Practitioners log-in to the left to see wholesale prices.
Moves the qi and quickens the blood in the scalp. Chinese doctors have been writing prescriptions for herbal hair care formulas for not less than 1,700 years. Typically, these formulas contain acrid-flavored medicinals which move the qi and quicken the blood. This is based on the idea that the qi moves the blood and the hair is the surplus of the blood.
Therefore, if the blood in the scalp is healthy, so will be the hair. Within this formula, Dang Gui and Bai Zhi have been used for externally applied herbal hair care products in China for many centuries. When it comes to the beautification of the skin and hair, Bai Zhi is the most commonly used medicinal for external application found in Chen Guan-ting et al.’s Zhong Yi Mei Rong Da Quan (Great Collection of Chinese Medicine Cosmetology), Chinese National Medicine & Medicinal Science & Technology Press, Beijing, 1989. Lu Hui is a more modern hair care ingredient. Pharmacological research has shown that Lu Hui contains emodin glycosides which are anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic, and bacteriocidal. Other research has shown that Lu Hui has an exceptionally powerful ability to premeate the skin, thus giving this medicinal the ability to reach deep layers of the skin. Since Lu Hui also contains saccharides, amino acids, vitamins, and trace minerals, not only does it kill bacteria and resolve toxins, it also helps in tissue regeneration. Gan Ye Ju is also a more modern hair care ingredient. Used in South America as well as grown commercially in China, it is reported to retard the greying process, eliminate dandruff, and improve hair luster when applied externally. Contains no animal products or mineral oil. No animal testing.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Chinese Herbal Shampoo
Nature Clean Herbal Shampoo
A very mild, truly hypoallergenic formula suitable for frequent use. Made without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or DEA. Created from fennel, balm mint, mistletoe and chamomile, which all help to stimulate the scalp. It's also fragrance, dye and perfume free.
Ingredients: Water, Decyl Polyglucose (from corn starch and palm kernel oil), Coco-Betaine (from plant source), Wheat and Oat Amino Acids, PEG-150 (from plant source), Panthenol (B5), Potassium Sorbate and Grapefruit extract (food grade preservative), Jojoba Oil, and Herbal extracts (fennel, hops, yarrow, balm mint, mistletoe).
Basic Herbal Shampoo and Hair Conditioner Formulas
Achieving great-looking hair without synthetic chemicals is not difficult, nor does it need to be expensive. With a few common kitchen ingredients and some specialty oils, herbs, and flowers, you can create a variety of treatments that your hair will respond to quickly.
The time you invest in creating these easy formulas will be rewarded with healthier, more radiant hair.
HERBAL SHAMPOOS
Choose herbs for your shampoo that will enhance your hair color and texture, and that address any special needs you may have. You can mix and match herbs from the following lists to develop an individualized combination that is best for your hair.
Dry: Comfrey root, avocado, elder flowers, orange blossoms.
Normal: Dandelion, horsetail, clover.
Oily: Watercress, strawberry leaf, white willow bark, lemon grass.
Ethnic: Comfrey, nettle, cherry bark, olive oil.
Shine: Egg, raspberry, nettle, vinegar, quassia.
Manageability: Yogurt, cherry bark, beer.
Softness: Cherry bark, burdock root, olive oil, marjoram.
Dandruff: White willow bark, birch bark, comfrey, nettle, peppermint, vinegar.
Growth: St. John’s wort, nettle, sage, basil, rosemary, onion juice.
BASIC SHAMPOO FORMULA
Ingredients
2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
1 cup spring water
¼ cup fresh herbs (2 tablespoons dried)
1 teaspoon almond or apricot kernel oil
2 drops essential oil
To make:
1. Place herbs in a clean 10-ounce glass jar with a lid.
2. Boil the spring water and pour over the herbs.
3. Cover and let steep for 10 to 20 minutes.
4. Strain the liquid from the herbs into a bowl.
5. Add the liquid castile soap and almond or apricot kernel oil and mix thoroughly.
6. Scent with essential oil and mix again.
7. Bottle in a plastic container with a spout or a clean recycled shampoo bottle.
Yield: Approximately 24 shampoos
HERBAL HAIR CONDITIONERS
Herbal hair conditions help make hair more manageable and often impart a smoother and softer texture. They are especially good for those who cannot live without hot rollers, curling irons and blow dryers.
Jojoba Conditioner
Ingredients
1 cup rose floral water
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
10 drops vitamin E oil
To make:
1. In the top of a double boiler, gently warm the rose water.
2. Once rose water is warm, add jojoba oil.
3. Pour the mixture in a blender and add the vitamin E. Blend at high speed for 2 minutes.
To use:
1. Wet hair with warm water.
2. Pour the conditioner onto your hair and scalp, massaging in thoroughly.
3. For damaged hair or extra conditioning, leave on for several minutes, perhaps while bathing.
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
5. Shampoo lightly and rinse again with cool water
