Sage - a Versatile Medicinal Herb Used in Traditional Hair Treatments

Author: Christiana Roberts

Sage, also known under its botanical names Salvia officinalis or Salvia salvatrix, is a universal flavouring and medicinal herb, a native of the Northern Mediterranean coast and the American continent. For many centuries, it has been used as a powerful folk medicine to treat a number of health and cosmetic conditions, including hair loss and greying hair. A stimulant and an anti-bacterial plant, it has been traditionally applied to treat indigestion, ulcers, dandruff, bleeding gums, sore throat, fever, and a number of nervous diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine values sage as an herb able to combat liver, kidney, lung, blood, and stomach diseases. Sage infusions are known to cure joint pains, wounds, nervous headaches, excessive perspiration, lethargy, and even measles!


Long ago, miraculous healing qualities of sage were noticed by ancient Greeks, Romans, Native Americans, Arabs, and Asians. Sage was believed to have healing, strengthening, and purifying qualities. Spiritual ceremonies of American aboriginals still include burning sage to “clean” the spirit before it enters supernatural realms. Ancient Arabs praised sage for its curative powers, as a general tonic, and as a medicine for snakebites; Arab women used it extensively to keep their hair dark, thick, and healthy. Smoking sage was believed to cure coughs, chest colds, and asthma. In the Middle Ages, sage was even considered a “cure-all”.

In many cultures, sage has gained a reputation of a miraculous hair medicine. Sage applications were considered the most effective natural therapies to reverse baldness and restore the dark colour of greying hair. In “The Book of Natural Remedies for Ancient Ills” by classical English physician Nicolas Culpepper, we can read that sage preparations were extensively used in antiquity to combat the fall of hair.

Ancient Greek doctor and botanist Pedanius Dioscorides in his famous book “De Materia Medica” mentioned that drinking sage tea could make greying hair restore its black colour, while topical applications of fresh sage juice were able to treat baldness.

According to the book “Sage: The Genus Salvia” by Anthony C. Dweck, common sage is a great hair-toning aid. In order to prepare a toning hair infusion, fresh sage leaves should be brewed in water and then applied to the scalp and hair. To treat alopecia, Anthony C. Dweck recommends to use freshly-made sage infusions as a hair lotion, massaging the brew into the scalp three times a week. These treatments are also said to promote the health of hair and ensure its shiny glow.

The Dweck’s book mentions that sage preparations are particularly good to strengthen the hair roots, stimulate hair growth, and deepen the rich colour of naturally black hair. Historically, elderly African Americans used to make sage tonics for hair applications to maintain their hair strong, black ,and shiny, he writes.

Naturally-occurring volatile oil in sage is, probably, the main ingredient that does miracles to support the strength of hair.

Sage preparations work especially good when combined with rosemary - another traditional hair remedy. A very beneficial hair lotion can be made from equal parts of sage and rosemary leaves slowly simmered in water for several minutes and then steeped, covered, for a few hours. The brew should be rubbed into the scalp and hair every night as a wonderful strengthening medicine to fight hair loss, rejuvenate the hair follicles, maintain the colour, and ensure the growth of thick, healthy locks.

The Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been around for a very long time, since about the 1800's, but has recently found its way into many hair products. It is one of the most beneficial ingredients used in hair care today. This extract is a derivative of the melaleuca tree in Australia. It is superb for cleaning out the hair follicle and promoting hair growth, more so than many of the other products on the market today. Occasionally people have an irritated scalp caused by bacteria or other irritants and this product can assist with healing the effects of harmful bacteria or hair products.

In terms of hair product tea tree oil can prevent and help with bacterial and fungal infections to the scalp. This has a direct benefit to hair, especially ethnic hair since many harmful products may have been previously applied. A solution to this is to apply the tea tree product which is perfect for restoring dry or damaged hair. Tea tree mixed with a combination of other oils can prevent scalp infection and dandruff as well. One must think of the extract like medicine. There are different concentrations of this chemical found in various products.

