Summer is here and the sun, seawater, and chlorine has had its way with my hair which is now dry and brittle. One of my favorite things to do during the summer is to make a DIY herbal hair rinse that helps strengthen my hair, and leave it shiny, without stripping out what remains of the natural oils. Since so many hair products are loaded with chemicals and strange smells, I prefer to make my own hair rinse.
All of the dried herbs in the recipe can be purchased from Amazon or any natural food store, both online or in the store itself. And if you don’t like the smell of oranges, you can replace the orange peel with lemon or lime peels. I’ve found that during the summer, if I use this after every shampoo, I can go longer between shampoos without any bad hair days. The recipe below, like so many of the recipes in this series, dates back to colonial days, which 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 Herbal Hair Rinse
Ingredients:
Directions:
Clean and sterilize a quart-sized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Add all of the herbs to the jar and stir with a wooded spoon.
Pour the apple cider vinegar over the herbs, leaving a 1-inch headspace from the top of the jar. Add more vinegar if necessary.
Place the cap on the jar, twist to make sure it is tight, and shake well. Store the jar in a dark cabinet for at least three weeks, if not four. But remember to shake it daily. If at any point you notice the herbs soaking up the vinegar, add more vinegar to maintain that 1-inch headspace.
After time is up, strain the liquid into another clean and sterilized glass jar. Keep straining until there is no debris left from the herbs. It will be colored but must be clear of debris. Store the liquid in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator until ready to use.
TO USE: Before washing your hair, mix an equal part of the herbal/vinegar rinse with clean water, and place in another container to use now. For long hair, use 1 cup each of rinse and water. For medium-length hair, use 1/2 cup each of rinse and water. And for short hair, use 1/4 cup each of rinse and water. After washing your hair, tip your head backwards and slowly pour the vinegar/water mixture over your head so it falls down your back. (I promise the vinegar smell with evaporate). Work your fingers through you hair to distribute the herbal rinse. You can leave the rinse in or wash it out with clean water.
This rinse is so safe it can be used daily or whenever you feel like it.
DO NOT add the water until ready for use. While the vinegar rinse can last indefinitely in the refrigerator, once you add the water bacteria can begin to grow. So only mix the rinse with the water as soon as you’re ready to use it.
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!
