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Often when looking for a “natural” hair conditioner or hair growth aid, we turn to the herbal kingdom. As we go through our herbal options a plant that quickly comes to our attention is horsetail. This article explores the beneficial qualities of horsetail as a health and beauty aid.
Horsetail Background
Horsetail is a member of the Equisetaceae family. The type used in cosmetics and shampoos most often is Equisetum arvense L. Horsetail has many colorful folk names including scouring rush, corncob plant, horsetail grass, shavegrass, pewterwort and bottle brush. The Latin root equus, meaning horse, and seta, which means bristle, come together to form part of its botanical Latin name. Its common name “horsetail” refers to the herb’s thin, branchlike leaves which in some ways are similar to the hair of a horse’s tail. It is called scouring rush because the durable plant can be used as a natural scouring aid for pots, pans and pewter, as well as in refining some forms of art as a natural sandpaper.
Horsetail descends from the huge, tree-like plants of the Paleozoic era some 400 million years ago. Closely related to ferns, horsetail is a non-flowering weed found throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It is perennial plant, with hollow stems and shoots reminiscent of asparagus.
To prepare horsetail for use, the young shoots are harvested in the early spring and dried; it is also tinctured or even eaten, prepared like asparagus. As horsetail dries, silica crystals form in the stems and branches, lending the herb its scouring ability. Later in the year, horsetail levels rise significantly and then it can be an irritant to the kidneys.
Horsetail has a venerable history in Herbalism traced back to ancient Rome and Greece where it was used to stop bleeding, heal ulcers, hemorrhoids, wounds and to treat tuberculosis, anemia, as well as kidney ailments. As a traditional European folk remedy, horsetail has been used as a diuretic to reduce swelling and fluid retention. Horsetail is approved by the German Commission E as a diuretic. Horsetail is used to treat bladder infections and incontinence as well as bed wetting. This is because internal use of the herb reduces the urge to urinate. Horsetail is used to treat osteoporosis, kidney stones, urinary tract inflammation and as a topical wound healer. Horsetail has been recommended by some herbalists as a treatment for tumors and certain cancers.
Horsetail: the Health and Beauty Aid
Key to our concerns here with naturally curly hair and skincare treatments is the silica and minerals contained in horsetail. Horsetail stems are imbued with ample silica and silicic acids; in fact, it contains the most silica known in the plant kingdom. Silica forms collagen, a protein found in the skin, bones, cartilage, ligaments and connective tissues. Silica also helps bind protein molecules to many tissues in the body. The silica content helps strengthen weak, brittle, damaged hair, giving it vitality and shine with regular use.
There is a high mineral level as well including potassium, selenium and manganese. The saponins and flavonoids it contains help the skin regenerate, improving elasticity of skin and hair, promoting hair growth. Since bone, hair and fingernails require high mineral levels, horsetail is taken as a tea, tincture or applied topically as shampoo, conditioner, soak or healing balm. As a healing balm, it is used in many treatments for pattern balding.
Those with very dry hair should take note: Horsetail has a powerful antiseptic property which means excessive use could further dry out your hair. On the other hand, the astringent herb helps eliminate excessive oiliness for those with oily scalps, and also aids in removing styling product build up. Used in shampoo and conditioner horsetail is a useful remedy for dandruff, eczema, psoriasis and other troubling skin ailments. Because it promotes circulation, horsetail assists in nourishing and strengthening hair follicles.
Using Horsetail
Many shampoos, conditioners and hair growth aids contain horsetail extract. To create your own hair rinse:
2-4 teaspoons dried horsetail
Cup of boiled water
Add the horsetail to a cup of boiled water (still hot but not boiling). Let steep 15-20 minutes; strain; cool. Rinse through hair and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and style as usual. You can also strain and drink this tea warm 2-3 times per day with honey. Taking the tea internally is believed to help the hair, skin and nails the same way as applying topically.
