When it comes to naturally curly hair, we know all about oils and butters – which to use for what, nutritive properties, and more. Increasingly, DIY curlies (and some natural hair brands too”> are turning to herbal extracts, leaves, and powders to enhance their healthy hair regimen. Let’s take a look at 8 amazing herbs for your hair that pack a powerful punch.
8 Healthy Hair Herbs
1. Sage
There’s something to be said for checking out your kitchen stock for healthy hair. Sage, also known as Salvia officinalis, is an antioxidant-rich herb and astringent with antibacterial qualities. If you suffer from dry, itchy scalp and dandruff, sage is an excellent natural remedy. The astringent properties also make it ideal to eliminate buildup from the hair and scalp without drying it out.
Sage choices:
2. Amla
Amla, known as Phyllanthus emblica is an excellent hair conditioning herb that provides scalp-penetrating nourishment. It strengthens hair at the root, promoting stronger, healthier new growth. It can help slow or prevent hair loss, shedding, and breakage.
Get your Amla fix :
3. Chamomile
Likely a familiar favorite choice for a calming drink of tea, Chamomile (Matricaria recutita”>, chamomile brings those same soothing and anti-inflammatory properties to your hair and scalp. If you suffer from itchy, irritated, or sensitive scalp, a chamomile rinse or products containing chamomile can help get your scalp and hair growth back on track while promoting shine and sheen.
Get your chamomile on:
4. Basil
Not just for use in the kitchen! Basil (Ocimum basilicum”> is a wonderful and fragrant herb that stimulates hair follicles and blood circulation, which encourages growth. The magnesium in basil helps prevent breakage, and the anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe scalp conditions such as dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis. It also adds luster and shine to dull hair.
Spice up your regimen:
5. Hibiscus
More than just a pretty flower, Hibiscus sabdariffa has many beneficial uses. When steeped, the pinkish-red hue given off contains lots of mucilage and plant protein that is great for curly hair. It promotes growth, and aids in the treatment of scalp conditions like dandruff and hair loss. It also aids in moisture retention by sealing the cuticle, which also helps promote shine. The high nutrient content of hibiscus makes it ideal to promote healthy hair growth and strength.
Get your hibiscus fix:
6. Calendula
Calendula, formally known as Calendula officinalis, has soothing and antioxidant written all over it. It is rich in minerals that are soothing to sensitive scalps, and also helps prevent damage by protecting hair from free-radicals. It also contains some antibacterial properties, helping keep the scalp and hair clear of infection and bacterial growth.
Add Calendula to your regimen:
7. Burdock Root
Burdock Root (Arctium lappa”> is definitely one of the more popular herbs, because of all it does. It is rich in fatty acids, which aid in improving shine and elasticity. Burdock Root also stimulates blood flow to the scalp, encouraging growth. It is also rich in silica and phytosterols, which soothe irritate scalp conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, seborrhea dermatitis. The mucilage in Burdock Root is great at providing slip, making it easier to detangle hair.
Bring Burdock Root home:
8. Rosemary
We’re back in the kitchen! Rosemarinus officinalis, whether in fresh, dried, or essential oil form, encourages hair growth by improving blood flow and circulation to the scalp – which results in strong, healthy hair growth. Rosemary also increases manageability and adds shine.