organic herbal shampoo

Shampoo is a something that is a part of our daily lives and despite its commonness one doesn’t often stop to consider what ingredients it might contain and whether or not they might be harmful. We live in an age where organic is quickly becoming a trend in our food, cleansers, and clothing, but many still don’t know why organic living has been touted with such passion. In the case of shampoo, the reasons why organic is better are simple and the evidence is convincing. Most people don’t realize that 90% of the shampoos that they purchase over the counter contain artificial preservatives, alcohol, animal products, and harsh chemicals such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. In spite of the regular employment of these agents, they have been proven to be harmful and destructive, especially when used regularly. The Journal of the American College of Toxicology published a report over two decades ago warning of the effects of such chemicals (Volume 2, Number 7, pp. 127-181, 1983). The following are excerpts from the report:

“Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate are irritants in patch testing at concentrations of 2 percent and greater... (p127)

“Although Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is not carcinogenic in experimental animals, it has been shown that it causes severe epidermal changes to the area of the skin of mice to which it was applied. This study indicates a need for tumor-enhancing activity assays...” (p133)

“Autoradiographic studies of rat skin treated with radio-labelled Sodium Lauryl Sulfate found heavy deposition of the detergent on the skin surface and in the hair follicles; damage to the hair follicle could result from such deposition. Further, it has been reported that 1 percent and 5 percent Sodium Lauryl Sulfate produced significant number of comedones when applied to the pinna of albino rabbits. These two problems - possible hair loss and comedone formation - along with proven irritancy, should be considered in the formulation of cosmetic products...” (p156)

“Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate appear to pose less potential hazard when in products designed for brief, discontinuous use, following which they are thoroughly rinsed from the surface of the skin. However, consumers who use these products daily and are exposed at much higher rates, thus increasing the cumulative effect of using these chemicals.”(p181)

In reference to this report and several others like it, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate appear to be dangerous in formulas designed for continuous use. Therefore, in products intended for prolonged contact with skin, concentrations should not exceed 1-2%. Still, some shampoos contain as much as 10-20%. Hence, what does this mean for all of us that would like to continue to wash our hair, but would like to remain healthy? The availability of organic products increases each year, and several companies have begun to manufacture shampoos without the addition of sulfates and other harmful ingredients. But, what many people don’t realize is that there exist safe, simple, and effective methods of formulating organic personal hygiene products at home. What’s more, people have been successfully utilizing such methods for generations. The manufacturing and use of organic herbal shampoos is far easier than one might think and the benefits are many-fold. The use of such shampoo is not harmful to humans or animals and its production is not damaging to the environment.

There are several ways to make herbal shampoo at home and several plant-derived substances have proven to be successful agents. I will focus on one method that consists of only three ingredients and is extremely effective. The main element used is a plant known as soapwort (see pictures below). Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) is a perennial herb in the carnation family and is native to Europe, but is now grown in North America as well. Soapwort has received its name because it forms a rich lather when its roots and leaves are bruised. Researchers have also found that it possesses antibacterial properties. The following recipe can be used as a base for several types of herbal shampoos. I will also list various other herbs that can be added to the base in order to meet specific hygienic needs.

1 oz. dried Soapwort Root (can be purchased online or from health food stores)

2 quarts spring water

15-20 drops essential oil

1. Crush or grind soapwort root.
2. Place ground root in a glass bowl.
3. Bring water to a boil.
4. Poor boiling water over ground root and steep for an hour and a half.
5. Once cooled completely, filter through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle or jar.
6. Add your choice of essential oils.

This base will work excellently by itself or one can add various herbs to enhance the shampoo’s performance. If using herbs, add them to the soapwort before pouring in the boiling water. For normal hair, consider adding clover, horsetail, nettle, lavender, rosemary and/or marigold. For dry hair, consider using comfrey, elder flowers, orange blossom, burdock root and/or horsetail. For dandruff, try comfrey, nettle, peppermint, white willow bark, birch, colt’s foot, sage and/or chestnut. To increase hair’s manageability, use cherry bark, hops, sage leaves, burdock root and/or lavender flowers. These herbs as well as many others are suggested on the following website: www.vegfamily.com

By utilizing things found in nature that have proven effective through centuries of use, the manufacturing of organic, herbal shampoo at home is surprisingly simple and inexpensive. With a bit of practice, one can fully customize their own hair care products and can be assured of their safety of use.

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