Description

This article was authored by Klaus Ferlow, HMH (Honorary Master Herbalist), innovator, lecturer, researcher, writer, founder Ferlow Botanical Enterprises Ltd, Vancouver, B.C. manufacturing/distributing organic toxin-free medicinal herbal and personal care products to professional health & wellness practitioners in Canada and parts of USA since 1993.

Herbal Care for Your Hair

Herbal products care for the body gently, with less risk of potentially harmful or harsh chemicals and synthetics. Part of a holistic view of our body's health includes the products that you put on your hair and skin. The hair needs regular cleansing to remain healthy and to restore lost oils. Many herbs have been known for their cleansing, toning and moisturizing properties for centuries.

Why Natural Herbal Products?

In recent years, more concern has arisen about potential dangers of over-processed ingredients in skin and hair care products. Products with a focus on natural, certified organic, organic or wildcrafted ingredients, especially herbal extracts, lessen our dependency on harsh chemical additives, are kinder to the environment and utilize our renewable energy resources.

Although most aspects of hair - its colour, rate of growth, thickness and curliness - are hereditary, a wide range of herbal ingredients including premium vegetable oils have been used through the ages to improve and enhance what nature provides.

"Healthy hair with bounce and a glowing shine is a sign of inner health and beauty."

Typically, hair has been placed into four categories: dry, normal, oily and problem, however, Herbal Trichologists - specialists in the study of hair structure - state that all hair is normal for that person and problems should first be dealt with by looking holistically at the person: that is,looking at his lifestyle. For instance, when hair has become dry and brittle, it tends to fly away easily; the ends become split and it is hard to manage. Healthy hair with bounce and a glowing shine is a sign of inner health and beauty.

There are things you can do to improve and stimulate hair growth and to develop the healthy shine and bounce.

Hair consists primarily of protein which promotes growth. Therefore your diet should include adequate amounts of protein to maintain and built new tissue in the body and new hair follicles. Good sources of protein include eggs, poultry, fish, meat, legumes, nuts and dairy products. Vegetarians who regularly consume dairy products and eggs, as well as a variety of legumes and nuts obtain enough protein, minerals and vitamins. A deficiency of these nutrients will be reflected in the condition of the hair. Scalp massage from root to end is also recommended because it stimulates your sebaceous glands and distributes natural oils to nourish your hair.

Truly clean, natural herbal products for your hair will be made without harsh chemicals, (and remember: if you can't pronounce the name of the ingredients on the label, don't buy it!), synthetic thickeners and unnecessary additives.Many herbal shampoos, for instance, will sell you on the fact that they contain some herbs, yet their base formula contains traditional surfactants (foaming agents) such as sodium lauryl sulphate, artificial colours, coal tar, and possibly nitrosamines and other toxic ingredients. Read the labels and avoid products with these and other harsh chemicals in favour of products made from 100% natural, non-toxic ingredients. There are many of these products available and we have five different toxic free herbal shampoo in our program. Beware and be wise when you make your choice since health is the most important thing in life. Your hair will thank you for it.

References:

The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook, James A. Duke, Ph.D.

The Herb Book, John Lust

Herb Bible, Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.

Please note: This information is offered for its educational value and should not be used in the diagonsis, treatment, or prevention of disease.

This information is offered for its educational value only and should not be used in the diagnose, treatment, or prevention of disease. Any attempt to diagnose and treat illness should come under the direction of your health care practitioner.

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