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As salaamu alaikum & Hello ladies, Well today was a day for making all kinds of whipped shea butter. Some for hair and some for skin. Some for my children , some for my hubby and some for friends of the family. You may be wondering what in the world is this large item I am showing here. Well...... You're right, it pure shea butter, has never been touched or altered. It's still in it's shell, this thing is huge not to mention super heavy. A companion of my husband and family friend, bought this at the Africian market in Brooklyn, ( NYC). And gave it to me, this will last me for a very, very long time.
Here is one way I made some for my hair:
1 cup of shea butter ( or so)
1 tablespoon of conditioner
2oz olive oil ( or oil of choice)
6-10 drops of Essential oil of choice
and BLEND, BLEND, BLEND
Feel free to adjust ingredients to your liking, you'd be super surprised what you can come up with !
I apply this to my ends to seal , It's great and very moisturizing!
Enjoy!!!
As salaamu alaikum & Hello Ladies, in my previous post " ALOE VERA WHOLE LEAF GEL" . I included a really good recipe for how I deep condition using a avocado. However since then I've come across a different recipe using similar ingredients, with some very important additions. I did this recipe this morning and It is great, great, great!!!, I mean my hair felt soooo moisturized, soft and my curls were popping, popping popping. This little number is a sure keeper in my regimen. A big thank's to the beautiful naturallyflyy.blogspot.com for sharing this wonderful recipe for all to try, and to me its one of the best recipes yet. Here is the updated version of what is needed:
1/2 avocado
3Tbsp of honey
4 Tbsp of oil ( coconut, olive etc)
1/2 Cup of coconut milk
Blend & and allow mixture to sit for 1-2 hrs.
Rinse completely and apply an additional rinse conditioner.
ENJOY !!!
As salaamu alaikum & Hello ladies, Lets talk Emu oil ,I am sooooo interested in this oil. I have heard nothing but great things about Emu oil. It's said to help your hair growth by at least 10-20 % if not more. If used properly. I will be adding this to my small list of scalp oil mixes, this week. It is a little expensive for just a small bottle, however I am not wasteful ( or try not to be) in the area of spending. But , after reading such great things about this oil I felt I would give it a go. I will keep you guys posted on my results. Below I will post a bit about this oil in relation to hair, however this oil has many , many great use's for other area's of the body as well.
Emu Oil for Hair
Emu Oil has been found to work remarkably on improving thin hair and preventing Hair Loss! Weve all heard of one off miracle cure products and drugs to get your hair back, most of them cost a fortune to get, and none of them are guarenteed. Hair loss has been found to be more common in men than women, Many studies have been done to figure out why, one common theory is that it is because women, as a general rule, have more fatty tissue on their scalps then men do, which gives more of a cushion to the minute blood capillaries that carry blood to their hair root, hair bulb and papilla.
Another reason might be that women usually brush thier hair more than men, which also stimulates the flow of blood and helps in keeping the scalp loose and healthy. While we have all heard stories about what may cause hair loss: vitamin deficiencies, poor circulation to the scalp, genetics, too much hat wearing, etc. Surprisingly, these theories have been disproved. Hair loss, according to experts, is caused by a combination of aging, hormonal changes and having a family history of baldness.
How Emu Oil prevents Hair Loss?
According to clinical studies in Australia and the U.S, Emu Oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent that can rejuvenate skin cells and produce up to 80% in healthy hair growth. Emu oil users report what can be defined as an "awakening" of their lifeless hair follicles to the growth "anagen" phase. More studies show that the benefit of Emu Oil for hair, is that it increases the synthesis of DNA in the epidermis - stimulating skin regeneration, hair follicle development and growth, and the proliferation of the cells around the hair follicle.
What makes it so good?
One benefit is linolenic acid, and oleic acid which provides a local anti-inflammatory effect. Research into the Benefits of Emu Oil for hair has shown the linoleic acid in Emu oil to be an effective anti-androgen, and a potent 5 alpha reductase inhibitor, which are key factors in the treatment of hair loss. Emu Oil also enlarges hair follicles when used regulary on the scalp, thus to "thicken" the hair. The anti-inflammatory properties of Emu oil also helps alleviate hair loss resulting from inflammation of the scalp and hair follicles, and other scalp problems.
