Flowers for Your Hair - Literally

Although it may not feel like it springtime is approaching - so I decided to pull another one of my Coco and Creme mag - archived articles up to post - one about flowers.

This is not a post about accessories though, it's about flowers as ingredients in hair care. I use flowers/herbs in hair tea rinses - *shamless plug - warning* - for those who'd rather let someone else do the 'mixing' for you check out my ready-to-use Bobeam Hair Teas ;o)

But anyway - I'm sure most have heard about the benefits of flowers/herbs like Chamomile, Rosemary and Lavender, so I thought it would be interesting to research some that may not be as well known.

First up is Hibiscus - and this is my favorite - it turns my rinse red too - but doesn't color hair and I like the taste of the tea as well :o)

Hibiscus

One of the most common flowering trees of India is the Hibiscus tree. Hibscus is part of the Malvaceae, or the Mallow, family of flowers. Both cotton, and the original ingredient used to make marshmallows, come from this group of flowers.

Okra is also a mallow. And I always thought Okra was a gross vegetable (no offense to those like my mom and husband who love it).

Ancient woman of India used Hibiscus extracts as hair treatments. Both the leaves and flowers of the tree are included in Ayurvedic therapy, and used in cosmetic formulations. The flowers and leaves contain many properties that benefit hair and scalp, and help in the treatment of dandruff and hair loss.

Hibiscus has a soothing and cooling action on the scalp. It is beneficial to those who suffer from the scalp condition seborrhea because of its astringent properties which help to reduce oil-gland secretions and excessive oiliness in the hair and scalp.

Hibiscus also helps to reduce scaling, itching, and redness, and reduces clogged pores, thereby improving overall hair health.Hibiscus flowers and leaves can be steeped in boiling water overnight, then strained and used directly on your scalp as a final rinse and left in your hair.

Calendula

Calendula officinalis, or marigold, has been used for medicinalpurposes for centuries. Calendula contains a high amount of falconoids, which are plant-based antioxidants that protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals.

Calendula has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects, and Calendula powdered extract soothes irritated scalp, and improves the condition of the scalp.

Calendula flowers can also be steeped in boiling water overnight, strained and then used directly on your scalp as a final rinse and left in your hair.

Tiare

The Tiare (tee-a-ray) flower, or Gardenia tahitensis, is from the Rubiaceae family. It is Tahiti’s national flower.

The combination of coconut oil and Tiare flower makes up the popular Monoi de Tahiti oil. The oil can be created by soaking ten Tiare flowers, which must come from French Polynesia, in one litre of refined coconut oil for a minimum of ten days.

In Polynesia, the flowers are soaked in refined copra oil (virgin coconut oil) for a minimum of 15 days. The process of soaking allows the flowers to release their essence into the oil, thereby producing the wonderful Monoi fragrance.

Monoi oil can be applied daily to improve hair texture. It smoothes the hair cuticle, and penetrates the hair shaft, to add moisture and shine, and aids in detangling. Monoi oil can also be applied after washing - or used on dry hair as a hair mask. Just apply the oil, cover your hair with a plastic cap for about 30 minutes, then rinse and wash.

Arnica

Arnica, a.k.a Arnica Montana, is a member of the Daisy family. Arnica in herbal form is primarily restricted to topical use because it can cause serious side effects when taken internally.

Arnica’s antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties treat scalp infections. Arnica rejuvenates the scalp, stimulates hair follicles, strengthens hair, promotes hair growth, and helps with premature hair loss and graying. It also nourishes the scalp and controls dandruff by limiting sebum production.

Arnica Chamonesis looks very similar to Arnica Montana, but its flowersare somewhat smaller. Arnica Chamonesis can be very toxic even if usedin very low doses. Always use in a diluted form—infused with a carrieroil. Arnica extract can be safely used in hair preparations at a concentration of 1 to 2 percent.

Prolonged use may irritate the skin, causing eczema, peeling, blisters,or other skin conditions. Arnica should not be used on broken skin oropen wounds. Do not use if pregnant or breast feeding.

I hope this was helpful - Peace and Blessings...

More info

Arnica.com

American Botanical Council

Beauty Cosmetics Guide

UMM Medical/Calendula

Hub Pages Monoi de Tahiti

Monoi.com

Expressing Love for Your Hair via Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health that is designed to help people live long, healthy, and well-balanced lives.


The term Ayurveda is taken from the Sanskrit words ayus, meaning life or lifespan, and veda, meaning knowledge. It has been practiced in India for at least 5,000 years.


