Mooncup Menstrual Cup

The Mooncup is a reusable feminine hygiene product made from a special medical grade non-allergic silicone. Silicone is derived from silica a natural mineral. Not dissimilar to a diaphragm –roughly 5cm (2in) long, it is worn internally, like a tampon, but collects menstrual fluid, rather than absorbing it. A light seal is formed with your vaginal walls allowing your menstrual fluid to pass into the Mooncup without leakage or odour. It will hold 30ml of fluid, which is roughly one third of the average total fluid produced each month and three times the quantity that a tampon can hold which means you need to empty your Mooncup less frequently than you currently replace towels or tampons.

Despite what the advertisements say, we all know that tampons and towels leak, the sticky strip on the underside of sanitary towel (not to mention the ‘wings’) is either too sticky or not sticky enough, and there’s this perpetual awareness that we are wearing them. Tampons are made of pesticide-riddled cotton and contain chlorine-bleach, carcinogenic absorbency gels, and deodorisant. Not only do they deposit fibres in your vaginal wall, they interfere with your healthy vaginal environment, by soaking up moisture, they dry out your vagina’s natural self-cleaning mechanisms, leaving it prone to thrush and vaginosis, a smelly bacterial infection. Vaginosis is treated with antibiotics (which can also result in thrush) and if left untreated can lead to infection during and after childbirth. Tampons have also been linked to toxic shock syndrome, a rare and occasionally deadly Staphylococcus aureus infection. There are around 40 cases a year in the UK, two to three of which are fatal, and half of those are associated with tampon use. We are all at risk, who hasn’t forgotten to her tampon off, or worse putting a second one in there…

Then there’s also the discomfort. In the first couple of days of a period you can be changing the tampons every couple of hours; by the latter days, insertion and removal can feel like rubbing yourself with sandpaper. The Mooncup will not cause irritation and is suitable for women with sensitive skin, thrush, eczema or an allergy.

Now, what consider having an alternative to polluting the planet, the environmental impact of using a Mooncup is huge. The average woman uses nearly 17,000 disposable pads and tampons in a lifetime. An estimated eight billion of these end up in Britain’s sewage system, causing 70 per cent of blockages in the system. And once fished out, what’s not incinerated becomes landfill or ends up lining up on our beaches.

It’s reusable and lasts for years, saving you money and protecting the planet. As long as your hands are clean, you just empty it, flush it out (or wipe it round if you haven’t any water handy) and reinsert it as often as it’s necessary (every 4-8 hours). It needs to be sterilised like baby bottles, put it in a pan and boil it for five minutess.

We have become squeamish about menstruation, but our periods is what makes us us, beautiful, strong powerful women. We have babies (or not), we lead busy, hectic lives and still manage to be us. I’ve used the Mooncup for over a year now and my first time was definitely and ‘experience’ there’s a certain skill involved in getting something as tiny, pliable, rubbery and bouncy as a Mooncup to fold neatly into four and to go up inside you without it shooting across the room. But by the same token, the first time I looked at it (and ever since) I was in awe of my power. It is difficult to explain but it made me realise how generous Mother Nature was to me, I won’t go into too much detail but something happened to me when I saw, I realised the meaning and the beauty of it all. The Mooncup can safely be used overnight and is great for all sports, swimming and travelling.

Also, this is not scientifically proven or anything but few friends have mentioned that the pain was considerably lessen, the cramps were much more bearable and the periods didn’t last as long since they’ve started using the Mooncup.

All Mooncups’s by-products (leaflets and packaging) are made from organic and recycled products.

In December 2004 the Ethical Company Organisation (publishers of the Good Shopping Guide) certified Mooncup Ltd an Ethical Company. This recognises a commitment to a people and animal friendly approach, efforts with regard to environmental issues, responsible marketing and general caring nature.

Furthermore: The Mooncup was voted Best New Product by a team of independent retailers at the Natural Trade Show in March 2003. AND: The Vegetarian Society approved the Mooncup in May 2004 and the Vegan Society members voted it the Best Environmentally Friendly Product in November 2004. All quotes taken from mooncup.co.uk

You can also get your Mooncup at the Ethical store, they have a Free UK delivery on all orders over £10 click here!