Now, I am not suffering from hair thinning or hair loss, But what has been said about Emu oil as an aid in hair growth is really worth a try.
As stated in previous posts I am doing a few 1-2 month challenges with my hair , And oils mixes or straight oil for my scalp is one of them. So , my plan is to report back to you guys on my progress & final results.
SO STAY TUNED.... & ENJOY
As salaamu alaikum & Hello Ladies, As some of you may have noticed I've been in regimen mode. Sharing, ideas, recipes & thoughts on some products I have tried on my hair. My goal is to try my best to find a rock solid regimen that is agreed up with both my hair and my wallet. With that I will be learning about my hair and what works the best for it. Sooo I've been applying or tweeking some of my products that I use to make them possibly work better & adjusting my attitude ( if you will ) on the importance of a healthy scalp which will in turn produce healthy hair & simply learning about my AuNaturale, researching different carrier oils and how and where they will best work for my hair. Meaning, some oils work best for the scalp , due their lightness and their are some oils who work best for the ends of our hair, etc.
Then there's Essential oils. I love Essential oils, I am learning to appreciate them for there best usage in relation to our hair. Knowing that there are different oils for different purposes. Hair growth, scalp stimulation, relieving of itchness, etc.
Then there's water. It's water that moisturizes our hair not so much the oils, the oils with the water works wonders . My hair looooves both. So I make sure to keep my hair moisturized, moisturized , moisturized and use water daily.
I have also, been applying more deep conditioners. My hair seems to thrive when deep conditioned more than once a month , I now deep condition every week. Sometimes, I will use my avocado smoothie ( see in aloe vera post) with ingredients added here & there. I may use a coconut mik conditioner with the avocado or with out & olive oil. Or just the coconut milk & oil or just my ORS Replenishing deep conditioner.
Then there is my protein treatment I do 1-2 a month , shea butter cholesterol & egg. This has been working great, I love it.
But, always always reading and learning about the ingredients in all of the products I use. This is very important for me and my hair. I truly believe that ingredients play a major part of healthy hair along with achieving healthy hair growth.
Also I am at a cross road between co- washing and Dr Bronner's castile soap, I really loooooove this stuff.
I know, I know , I know I am one who would swear by co- washing. But, I've been noticing a difference between the two lately. It seems that co- washing is no longer making my hair happy it seems that its not getting my scalp clean. This is very important to keep a heathly scalp, it also seems to be leaving my hair coated and when using my products after co -washing it doesn't work half or know where near as well as when I shampoo with Dr Bronners castile soap. And when co- washing my hair just doesn't feel as clean. With the castile soap my hair & scalp feels sooo much better, clean fresh, and happy. Now, I have heard of some ladies mention that this product leaves their hair feeling stripped. My hair feels wonderful when using this , I dilute it with water in a 15 oz bottle
2 oz oil of choice
14 oz water ( I like distilled water)
2 oz glycerin
2 oz vitamin E oil
The ingredients in this soap are great, ( I will list them later) but its made with organic oils. Great for my hair so far. So what I've decided to do is do a scalp oil, co- wash vs castile soap challenge, along with a few other changes in my current regimen. And document my results for a month to see how my hair reacts to the new changes.
I will keep you guys posted, along with plenty of new recipes for our AuNaturales.
ENJOY!!!
AND STAY TUNED.... THERE IS PLENTY MORE TO COME!!!
As salaamu alaikum & Hello ladies,
Lately I have been using my Aloe vera whole leaf gel and let me tell you I love, love, love this stuff. It provides mega moisture, I mean was hair was soooo soft. It doesn't leave my hair with a hard , crunchy feeling at all. However, this is not a gel to be used every day, I found that it will leave build up if used daily.
I only use it on my wash day or days ( depending on what my hair is telling me, but normal just wash day without the S , LOL).
Here is what I do :
FIRST
I co- wash with either my Suave Humectant Conditioner, or a mixture of Suave naturals " Tropical Coconut" & VO5 moisture milks. Or depending on my hair needs I will use my Dr. Bronner's " PEPPERMINT PURE CASTILE SOAP". I looooove this stuff ( I will share more on that in my next post or two) , but I have nothing but love for that product. Moving on...
