Last night was a very cool night. So cool that I opened the windows and actually needed a sheet to cover with. This has my mind wandering to the Autumn and the changes that come with it. So today's photographs are of last years Fall changes. I hope you enjoy a preview of things to come!
Teaching Tuesdays - The Agave Plant
Agave, stemming from the Greek word agauos, meaning of kings and heros, illustrious, noble. This plant was likely taken back to Europe by Spanish and Portuguese explorers, but the plants became popular [in Europe] during the 19th century, when many types were imported by collectors. Some have been continuously propagated by offset since that time, and do not even resemble any species known in the wild.
There are well over 300 species of Agave that have been described, but only about 200 that are currently recognised. It is a common misconception that agaves are cacti. In fact, they are not related to the cacti, nor are they closely related to the Aloe plant, whose leaves are similar in appearance. Although it is important to know how to handle this plant, and which species is which since the juice from many species can cause acute contact dermatitis. It will create reddening and blistering of the skin that lasts from one to two weeks, and episodes of itching, even though there is not a visible rash, may reoccur up to one year after contact! The irritation is, in part, caused by calcium oxalate raphides. While dried parts of the plant can be handled with the bare hands, without any effects, if the skin is pierced deeply enough by the needle-like ends of the leaf, (from a vigorously growing plant), it can cause the blood vessels in the surrounding area to erupt and cause bruising in an area 6–7 cm across. This can last from two to three weeks, so you beter exercise caution and know which plant you are messing with!
The Agave plants are perennial, and most flower only once, then die, which is refered to as monocarpic. They grow quite slowly, eventually reaching the flowering stage. During flowering, a tall stem or "mast" grows from the center of the leaf rosette and bears a large number of shortly tubular flowers. After development of fruit, the original plant dies, but prolific vegetative growth, and offsetting at the base of the plant usually maintains a clump of plants, thus compensating for loss of the flowering rosettes. These suckers which are frequently produced from the base of the stem, grow and become new plants. However, there are a few species that remain solitary, and rely on seed production for survival of the species. There are even a few species that can even flower several times during their life. Whatever their growth habit, this plant is commonly referred to as the century plant, since it takes so long to flower. Many species of Agave produce musky perfume scents as attractants for bats, which pollinate them, but others produce sweeter odors, ones that attract insects which pollinate and propagate them. So species is quite a distnction for this plant.
Chiefly Mexican, agaves are also native to the southern and western United States, as well as central and tropical South America. While Agave leaf fiber was used by natives, it is still of commercial importance today, being used to make clothing and rugs. The best quality fibres, coming from the youngest of the leaves.
Additionally, carbohydrates, which are stored in the core of several species of Agave, were fermented by the natives to make a beverage that they used in ceremonies, called pulque, which is still enoyed today. Distillation of a similar ferment, made from the developing Agave flower bud, is the basis for the modern production of Mezcal. The best known mezcal is tequila. The agave flower shoot is cut out, the sap collected, then fermented. By distillation, the mezcal is prepared. In 2001, the Mexican Government and the European Union agreed upon the classification of tequila, and its categories. All 100% blue agave tequila must be made from the Weber blue agave plant, to rigorous specifications, and only in certain Mexican states.
The Blue Agave Americana occur in abundance in the Karoo, and arid highland regions of South Africa. Introduced by the British settlers in 1820, the plant was originally cultivated and used as emergency feed for livestock, but today is used [mainly] for the production of syrup and sugar. In fact, in ancient times, the bruised leaves afforded a paste from which paper was manufactured, its leaves supplied an impenetrable thatch for the more humble dwellings; thread, of which coarse stuffs were made, and strong cords, were drawn from its tough and twisted fibers; pins and needles were made from the thorns at the extremity of its leaves; and the root, when properly cooked, was converted into a palatable and nutritious food. In short, the agave was meat, drink, clothing, and writing materials, all the way back to the Aztecs!
There are four major parts of the agave that are edible: the flowers, the leaves, the stalks or basal rosettes, and the sap which is called aguamiel, or honey water. Each agave plant will produce several pounds of edible flowers during its final season. The stalks, which are ready before the blossom, during the summer, weigh several pounds each. When roasted, they are sweet and can be chewed to extract the aguamiel, which is like sugarcane. When dried out, the stalks can then be used to make didgeridoos. The leaves can be collected for eating in the winter and the spring, when the plants are rich in sap. As previously mentioned, some species are the source of pita fiber, and used as a fiber plant in Mexico, the West Indies and southern Europe.