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Dealing with Dandruff - Causes and Treatment

Dandruffs are annoying and can be embarrassing, they result in itchy or flaky scalp. Millions of people across the globe are affected by dandruffs, itchy and/or flaky scalp. Although no one really knows for sure what causes the flakes and itches of dandruff researchers suggest they may be an inflammatory reaction triggered by too much of a microscopic yeast-like organism usually found in small amounts on healthy scalps.
By definition, common dandruff is an overproduction and build-up of dead skin cells. Skin cell are found all over our body and scalp. As our skin renews itself, the top layer of old cells dies and comes off. Skin cells renewal usually happens every two to three weeks. But for some, this process is. quicker. The scalp increases its production of cells, causing the dead ones to pack together and build up on the scalp resulting in an itchy and irritated scalp. The dead skin slough off as white-ish or gray-ish flakes on our collars and shoulders.Avoid wearing dark colour shirts/jumpers if you suffer from the condition.
One of the causes of dandruffs can be food allergies; allergies to hair care products; a combination of cold weather, low humidity and dry indoor heat; and stress. However dandruff cannot be associated with dry skin. Dandruffs could be due to overproduction of sebum in the scalp's oil glands and people with oilier scalp are more likely to have this disorder.
Dandruff sTreatment and Preventions:
1. The first step in treating dandruffs is shampooing with an anti-dandruff shampoo These shampoos wash away flakes before they can build up, helps soothe itchy scalp and treats the condition.
2. Mix 8 tbsp. peanut oil with the juice of half a lemon. Rub the mixture into your hair, leave on for 10 minutes and then wash as usual.
3. Eat a well balanced diet and make at least 50 percent of your diet raw food.
4. Avoid or decrease your intake of fried foods, dairy products, sugar, chocolate and nuts.

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Indian Hair Care

Buy Indian Hair oil

I found this on the Long Hair Community Forum and wanted to share with you, hope this is helpful, it's very informative. Please visit LHCF for more info.

This page is a joint effort between several members of The Long Hair Community. There has been so much interest on our board, that we thought a brief compendium of some basic guidelines of Indian hair care would be welcomed. Unless otherwise noted, all herbs are in powdered form.

Thank you also to everyone who allowed their recipes to be included.

Enjoy! Contributors quidscribis Icydove mira-chan violetflowers Shell

Ayurvedic Hair Care compiled by Shell

Indians believe that the health of the hair, skin, and nails indicates the health of the person, and that someone with unhealthy hair needs to manage their diet better. Specifically they lack protein (Indians generally recommend milk protein to remedy this--especially yogurt), and fruits and vegetables. The ideal exercise according to Ayurvedic practitioners is walking.

Traditional Indian health theory involves balancing the various body types (dosha), of which there are three general types. This involves diet, exercise, lifestyle, and in some cases herbal treatments. For more information on Ayurvedic theory you may want to read ''Essential Ayurveda'' by Shubhra Krishan or ''The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies'' by Vasant Lad. Both of these books explain the theory of the doshas and recommend lifestyle choices to maximize health.

Most herbs used in Indian hair and skin care (yes many of the herbs below are also good for your skin!) are good for everyone, regardless of dosha. If you have particular problems or concerns, you may want to contact an Ayurvedic practitioner for a professional consultation.

Generally using herbs for healthy hair maintenance involves some kind of oiling (see below) and an herbal wash. You may also add an herbal rinse. The wash and rinse can be one mixture, or used separately, but together they should contain at least one cleansing agent (such as shikakai or aritha/reetha and one conditioning agent such as amla). Some Indians also use rice starch as a type of natural emulsifier to bind the herb powders together and make them easier to apply and rinse out.

Indian women tend to oil their hair daily or every other day, and to wear their hair in a single braid or a bun. Very rarely do they wear their hair down. Please keep reading for some wash and rinse recipes and advice, and for tips on oils and oiling, and some information on the various herbs and commercial products that you can use with Indian herbal hair care.

Basic Washes

compiled by violetflowers

Icydove's Wash Mix

2 tbsp. shikakai powder

2 tbsp. amla powder Add 4 cups of hot tap or heated water to powdered herbs. Allow to steep until comfortably warm (at least 5 minutes), strain ( use a metal coffee filter), and pour tea over wet hair and massage in. You can do a highly diluted ACV rinse. The amla is conditioning, but for a little extra boost, apply coconut oil as a prewash treatment and apply a conditioning rinse after washing.

Shell's Wash Mix

2 tablespoons of shikakai

3 tablespoons of amla Mix together with warm water and let sit for 5-15 minutes. Use as a paste. Apply to scalp and hair, distribute/massage very gently, and let sit for 5-15 minutes. Massage gently again and then rinse thoroughly.