SECOND
I will do a Avocado hair smoothie treatment here is what I do:
1. I cut open 1 Avocado & scoop out all of the insides.
2. Add 3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil, (or oil of your choice)
3. Add 1/4 cup of water ( or more if needed)
4. Blend in a blender, and I mean blend well.
5. Apply to your hair, cover with a plastic bag.
6. Leave on for a least 1 hr.
7. Then I rinse well.
BE SURE TO USE A VERY OLD TOWEL, AVOCADO MAY STAIN.
NEXT
I apply Olive Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Coconut Oil, JoJoba Oil, castor oil or any oil of your choice. Sometimes I mix these oils , or just use one.
1. Apply a couple of spoonfuls of these oils to your scalp. Message into scalp really good, spread oils onto hair . Put on a plastic cap and leave on for 30 mintues.
2. Wash or co wash with warm water, turning water to cold making sure to seal in that much needed moisture. I do this every week.
THEN
I apply my lovely leave in conditioner ( talked about that in my last post).
Finally
I apply mt whole leaf Aloe vera Gel. Making this like a spritz into a spray bottle, I add:
1. A bit of the Aloe Vera Gel
2. 10 drops of lavender Essential oils ( or oil of choice)
3. A tablespoon or two of Olive Oil.
4. Shake it well, Apply and Style .
BE SURE TO KEEP THIS GEL IN THE REFRIGERATOR
So, I would have to say this product is a keeper, it works really well for my hair. Especially, when my hair needs that xtra bit of moisture! Great product for hair.
ENJOY!!!
MORE TO COME....
As salaamu alaikum & Hello ladies, well as promised here I will post my results of Naked Naturals shampoo & conditioner, and organix " shea butter" conditioner. So lets begin :
Naked Naturals shampoo & conditioner "Shea butter & Avocado"
Horrible! , Two thumbs down seriously. This product used as directed, shampoo followed by conditioner , left my hair very dry & with almost a brittle feeling to touch. And the shrinkage was unbelievable, crazy shrinkage. Now, I normally do not use shampoo but looking to tweek my regimen. I fell upon these two products. These products have no Lauryl / Laureth Sulfates, claims to be organic, no animal by-products, etc. But, my hair was not at all impressed with this product what so ever. After shampooing my hair it did feel very clean, but when I applied the conditioner my hair really did not feel any different, not to mention the conditioner really isn't a moisturizing conditioner, annnnnd it doesn't have much slip. Moving on :
Organix " shea butter conditioner"
After hearing all the rave about this product , I decided to give it a go. Now, after co-washing with this product , I found the same results as with " Naked Naturals " . This, to left my hair dry, brittle and yes once again with serious shrinkage. So bad that I had to rewash my hair with my Suave Humectant conditioner and allow that to sit for awhile. This product claims to be filled with yogurt proteins and avocado oil to create frizz free shiny hair, LOL, LOL, LOL .... NOT!!! . That was not the case with my hair, not to mention it has cyclomethicone, Dimethicone and a few other big long words with cones in them that I dont feel like typing , but you get the picture. IT'S HORRIBLE !!!. And I really try to stay away from any products with cones.
Soooo, in short I was really displeased with all of the products mentioned here. Beware all of you 3b / 3c ladies of these products they cause serious dryness annnd shrinkage. Would I buy these 3 products again , Absolutely not ! This product gets two thumbs down.
If any of you ladies have used any of the above products, let us know what were your results and feelings on these products.
Thanks for stopping by & take care
STAY TUNED FOR MORE PRODUCT REVIEWS....
As salaamu alaikum & Hello Ladies,
As promised I will share my results on the Afro Veda "Totally Twisted" so here it is :
FIRST
I co washed my hair with both Sauve Tropical Coconut & VO5 Moisture Milks Passion fruit smoothie conditioners. Mixed together.
SECOND
I did a Baking Soda conditioner
Ingredients:
1 cup of your conditioner of your choice
1/2 cup of baking soda
mix well, Apply this to soaking wet hair & cover with a shower cap or plastic bag.
Leave in for 30 minutes. Rinse well with warm water, making sure that your final rinse is with cold water . To seal in moisture.