Contraindications
The German Commission E monograph suggests using only 6 grams of the herb per day for internal use. Excessive topical use can cause dermatitis. A 2 teaspoon tincture can be used (10 ml), 3 times per day. Horsetail is generally considered safe provided the Equisetum arvense species is used. Equisetum palustre, for example, contains toxic alkaloids that are well-known livestock poisons. Horsetail is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. Certain drugs may interact with horsetail as well. The crude form of the herb may destroy the B vitamin thiamine unless it is refined in a way to prevent this from happening.
ENJOY!!!
Products often come in pretty bottles that would make lovely decorative pieces were it not for the labels. Plastic containers or jars are often just the right size for some other use in your home. Perhaps you'd like to reuse the containers, but want to remove the labels.
I like to reuse some of my jars to infuse my oils with herbs. But, would have a hard time removing the labels and or glue. Below are a few tips in doing so with ease.
Things You'll Need for removing labels:
Nothing but hot water.
1. This works fast, so line up as many containers as you want. The containers should be dry and at room temperature. Run the faucet until the water is Hot. Carefully fill the containers above the level of the labels. Do not let any water drip onto the labels. That will allow the paper to separate from the glue. You do not want that to happen.
2. Let the container stand for three minutes. Find something else to do, boil an egg, but don't cheat! Patience is a virtue, they say. If you get pulled away from this task for a long time, just empty and refill the bottles with hot water.
Starting at one corner, begin gently lifting the label. Voila! It should come off in one piece, glue and all. The trick is in heating and softening the glue from the inside and keeping the paper intact by not letting it get wet. Your containers/jars are now ready to reuse.
How to Remove Glue From Glass Jars:
Things You'll Need:
Peanut butter or Cooking oil
Spread a little cooking oil or peanut butter onto the glue area using a paper towel. The oil will release the glue. Let it sit an hour or more, soak the glass in hot, soapy water (dishwashing detergent is fine) and rub or peel off the glue. Using steel wool ( optional) Repeat procedure if necessary.
My thoughts:
I've tried both of these little numbers and they worked great ! and the best part in some cases its a money saver.
ENJOY!!!
Hey there fabulous fellow naturals,
There is a new natural hair product line out there! for those of you who may not know...or who haven't heard of this line. A fellow fabulous YouTube natural coils kinks curls did a great review on this line " Ori Organics"...I love her reviews because they are honest and detailed. It is said that this line is really, really great. I went to their site and the prices really aren't that bad....plus, they are having a 25% off sale as we speak....annnd the very best part (for me anyway) is that the have samples! ( I'd much rather try out the samples first as a trial , then go from there) I plan to try this company out in the very near future, Check out coils kinks curls review here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcWNmgTJF2Y&playnext=1&videos=2UqUtxsT_dY
Based off of her review and paying the site a visit. The Ori Organics line has pretty good ingredients in there products...and their products are thick and creamy ...not, thin and watered down ( two thumbs up for that , alone). Here is the link to their site http://www.oriorganics.com/
So, skip on over and check out their site and or products.
ENJOY!!!!
Everyone has heard of a split end. Split ends are defined as hair strands that have broken into two or more parts or pieces, on the very end of the hair. If this is the case, then why I am saying that split ends are a myth? The myth is that splits only occur on the ends of the hair. Splits can and do occur at any point on the hair strand, at any point from the root to tip or end of the hair. Hair is most commonly split on the ends. Or at least that is where most people notice them.
The ends of the hair are the oldest part of your hair, especially if you have or are growing longer hair. We often hear, and I say it myself, that we need to protect and preserve the ends of the hair. What about the rest of the hair strand? Here are some tips to do just that:
· Avoid bobby pins that have lost the soft head on the points. These exposed, sharp metal parts can tear the hair strand and weaken it. Weakened hair is more likely to split.
