Coconut-poo?!

I'm on a roll like a coconut down a moderately steep but short grassy hill. What!? I don't  get on  much of a roll too often. But like I said previously, I am back on my coconut using and consuming kick again, this time I am adding coconut milk to the mix. I have been making my own shampoo and conditioner, but since I had all this coconut milk I wanted to try some thing else. I also messed up my last batch, possibly put too much oil, or added it twice in the 'poo'. I don't know. So this is a perfect time to try.

 

My hair is in a grow out stage, I am taking biotin, pre-natal, and just about anything else I can find. My hair is growing fast, and oh how the natural red is coming out. I have the most naturally  mashed up hair color. It looks like dark dirty dishwater ash blonde, but that's a cool color right... but with red?! Yeah, awesome, then as it grows out its super blonde at the ends. I have that 'natural-Carrie-"Ombre"-hair'.  But heavy, and stick straight with some odd waves in my under layers where it's the thickest. Did I mention I haven't had it trimmed, and I have some crazy layers from past 'damage control chopping sessions'. With all that said commercial hair products were not fixing any type of damage, wasn't smoothing any hair. I couldn't naturally dry because my layers would just get all wonky.  I have found that natural homemade shampoos and conditioners really lay my hair flat, and seals the hair shaft to produce the shine.  I have been using Bragg's ACV (apple cider vinegar) for conditioner. I don't bother mixing it either I just dump it in, let it sit while I shower and rinse under cooler water (generally as I start to loose my hot water I start to rinse). Works! No it really friggin' works. I read many peoples reactions to this concoction (notes further down about that), and I will add  mine: Not too shabby! You do not need a conditioner after. I am going to try with oil oil, and maybe coconut oil. My thicker hair does feel very heavy and I am not sure if it's the olive oil. The original recipe called for vitamin E, almond, or olive oil. I passed on E because I was thinking it would be even more heavy to mix, and rinse. My top layers are not as smooth as I like as if I used my ACV, so next time I will coco-poo, and ACV rinse!

 

Oh no! I ran out of liquid soap! I swiped my kids lavender baby shampoo, score! Not what I really wanted to use but its gentle.

Ingredients

1/4 cup coconut milk

1/3 cup liquid castile soap (I used Dr. Bronner's lavendar soap, if you use a bar, grate  use a slow boil, then simmer with your coconut milk to ensure a good mix) or gentle/organic baby shampoo/wash

1 tsp olive oil, Vitamin E, or Almond oil (go with out if you have oily hair)

(10-20 drops essential oil -if you used an unscented soap)

Squirt bottles like a condiment bottle works great. I just reused my empty liquid castile bottle. Shake to blend, and shake before use. Natural ingredients will settle. Remember liquid castile soap does not foam as much as commercial soaps. No chemicals! So I like to section my hair and work each area from scalp to tip adding more if needed. 

So why all the extra 'heads-up' on this one? Well like I said there have been a lot of feed back around the web about a 'detox-period' where your hair will feel waxy but it will pass. But no one has clarified if they were using commercial before or not. My other homemade recipe is also used with liquid castile soap so it must be a coconut milk thing? I am still going to stick with it to use it all up! I am not too bothered about the slight heaviness because it aids as a protectant for when I curl or straighten with an iron. Things to know about any natural DIY shampoo or conditioner is:

• Don't double the recipe unless you wash everyday (not recommended no matter what you use) because some ingredients require refrigeration.


• Even after using a ACV(Apple Cider Vinegar) conditioner you won't feel super smooth right away like commercial conditioners (those are the chemicals at work). ACV balances your hair, seals your shaft back to what I call; it's natural normal state.


• Use a wide tooth comb and fingers, and air dry, or cool dryer. As your hair dries you will start to feel how soft your hair is.


• Give it time, and make time. The first time devote time to see what your hair does after a natural dry! And your hair needs time to adjust too. 


• You don't always have to add EO (essential oils). Liquid castile soap smells awesome if you get a scented. 


• EO is not just for scent, they also have serious function! So unless you know what you need your concoction to do best use scented liquid castile soap or lavender EO.

Here is an EO guide for hair care 

Basil: Oily hair Promotes growth by stimulating circulation
Chamomile: Fine to normal hair Gives golden highlights and sheen Conditions hair Soothes inflamed scalp Helps scaly scalps and psoriasis
Cedarwood: Normalizes dry and oily scalp Stimulates scalp and hair follicles Used to treat hair loss and dandruff Antiseptic and astringent
Clary Sage: All hair types Dandruff treatment
Eucalyptus: Antiseptic Dandruff treatment
Lavender: All hair types Scalp treatment for itchiness and dandruff Helps balance natural scalp oils Soothes scalp and calms hair Promotes hair growth
Lemon: Oily hair Gives golden highlights Treatment for dry scalp and dandruff Helps balance natural scalp oils
Lemongrass: Oily hair Slows down scalp oil production
Myrrh: Dry hair Treatment for dry scalp and dandruff
Patchouli: Oily hair Dandruff treatment
Peppermint: Dry hair Promotes growth by stimulating circulation
Rosemary: Oily hair Dandruff treatment Promotes hair growth
Sage: Clarifies scalp scalp clarifiers Helps heal scalp problems such as psoriasis
Tea Tree: Oily hair Treatment for dry scalp, dandruff and lice
Thyme: Antiseptic Stimulates blood flow Invigorates scalp to help with hair loss
Ylang Ylang: Oily hair Antiseptic Dandruff treatment Soothing Stimulates hair growth
EO guide Source

Oh my face!

There are just some times where I feel like my skin is going through its own "thing". As a teen it was my enemy, and to make things worse sensitive English pale skin.  So every thing burns, like water, that burns. I still buy store bought, but never impressed. I don't know if I am just being hopeful, or suckered by advertising. 