NEXT
I applied my homemade leave-in conditioner :
INGREDIENTS : ( This is one of my many ways to make this conditioner, will share others at a later date)
2 ounces of favorite conditioner ( I use suave)
1 1/2 ounce distilled water
1/8 cup or so of favorite carrier oil
3 tablespoons of rosewater
10 drops of lavender oil ( or oil of your choice)
LASTLY
I applied my Afro Veda " Totally Twisted" to my 3b/ 3c wet hair. Using the smoothing method. Being careful not to use to much , but making sure to use enough.
MY FINDINGS
Wearing my hair in a wash n go. I allowed my hair to totally dry, making completely sure not to touch it what so ever ( I struggle with that somtimes, lol ).
My hair was frizz free ( love that ) , super soft, smelled delightful, the shine was ok ( I would have wished for just a bit more, shine). However, my hair felt very moisturized. But, I really need just a little more hold for my curls. Annnd.... It took forever to dry ( I hate that ! lol )
Over all, I would say that this product was pretty good, with the exception of not enough shine for me, but as you ladies know there is always, always. Ways, to adjust or products to our liking add a little here . add a little there. That is one of the many, many joy's of being Natural.
I plan to give this product another try soon, maybe adding a little here and there. Using a tuck n go style. I will keep you ladies posted. A special thanks to the lovely " Chocolate Orchid " , because without her contest I may have never come across this product.
ENJOY!!!
MORE PRODUCT REVIEWS ON THE WAY, UP NEXT MY RESULTS ON MY ALOE VERA WHOLE LEAF GEL , PLUS SOME. STAY TUNED....
As salaamu alaikum & Hello ladies
I would like to send a shout out and a special thank you to the lovely " Chocolate Orchid " http://chocolateorchid.blogspot.com/ . Some time ago I won this product from her site, and didn't realize it until a few days ago, lol.
Let me say first that this product has a amazing smell, it smells delightful. And has amazing ingredients Which is always a plus.
Here I will post a little about this product , ingredients, usage, along with the link.
USAGE
It provides a soft gentle hold for styles like braids, twists, braid outs, etc. Also provides curl definition in naturally curly hair while moisturizing and providing softness.
How to Apply
Use this ultra creamy hair butter on wet or dry hair for mega moisture.
Ingredients ( in this order )
Aloe vera leaf juice, Rice milk, Water, Almond oil, Sunflower Oil, Ashwagandha powder, Ginger Herb, Extra virgin Olive Oil, Nettle, Herbal Oil Complex, Jjoba Oil, Neem Oil, Glyceryl Stearate and ceteary Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, love. Essential oil blend of Lemon, Lavender, Bitter Almnd and Ginger.
Link
http://www.afroveda.com/totally-twisted.html
So I cant wait to try this product on my 3b/3c hair. After doing so, I plan to do a review on this product plus more....
Stay tuned for product reviews on the following...
Afro veda, Totally Twisted Ginger Almond Butter
Organix Shea Butter Conditioner
Naked Naturals " Shea Butter & Avocado Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner
Aloe Vera Whole Leaf Gel
Coconut milk DC
Essential oil , conditioner mix / spritz
Stay tuned.......
Almond oil is produced from sweet almonds (Prunus amygdalus) and from bitter almonds (aprunus amygdalus amara). Sweet almond oil, used as a carrier oil for blending essential oils, is beneficial for the skin, hair and has overall health advantages. It can be used as an effective massage oil. Bitter almonds provide culinary advantages.
History
Almonds enjoy a rich history. From Greek mythology to Shakespeare and on into modern times, people have enjoyed the benefits of almonds and almond by-products. When modern day Turkey was Anatolia, people enjoyed almond oil for cooking, lighting, medicines and perfumes. Primarily, almonds have provided especially lubricating emollients for skin. Almonds were highly prized in Asia, Persia and the Mediterranean.
Types
Sweet and bitter almonds provide oils for a variety of uses, from cooking to skin care. Sweet almonds are the source of almond oil. Sweet almond oil is used as a carrier oil and as as base for skin lotions. Bitter almonds produce Amaretto and cooking oil. The various oils that are produced from bitter and sweet almonds offer a beneficial and sometimes delicious array of uses.
Benefits
Sweet almond oil is used as an effective massage oil, skin and facial complexion moisturizer and hair care. Good for all skin types, sweet almond oil eases itching, soreness and dryness. Almond oil does not penetrate as deeply as other oils, which makes it a beneficial aromatherapy massage oil with its pleasant, gentle fragrance. Almond oil eases inflammation, rashes and muscle pain.