Agave nectar (also called agave syrup), is a sweetener derived from the sap, and is used as an alternative to sugar in cooking. It can also be added to breakfast cereals as a binding agent.
People have found a few other uses of the plant aside from its several uses as food. When dried and cut in slices, the flowering stem forms natural razor strops. Natives of Mexico have used the agave to make pens, nails and needles, as well as string to sew and make weavings. Leaf tea or tincture taken orally is used to treat constipation and excess gas. It is also used as a diuretic. Root tea or tincture is taken orally to treat arthritic joints.
Also, the expressed juice of the Agave leaves will lather in water, much like soap, so historically, it has been, and still is, used as a soap substitute, as well as a natural insecticide for plants. This sap is also used medicinally to treat burns, as it has a natural antiseptic quality. And water in which the agave fibre has been soaked for 24 hours, makes a great scalp conditioner.
This plant, depending upon the variety, is almost like a wonder plant. From it, many foods and products can, and are being made. I really suggest that you check this one out in greater depth!
For some pictures of many varieties, check out this web site; http://www.succulent-plant.com/families/agavaceae.html
There are well over 300 species of Agave that have been described, but only about 200 that are currently recognised. It is a common misconception that agaves are cacti. In fact, they are not related to the cacti, nor are they closely related to the Aloe plant, whose leaves are similar in appearance. Although it is important to know how to handle this plant, and which species is which since the juice from many species can cause acute contact dermatitis. It will create reddening and blistering of the skin that lasts from one to two weeks, and episodes of itching, even though there is not a visible rash, may reoccur up to one year after contact! The irritation is, in part, caused by calcium oxalate raphides. While dried parts of the plant can be handled with the bare hands, without any effects, if the skin is pierced deeply enough by the needle-like ends of the leaf, (from a vigorously growing plant), it can cause the blood vessels in the surrounding area to erupt and cause bruising in an area 6–7 cm across. This can last from two to three weeks, so you beter exercise caution and know which plant you are messing with!
The Agave plants are perennial, and most flower only once, then die, which is refered to as monocarpic. They grow quite slowly, eventually reaching the flowering stage. During flowering, a tall stem or "mast" grows from the center of the leaf rosette and bears a large number of shortly tubular flowers. After development of fruit, the original plant dies, but prolific vegetative growth, and offsetting at the base of the plant usually maintains a clump of plants, thus compensating for loss of the flowering rosettes. These suckers which are frequently produced from the base of the stem, grow and become new plants. However, there are a few species that remain solitary, and rely on seed production for survival of the species. There are even a few species that can even flower several times during their life. Whatever their growth habit, this plant is commonly referred to as the century plant, since it takes so long to flower. Many species of Agave produce musky perfume scents as attractants for bats, which pollinate them, but others produce sweeter odors, ones that attract insects which pollinate and propagate them. So species is quite a distnction for this plant.
Chiefly Mexican, agaves are also native to the southern and western United States, as well as central and tropical South America. While Agave leaf fiber was used by natives, it is still of commercial importance today, being used to make clothing and rugs. The best quality fibres, coming from the youngest of the leaves.
Additionally, carbohydrates, which are stored in the core of several species of Agave, were fermented by the natives to make a beverage that they used in ceremonies, called pulque, which is still enoyed today. Distillation of a similar ferment, made from the developing Agave flower bud, is the basis for the modern production of Mezcal. The best known mezcal is tequila. The agave flower shoot is cut out, the sap collected, then fermented. By distillation, the mezcal is prepared. In 2001, the Mexican Government and the European Union agreed upon the classification of tequila, and its categories. All 100% blue agave tequila must be made from the Weber blue agave plant, to rigorous specifications, and only in certain Mexican states.
The Blue Agave Americana occur in abundance in the Karoo, and arid highland regions of South Africa. Introduced by the British settlers in 1820, the plant was originally cultivated and used as emergency feed for livestock, but today is used [mainly] for the production of syrup and sugar. In fact, in ancient times, the bruised leaves afforded a paste from which paper was manufactured, its leaves supplied an impenetrable thatch for the more humble dwellings; thread, of which coarse stuffs were made, and strong cords, were drawn from its tough and twisted fibers; pins and needles were made from the thorns at the extremity of its leaves; and the root, when properly cooked, was converted into a palatable and nutritious food. In short, the agave was meat, drink, clothing, and writing materials, all the way back to the Aztecs!