Try to use cotton or nylon to pull back your hair instead of rubber bands. Even coated rubber bands placed too tightly on the hair can flick off the cuticle layer of your hair strands.
Condition your hair. By using a moisturizing conditioner, you help to keep the hair strand moist and pliable. Hair that is moist is less apt to break and split. For most people with Afro textured hair, conditioner is placed on the whole head, not just on the ends of the hair. Thus, this will help to keep the entire strand protected.
If your hair is natural, your hair will very likely tend to dryness and thirstily drink up moisture. Water based moisturizing products, placed on the hair for maintenance between washes will also help to keep hair full of moisture. Thus the hair will be less prone to breakage and splits.
Most of us are aware that the ends of our hair are very fragile and that they can split if they are not handled properly. What many people don't know is that splits can occur at any point on the hair strand. Please be mindful of this so that you can preserve your hair strands and the natural structure of the hair, for as long as possible.
By Chicoro
ENJOY!!!
Many different types of hair oil products, each with individual functions, are available and widely used throughout the world. For example, jojoba oil is used to moisturize and soften the hair, while damaged hair can be healed and strengthened with coconut oil. For most users, these products perform the intended task without harmful or uncomfortable side effects, while others suffer from irritation, redness and/or itchiness caused by the use of these products.
Allergy
If the use of hair oil is causing discomfort, it may be due to an allergic reaction to ingredients used in the product. The third most common source of allergic reactions to cosmetic products is the active agents in hair products such as paraphenylenediamine, glyceryl thioglycolate and ammonium thioglycolate. A reaction is typically considered allergic if a red rash confined to the area touched by the product does not appear immediately, but one to two days after the exposure to the irritant.
Contact Dermatitis
Direct contact with certain shampoos and hair oils may cause contact dermatitis. The affected area will become red, itchy and uncomfortable. This irritation is neither contagious nor life-threatening. If the use of the product causing irritation is discontinued, the rash will normally resolve itself in two to four weeks. To reduce inflammation and lessen the itch, apply anti-itch creams or a wet compress to the irritated area. It is best to see a doctor if the rash continues beyond two to four weeks.
Other Causes
The use of hair oil may be aggravating an existing condition of the scalp. Dry scalp skin, caused by frequent hair washing with hot water and aggressive shampoos or holding the hair dryer to close to the skin, is vulnerable to irritation and infection because it lacks the normal protective oil layer. Hair that is not washed at least once a week causes a build up of skin cells, which creates itchiness and dandruff. Symptoms of dandruff include redness and itching of the scalp as well as flaking of scalp skin.
Treatment
If the type of hair oil being used causes irritation to the scalp, simply discontinue use to prevent future irritation. To treat current irritation, there are a number of options to choose from, including using a pH-balanced shampoo, taking antihistamines or massaging olive oil into the scalp 10 minutes before shampooing. If the itching does not cease within a week, it is time to make an appointment with a dermatologist.
Tips
To ensure an itch free scalp, regularly wash hair at the very least once a week and discontinue use of any product that causes irritation. Check ingredients and try other brands of the desired product until one is found that does not cause discomfort.
ENJOY!!!
* THIS IS NOT A CIGARETTE IN MS BADU'S MOUTH....I DO NOT IN ANY WAY SUPPORT CIGARETTE SMOKING. ( I'M JUST SAYING), IT APPEARS TO BE AN INCENSE.
Hey my fabulous fellow naturals,
I can across a super helpful chart for all of you ladies who are herb and essential oil fans...such as myself. With a simple breakdown of herbs and essential oils for hair and skin types. It may also help those who may be considering implementing these delightful herbs into their hair care regimen.
Dry Hair:
Herbs: parsley, red clover, rosemary, sage, burdock, calendula, chamomile, comfrey leaf and root, elder flowers, horsetail, kelp, bladderwrack, irish moss, lavender, marshmallow, nettle, coltsfoot, white pine, green tea, ginsing, coconut milk ,cocoa powder, chlorella, annatto, rose, and orange powder.
