Saturday 14 January 2017

Natural Soapwort Shampoo Recipe



This is a great alternative soapwort shampoo which depends on the soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) for sudsiness. For the other additives, you can pick and choose. If you have trouble finding soapwort, just skip it and use pure castille soap which is gentle and natural.

Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 1/2 tablespoons dried soapwort root, chopped
2-4 teaspoons herbs (see below), for fragrance and more
A few drops of  essential oils, for fragrance

Herbs:
Chamomile: for healthy hair growth. You can also brew chamomile tea bags in the water before adding the soapwort, to bring out highlights in blond hair
Burdock root: to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. (Burdock root also has a ton of medicinal properties when consumed as a tea!)
Catnip: for healthy hair growth.

Steps:
 1. Bring the water to a boil, add the soapwort and simmer for 20 minutes, covered.
 2. Remove from heat, add the herbs and let cool.
 3. Strain the herbs from the liquid and pour into a bottle.
 4. Wait till mixture is completely cooled before adding essential oils otherwise, you'll lose most of them by evaporation right away.
Extra moisturizing:  If you like, you can add a tablespoon of  jojoba oil  or neem oil to the bottle, for extra moisture (neem oil also strengthens keratin, the proteinous substance your hair is made of). Just shake well before applying.
Storage:  This shampoo is best kept refrigerated, or at least in a cool, dark place (which your bathroom may not be if you like to really steam it up). The recipe makes enough for 3-7 shampoos, depending on hair length and thickness. I've found it tends to keep for 8-10 days, longer if you keep the mixture on the heat for a little after adding the herbs.

Usage:
Use the shampoo like you would a regular shampoo, except don't expect it to be quite as sudsy. Pour onto hands, apply to hair and scalp, and massage through. Rinse, and repeat if desired.