There are four major parts of the agave that are edible: the flowers, the leaves, the stalks or basal rosettes, and the sap which is called aguamiel, or honey water. Each agave plant will produce several pounds of edible flowers during its final season. The stalks, which are ready before the blossom, during the summer, weigh several pounds each. When roasted, they are sweet and can be chewed to extract the aguamiel, which is like sugarcane. When dried out, the stalks can then be used to make didgeridoos. The leaves can be collected for eating in the winter and the spring, when the plants are rich in sap. As previously mentioned, some species are the source of pita fiber, and used as a fiber plant in Mexico, the West Indies and southern Europe.
Agave nectar (also called agave syrup), is a sweetener derived from the sap, and is used as an alternative to sugar in cooking. It can also be added to breakfast cereals as a binding agent.
People have found a few other uses of the plant aside from its several uses as food. When dried and cut in slices, the flowering stem forms natural razor strops. Natives of Mexico have used the agave to make pens, nails and needles, as well as string to sew and make weavings. Leaf tea or tincture taken orally is used to treat constipation and excess gas. It is also used as a diuretic. Root tea or tincture is taken orally to treat arthritic joints.
Also, the expressed juice of the Agave leaves will lather in water, much like soap, so historically, it has been, and still is, used as a soap substitute, as well as a natural insecticide for plants. This sap is also used medicinally to treat burns, as it has a natural antiseptic quality. And water in which the agave fibre has been soaked for 24 hours, makes a great scalp conditioner.
This plant, depending upon the variety, is almost like a wonder plant. From it, many foods and products can, and are being made. I really suggest that you check this one out in greater depth!
For some pictures of many varieties, check out this web site; http://www.succulent-plant.com/families/agavaceae.html
Make It Yourself Monday- Recipes for the Face
Creamy Face Wash Recipe
16 oz liquid Castile soap
4 oz of your a plain facial moisturizer (unscented)
16 drops bergamot essential oil
8 drops tea tree essential oil
Combine all of the above ingredients in a glass bowl and use a stick blender to mix it well. After its mixed, you can put it into a bottle and add a pump. This mixture is great for clearing up blemishes without drying your skin, and you do not need to use much of it to get the job done. In fact, using too much liquid will make it difficult to get your face rinsed quickly.
Acne Steam
This is an herbal water steam that is good for blemish-prone skin.
You will need;
1/2 cup Calendula petals
3 drops Lavender essential oil
2 drops Bergamot essential oil
1 drop Tea Tree essential oil
2 tsp. raw honey
a small amount of Jojoba oil
Boil 8 cups water, then stir in the 1/2 cup of calendula petals. Cover the pot and allow it to steep for 10 minutes, then add the essential oils and the honey. Mix well and then pour the herbal water into a large ceramic bowl. Sit down and put your face over bowl, draping your head with a bath towel. Make sure to keep your eyes closed, and allow the steam to moisten your face until the water has completely cooled. Then pat your face dry and finish the treatment by massaging a small amount of Jojoba oil into your skin.
Exfoliating Facial
3 oz. sweet almond oil
4 oz. Almond meal
2 oz. Cider vinegar
2 oz. Distilled Water
6 drops Geranium Essential Oil (norm skin) OR
Lavender (for oily or sensitive skin)
Mix all of the ingredients together, blending until it is paste-like. This may take about 2 minutes, so don't loose heart. Once mixed, rub in a circular manner all over your face and neck. Exert a small amount of pressure, but be careful to not abrade the skin. Once applied, rinse off with tepid water, pat dry, and moisturize as normal.
16 oz liquid Castile soap
4 oz of your a plain facial moisturizer (unscented)
16 drops bergamot essential oil
8 drops tea tree essential oil
Combine all of the above ingredients in a glass bowl and use a stick blender to mix it well. After its mixed, you can put it into a bottle and add a pump. This mixture is great for clearing up blemishes without drying your skin, and you do not need to use much of it to get the job done. In fact, using too much liquid will make it difficult to get your face rinsed quickly.
Acne Steam
This is an herbal water steam that is good for blemish-prone skin.
