Let's Talk Hair: The Benefits of TEA RINSES

 

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone

Ok, so let's talk hair..We are always striving and searching for the greatest thing to strengthen, moisturize and keep our tresses looking it's optimum. And the beauty in doing this is that many of the ways to do this are right in our kitchen cupboards. From Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda, Honey and now Tea, there are many ways to strengthen, moisturize and even combat issues of dandruff, dry scalp and hair loss that are inexpensive and safe and definitely O'Natural. So, without further ado..let's get into some Tea talk for hair.

TEA..The Benefits for hair;

• Caffeine: Many teas carry caffeine, which can stimulate hair growth when used in tiny amounts. This can be a double edged sword, whereas too much can , caffeine that is, can stunt hair growth (mostly black tea). So please be sure to use the ratio 0.001% to water. Since Black Tea contain the highest amount of caffeine, take extra precaution when using these as tea rinses.
• Shine: Tea rinses can add shine to your hair
• Breakage: Decreases hair breakage due to it's strengthening effects and it blocks DHT from causing the hair to break.
• Hair Loss: Green Tea is wonderful for combating hair loss due to it containing EGCG. The Saitama study reports that green tea inhibits the production of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a molecule that has been linked to cancer, arthritis and hair loss. In the Seoul study, hair follicles were treated with EGCG in a lab setting. Test cultures showed increased hair growth and hair follicle elongation when compared to control cultures. A green tea tincture containing 10 percent EGCG was also applied to the scalps of human volunteers, yielding the same results.
• Scalp Issues: Green Tea has been known to soothe and reduce inflammation in issues of dandruff and psoriasis affected scalps.  (When looking for shampoos or conditioners containing Green Tea, be sure that the tea is in the top part of the ingredients and are free of sulfates, parabens and other harsh ingredients that will continue to irritate the scalp). Steeping fresh Rosemary has also been known to stimulate the scalp, prevent hair loss and help to regrow hair. Nettle will also help prevent and treat dandruff and stimulate circulation in the scalp. Excellent for use during winter.

TEA RINSES..How To Use:

• Brew a cup of herbal tea.
• Cool the tea down to lukewarm temperature.
• Apply the tea using either a color applicator bottle, to the scalp or using a spray bottle and leave on anywhere from 5-30 minutes, each persons results will vary so there is no direct way to tell how long to leave on. Massage scalp.
• Shampoo or Co-Wash as usual.
• You can also leave your tea rinse in after you have shampooed or co-washed your hair.

TEA RINSES..A Word of Caution

• Those who have light colored hair should take precaution when using dark teas, as they can stain the hair.
• Black Tea contain the highest amount of caffeine, so take precaution when using.

TEA RINSES...The Basics

• 1 Qt of water
• 4 Teaspoons of whatever herbs you choose to make your tea OR..
• 1 tea bag per 1 cup of water

TEA RINSES..Great Hebs For Curly/Kinky Hair Types:

• bhringraj
• brahmi
• burdock root
  
• calendula
  
• chamomile
  
• comfrey leaf & root
  
• elder blossoms
  
• chamomile
  
• nettle
  
• rosemary
  
• sage
  
• marshmallow root
  
• lemon blossoms
  
• horsetail
  
• hibiscus
• patchouli
  
• parsley
  
• coltsfoot
  
• red clover
  
• sandalwood
  
• irish moss
  
• southernwood
  
• geranium
  
• lavender
  
• blue malva herb

  Happy Herbal Health!

where to buy: www.mountainroseherbs.com , www.localharvest.com (this site has tea blends premixed in bags) Whole Foods, local herb shop, some Indian Groceries

credits: some info found at www.maneandchic.com, www.ehow.com and www.curlynikki.com