Herbal Shampoos predate our modern store-bought products and are surprisingly easy and cheap to make, especially during the summer. The base of this shampoo is a Castile soap and I prefer to use Dr. Bronner’s liquid Castile soap which is available in most grocery stores. Adding in the chamomile and calendula flowers help with dandruff and other scalp issues. The rosemary leaves help improve circulation to the scalp and promotes healthy hair follicles. The Argan and jojoba oils add conditioning and the essential oil adds whatever scent you prefer. My favorites are lemon oil or tea tree oil.
This recipe will only last for a week unless you add a natural preservative–like Leucidal–and the shampoo must be kept in the refrigerator in between uses. If you add the preservative, the shampoo will last for a month in the fridge. Below is one of the original recipes that 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 Shampoo
Ingredients:
Directions:
- Put all of the flowers and the rosemary into a Ball canning jar or any other heat-safe glass jar with a tight fitting lid.
- Boil the 1 cup of filtered water and pour into the jar, over the flowers and herbs. Cover tightly and steep for thirty minutes.
- Strain the tea into a glass measuring cup.
- Stir in the Castile soap and mix the soap and herbal tea mixture together.
- In another glass measuring cup, mix together the Argan or jojoba oil with the essential oil.
- Stir the mixed oils into the herbal tea and soap concoction.
- If you want to extend the shelf life for longer than a week, add in the Leucidal according to the directions on the package.
- Mix well and pour the shampoo into a soap bottle.
- Without preservatives, use within one week. Store in the refrigerator in between uses.
- If using the preservative it should last for 1 month. Store in the refrigerator in between uses.
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!
