Natural hair care with herbs: nettle
Most often known for its irritating sting and as an unwanted weed, nettle is one of the most useful herbs for the hair. It has a long history of being used both internally to treat a range of conditions and externally in preparations for the hair and skin - not to mention its use as a natural fibre, a horse tonic and as a dye. There are even nettle festivals and celebrations, but that may be taking things too far!
For natural hair care, nettle has traditionally been used to:
Although research into these effects is limited, more is known about the constituents of nettle that can contribute to healthy hair. These include high levels of chlorophyll, vitamins including vitamin C, and minerals including silica. It is often used in combination with rosemary, horsetail, sage and lavender.
Herbal recipe: Nettle vinegar
hair rinse A nettle vinegar hair rinse is quick to make and can be used regularly in conjunction with a nettle shampoo. It will provide your hair and scalp with all the benefits of nettle, plus the cleansing and softening effects of apple cider vinegar.
Ingredients:
Pour the boiling water over the nettles and leave to brew for at least 10 minutes, but longer if possible. Strain off the liquid and add the apple cider vinegar. That's all there is to it! Use this as a final rinse after washing your hair with a a herbal shampoo. Surprisingly you won't be left with a vinegar smell on your hair once it dries. Remember, herbal remedies and preparations don't work in an instant, and need to be used regularly over time to benefit from their properties.
For natural hair care, nettle has traditionally been used to:
- Help prevent dandruff
- Promote hair growth
- Protect the scalp
- Nourish and condition the hair
- To help maintain and restore colour to dark hair
Although research into these effects is limited, more is known about the constituents of nettle that can contribute to healthy hair. These include high levels of chlorophyll, vitamins including vitamin C, and minerals including silica. It is often used in combination with rosemary, horsetail, sage and lavender.
Herbal recipe: Nettle vinegar
hair rinse A nettle vinegar hair rinse is quick to make and can be used regularly in conjunction with a nettle shampoo. It will provide your hair and scalp with all the benefits of nettle, plus the cleansing and softening effects of apple cider vinegar.
Ingredients:
- Approx 500ml boiling water
- Approx 250ml apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons dried nettles (or 6 tablespoons chopped fresh nettles - don't forget to wear gloves!)
Pour the boiling water over the nettles and leave to brew for at least 10 minutes, but longer if possible. Strain off the liquid and add the apple cider vinegar. That's all there is to it! Use this as a final rinse after washing your hair with a a herbal shampoo. Surprisingly you won't be left with a vinegar smell on your hair once it dries. Remember, herbal remedies and preparations don't work in an instant, and need to be used regularly over time to benefit from their properties.
Source...