The basic principle of Ayurveda is to prevent and treat illness with natural herbal remedies and first and foremost by maintaining balance in the body, mind, and consciousness through proper diet, and lifestyle.


We all know that poor diet, illness, lack of proper hygiene, and nutritional deficiencies can all affect the hair and cause various problems. Many are taking an Ayurvedic approach to maintaining healthy hair.



A Quick lesson in Ayurveda


In Ayurveda, doshas are the functional intelligences within the body mind complex, they are the energies that make things happen within an organism.


There are three dosha predominant constitutions; Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, where two doshas are equally or nearly equally predominant ( Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha and Vata-Kapha; and one tridoshic Prakruti with all three doshas equally prominent Vata-Pitta-Kapha)



Everyone has Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, but usually one or two are dominant in a particular person. Stress, and an unhealthy diet are among the things that can disturb the doshas balance.


Vata is the energy of movement. It is the energy that controls bodily functions associated with motion including blood circulation, breathing, blinking and heartbeat. When it is balanced creativity and vitality are present.


When Vata is not balanced, this produces fear and anxiety.


Pitta is the energy of digestion and metabolism. It is the energy that controls the body's metabolic systems, including digestion, absorption, nutrition, and temperature.


When Pitta is balanced contentment and intelligence are present. When it is not balanced anger and even ulcers arise.


Kapha is the energy of lubrication and structure. It is the energy that controls growth in the body. This energy supplies water to all body parts, moisturizes the skin and maintains the immune system. When Kapha is balanced, love and forgiveness are present. When it is not balanced, it results in insecurity and envy.


Ayurveda Holistic Hair Care


When it comes to hair care, the Ayurvedic practice of keeping the doshas balanced play a key role in maintaining healthy hair. Along with the obvious things, like moisturizing, conditioning, protecting your ends, minimizing the use of heat, etc, incorporate the following Ayurvedic steps to ensure healthy hair.


1. Start with a nutritious diet. Eat lots of leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits and nuts - avoid caffeinated drinks, spicy, fried and greasy food. Foods such as Good-for-your-hair white sesame seeds, whole grains, dates and raisins, fresh yogurt, bean sprouts, and healthy fats such as olive oil, are great for overall hair health.


Cook with spices that enhance digestion and purify body tissues: turmeric, black pepper, fenugreek, coriander and cumin digestion-enhancing (balancing Pitta). Also, add vitamins and supplements to your diet.


2. Make a weekly hair and scalp massages part of your hair care routine which nourish your hair and scalp and enhances circulation (balancing Vata) - olive oil will do the trick, and you can also infuse your oil with herbs by steeping a tea bag filled with chamomile, hibiscus etc, in hot oil for a few hours then using the cooled mixture to massage scalp and/or as a hot-oil treatment.


3. Follow a regular cleansing routine (balancing Kapha). Whether you do this daily, weekly, or bi-weekly a clean, build-up free scalp is one of the major keys to healthy hair. Remember, wash your scalp with the pads of your fingers not your nails and do a final rinse with cool water.




Also, remember to clean your hair tools as well, soaking brushes and combs in boiled water and/or shampoo regularly helps to get rid of dead skin cells, oils and dirt.



4. Balance all three doshas, Pitta, Vata, and Kapha by managing stress, and getting plenty of sleep. Stress can lead to hair loss and sleep deprivation is a form of stress.




Emotional or physical stress related to a death in the family, pregnancy, severe weight loss or surgery, pushes large numbers of growing hairs into a resting phase called resulting in hair loss called telogen effluvium. Although it can take months, this type of hair loss grows back when the emotional or physical stress is resolved.


For some, intense stress may trigger a type of hair loss called alopecia areata. With this type of hair loss, white blood cells attack the hair follicle which stops hair growth and within weeks, the affected hair falls out.




This type of hair loss usually starts as a small round patch, but may eventually spread to the whole scalp, and sometimes to body hair as well. The hair generally grows back, but the cycle may repeat itself.


Keeping a journal, making time for hobbies, going for walks and taking long baths, are just a few of the ways to manage and/or reduce stress. Try practicing Yoga and meditation, which are the primary Ayurvedic treatments for stress.




By making these things a part of your lifestyle, you will see a great improvement in the health of your hair and overall health.




Peace and Blessings...



Sources
Ayurvedic Approach to Beauty
Ayurveda Info


Ayurveda Resources


Ayurvedic Hair Recipes


Ayurvedic Clarifying Rinse