EO’s: carrot seed, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, cypress, geranium, frankincense, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, myrrh, palmarosa, peppermint, rose, rosemary, rosewood, clary sage, sandalwood, thyme,.
Hair loss/Growth Stimulating:
Oils: seabuckthorn
Herbs: basil, burdock, nettle, parsley, rosemary, sage, yarrow, kelp (strengthens roots), horsetail, hibiscus, fenugreek, coconut milk, lavender, birch, watercress (encourages thick growth), yucca, thyme, and coltsfoot.
EO’s: basil, cajute, carrot seed, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, juniper, lavender, orange, peppermint, rosemary, clary sage, thyme, ylang ylang, lemon, yarrow, lemon balm, parsley.
Damaged Hair:
Herbs: basil, burdock, chamomile, calendula, elder flower, geranium, lavender, mullein, nettle, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood, watercress, st johns wort, rosehips (strengthens hair shaft), hops, horsetail, ginko/fumitory (absorb nutrients), fenugreek, comfrey, cocoa powder, beer, alphalfa.
EO’s: basil, roman chamomile, lavender, geranium, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood, st john’s wort, hops, parsley.
Dull Hair:
Herbs: basil, burdock, calendula, chamomile, fennel, horsetail, linden, marshmallow, mullein, nettle, parsley, rosemary, sage, watercress, kelp, fenugreek, cocoa powder, beer, alfalfa, hops.
EO’s: basil, roman chamomile, juniper, lemon, lemongrass, rosemary, parsley, clary sage.
Irritated Scalp:
Herbs: calendula, catnip, chamomile, comfrey, yucca, watercress, oregano, marshmallow, hops, hyssop, ginko, fenugreek, elder, cocoa powder, alfalfa .
EO’s: roman chamomile, blue chamomile, oregano, hops, hyssop, fennel, catnip, hyssop,
Sensitive Scalp:
Herbs: burdock, calendula, chamomile, horsetail, marshmallow, nettle, oregano, yucca, milk thistle, hyssop, fennel, elder, lavender .
EO’s: chamomile, cedarwood, clary sage, ylang ylang, hyssop, lavender, oregano.
Normal Hair:
Herbs: chamomile, lavender, rosemary, sage, horsetail, coltsfoot, nettle, lemon peel, green tea, ginsing, burdock, linden, burdock, Orange peel, peppermint, red clover, kelp, bladderwrack.
EO’s: bergamont, clary sage, roman chamomile, geranium, lavender, orange, lemon, rose, rosemary, thyme, ylang ylang, lemon, patchouli.
Oily Hair:
Herbs: burdock, calendula, chamomile, kelp, lavender, lemon balm, lemongrass, linden flower, nettle, peppermint, red raspberry leaves, red clover, rosemary, sage, thyme, yarrow, lemon peel, green tea, yarrow
EO’s: basil, bergamot, cedarwood, roman chamomile, clary sage, cypress, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, patchouli, peppermint, rosemary, tea tree, ylang ylang, Melissa (lemon balm).
Dandruff:
Oils: Neem
Herbs: burdock, horsetail, lavender, nettle, peppermint, rosemary, sage, thyme, willowbark, yucca, parsley, green tea, fenugreek, coltsfoot.
EO’s: bay, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, juniper, lavender, lemon, myrrh, patchouli, peppermint, pine, rosemary, tea tree, ylang ylang.
Allspice-scalp tonic
Alfalfa—protein and great for soaps
Plantain—contains allatoin and is similar to comfrey!
Herbs and Oils for Skin
Sensitive Skin:
Oils: almond, apricot, coconut, olive, sunflower, hemp, coconut.
Herbs: comfrey, marshmallow, green tea, red clover, oats, misltoe(combined with fennel, hops, chamomile, yarrow), milk thistle, meadowsweet, linden, elder, cucumber, banana, calendula, Echinacea, st john’s wort, watercress, burdock, sage, horsetail, orange powder.