Effects
Almond oil comes with a variety of recommended uses. For hair, moisten your fingertips with several drops of almond oil. Gently massage the scalp. A comforting regimen, treating the scalp and hair to sweet almond oil, benefits follicles, prevents hair loss, provides shine and strengthens hair. For skin, almond oil a wonderful treatment. It is compatible with all skin types. You can moisturize with almond oil to ease rashes and chapped lips and skin. It soothes inflamed skin, moisturizes and provides a healthy glow when used regularly. For internal health benefits, almond oil aids digestion, and many in the Indian culture claim that almond oil is an effective pain killer and an effective curative for high cholesterol.
Hair
Almond oil has numerous health and beauty benefits. When it comes to hair, almond oil is a wonderful, natural treatment for dry and damaged hair. It's a good source of vitamin E and essential minerals like magnesium. When applied to the hair, almond oil provides deep nourishment and moisture for dry locks, adds shine to dull hair, makes hair stronger and even controls hair loss. In fact, ancient Egyptians used almond oil in their hair to fortify strands and stimulate growth.
Recipe
Things You'll Need:
•Almond oil
•Vanilla extract or vanilla essential oil
•Small glass bottle
•Comb
•Shower cap
Instructions
1. Combine 1 tsp. of almond oil and 1/4 tsp. of vanilla extract (or vanilla essential oil) in a small glass bottle. Close the bottle and shake vigorously to blend the almond oil and vanilla extract. The vanilla extract will provide a nice fragrance to your hair. If you have very long or thick hair, double or triple the ingredients, as needed.
2. Wash your hair and towel dry. Or, spritz dry hair with some water to dampen it. Slightly wet or damp hair will be able to absorb the almond oil more effectively than dry hair.
3. Pour some of the almond oil mixture into the palm of your hand. Rub your palms together, then massage deeply into your scalp. Apply a few more drops to coat your hair from roots to tips. Run a comb through your hair to disperse the almond oil as evenly as possible.
4. Cover your hair with a shower cap, and allow the almond oil to become fully absorbed into every strand of hair. Leave the cap on for 15 to 30 minutes, then remove and rinse out the almond oil with warm water and shampoo or co-wash.
Repeat this natural deep-conditioning treatment at least once a week for hair that is soft, shiny, strong and healthy.
If any of you ladies have any recipes for uses of almond oil for our AuNaturale's please share them with us.
ENJOY!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar contains more than thirty nutrients, twelve minerals and six vitamins. It is comprised of essential acids, beneficial enzymes and pectin. Apple Cider Vinegar can be used as a natural, inexpensive, hair treatment. Its acidity is close to that of natural human hair, and therefore, it is safe to use as a healthy alternative to chemical products. It is a good cleanser, and conditioner, and is very effective at killing germs.
Many of the commercial hair care products we use today are strongly alkaline. They dull hair and create a soap-based buildup. Rinsing with Apple Cider Vinegar balances your hair's PH and removes product build up. This results in shinier, healthier hair. To improve the health of your hair, and to boost shine, use an easy to prepare Apple Cider Vinegar rinse.
1. Add at least two tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar to approximately a quart of warm water.
2. Mix the ingredients and massage into your hair and scalp.
3. The rinse may either be left to dry or washed out with warm water.
4. For best results, use this rinse at least one or two times a week.
The acidity of an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse, along with the benefits of enzymes, works against dandruff and an itchy scalp. The acids, and enzymes, in the Apple Cider Vinegar will kill the bacteria which cause dandruff and scalp conditions.
1. Pour the rinse over your hair and work it into your scalp. You may also use the vinegar full strength for a stronger rinse.
2. Wrap your head in a towel and relax for fifteen minutes.
3. Then shampoo or co- wash as usual.
Apple Cider Vinegar rinse infused with herbs can also be used to enhance the color, and condition, of your hair.
1. Add approximately two tablespoons of herbs to one pint of boiling water.
2. Cool and strain.
3. Add one pint of Apple Cider Vinegar to the liquid.
4. You can also gain similar benefits by adding five drops of essential oils to one cup of Apple Cider Vinegar. For the rinse add one tablespoon of the essential oil mixture to one cup of warm water.