What you generally see in industry are hair products that contain approximately two percent concentration tea tree oil. It is particularly useful in shampoo form and since it can be applied to hair on a regular basis for healthy hair. It generally makes ethnic hair more durable, thicker and robust. The product "Proclaim Tea Tree Shampoo" also has great effect on someone who is losing their hair. In general scalp irritation will be reduced, the follicles cleansed and the hair will be strengthened and become more durable. This function of relieving scalp irritation greatly helps with ethnic hair because often times harsh products can be used that may damage hair.

However, if this oil product is used it will maintain healthy hair. By nature, it is a potent antiseptic. It is also good to note that it is not irritating to the skin like chemicals found in other products. It is also known for cleaning out the sebaceous glands on the scalp. This is desirable to most people. The net result is healthy hair, irritation free, and can be more easily worked with. And when you are styling ethnic hair, it certainly helps. Other hair products that contain tea tree oil are root stimulator, conditioner, shampoo, wax, and oils, as well as other ethnic hair products. All of which contribute to overall ethnic beauty. In summary through the usage of the tea tree oil in the right proportion you can achieve superb hair results and maintain the overall health of your hair.

Hair products containing tea tree oil are generally not too much more expensive than that of the normal variety. Only about forty percent more cost, but the benefit to your hair is fantastic. When you invest in these products and apply it to your hair it is an investment that is well worth it.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Benefits-of-Tea-Tree-Oil-on-Ethnic-Hair&id=3535120

The key to combing natural hair - SPRITZ!!!

I've been approached several times in the past by people stating that there were unable to comfortably comb their natural hair.

The key to combing natural hair is to NEVER comb it dry.

I recommend that you comb your hair with a wide tooth comb after it has been freshly washed and loaded with either a moisturizing conditioner for detangling or a leave-in conditioner and moisturizer (post detangling) in preparation for a styling session.

But, if you want to comb your hair while dry, the key is to use a spritz to reset your hair. I use a spritz mix of natural conditioner, castor oil, and water.

I separate my hair with the tail end of a styling tool such as a rat tail comb, pick or application brush. If I encounter a tangle during the process, I gently remove it using my fingers.

My recipe for a homemade spritz mix includes:

A 8 oz spray bottle (Walmart/Target Health Care Section)
2 tbsp Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose Conditioner
2 tbsp Castor Oil
Warm Water
10 drops of essential oil (optional)

You can add more conditioner or oil based on your preference. Many people prefer distilled water but I prefer warm tap warm because it helps the products blend. Essential oils can be added if preferred for fragrance, as a preservative, or for use of their growth stimulating properties. The conditioner itself contains perservatives so if I add essential oils it's usually for fragrance or growth stimulation. If you are looking for growth stimulants, peppermint, rosemary, and ylang ylang are all touted to stimulate growth.

Updated 1/24/2010: One of my FAVORITE Bloggers, JC of The Natural Haven, has posted to articles that that you should view. Check them out!

Combing = Damage ?

To Comb or Not to Comb ?

Review: Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner

Description:
Moisture Balancing Conditioner is a dual purpose moisture adjusting product. This smart formula adjusts moisture as needed and works two ways.

As a one-minute rinse out, it boosts moisture levels with essential lipids and proteins. As a leave-in lotion, it provides continuous moisturizing and suppleness to unusually dry hair.

These lipids and fatty acids mimic hair and scalp natural moisture. Squalane, a natural component of hair and scalp moisture is used in this formula to replenish and restore moisture balance (this special ingredient comes from olives). Lipids provide subsurface hydration, optimizing moisture levels and detangle hair to create managability. Hydrolyzed proteins process from natural wheat, lock in moisture to prevent dehydration. For intense moisture treatment, use under dryer for 15-20 minutes (with plastic cap). Or use MicroHeat Cap.

Ingredients: Panax Ginseng root extract, cetraria islandia (Irish Moss) extract, saccharomyces cerevisiea (Brewer's Yeast) extract, Gingko Biloba extract, pimpinella anisum (Anise) fruit extract, prunis persica (Peach) extract in purified water, hexadecanol, stearakonium chloride, certimonium bromide, Squalane (olive oil lipid), Capric Caprillic Triglycerides (coconut fatty acids), Panthenol (pro-vitamin USP), Biotin (USP), imisazolidinyl urea, methylparaben (USP), fragrance

Review:

Anybody that knows me knows how much I love my Aubrey Organics conditioners. But honey I’m here to tell you, Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner gives my Aubrey Conditioners a run for the money.

Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner is truly a miracle conditioner. I can cover my entire my head with a very small amount, which is the first miracle. It spreads quickly, provides lots of slip, and gives my hair uber moisture. It also has a foaming property that is hard to describe. The fact that Elucence can be used as a one minute rinse out, deep conditioner, and a leave-in conditioner is an added bonus.

I’ve have now used Elucence a total of four times. The first time I used it in my hair I was able to part my hair with my fingers so easily that it was truly shocking to me. Keep in mind that after my transition, Aubrey HSR was the only conditioner that allowed me to comb through my hair with ease so for me to part my hair with my just my fingers using Elucence was truly a miracle # two.

After three uses, I honestly have to admit that I think I can give up my precious Aubrey (except for use in my homemade spritz). It takes a lot for me to admit that considering that Aubrey is truly my first love. I haven’t yet had time to try Elucence with a heat cap but I am sure that I won't be disappointed.

The only downside to Elucence that I see in my future is that I am not able to get it on the ground. But, if I can get it $20 for a liter with a Naturally Curly discount code I’ll snag at least two at a time to make it worth the cost of shipping.

If are still searching for your holy grail conditioner or a product junkie like most, you HAVE to try this conditioner. If you have thick, dry, natural hair, I promise you that you will not regret trying it.

Steps to a Successful Transition to Natural Hair and a Regimen for Those Already Natural

I hear a lot of people say that the products that worked for them while relaxed didn't worked for them after going natural. This article will provide both natural and mass market alternatives for transitioners.

The first thing you should invest in is both a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. I recommend Aubrey organics Honeysuckle Rose shampoo and conditioner as a natural alternative and both Suave tropical coconut conditioner and Herbal Essence Hello Hydration mass market. But, trial and error will help you to figure out what makes your hair thrive. Most naturals tend to stay away from shampoo because they strip the moisture from your hair and as a natural, we need all the moisture we can get. I personally follow the no poo regimen. Every week, I cleanse my scalp using conditioner only, which is referred to as a conditioner wash or cowash. If I need an extra cleansing, I add a little baking soda to my conditioner wash. It will take a while to get use to using condition only to cleanse your scalp because we have be brainwashed into thinking our hair isn't clean without suds and squeaky clean hair but you'll get used to it.

Never rinse out all of your conditioner and ALWAYS use a leave-in conditioner. As a natural, I've used Giovanni Direct Leave-in from the health food store as well as Alba leave-in but my favorite is by Kinky Curly Knot Today. I've recently began using Yes to Cucumbers Daily Hydrating Hair Care Conditioner as my leave-in. You can purchase Alba, Giovanni, and Kinky Curly at most Whole Foods and Alba and Giovanni at the Vitamin Shoppe. Yes to Cucumbers can be found at select Target and Walgreens. A Mass market leave-in that i've read good things about is Herbal Essence.

Next, you'll need a good moisturizer. This will be the MOST important part of your regimen. You will HAVE to keep your new growth moist during your transition. Moisturizer is key to keeping your hair soft and manageable. It will also help to prevent breakage at the line of demarcation (the line where the natural and relaxed hair meets). There are a lot of good natural hair care lines that can be ordered online. My personal favorite is Qhemet Biologics Alma/Olive Heavy Cream mixed with the Olive/Honey Hydrating Balm. Another that I really like is Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Cream. Mass market products that I've heard good things about include Organic Root Stimulator Olive Cream and Profectiv, which both can be purchased from Sally Beauty Supply. Hopefully, someone will post some recommendations in the comment section below. Remember that items containing mineral and petroleum are said to block out moisture and clog pores so it is recommended that you stay away from those.