EO’s: jasmine, rose, roman chamomile, blue chamomile, orange, cedar, rosewood, clary sage, myrrh, palmarosa, cypress, patchouli, geranium.
Aged Skin:
Oils: seabuckthorn, rosehip, carrot root, Shea butter, vitamin E, cocoa butter, olive oil, avocado, coconut.
Herbs: roses, rosehips, nettle, milk thistle, hibiscus, green tea, fumitory/ginko (brightens), fennel, avocado, cucumber, pineapple, elder, ginsing, honeysuckle, kelp, marshmallow, meadowsweet, Echinacea, cocoa powder.
EO’s: elemi, opopomax, cistus, fennel, carrot seed, lavender, lemon (fades age spots), patchouli, rose, frankincense, cypress, geranium, myrrh, peppermint, vertiver, myrtle.
Normal Skin:
Oils: Olive, safflower, jojoba, coconut
Herbs: chamomile, dandelion, parsley, lemon peel, jasmine flowers, green tea, ginsing, alfalfa, banana, violet.
EO’s: bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, lavender, nutmeg, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, vertivert.
Dry Skin:
Oils: almond, avocado, sesame, walnut, pumpkin seed, olive, peanut oil, Shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut.
Herbs: calendula, chamomile, comfrey, elder flowers, linden flowers, marshmallow, fennel, rose, lavender, watercress, rosehips, pumpkin pulp, orange powder, oats, milk thistle,hops, green tea, ginsing, coconut milk, cocoa powder, chlorella, blue marrow, annatto, tomato, violet, avocado, banana, carrots, dandelion, parsley, plantain, peppermint, rosemary.
EO’s: amyris, bergamot, cardamom, carrot seed, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, fennel, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender, myrrh, palmarosa, patchouli, peppermint, rose, rosemary, rosewood, sage, sandalwood, vertivert, ylang ylang, parsley.
Oily Skin:
Oils: almond, apricot, grapeseed, jojoba, safflower, coconut.
Herbs: horsetail, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, sage, yarrow, rose, elder flowers, lemon powder, green tea, burdock, cucumber, oats, green papaya, parsley, violet, yarrow, nettle, strawberries, thyme.
EO’s: basil, bergamot, cedarwood, coriander, cypress, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, juniper, lavender, lemon, Melissa (lemon balm), myrtle, niahouli, orange, clary sage, sandalwood, tea tree, vertivert, peppermint, petigrain, grapefruit, patchouli, rosemary, ylang ylang, parsley, rosewood, thyme, yarrow,.
Itching Skin:
Oils: neem
Herbs: calendula, chamomile, Echinacea, goldenseal, green tea, St. John’s wort, chickweed, plantain, oregano, nettle, elder, cocoa powder (irritated skin), basil, linden, oats, yarrow.
EO’s: basil, benzoin, jasmine, roman chamomile, hops, lavender, peppermint, peru balsam, sandalwood, cedarwood, tea tree, st john’s wort, oregano, oats, yarrow.
Eczema/Psoriasis:
Oils: pumpkin seed oil, seabuckthorn, neem, Shea butter.
Herbs: burdock, calendula, chamomile, chickweed, comfrey, Echinacea, goldenseal, plantain, st john’s wort, green tea, white pine, birch, red clover, pippesewea, pumpkin pulp, oats, marshmallow, hyssop, horsetail, blue mallow, beer, walnut, sage, avocado, carrots, dandelion, pumpkin, turmeric, nutmeg, thyme, watercress
EO’s: roman chamomile, bergamot, geranium, helicrysum, jasmine, lavender, lemon, Melissa, opopomax, rose, sandalwood, hyssop, myrrh, nutmeg, parsley, patchouli, pine, tea tree, st john’s wort, thyme.