Different herbs are best used with different color hair. For example:
1. Parsley, Rosemary - Dark hair
2. Sage - Graying hair
3. Chamomile, Flannel Mullein, Marigold - Light hair
4. Henna - Red hair
Some additional herbs which can be used in an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse are:
1. Lavender, Thyme, Witch Hazel, Yarrow - Oily hair
2. Marigold - Dry hair
3. Horsetail - Brittle hair
4. Calendula - General conditioning
5. Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Rose - Adds fragrance
6. Linden - Good conditioner for frequently shampooed or co- washed hair.
7. Nettles, Southernwood, Goosegrass, Plantain, Burdock Root, TeaTree Oil - Control dandruff
Enjoy the benefits of a natural Apple Cider Vinegar hair rinse. You will find yourself with shinier, healthier hair without the use of chemicals and with a lower cost!
ENJOY!!!
Rosemary oil is one of the most popular essential oils. It has become important to us due to its various health benefits including its ability to stimulate hair growth, boost mental activity, relieve respiratory problems and reduce pain.
Rosemary, also known as Rosmarinus Officinalis, is very popular in the Mediterranean region as a culinary herb. Many dishes are cooked with rosemary oil and freshly plucked rosemary leaves. Rosemary essential oil is mostly extracted from the leaves.The rosemary bush belongs to the mint family which includes basil, lavender, myrtle, and sage.
Rosemary has been extensively used since ancient times for a variety of purposes. The Romans gave special importance to rosemary plant and used it in religious ceremonies. Its use extended to wedding ceremonies, food, cosmetics, and herbal care. Rosemary plant and its extract were also used in the ancient Egyptian civilization as incense.
The health benefits of rosemary essential oil made it a favorite of Paracelsus, a renowned physician, who made significant contribution to herbal medicine during the sixteenth century. Paracelsus valued rosemary oil due to its ability to strengthen the entire body. He (rightly) believed that rosemary oil had the ability to heal delicate organs such as liver, brain as well as heart.
Today, many medicinal preparations contain rosemary oil. The various health benefits of rosemary oil are given below:
Hair Care: Rosemary oil and rosemary teas are used extensively for hair care in shampoos and lotions. Regular use of rosemary oil helps in stimulating follicles, as a result of which, hair grow longer and stronger. It is also believed that rosemary oil slows down premature hair loss and graying of hair. Hence it is an excellent tonic for bald people. Rosemary essential oil is also beneficial for dry and flaky scalps. Regular massage of scalp with rosemary oil nourishes the scalp and removes dandruff. Further, it is often mixed with tea tree oil and basil oil to treat scalp problems.
Mouth Care: Rosemary essential oil is a disinfectant and is used as a mouth wash. It also helps in removing bad breath.
Skin Care: Rosemary essential oil is not used in skin care as extensively as it is used in hair care. Regular massage with the oil helps in toning your skin and removing dryness. It is also considered as a beauty aid for the face.
Boost Mental Activity: Rosemary essential oil is an excellent brain and nerve tonic. It is often used by students during exam times as it increases concentration and helps in studying efficiently. It stimulates mental activity and is a good remedy for depression, mental fatigue and forgetfulness. Inhaling rosemary oil lifts your spirits immediately. Whenever your brain is tired, inhale rosemary oil to remove boredom and get fresh mental energy.
Pain Relief: The ability of rosemary essential oil to relieve pain has resulted in its extensive usage in headaches, muscle pains, sore muscles, rheumatism and even arthritis. Massaging the part which is in pain with rosemary essential oil give relief from the pain. Vapor baths with rosemary oil is found to be effective for rheumatism.
Aroma: Rosemary has a mesmerizing aroma and hence rosemary essential oil is an excellent inhalant. The oil is used in room fresheners, cosmetics, beauty aids, food, bath oil, candles and perfumes due to its aroma. The oil, when inhaled brings mental energy and also clears the respiratory tract. Many people spray mixture of rosemary essential oil and water to remove bad odor from room.
Respiratory Problems: The benefits of rosemary essential oil in treating respiratory problems are unmatched. The scent of the oil gives relief from throat congestion. The oil is used in treating respiratory allergies, cold, sore throat and flu. Since rosemary oil is antiseptic it is effective for respiratory infections as well. The oil is antispasmodic and is used in bronchial asthma.