Next, you will need an oil to seal in your moisturizer. I'll suggest avocado oil, castor oil, or olive oil. These are the only three oils that actually penetrate the hair shaft and soften the hair. All other oils sit on top of the hair. You can get olive oil at any grocer or walmart. It's best to get avocado oil and castor oil at the health food store. You can get a big bottle of castor oil for a low price but avocado oil is pretty expensive. A lot of the mass market oil blends like Hot Six Oil are pure oil so ALWAYS read the ingredients.

Next you will need a styler, I use natural gels like kinky curly knot today, Aubrey Organics Mandarin Magic Moisturizing Gelly, and Kiss My Face Upper Management Gel as well as creamy natural stylers like Ohm Body Sweet Hair Pudding. Mass market, people swear by eco styler gel as well as Sparkle-lites and several curl activator gels from the local beauty supply store.

During my transition I wore my hair wrapped the first couple of month until the roots got too thick. After that, I started setting my hair with two-strand twists for twistout wavy styles. You can do the same with single braids (plaits) for braidouts.

Braidouts, Twistouts, cornrows, flat twists, rollerset and other transitioning styles help blend the natural and relaxed hair textures. Heat can damage the new growth if not utilized properly so I chose to avoid heat but that's a personal choice. Many people choose to press their hair weekly press or opt for a Dominican blowout and flat iron style.

Check out the transitioners forum on http://www.nappturality.com. I don't think I would have made it through my journey without the inspiration of that site.

With Winter fast approaching in North Carolina, a cold weather healthy hair care regimen that I recommend includes:

Cowash (Yes to Tomatoes)
Deep condition with heat (AOHR, Elucence MBC, or Yes to Cucumbers)
Apply leave-in (Yes to Cucumbers)
Moisturize (Qhemet AOHC mixed with OHHB)
Twist/braid set while wet using styler (AO MMHMJ or OHM SHP)

Because I am already natural, as added step, I ALWAYS seal my ends with castor oil, which is especially important in the cold weather months due to the various coats, hats, scarves, sweaters that your ends may come in contact with on a daily basis.

When my single strand knots get out of control I'll coat my entire hair strand.

Review: Aubrey Organics Jojoba & Aloe Desert Herb Revitalizing Conditioner

Description:

For Dry, Damaged Hair

Bring damaged, desert-dry hair back to life. Moisture-rich botanicals nourish, rebalance and rehydrate parched, overprocessed hair on contact. Milk protein strengthens and mends damaged areas and promotes elasticity to prevent breakage and leave hair touchably soft, shiny and resilient.

Key ingredients:

Organic Jojoba Oil Nourishes - adds a natural sheen

Organic Aloe Vera - replenishes moisture

Lactalbumin (milk protein) - strengthens & mends damaged areas

Ingredients:

Coconut Fatty Acid Cream Base, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Jojoba Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Lactalbumin; Extracts of Fennel, Hops, Balm Mint, Mistletoe, Camomile and Yarrow; Organic Rosemary Oil, Organic Sage Oil, Carrot Oil, Essential Oil Blend (Cedar, Grapefruit, Rose-Geranium, Lavender), Aubrey’s Preservative (Citrus Seed Extract, Vitamins A, C and E).

Review:

I immediately felt the the tangles in my hair melting away upon impact while detangling with my finger. I put my hair in four sections and continued detangling with my Conair Shower Comb. I found the product to be pretty moisturizing providing just the right amount of slip for my personal need. The texture is a mix between my three favs, which are honey suckle rose, island naturals, and white camelia. Honeysuckle Rose will remain my favorite for a deep conditioning treatment but for a nice quick rinseout with a protein boost, you can't go wrong with this one.

Sound the Trumpets!!! We Have a Winner!!!

Congratulations goes out to labelfreementality, the winner of the AyurNatural Beauty giveaway.

Please email me at rcarson@triad.rr.com so that I can put you in contact with the beautiful Ekua, owner of AyurNatural Beauty so that you can claim your $20 price.

labelfreementality was chosen as the winner via an online random number generator used by Ekua. labelfreementality was given two entries for being a follower of both my blog as well as Ekua's blog, AyurNatural Beauty Talk. Four other entrants also received dual entries for being followers of both blogs. Five people were disqualified for being followers of neither. Sorry, but you MUST follow the rules!