I do however always going back to home made remedies. 

 I have found going natural has calmed and beautified my skin. I now wake up with color in my skin... a good color! Of course I do try to follow the rule of: drink copious amounts of water with lemon. But I needed a topical solution too. So after much searching and studying (while studying to be an aromatherapist) I found some recipes, but also made some of my own.

The thing about making your own is that you have to know your oils. I always recommend a good starter oil like lavender. Most commonly know for perfumes, and for tranquility But it goes much deeper than that.

• Nervous System: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves. Therefore, it helps in The refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity.


• treating migraines


• headaches


•  anxiety


• depression


• nervous tension and emotional stress


• Sleep


• Pain relief 


• Urine Flow


• Respiratory Disorders


• Hair Care


• Blood


• Digestion

There could be more sub categories under those bullet points, but if my writing starts to feel like I am doing a research essay for school... I stop!

The main reason I like to keep lavender around is for the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal, antiviral, antibacterial, diuretic, and sedative properties. Topically used it can treat acne and soothe redness. Sorry, if I got too wordy. I love the study of aromatherapy, and it has really stuck well in the noggin' :-)

 A good beginner face wash is still one I still like to keep around.

] 

I lucked out on my reusable container, how well does it match!

Homemade Honey Cleanser

3 Tablespoons honey
1/2 cup vegetable glycerine
2 Tablespoons liquid castile soap

 

Mix ingredients together. Apply to face and neck and massage into skin for at least 30 seconds, allowing the cleanser to loosen dirt and debris. Rinse face with warm water.

(Source.)

Cherry Mama s Uplifting facial wash

• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap 


• 1/4 cup chamomile tea (for its anti-inflammatory properties)


• 3/4 teaspoon grape seed,


• 4 drops of Basil an 4 drops of lemongrass (or 8 drops of Lavender)

Always shake gently before use. Use with a soft was cloth, gentle motion, do not scrub!

Grape seed oil is known for  anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-histamine, anti-aging, anti-allergic, antimicrobial, and adaptogenic activity. It contains 73% of linoleic acid which may be beneficial in the treatment of acne, dermatitis, allergic reactions, atopic eczema and dry and itchy skin. The rich nutrients in Grape Seed extract have been found to protect against UV radiation, and they have been found to lighten the effects on age spots and pigmented skin caused by ultra violet rays.

(Source) 

Basil oil is a very beneficial oil and can be helpful not only for headaches and migraines, but also has an uplifting effect on depression. It enhances the luster of dull looking skin as well as hair. As a result it is extensively used in many skin care supplements that claim to improve the tone of your skin. It is also used for acne and skin infections.

(Source)

"Lemongrass is pungent and earthy aroma heightens psychic awareness, and purifies the mind." -Source Lemongrass oil helps clear oily skin that is susceptible to acne outbreaks, and acts as an effective skin toner because it naturally dilates the blood vessels, tightens pores and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

(Source)

*Cautionary notes: Lemongrass can cause irritation more so than many other oils. It's a strong one! Test your dropper before you add it to any concoction. You want to always make sure your dilution's are exact when using oils topically. As any other beauty product, caution around your eyes too!

 

Great things to have in your kitchen for skin care, and more.

I have also been using natural astringents along side of my cleansing concoctions. Astringents are the easiest to make, and very inexpensive. The one I use daily is a super quick one to mix up. Start with equal parts of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), with the "Mother", Lemon juice, and Witch Hazel. ACV forganic and with the "mother" is going to have all the nutrients in it. ACV has become so popular I ingest it, use it on my face, and in my conditioners. ACV is great for your skin because it has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It balances the PH in your skin, and we all know we need that because beauty product commercials have been drumming that into our head. They are right about that, that's all... ;-) The #1 reccomended vingar is Bragg Organic.  It is the one company that know the benefits of of ACV. I also recently have found it at my local King Soopers (Kroger) for less then some natural stores! WOW! Keep your eye open.

Next the amzaing lemon, again another one thats great to ingest, with a side of ACV, (more on that another day). The magical lemon in your astringent will brighten your skin,reduce the look scars/age spots, treat acne, and exfoliates. I do have to warn you and this is common sense, use sunscreen, it does exfoliate!

Using a base in you mix ;I do recommend mainly for the added benefits! Witch Hazel rules. Don't get fooled into purchasing a fancy brand. Keep in simple, you will find it in the first aid section just like the glycerin (keep that in mind for later). Witch Hazel will soothe any irritations you have on your skin too. And if your skin is not ready for the full strength mix this will be better to dillute with.

My best mix is 1-1-1, or all equal parts to start with. Although I can handle it straight and I have Brit skin I still like the added benefit.

Refrigerate between use!

Skin brightening toner

 

I used Lemongrass because I love it! Just a few drops.

Salicylic Acid (Aspirin), clears away excess oil, cleans out your pores and exfoliates your skin to loosen and help remove dead skin cells)and ACV (note all the good things from above). I keep this one around for break outs, or to treat enlarged pores. These two are drying agents though, keep that in mind, because over drying can cause acne. What doesn't huh! Again, use sparingly if you have normal to dry skin and moisturize. Oily skin, go nuts!

• 1/2 ounce organic apple cider vinegar


• 3 ounces mineral water (or distilled water)


• 5 plain aspirin tablets, uncoated

1. Dilute 1/2 ounce organic apple cider vinegar with 3 ounces water.

2. Use pestle and mortar to crush aspirin tablets. (or use BC powders)

3. Add aspirin tablet mixture to water and vinegar mix.

4. Apply toner sparingly to areas with acne, rough skin or enlarged pores. The solution will stay fresh for one month in the refrigerator.

Source