You will need;
1/2 cup Calendula petals
3 drops Lavender essential oil
2 drops Bergamot essential oil
1 drop Tea Tree essential oil
2 tsp. raw honey
a small amount of Jojoba oil
Boil 8 cups water, then stir in the 1/2 cup of calendula petals. Cover the pot and allow it to steep for 10 minutes, then add the essential oils and the honey. Mix well and then pour the herbal water into a large ceramic bowl. Sit down and put your face over bowl, draping your head with a bath towel. Make sure to keep your eyes closed, and allow the steam to moisten your face until the water has completely cooled. Then pat your face dry and finish the treatment by massaging a small amount of Jojoba oil into your skin.
Exfoliating Facial
3 oz. sweet almond oil
4 oz. Almond meal
2 oz. Cider vinegar
2 oz. Distilled Water
6 drops Geranium Essential Oil (norm skin) OR
Lavender (for oily or sensitive skin)
Mix all of the ingredients together, blending until it is paste-like. This may take about 2 minutes, so don't loose heart. Once mixed, rub in a circular manner all over your face and neck. Exert a small amount of pressure, but be careful to not abrade the skin. Once applied, rinse off with tepid water, pat dry, and moisturize as normal.
Frankly Speaking Friday- Sea Buckthorn Oil
Although this post would nicely fit into a "Teaching Tuesday", I have been deeply rooted in the study of oils as of late, since I am reformulating many of my recipes and inventing a few new ones. While I have posted about this oil in the Exotic Oil series, it bears an additional look imho!
Sea Buckthorn, botanically known as Hippophae Rhamnoides, is a small, scrubby shrub, native to Russia and the northern parts of China and Mongolia. It produces a fruit berry, which is then used to make the oil. The oil is made by cold pressing the shrub's berries, or the berry seeds, or a combination of the two. A small layer of oil is isolated within a vat of pressed material, which is then vacuumed off and separated as the "pure oil". It takes around 10 pounds of berries, maybe more, to produce 1 pound of this pure oil.
The oil itself is a deep orangish red color, and has the consistency and the viscosity of syrup. It posesses large amounts of Phytosterol, Vitamin E, Beta-Carotene, Anti-Oxidants, and Carotenoid, which are responsible for its success as a skin repairing and conditioning oil.
Traditionally, sea buckthorn has been used to treat a wide range of skin ailments. It is known for its nourishing, regenerative, and restorative properties. Superficially, this oil is used to assist in the healing of skin injuries, burns, wounds, eczema, lesions, sun damaged skin, and abrasions. This oil is known for softening skin, regenerating skin cells, moisturizing, and also for its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, this oil is great for helping to restore the skin's barrier function, and reducing the transepidermal water loss. Studies are currently being performed to determine Sea Buckthorn oil's ability to combat wrinkles, acute dryness and other symptoms of premature skin ageing.
Aside from being vey popular as a skin tretament, sea buckthorn oil has also been studied and tested for internal use, as a dietary supplement. The sea buckthorn berry is the least publicized of all the super fruits, but this tiny orange jewel delivers more than 190 bioactive nutrients, is packed with antioxidants, and offers twelve times the vitamin C of one orange. Studies have shown that it helps in promoting blood circulation, in the treatment of colitis, stomach ulcers, and is even a soothing agent for the intestinal tract.
This oil generally has a shelf life of about 6 months, and will solidify when it is exposed to low temperatures, so it should be stored at room temp. In its undiluted, concentrated form, this oil will stain the skin, surfaces and even your clothing, so exercise caution when using, make sure to spread evenly and to dilute it appropriately.
Sea Buckthorn, botanically known as Hippophae Rhamnoides, is a small, scrubby shrub, native to Russia and the northern parts of China and Mongolia. It produces a fruit berry, which is then used to make the oil. The oil is made by cold pressing the shrub's berries, or the berry seeds, or a combination of the two. A small layer of oil is isolated within a vat of pressed material, which is then vacuumed off and separated as the "pure oil". It takes around 10 pounds of berries, maybe more, to produce 1 pound of this pure oil.
The oil itself is a deep orangish red color, and has the consistency and the viscosity of syrup. It posesses large amounts of Phytosterol, Vitamin E, Beta-Carotene, Anti-Oxidants, and Carotenoid, which are responsible for its success as a skin repairing and conditioning oil.
Traditionally, sea buckthorn has been used to treat a wide range of skin ailments. It is known for its nourishing, regenerative, and restorative properties. Superficially, this oil is used to assist in the healing of skin injuries, burns, wounds, eczema, lesions, sun damaged skin, and abrasions. This oil is known for softening skin, regenerating skin cells, moisturizing, and also for its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, this oil is great for helping to restore the skin's barrier function, and reducing the transepidermal water loss. Studies are currently being performed to determine Sea Buckthorn oil's ability to combat wrinkles, acute dryness and other symptoms of premature skin ageing.
