A More Gentle Approach

A More Gentle Approach
Herbal Shampoo

Have you ever stopped for a moment to wonder what is truly in the brand of shampoo you are using?  Can you pronounce the ingredients listed on the back of the bottle?  Do you truly know what they are and where they come from? 

This article will hopefully help you with some of these questions and to also lead you to a more nutritious and pure shampoo for your luxurious locks.  Not only is Herbal Shampoo environmentally friendly, it is also easy to make and adapt to your unique hair care needs.

What is in that bottle?

Brand X (and we will call all commercial shampoo this) is thick, it smells wonderful and it leaves your hair feeling silky and soft.  I wonder though, what price are we paying for these benefits?  How is this shampoo affecting your health and the environmental health of our planet?

Brand X contains: (I have listed only the first few ingrediants listed on the label. These ingredients are the most hazardous)

Sodium Laureth
Sulfate: has properties that are known carcinagens.  This ingredient also cannot be metabolized by the liver.  It can cause skin irritations, hormone imbalances, eye irritations, eye deformaties in children and other less side effects.

Cocomide MEA: can be cancer causing

Ammonium Laureth Sulfate:
Cancer hazard.  Reproductive/developmental toxicity.  Unsafe in infant products, endocrine disruptors, immune system toxicant.

Sodium Chloride: Salts used to thicken product, can be harsh on hair and skin causing irritation.

Ammonium Xylene sulfonate : Cleansing agent that is known to be irritating to skin, eyes.

Fragrance: Allergies, skin irritations

Cetyl Alcohol: A drying agent used in oily hair formulas.  Promotes hair breakage and if used synthetically, depending on combination with other agents, can be toxic, causing cancers, skin irritations and reactions.



Now, we know what is in the standard shampoo formula.  And, what health hazzards our shampoo poses. Unfortunately there are very few governing bodies that regulate the cosmetic industry there for it is up to us as consumers to do our homework and ensure that what we are purchasing and using will be safe.  I can’t imagine the long term effects these toxins have on our bodies...and what we will find out in the future once more in depth studies are done on each of these substances.  All I can say now is, ‘Buyer Beware’.

Now, I want to take a look at your alternative, an herbal recipe which is quick, inexpensive and easy to make and also nutritious for your lovely locks.  This recipe is a safe alternative to the standard and accepted product promoted to us through cosmetic industries. 


Herbal Shampoo

Distilled Water : Free of bacteria and contaminates.  (Can also boil tap water for ten minutes to achieve the same result.                                                   

Castile Soap: a plant based soap       

Jojoba Oil: a plant extract that is the closest to our bodies own natural oil
         
Vit E: a powerful antioxidant and natural preservative.                   
Rosehip Seed Oil: a powerful plant extract filled with nutrients.

Herbal Additive: All of the herbs listed add different benefits to your herbal shampoo.  You can mix a formula that specifically meets the needs for your hair/skin.  Not only do you get nutritious benefits from these herbs, you also get the benefits of aroma therapy making your bath a wonderfully fulfilling and healing practice.

Thyme:called the Mother of Thyme for a very good reason.  Not only is thyme a healing agent, it is also great for hair care, skin care and wound healing.  It is toning, filled with antioxidants and astringent.

Rosemary: Astringent for oil hair, stimulates follicles and hair growth

Lemongrass: Astringent for oily hair

Lavender: Soothing, calming, moisturizing

Sage: Moisturizing, for dryer damaged hair

Rose: nutritive for dry hair

These are only a few herbs and their benefits for hair and skin.  With a little homework and research, you can find herbal information and create your own unique hair and skin care products. Not only are you gaining purer products, you are avoiding those products that are suspect in many skin conditions, health issues and environmental pollutants.  Sometimes more convenient does not always mean better, it can actually be harmful.  There are some great websites, books and other sources dedicated to creating more healthy and toxin free products for personal use. 

Happy and healthy hunting.....