In the middle of summer, when your hair has suffered damage from the sun, sunscreen chemicals, chlorine in the pool, or salty ocean water, it’s always nice to apply a nourishing hair mask. This one, made from coconut oil and sugar and essential oils not only adds needed moisture to your hair and scalp, it also smells wonderful. The coconut oil, rich in fatty acids, helps make the scalp less itchy. The peppermint and tea tree oils add an antimicrobial and antibacterial element to the mask and also help with circulation to the scalp. The sugar, because it breaks down to glycolic acid, helps get rid of dandruff and leaves the hair feeling soft and silky.
The recipe below for the Coconut Hair Mask is a simple one that dates back centuries. That is why Sarah Munro, (my PhD historian and heroine in book 2 of the Deadly Force series, ONE DARK WISH), has added it to her collection of DIY herbal recipes.
Sarah Munro’s Coconut Hair Mask
Ingredients:
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl. Mix well!
Using your fingers, work the mask through your damp or dry hair. It’s easier if you partition your hair into 2-inch wide sections. When all of the oil mixture is worked into your hair, run a comb through it. Then, if your hair is longer or shoulder length, tie it up with a clip. If it’s short, just comb it away from your face. (You don’t want any of the sugar granules to get into your eyes.)
Allow this mixture to sit on your head for 5-10 minutes, while you shower. Then, before you finish showering, rinse your hair thoroughly. Again, being careful to keep the mask away from your eyes.
This mask is safe enough to use overnight. Just apply to damp or dry hair and cover with a shower cap. Then, when you wake, rinse it out.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