Aside from being vey popular as a skin tretament, sea buckthorn oil has also been studied and tested for internal use, as a dietary supplement. The sea buckthorn berry is the least publicized of all the super fruits, but this tiny orange jewel delivers more than 190 bioactive nutrients, is packed with antioxidants, and offers twelve times the vitamin C of one orange. Studies have shown that it helps in promoting blood circulation, in the treatment of colitis, stomach ulcers, and is even a soothing agent for the intestinal tract.
This oil generally has a shelf life of about 6 months, and will solidify when it is exposed to low temperatures, so it should be stored at room temp. In its undiluted, concentrated form, this oil will stain the skin, surfaces and even your clothing, so exercise caution when using, make sure to spread evenly and to dilute it appropriately.
Tripod Thursdays-Autumn Soaps, Fall Scents
I know we are in the midst of summer heat, but schools will be starting in just two weeks, and soon thereafter the leaves will begin to change, and the cool, crisp weather of Fall will begin.
Since soap takes a good six weeks to two months to cure I am always a season ahead in planning, and since I am just one person, and tend to be getting slower in my old age, lol, I really have to begin making the next season's products while they are far from most people's thoughts.
Every August I begin by making melting snowmen, snowman face bulbs with hats, and sparkling, crystal Christmas ornaments, because about eight weeks before Christmas, I will be delivering at least four dozen ornaments to Christmas at the Cabin, as well as other craft items.
But, before the winter snow flies and Christmas comes, Autumn and the Wine festival will be here. So I have been busily creating fragrances appropriate for Autumn and in the spirit of the wine festival. So today's Tripod Tuesday covers most of the soaps that I consider to be the Fall line. I still have an "Aged Oak Apple" that I am making this week, with Fosters Lager. It's a nice beer soap, with a scent that just speaks Fall to me! After this one, I will begin the more wintry and holiday blends.
I hope you enjoy this soapy preview!
Since soap takes a good six weeks to two months to cure I am always a season ahead in planning, and since I am just one person, and tend to be getting slower in my old age, lol, I really have to begin making the next season's products while they are far from most people's thoughts.
Every August I begin by making melting snowmen, snowman face bulbs with hats, and sparkling, crystal Christmas ornaments, because about eight weeks before Christmas, I will be delivering at least four dozen ornaments to Christmas at the Cabin, as well as other craft items.
But, before the winter snow flies and Christmas comes, Autumn and the Wine festival will be here. So I have been busily creating fragrances appropriate for Autumn and in the spirit of the wine festival. So today's Tripod Tuesday covers most of the soaps that I consider to be the Fall line. I still have an "Aged Oak Apple" that I am making this week, with Fosters Lager. It's a nice beer soap, with a scent that just speaks Fall to me! After this one, I will begin the more wintry and holiday blends.
I hope you enjoy this soapy preview!
Teaching Tuesdays - Oils and Perfumes
Although there has been recent phenomenal growth in the "new age" practices of aromatherapy, holistic and herbal medicines, as well as various other treatments, in fact, these treatments are all quite old, ancient in fact. Massage therapy, reflexology and aromatherapy were all practiced in ancient Egypt, using many oils and perfumes that we are still familiar with today. The practical, therapeutic, social and religious uses of these oils and perfumes were depicted on many tombs and temple walls, and recorded in texts, many of which were later copied by Greek and Roman scholars, who viewed Egypt as the source of all wisdom. It is from this documentation, thanks to Egypt's dry environment which preserved it so well, that the people of our time have been able to reconstruct many of the original ancient remedies and recipes.
It has been proven that oils and perfumes were used in Egypt before 3100 BC., when Egypt became unified. Burials from the pre-literature period (the Predynastic period), even though they were little more than a hollow in the sand, have been recovered with "grave goods", indicating that they [already] believed in an afterlife. Aside from food and drink, the dead were often buried with cosmetics and the raw ingredients for their preparation. Of course, as the culture developed these rituals became better documented. But perfumes made of resin, lime and oil, as well as ingredients such as henna, oil-producing seeds, and imported resins, were discovered in several Predynastic era grave sites. In fact, one royal tomb, in Abydos, from c3000 BC., was found still containing jars that held their [original] contents of coniferous resin mixed with plant oils and animal fats. Another royal tomb at that same site, could easily be found by smell alone, as its sandy floors were saturated in perfume to a depth of three feet. It was still so strong that it permeated the entire tomb!