Cuts/Wounds/Inflammation:
Oils: seabuckthorn oil, pumpkin seed oil, hemp, neem, olive, coconut.
Herbs: Echinacea, st. john’s wort, chickweed, plantain, yucca, willow, pumpkin pulp, parsley, nettle (inflammation), lemon balm, jasmine flowers (antiseptic), hops, horsetail, ginko, elder, comfrey, blue mallow, beer, annatto, yarrow, green tea, birch, dandelion, goldenseal, red clover, safflowers, lemongrass.
EO’s: lavender, elemi, myrrh, roman chamomile, st john’s wort, opopomax, amyris, helicrysum, hyssop, manuka (athlete’s foot) patchouli, myrtle(open wounds), pine, fir needle, niahouli, bay, yarrow, bay, marshmallow, juniper, hops, tea tree, lemongrass, yarrow, parsley, Melissa.
Bruises:
Oils: olive oil, Shea butter.
Herbs: lemon balm, blue mallow, birch, pumpkin, safflowers.
EO’s: hyssop, helicrysum, Melissa.
Muscle Aches
Herbs: ginger, mullein, catnip, ginger, thyme
EO’s: majoram, catnip, ginger, pine, thyme, vertivert.
Acne:
Oils: seabuckthorn, jojoba, grapeseed, coconut.
Herbs: turmeric, pippesewea, dandelion, beer, basil, lavender, red clover, sage, tomato, green tea, Echinacea, burdock, carrots, cucumber, elder, goldenseal, strawberries, linden, oats, parsley, pumpkin, lemon peel, watercress.
EO’s: basil, bergamot, cajute, cedarwood, clary sage, hyssop, lavender, tea tree, lemon, grapefruit, pine, rose, vertivert, lemongrass, myrrh, palmarosa, parsley, patchouli, lemon, geranium, juniper,.
Parasites:
Ringworm—burdock, ryrrh, nutmed, plantain, tea tree, walnut, basil, neem.
Lemongrasss—fleas, flies
Tea tree—scabies, ticks, fleas, lice.
Thyme-skin parasites, lice
Hyssop-lice
Pine-lice
Marjoram-ticks
Mosquito's-lavender, geranium, eucalyptus, lemongrass, cedarwood, tea tree, bay,
Neem—lice, scabies
Warming:
Ginger, rosemary, bay, juniper, black pepper, cinnamon leaf, blue chamomile
Cooling:
Peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus, cajute, hyssop
Circulation/varicose veins:
Herbs: nettle
Eo’s: Helicrysum, myrrh, cypress, geranium, lemon, rosemary, lemongrass, lime, bergamont, ginger, lovage, nutmeg, ylang ylang, spruce, coriander, benzoin, bay, cajute, clary sage, st john’s wort, yarrow, catnip.
My thoughts:
I found this chart to very helpful...and the very best part is ...I have lots of these herbs in my herbal cabinet !!!! yay!!!
ENJOY!!!
Hey fabulous fellow naturals,
I have been really considering adding some color to my hair lately. I'm thinking like in a dark-soft brown family. I haven't made up my mind if I want an all over color or just here and there if done that way mainly on top and in the front. I have been looking at this product for quite a while now http://www.light-mountain-hair-color.com/ it states that it is henna..which if I ever color my hair henna would be the only thing I would use. Never, ever will I use chemicals in my hair ...ever again , color or nothing else ( god willing) If I color it would definitely be done naturally.
They have some really nice colors , especially along the line of the browns I want.
Since, I'm not that experienced with henna. My question is have any.....any of you ladies tried this product or do you know of anyone who may have in fact use this product. If so, please share your results and thoughts. Also, if any of you ladies have a site or brand of recommended henna that you have had great results with...do share. I am , also considering butters-n-bars for their henna they have one there that also sounds like winner !http://www.butters-n-bars.com/index.html
ENJOY!!!
