Herbal remedies for Hair Issues

My sister-in-law has well water that is high in iron, so they have a water softener to cut the iron content.  The result is her hair is brittle and frizzy from the drying effects of hard treated water.  I suffered with this for years, so I quickly agreed to work on something herbal to help her hair.  There are a few herbal treatments that can soothe your scalp and enrich your hair thus reducing the effects of hard or treated water, like hers.  These are the recipes I put together for her.

Luxurious Hair Rinse

Relieve scalp itch and revitalize brittle hair with this blend of moisturizing oils and herbs.  A hint of lavender scent makes a perfect finish.

1 Tbls. cut or powdered comfrey root

1 Tbls. violet leaf

1 Tbls. cut or powdered marsh mallow root

1 Tbls. plantain leaf

2 cups water distilled or filtered water

¼ tsp. jojoba oil

2 drops lavender essential oil

Place dried herbs in a non-reactive container.  Boil 2 cups water and pour over herbs.  Steep, covered for 6 to 8 hours.  Strain the infusion through a fine strainer or cheese cloth.  Discard solids.  Gently warm the infusion, then add the jojoba and lavender essential oils.  Cool and use as a rinse after washing hair.

To USE: Work ½ cup of rinse into your scalp and hair.  Then holding your hair over a large bowl, pour a cup over your head.  Pour the liquid that collects in the bowl back into the cup and reapply.  Repeat several times, working the infusion through your hair.

Herb-filled Vinegar Hair Rinse

A vinegar rinse will cut soap residue and leave your hair shiny.   It will also reduce the build up of iron deposits from hard water.

1 Tbls. nettle leaf

1 Tbls. cut or powdered comfrey root

1 Tbls. basil

¾ cup apple cider vinegar

2 drop basil essential oil

4 drops lavender essential oil

distilled water

Place the herbs in a non-reactive container.  Heat, but don’t boil the vinegar and pour over herbs.  Steep the mixture in a covered container, for 3 to 6 weeks, shaking or stirring it daily.  After it has steeped, strain the infusion through a fine strainer or cheese cloth, saving the liquid.  Discard the solids.  Add 1 drop basil oil and 2 drops lavender oil for every ¼ cup of vinegar.  Use as a rinse after shampooing hair.

To USE: Massage 1 to 2 Tbls. of full-strength vinegar infusion into the scalp and hair.  Wait a few minutes, and then rinse with plain water.  Or you can dilute the vinegar infusion (1 Tbls. vinegar to 1 cup distilled water) and pour one cup of the solution for short hair, 2 cups for long hair.  Repeat several times, then rinse with plain water.

I will be making this vinegar rinse soon because I liked the way it worked on my hair.  Up until now I only made a Rose Hair rinse which you can find on the site by clicking HERE!