Indigestion: Rosemary oil is often used for indigestion, flautulence and stomach cramps. Rosemary leaves are often added to meat dishes as it helps in digesting meat, especially lamb, beef.
Other claimed health benefits of rosemary oil include its usage for disorders in menstrual cycle, menstrual cramps, peptic ulcer, urine flow, prostrate, gall bladder, intestine, liver, cataract, heart, sperm mobility, leukemia, kidney stones and associated pain. Research is also being carried out to study its potential in treating various types of caners including colon cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer.
Rosemary oil may, at times, have allergic reactions and hence it should be used only with prescription. Since rosemary oil is volatile in nature, the oil may cause vomiting and spasms. Hence it should not be consumed orally. It is suggested that rosemary essential oil should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding or nursing women. Excessive dosage of the oil may lead to miscarriage or may affect the fetus.
Rosemary essential oil is used extensively in aromatherapy as it can be used in many preparations. The oil blends well with frankincense, lavender, clary sage, cedarwood, basil, thyme, citronella, lemongrass, elemi, geranium, chamomile, peppermint and cardamom.
As salaamu alaikum & Hello ladies,
I came across this article and thought it was fabulous. And I just had to share it with you ladies. Here it is :
The beautiful world of natural hair is filled with diverse and unique women, all possessing manes of varied textures and hues. But there is one thing we all share--our quest toward Coil Perfection. Alright, before you screw your face into contortions, let me explain what Coil Perfection is.
Coil Perfection is inner tranquility manifested in one of our most prevalent features, the hair. Simply put, Coil Perfection is the swagger it takes for a woman to rock her natural hair for any occasion and not think twice concerning the perceptions of others. She owns it and all it entails. Her confidence is fueled by her self-acceptance as well as the knowledge needed to maintain healthy coils with beautifully expressive styles. She has mastered her tresses. Now, that’s Coil Perfection. If you’re not quite there yet, you may be wondering how you can achieve Coil Perfection. Well, in order to achieve such a high level of confidence requires a brave and focused dose of trial and error.
As with anything in life, you have to be patient and learn from your experiences. Your hair is no different, so allow trial and error to teach you the ins and outs of your hair. Experiment with different styles and products to see what works for your coils. Be careful as you dive into experimenting with products. For some women, it’s the gateway to a fun hobby known as Product Junkism, and for others it is just a confusing kaleidoscope of product choices. Regardless of your affinity for products, the key is to do your research and be aware of the active ingredients you’re putting into your hair. Experimenting with styles and trying new products (with limits of course) is all a part of the journey.
As you experiment, it is imperative you recognize your texture and treat it accordingly. Keep in mind your mane is a unique entity with its own preferences and unique persona. It will not tolerate being a copycat. As fly as the girl’s hair is at the trendy boutique, you cannot expect your hair to look exactly the same, but you can expect your hair to be as fly if not more with a better approach and attitude about it. Do not get caught up in the hype of others, get caught up in the hype of you, because the goal is beautifully styled healthy hair, and a confident and positive mind underneath it.
As you journey toward Coil Perfection, the beauty of your hair is in your hands. Be creative and think of your healthy hair as a canvas to display your inward beauty. The end result will be a woman of self-assurance whose hair is one the most stylish around.
By:
Tanasha Phillips
Ladies, where are you in your quest toward Coil Perfection and what valuable things have you learned so far that you can share with others?
Let’s get exotic! Bring home the tropics to your hair routine and add this fantastic essential oil to your regimen. Ylang ylang (pronounced ee-lang ee-lang or ee-lung ee-lung), also known as the cananga tree, flourishes in the islands of the South Pacific (i.e. Guam, the Philippines, and Fiji). The tree is also found on the coasts of Africa, as well as in Hawaii. The tree’s highly fragrant flowers blossom in colors that match the sweet smell; beautiful pinks, yellows and mauves. What a wonderful way to bring some sunshine to a snowy, cold season!
The essential oil from the flower is harvested through a steam distillation method and separated into different grades, the most popular being extra, 1, 2, or 3. Perfumers mainly use the extra grade, as it is the most floral scented oil because it is obtained only after an hour of distillation. Grades 1, 2, and 3 are obtained further into the distillation process, with grade 3 being the most fragrant and extracted after a day of distillation. There are also more complex grades including super extra, complete, CO2, and absolute. Ylang ylang oil really enhances and complements rosewood, sandalwood, and citrus oils.
