Ayurveda Soap Nut Shampoo

Overview:

Commercial shampoo is bad for the Hair, and will aggravate Hair loss. Aside from toxicity concerns, which damage the Kidneys, which govern Hair growth (TCM), Hair needs an adequate amount of natural skin oil (sebum) on the scalp, and on the shaft, in order to maintain the integrity of its structure and ground the follicle in place. Just about any commercial shampoo will strip the Hair of its vital oil, which will aggravate dryness and shedding, as well as promote scalp heat and inflammation conditions that are manifesting due to a corresponding internal imbalance (ungrounded Vata and aggravated Pitta-Fire, according to Ayurveda).

Not shampooing altogether, although better than exposing the hair, scalp, and Kidneys to poisonous industrial chemicals, will also aggravate Hair loss conditions. It leads to build-up of organic toxic residue on the scalp and within the metabolic pathways (srotas) that deliver waste from and nutrients to the Hair. Accumulated dirt and debris on the scalp will dry out the scalp, which will result in excessive shedding (i.e. Vata aggravation). Internally, the build up of toxins (ama) within the metabolic pathways impair circulation, which leads to nutrient deficiency, as well as generation of Heat due to friction inhibiting the flow within the pathways. This Heat further damages the follicle and surrounding tissue, beyond the excessive Heat that is already present and causing the loss or greying of Hair, and is compounded by fermenting microbial activity on a dirty scalp. Heat also disturbs the life-force (prana), which become scattered and fails to flow coherently in the affected areas.

Soap nut shampoo is a homemade, entirely herbal-based, and mild skin and hair cleaning solution that gently removes dirt and cellular debris, is anti-microbial, and can remove excess oil clogging the pores, all without stripping the Skin and Hair of its moisturizing and nourishing sebum base. Furthermore, soap nuts, while nourishing on their own, are paired with other herbal ingredients that supplement vital nutrients and help to restore balance to the scalp conditions, especially when followed by a Hair Rinse.

Note that a soap nut shampoo will not have the lathering property of commercial shampoo, nor will it degrease the Hair to the one may be accustomed to. However, while commercial shampoos will produce an immediate cosmetic hair benefit, it is ultimately destructive. Conversely, soap nut shampoos will improve the cosmetic appearance over time, as the Hair adjusts to healthy oil levels and receives proper care and nourishment.

Ingredients:

Soap Nuts - Reetha:

A soap nut is the dried fruit shell (berry) of the Sapindus mukorossi tree, native to India and Nepal. It release natural saponins, which are the surface-active ingredient in common soaps that reduces surface tension and emulsifies the oil on the object to allow water to penetrate and lift dirt away. It also contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and anti-microbial agents that treat irritated skin conditions.

Indian Gooseberry - Amla:

Amla Berry is is a small, round, greenish-yellow fruit native to India and Southeast Asia. It is one of the most commonly used herb in Ayurveda, due to its properties as rejuvenation tonic (rayasana) and one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin C. As a herbal shampoo ingredient it adds structural support to the Hair by promoting collagen synthesis, and helps clear accumulated ama (toxins).

Acacia Concinna - Shikakai

Shikakai is a climbing shrub native to India and Southeast Asia. Its dried seed pods, leaves, and bark are rich in natural saponins, making it a traditional, mild cleanser and conditioner used for centuries in Ayurveda. In this formula, it adds additional PH balancing support and moisture to scalp and hair.

How to Make:

1. Gather the following ingredients in a glass or ceramic vessel:

• Soap Nuts (Reetha) (*): 5-6 berries

• Brahmi: 5-6 berries

• Shikakai (*): 5-6 pods

• Spring Water: 2 cups

(*) affiliate link

Note: if you do not use Spring Water, then use structured-filtered (*) water, as water must be "coherent" to properly absorb the essence of the herbs.

2. Soak the herbs overnight.

3. Pour contents into a stainless steel or ceramic cooking pot, and bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20-30 minutes.

5. Let the solution cool to room temperature, then mash herbs to release more active compounds.

6. Strain liquid, and squeeze out the herbs.

• Store at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Application Instructions:

1. Wet hair.

2. Saturate hair with soap nut shampoo.

3. Gently massage the shampoo in clock-wise circles for 3-5 minutes.

4. Rinse hair with water

5. Saturate hair with a Hair Rinse.

6. Gently massage the herbal rinse in clock-wise circles for 3-5 minutes.

• For best results, only Shampoo on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to align with Vedic Astrology auspices.