Almond oil was regarded as the finest oil in the Egyptian culture, forming the base of the majority of their most famous perfumes and medicines, as well as being used for massage. Also highly prized were the essences of lotus, cedar and cinnamon. These were prized for their own scents, as well as their value in recipes and remedies which were utilized in social and domestic contexts, religious rituals, and medicines, as well as massage and mummification procedures. In fact, these three fragrances represented the Egyptians view of life and death. The lotus flower symbolized the creation of life, while the cedar and cinnamon, both used in the mummification process, represented death and the afterlife. They played an integral part in religious ritual, which involved offerings of costly perfume, large floral bouquets and incense. The power of scent, of fragrance, was one of the ways that the Egyptians bridged the gap between the living world and the heavenly one. In fact, these fragrances were designed to reawaken the senses of the dead, which is why they were essential in the afterlife, and had to be buried with their dead.
I have read through some very detailed recipes from finds dating back to this era, and I have to say that they are recipes easily followed, and are similar to methods that were used until very recently. In fact, I believe that it is safe to say that, all perfumery and oil distillation methods grew from the ancient Egyptians, and many of these methods and recipes changed very little over thousands of years. So when you are discussing "new age" treatments and "new" fragrances, consider that your new is someone else's old!
It has been proven that oils and perfumes were used in Egypt before 3100 BC., when Egypt became unified. Burials from the pre-literature period (the Predynastic period), even though they were little more than a hollow in the sand, have been recovered with "grave goods", indicating that they [already] believed in an afterlife. Aside from food and drink, the dead were often buried with cosmetics and the raw ingredients for their preparation. Of course, as the culture developed these rituals became better documented. But perfumes made of resin, lime and oil, as well as ingredients such as henna, oil-producing seeds, and imported resins, were discovered in several Predynastic era grave sites. In fact, one royal tomb, in Abydos, from c3000 BC., was found still containing jars that held their [original] contents of coniferous resin mixed with plant oils and animal fats. Another royal tomb at that same site, could easily be found by smell alone, as its sandy floors were saturated in perfume to a depth of three feet. It was still so strong that it permeated the entire tomb!
Almond oil was regarded as the finest oil in the Egyptian culture, forming the base of the majority of their most famous perfumes and medicines, as well as being used for massage. Also highly prized were the essences of lotus, cedar and cinnamon. These were prized for their own scents, as well as their value in recipes and remedies which were utilized in social and domestic contexts, religious rituals, and medicines, as well as massage and mummification procedures. In fact, these three fragrances represented the Egyptians view of life and death. The lotus flower symbolized the creation of life, while the cedar and cinnamon, both used in the mummification process, represented death and the afterlife. They played an integral part in religious ritual, which involved offerings of costly perfume, large floral bouquets and incense. The power of scent, of fragrance, was one of the ways that the Egyptians bridged the gap between the living world and the heavenly one. In fact, these fragrances were designed to reawaken the senses of the dead, which is why they were essential in the afterlife, and had to be buried with their dead.
I have read through some very detailed recipes from finds dating back to this era, and I have to say that they are recipes easily followed, and are similar to methods that were used until very recently. In fact, I believe that it is safe to say that, all perfumery and oil distillation methods grew from the ancient Egyptians, and many of these methods and recipes changed very little over thousands of years. So when you are discussing "new age" treatments and "new" fragrances, consider that your new is someone else's old!
Make It Yourself Monday-Hair Care Recipes
I had a few more recipes for hair care than I was able to include the week we were concentrating on it, so that is what this Make it Yourself Monday post is about.....Hair care Recipes! I hope you make and enjoy them!
Here is a natural hair detangler that is similar to no more tangles. This one was found on a forum board, but no author was noted.
You will need;
8 oz. distilled water
1 tsp. aloe vera gel
1-2 drops glycerin
1-2 drops essential oil of choice
15 drops Grapefruit seed Extract
Mix everything together and put into a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray onto hair and use just like the name brand. I suggest a lavender and rosemary EO blend, 1 drop of each will do. I also prefer 2 drops of glycerin, but try it and see what your preference is.
