Birch and Lavender Nourishing Hair Lotion

Recently a high-school friend reminded me how eco-friendly and natural I was as a teenager. She clearly remembered my beliefs and specifically the phrase:

"I wouldn't dye my hair for the world. If God made my hair with this color, then it is the one that suits me best!" 

That phrase, she said, helped her resist the temptation, or rather loose it in several moments of her life. She was thankful. I didn't remember.

So often our words get stuck in someone's mind to later even change lives and yet we forget them. That doesn't make them less powerful. Sometimes we even forget the person we were and loose ourselves. That doesn't make us bad or wrong. It is just a proof that we are here as a plain medium of inspiration and higher knowledge -- something like megaphones and magnifying glasses for all good things that might be forgotten or never learned.

After 10 years of flirting with the corporate world of high heels, uncomfortable suits, too much makeup and perfect looking hair that changed its color like the rainbow I am back again. Back to that tiny teenage wisdom.

Of course, you know it already because most of you have read my Banana Beauty book or have used at least one of the natural beauty recipes I've shared on Kanelstrand.

Photo: Elizabeth Weller

Today I would like to share with you another perfectly natural recipe that I've been using lately to nourish my hair: 

The Birch and Lavender Hair Lotion

Birch

The birch tree is not only beautiful but it can be used as an effective remedy against:

• rheumatism and inflammations of the urinary bladder,
• excess of uric acid, toxins and water from the tissues,
• cellulite and obesity,
• blood cholesterol,
• infections,
• flu, fevers, colds and chronic sinusitis,
• headache produced by hyperzotomy, dizziness, allergies,
• liver diseases, ascitis, diarrhea, constipation or intestinal parasites,
• dermatitis, eczemas, and furunculous.

Last but not least and the reason we are including birch tree in this nourishing hair lotion is that the birch tree leaves help strengthen hair roots, prevent the forming of dandruff and contribute to the healing of skin irritations. 

Lavender

Lavender can be used medicinally as an effective remedy to combat:

• restlessness,
• insomnia and other sleep disorders,
• headaches and migraines
• abdominal pain,
• rheumatism,
• loss of appetite,
• bug bites, burns, skin disorders, to relieve itching, rashes, and reduce swelling.

Due to its antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities, lavender treats scalp infections and is effective in promoting hair growth.That is why it is the second ingredient in the lotion.

Combining birch and lavender is bound to strengthen and nourish your hair, as well as cure dandruff. For this recipe use dry lavender buds and dry birch leaves.

You will need:

• 2 teaspoons dried lavender blossoms,
• 2 teaspoons dried birch leaves,
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar,
• a couple drops of lavender oil.

1. Put the dry herbs in a clean glass bottle and pour the vinegar. Close the bottle and leave it away from direct sunlight. After 1 week sift the mixture and add lavender oil.

2. Before use add 2 parts of water to 1 part of herbal mixture and massage well into the scalp.

3. Do not rinse.

Please note:

When adding water to an herbal mixture it is important not to store it for long periods of time. That is why the recipe is calling for water right before use.

Adding water to beauty mixtures that are to be stored in the bathroom (for weeks to months) could lead to bacterial infections or fungal infections in the people who use them.

It is ok to make herbal mixtures with water in small batches that you will use quickly, and it is okay to make things with water that you will refrigerate. But otherwise, you have to be careful.

Read more on the use of water in homemade beauty products.