, you need to look no further than this one.
4 “Uncommon” Essential Oils to Try
Elemi Essential Oil
This particular essential oil has a powerful amount of antiseptic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in it which helps to prevent dandruff and scalp-related eczema flare-ups. Since many people use it to detoxify their system, using it as a scalp massage oil can help to remove hair follicle build-up. Other benefits of this oil are it can help to reduce hair fall and strengthen your hair from the root, so that you can maintain length retention, successfully so.
Hinoki Cypress Essential Oil
This herb comes from a tree that is in Japan. If you’re big on reading hair care labels, you may have seen it on the label of shampoos. This is a wonderful addition to your hair regimen if you happen to be someone who is transitioning from chemically straightened hair to your natural texture because the properties in this oil are beneficial when it comes to healing damaged hair follicles and encouraging healthy hair growth. This is an oil that’s also effective as it relates to increasing blood circulation in your scalp and helping to get rid of any scalp infections that you may have.
Mastrante Essential Oil
If you’re looking for an oil that will promote feelings of extreme calm and relaxation, this is the one for you. It’s also got antibacterial, anti-fungal anti-inflammatory properties in it. And it’s an oil that encourages new cell growth. All of this makes it an oil that reduces dandruff, balances the natural oils on your scalp and, because it’s such a stress-reducing oil, it’s wonderful as a scalp massage oil. And the more your massage your scalp, the healthier your hair can become overtime.
Niaouli Essential Oil
Believe it or not, this herb hails from an Australian evergreen tree. Hair-wise, it will help to increase blood circulation, kill bacteria, promote the absorption of nutrients to your hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. Consider putting a few drops of it into your favorite shampoo and watch the results that you get in a couple of months — all because you decided to give an “uncommon” essential oil a try!
©Shellie R. Warren/2021