Like all essential oils, ylang ylang has numerous benefits for mind, body, and soul, as well as hair. Some people experience slowed hair growth in the colder months, so keep your hair growing with the use of ylang ylang. Switch up your massaging oil concoction by adding a few drops of ylang ylang. Like all essential oils, you must dilute ylang ylang with a carrier oil (like olive oil). A few drops of any essential oil is plenty, and all that you need! The winter season also can throw your hair’s natural moisture content out of sync. Ylang ylang is a great balancing agent for both oily and dry hair. Since no one likes “snow” in their hair, in addition to peppermint oil, ylang ylang is another great oil for beauties seeking dandruff relief. A peppermint/ylang ylang mixture is a great defense in the battle against dandruff!
Try ylang ylang as a pre-wash oil treatment. For a dandruff treatment, try mixing ylang ylang, tea tree, and patchouli oil to your carrier oil of choice. If you are suffering from dry hair, try ylang ylang, lavender and rosemary oils. If you need a daily reminder of the tropics, when wearing your hair straight, add a few drops of ylang ylang oil to a brush before styling the hair. Not only will your hair smell fantastic, it will benefit from its conditioning properties. When wearing your hair curly, try adding to your favorite spritz or moisturizing cream for the same benefits.
So, if you are in need of relief from the cold and want to be swept away to a warmer place (in your mind), hurry and pick up some ylang ylang oil! This exotic oil may not be in your local health store in its pure form, so you may have to order it on the Internet. It is worth the search!
By: Elisa Dobbins
Moisturizer, Hair Conditioner, Make-up Remover, Lip Balm and More
Jojoba oil, found in health food stores and in the naturals sections of grocery stores, is a multi-use miracle product everyone should have in her bathroom.
Refined jojoba (pronounced "ho-HO-bah"), a colorless and odorless oil, is an ideal beauty product. Why? It's inexpensive, easy to find, and can be used (literally) from head to toe.
You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on products that promise to , smooth frizzy strands, and remove stubborn makeup. Those products often have a long, frightening list of ingredients and chemicals. Jojoba oil is simple, natural, and has multiple uses and benefits.
It's an eye makeup remover. Soak a cotton pad or ball, and swipe over your eyeshadow, liner, and mascara. Not only will your eye makeup be gently and completely removed, you'll find your lashes lush and conditioned, too.
It's a cleansing oil. Another soaked cotton ball will easily dissolve your blush, foundation, and lipstick. To remove oil completely, use a damp tissue or washcloth.
It's a facial moisturizer. Because jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, our skin accepts it very well without threat of breakouts or reactions. If you're oily or combination skinned and afraid of putting any oil on your face, rest easy. Jojoba oil actually helps to balance skin's sebum, so it moisturizes dry skins and eases the oil production in oily skin. Apply jojoba oil by mixing two drops of it in your moisturizer, or use it sparingly on its own.
It's a lip conditioner. If you suffer from dry, chapped lips, a small amount of this can be used as an alternative to chapstick or more expensive lip balms.
It's a cuticle oil. Say goodbye to dry, ragged cuticles. A small amount of jojoba oil, rubbed into the cuticles on a regular basis, helps keep them soft.
It's a hair conditioner and serum. Mix a few drops into your conditioner and rinse out. You can also put a couple of drops on your palm and apply to the ends of damp hair before blowdrying - a great trick for soft strands. Or if your hair is looking dull, or frizzy, a little jojoba oil on the ends will smooth out the cuticle, making it look shiny and healthy. It's been said that the Incas used to massage jojoba oil frequently into their scalps, promoting thick and lustrous hair.
It's a body oil. You can certainly use jojoba as a massage oil, but it's best to use in conjuction with an oil that has more slip. Use it all over your body after a bath or shower - it sinks in quickly, but leaves your skin so hydrated. Another trick? Rub a bit of it on your legs before you apply shaving cream - you'll end up with gorgeous gams.
So, for you AuNaturale's who use Jojoba oil tell us .... How do you use your jojoba oil ?
ENJOY!!!
