Let's Talk Ayurvedic for HEALTHY HAIR

 

Greetings Ladies and Gents..I pray all is well with everyone.

So here's a topic that I'm striving to become more versed in...Ayurvedic living. I'm in the process, as we speak, of growing an organic vegetable and herb garden to aid in my journey of Ayurvedic living (I'm open for gardening tips..please).

Now, my hair thrives most when I practice an Ayurvedic regimen where I incorporate plant based ingredients into my haircare. Ayurvedic products include natural herbs and oils that help to thicken and strengthen the hair, stop excessive shedding and breakage.  So, below, I am going to list some wonderful items that can aid each of us in our journey of O'Natural for healthy hair and scalp.

Ayurveda 101..Healthy Ingredients for Healthy Hair

• Scalp Massage: I can't stress enough the benefit of massaging the scalp for healthy hair growth. Scalp massages help stimulate the scalp which in turn promote healthy hair growth. An additional ingredient to add to your scalp massages is Peppermint Oil, ..Just add a few drops to your favorite carrier oil and massage away. Scalp can be done as much as daily or a minimum of 4-5 times per week. Be sure to use, only, the balls of your fingertips and never using your fingernails, which creates tiny cuts on the scalp.
• Henna: Henna is a wonderful plant based powder that carries the benefit of strengthening, conditioning and, in some cases, naturally dyeing the hair. 
• Bhringaraj: Nourishes hair and scalp w/essential nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth. It treats hair loss, premature graying and acts as a conditioner. I purchase this oil from my local Indian grocer. 
• Brahmi: Promotes a nice healthy sheen, strengthens hair, eliminates issues with dandruff, and also nourishes your hair and scalp. The Ramtirth brand, which has Coconut Oil as it's base vs Mineral Oil. Ramtirth Brahmi oil is infused with a proprietary blend of 22 Indian herbs. Can be purchased from your local Indian grocer. 
• Vatika Oil: Vatika Oil is comprised of Coconut Oil and infused with traditional Ayurvedic Herbs [Brahmi, Neem & Amla just to name a few] Coconut Oil strengthens hair at the roots, promotes hair growth, and actually penetrates the shaft to repair areas of the hair damaged from protein loss. When purchasing, be sure to check the ingredients on the back to ensure that it is coconut oil and not mineral oil as the base. 
• Neem Oil + Tea Tree Treatment: Perfect for those with psoriasis, and issues with dandruff. Neem Oil is packed full of antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties, therefore making it the perfect herbal solution for curing scalp ailments. These two ingredients are wonderful to add to the bentonite clay treatment as an Ayurvedic clarifying shampoo. 
• Neem: Is an antibacterial powerhouse, it helps correct scalp issues, as well as promote healthy hair growth.
• Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses: Adding 3 TSP to 1 Cup of distilled for final rinses is a wonderful way to impart shine and moisturize the hair. Raw, Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar acts as an anti fungal, anti bacterial and anti bacterial. It also helps to remove mineral buildup from your hair due to hard water. 
• Shikakai: Acts as a natural cleanser, and mild conditioner, whilst promoting hair growth. (This can be a tad bit drying, so be sure to follow up with a deep condition after use) 
• Aloe Vera Gel: Promotes hair growth, balance PH level, heal scalp, imparts sheen, light conditioning properties, nourishes hair follicles, and scalp
• Hibiscus Petal Powder: Conditions hair, promotes healthy hair growth, prevents hair loss, thickens hair.
• Bentonite Clay:  This clay works wonders for cleansing the scalp and producing healthy shiny hair. When combined with Aloe Vera Gel and Apple Cider Vinegar, it makes a wonderful natural clarifying shampoo.
• Pure Rhassoul Clay (not to be confused with the cheap Red Morrocan Clay): A Very fine clay whose soapy properties reduce dryness, flakiness, degreases the scalp, and strengthens hair without stripping out natural oils, and also increases its volume.

How To Mix Your Ayurvedic Ingredients:

• Mixing Rhassoul for healthy hair and skin: 

-Place Rhassoul into bowl and pour warm water over it, letting it then sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

-Then mix this into a muddy paste.

-Then apply to your hair, best to be done in sections working from back to front.

-Depending upon hair type let it sit for 5 to 20 minutes

dry hair -  5 to 8 minutes

normal hair -  5 to 15 minutes

oily hair -  10 to 20 minutes

-Rinse out well.