Hair Rinse
You will need; 1 heaping Tbsp of each [dried] herb that is listed for your type of hair.
For dry hair; chamomile, nettle, comfrey root and elder flowers.
For oily hair; lemon peel, lemongrass, and peppermint.
For normal hair; nettle, elder flowers, rosemary, and burdock root.
1 quart boiling water
And finally, here is an easy herbal shampoo recipe to whip up. Take
3 oz Liquid Castile Soap
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
The first thing you need to do is to make an infusion [tea] of the herbs, making sure to steep at least 30 minutes [do not boil the herbs]. Once completed, strain, keeping the liquid and tossing the plant material. Then add the vinegar to the infusion and pour the mixture over your hair. Be extremely cautious to keep this out of your eye [rinse with clean water repeatedly if you don get into the eyes, seek medical attention if you feel it necessary]. Catch the run-off mixture in a bowl, and use it to pour over the hair repeatedly. You will get the benefits of the herbs as the vinegar seals the hair cuticle, making the hair soft, shiny, and less tangled. Use this after each shampoo.
Then finally, here is an easy to whip up, herbal shampoo. You will need; 3oz. of pure Castille liquid soap (make sure that the ingredient label lists only olive oil on it), one heaping Tbs. of the following dried herbs; chamomile, sage, nettle, rosemary and lavender, some jojoba oil (this is for extra conditioning, you may leave it out if you wish), 2 drops of rosemary and lavender essential oils, and boiling water.
Mix the herbs together in a bowl and add enough of the boiled water to cover them. Cover and let steep for at least 30 minutes. Pour the Castile soap into the bottle of your choice. Once the steeping is complete, strain the herbs, discard the plant material and reserve the liquid. Using a funnel, add the herbs into the soap bottle, then add a few squirts of jojoba oil and the essential oils. Seal and shake well. Make sure to shake well before each use, so that you will mix the oil with the soap. This shampoo will be very runny, but it will also be very concentrated, so use only a small amount when shampooing.
Here is a natural hair detangler that is similar to no more tangles. This one was found on a forum board, but no author was noted.
You will need;
8 oz. distilled water
1 tsp. aloe vera gel
1-2 drops glycerin
1-2 drops essential oil of choice
15 drops Grapefruit seed Extract
Mix everything together and put into a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray onto hair and use just like the name brand. I suggest a lavender and rosemary EO blend, 1 drop of each will do. I also prefer 2 drops of glycerin, but try it and see what your preference is.
Hair Rinse
You will need; 1 heaping Tbsp of each [dried] herb that is listed for your type of hair.
For dry hair; chamomile, nettle, comfrey root and elder flowers.
For oily hair; lemon peel, lemongrass, and peppermint.
For normal hair; nettle, elder flowers, rosemary, and burdock root.
1 quart boiling water
And finally, here is an easy herbal shampoo recipe to whip up. Take
3 oz Liquid Castile Soap
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
The first thing you need to do is to make an infusion [tea] of the herbs, making sure to steep at least 30 minutes [do not boil the herbs]. Once completed, strain, keeping the liquid and tossing the plant material. Then add the vinegar to the infusion and pour the mixture over your hair. Be extremely cautious to keep this out of your eye [rinse with clean water repeatedly if you don get into the eyes, seek medical attention if you feel it necessary]. Catch the run-off mixture in a bowl, and use it to pour over the hair repeatedly. You will get the benefits of the herbs as the vinegar seals the hair cuticle, making the hair soft, shiny, and less tangled. Use this after each shampoo.
Then finally, here is an easy to whip up, herbal shampoo. You will need; 3oz. of pure Castille liquid soap (make sure that the ingredient label lists only olive oil on it), one heaping Tbs. of the following dried herbs; chamomile, sage, nettle, rosemary and lavender, some jojoba oil (this is for extra conditioning, you may leave it out if you wish), 2 drops of rosemary and lavender essential oils, and boiling water.
Mix the herbs together in a bowl and add enough of the boiled water to cover them. Cover and let steep for at least 30 minutes. Pour the Castile soap into the bottle of your choice. Once the steeping is complete, strain the herbs, discard the plant material and reserve the liquid. Using a funnel, add the herbs into the soap bottle, then add a few squirts of jojoba oil and the essential oils. Seal and shake well. Make sure to shake well before each use, so that you will mix the oil with the soap. This shampoo will be very runny, but it will also be very concentrated, so use only a small amount when shampooing.
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