For hundreds of years, people have been using herbs to nourish the scalp and promote the growth of strong, healthy hair and to get glowing-healthy skin. The list of herbs traditionally used for this purpose is extensive! There are a variety of skin care and hair care products available in the market claiming to contain botanical extracts but in reality it’s fairly easy to grow, process, and create your own beauty products using fresh plant extracts.
Here are some herbs you could easily grow at home and use it for achieving glowing skin and healthy hair:
GINGER
Ginger root oil increases circulation in hair follicles, promoting stronger and faster growth. Ginger root is also an anti-septic and moisturizer, making it excellent for clearing up dandruff and other skin conditions which may interfere with healthy hair growth and also help you get a clear skin.
TULSI
Tulsi juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes, dandruff and acne. Two drops of basil juice can work wonders for the eyes. It soothes eyes and reduces stress. Applying on face and scalp can also prevent acne and dandruff and other problems of the skin and hair which are caused mainly due to bacterial and fungal infections.
ALOE VERA
While not strictly a garden plant, aloe vera can still be grown indoors. The gel inside its leaves can be used to calm and repair skin damaged by sun and heat as well as reduce inflammation. Aloe can also be used as an oil-free moisturiser though regular use may over-dry normal to dry skin. Extract by cutting open the leaves and scooping out the gel inside. Aloe can be used on its own but also in creams and lotions. The gel can also be used to massage scalp to get rid of itchiness and dandruff.
HIBISCUS
Hibiscus flowers contains vitamins and anti-oxidants that improve scalp and hair health. Add fresh blossoms (or if you can’t find them fresh, use dried hibiscus) to coconut oil and grind into a fine paste. When applied to scalp and hair regularly, this mixture increases hair growth while at the same time warding off premature greying and dandruff. For best results, allow mixture to soak into scalp and hair for at least two hours.
ROSE
Roses can be used to make rose water. Rose Water is a mild astringent and toner that is excellent for all skin types but in particular, mature skin. It helps cleanse and tone while encouraging regeneration and boosting moisture levels. Both wild and cultivated rose petals are suitable.
PARSLEY
Parsley contains beta carotene which is converted to Vitamin A for proper maintenance and repairing of skin. Thus eating parsley improves skin’s elasticity, which battles wrinkles and speeds up the wound healing process. Parsley can also be used to make toner. Parsley toner is highly clarifying. It helps to balance the pH level of the skin and kill acne causing bacteria. It will also treat oily skin and skin inflammation. Parsley water can be used as a last hair rinse. It contains apigenin, an antioxidant flavonoid which controls hair fall.
Note: Growing these plants/herbs at home is quite easy as they don’t need any special maintenance. Just water them nicely once a day and keep in place where sunlight is not too harsh.