For application on the face and the rest of the body prepare as above and rub into the skin like you would a soap or exfoliant in thick layers. Rinse well.

For added decadence and benefit you can add your favorite essential oils or the pleasant Aroma of Floral waters (eg: rose water) during the preparation of the paste.

Afterwards your skin will have an exquisite smooth satiny feel that can rarely be matched by other treatments.

Always store your clay in a cool dark place or in a sealed container in the fridge. Prepared paste can be stored in the fridge for a week.

• Conditioner Mix 1

4 tbs Hibiscus Petal Powder
4 tbs Marshmallow Root Powder
3 tbsp Amla Powder
In a medium size bowl, mix all ingredients together with enough spring water to make a thick paste. Gently section your hair, and use an applicator brush to generously apply the mixture starting at the scalp, and working your way down the hair shaft. Cover with a plastic cap and allow mixture to sit on head for about 45minutes-hour. 
How Often?
Once Weekly 

• Conditioner Mix 2

4 tbs Hibiscus Petal Powder
3 tbs Kalpi Tone
1 tbs Fenugreek Seed Powder [Methi]
In a medium size bowl, mix all ingredients together with enough spring water to make a thick paste. Gently section your hair, and use an applicator brush to generously apply the mixture starting at the scalp, and working your way down the hair shaft. Cover with a plastic cap and allow mixture to sit on head for about 45minutes-hour. 
How Often
Once Weekly

• Creamy Conditioning Mix 1

1/4 cup SheaMoisture Restorative Conditioner(or any all natural conditioner) 
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
2 tbs Hibiscus Petal Powder
2 tbs Brahmi Powder
2 tbs Bhringraj Powder 
In a medium size bowl, mix all ingredients together and use immediately. Gently section your hair, and use an applicator brush to generously apply the mixture starting at the scalp, and working your way down the hair shaft. Cover with a plastic cap and allow mixture to sit on head for about 45minutes-hour. 
How Often
Once Weekly 

• Deep Conditioning Mix 

1/4 cup Avalon Organics Grapeseed and Olive oil Conditioner
1/4 cup ExtraVirgin Coconut Oil
2 tbs Hibiscus Petal Powder
2 tbs Brahmi Powder
2 tbs Bhringraj Powder 
1 tbs Fenugreek Seed Powder [Methi]
In a medium size bowl, mix all ingredients together and use immediately. Gently section your hair, and use an applicator brush to generously apply the mixture starting at the scalp, and working your way down the hair shaft. Cover with a plastic cap and allow mixture to sit on head for about 45minutes-hour. 
How Often? 

Once Weekly

• Herbal Moisturizing Spritz 1

1/3 cup Aloe Vera Gel
2 tbsp Hibiscus Petal Powder
2 tbsp Marshmallow Root
1 1/4 cups Distilled Water
Bring distilled water to a boil, then let cool slightly. Add Hibiscus Petal Powder and Marshmallow root to water, and allow to steep for 30 minutes. Strain mixture through cheesecloth, and add Aloe Vera Gel to liquid. Pour mixture in a spray bottle, and store in refrigerator for up to one week.
How Often?
As needed

• Homemade Vatika Oil: 

This oil is formulated with herbs that nourish and heal the scalp, promotes hair growth, imparts shine, softness, and manageability.
  Mix It:
2 Cups Coconut Oil
1 tbsp Stinging Nettles
1 tbsp Amla Powder
1 tbs Bhringraj Powder
1 tbsp Brahmi Powder
1 tbsp Orange Peel Powder
1 tbsp Neem Powder
1 tbsp Henna Leaf Powder
Add ingredients to a crock pot set on the lowest setting; leave overnight. Strain herbal oil several times through a cheesecloth, and add to squeeze bottle.  To make even a stronger herbal infusion, take your herbal oil, and add a fresh batch of herbs [in the same quantities listed] and place the mixture back in the crock pot [set on low] for another 24 hours. Strain mixture again, and bottle.


Where to buy: Any local Indian Grocery Store. Some items are available at your local health food store. Or you can order at www.mountainroseherbs.com or www.fromnaturewithlove.com.

Ayurveda = Healthy Beautiful Hair, Skin and Internal Health..


credits: some info at www.natureshenna.com and www.themoptopmaven.com