Pre-washing oiling is advised anytime you use shikakai. Follow this up with an AVC rinse and some post wash oiling.

mira-chan's Indian herb hair gravy

whole aritha – 3 to 5 berries

whole amla – 1 to 2 tablespoons whole hibiscus – 4- 6 flowers Boil in two cups of water till about a cup boils out. Strain. Then put on a low heat and add arrowroot starch (mixed with cool water so it doesn’t clump) and mix until it turns to a gravy consistency. Let cool and use. Will last a week at most with refrigeration. (Acts similarly to Dianyla’s herb gravy)

Epiphanee's Wash Mix

Use 1 tablespoon of shikakai powder and mix it up with about 3 cups of water until it is a thin paste (as opposed to a thick mud).

Apply the paste to your scalp and hair length - everywhere that you have applied coconut oil.

Just apply the paste and don't "massage" it in. It is very slightly abrasive so massaging it in would not be good for the hair shaft.

Leave for 10 - 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

Neoma's Purple Sludge Mix

1 tablespoon amla powder

2 tablespoons shikakai powder 2 tablespoons methi powder 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers Pour a cup of boiling water over the first three ingredients. Put the hibiscus in a tea ball and add them to the rest of the brew. Cover and steep 30 minutes. Remove the tea ball.

You can use it as soon as it cools sufficiently or keep it a few days in the fridge. I always use it on oiled hair. Finger-comb in the shower under running water to remove the herbal debris. May stain light hair or surfaces.

Leia's Herbal Wash and Condition

1 tablespoon bhringraj

1 tablespoon amla 1 tablespoon aritha 1 tablespoon neem 2 tablespoons shikakai 2 tablespoons sandalwood Mix a little with boiling water, wait for it to cool a bit, and apply the paste to hair and scalp (sometimes after oiling with olive oil); leave on all night. You may use a bowl to catch the runoff and rinse again in the morning.

Violetflower's Wash Mix I

1 dessert spoon of amla powder

1 dessert spoon of shikakai powder 1 dessert spoon of cassia obovata 6 dessert spoons of my soapnut shampoo Massaged a small handful into dry hair, wet hair, then aplly the remainder, making sure that to cover all hair root to tip, massage scalp gently, then wrap cling film around hair for about 10 minutes. Rinse.

Violetflower's Wash Mix II

1.5 dessert spoons of amla

1 dessert spoon shikakai 1 dessert spoon of aritha 1 dessert spoon orange peel 1 dessert spoon brahmi 1 dessert spoon neem 1 dessert spoon tulsi 2 dessert spoons kapoor kachli 2 dessert spoons maka 3 dessert spoons marsh mallow 1 and a half teaspoons of virgin coconut oil. Wash as usual--makes hair very shiny!

Conditioning Mixes That May Be Used As Gentle Washes

compiled by mira-chan and Shell

Mira-chan's Mild Wash Mix I

Take half a cup of fresh hibiscus leaves and crush them. The boil them in about a cup of water for 20 minutes. Strain, let cook and use as shampoo. The hibiscus leaf wash is not to be used post oiling or on oily hair unless it is very concentrated. It will not remove much oil. It mostly acts as an anti-dryness barrier.

Mira-chan's Mild Wash Mix II

Take two table spoons of powdered hibiscus flowers, mix with a cup of boiling water. Let cool. Apply to hair and leave for 5 to 20 minutes. Rinse well. Gives shine and cleans non-oiled hair well. Would be good for those who want to wash very often (daily or every other day) or for non-oiled naturally dry hair/ scalp.

Shell's Herbal CO

Use three tablespoons of amla in about two cups of warm water. Let sit for 5-15 minutes. Apply to hair and scalp. Gently massage scalp with a bit of water splashed on. Leave in for 15 minutes or so. Won't remove any but a very light oiling. Nicely conditioning and gently cleansing. Also makes your hair smell nice.

Rinses and Conditioners

compiled by Icydove

Traditionally, prewash oilings and using conditioning herbs in the washing mix serve as the Indian herb user's only conditioners. However, some people use Indian herbs for additional conditioning needs or for deep treatments.

Icydove's Herbal Rinse

1 heaping tsp. of hibiscus

1 heaping tsp. of elderflower 1/2 tsp. of honey Add the herbs and honey to two cups of hot water. Let steep for about 5 minutes, and strain. Dunk ends in the mixture, then pour it over head. Rinse lightly to prevent the hibiscus from staining. TIP: Use the mixture while the water is still warm or the honey could stiffen hair. Use aloe vera gel and jojoba oil mixed together as a leave-in.

mira-chan's Hibiscus Conditioner

3-4 flowers of hibiscus

one tablespoon fenugreek seeds ( coarse powder or just crushed) 1 table spoon of arrowroot powder/ starch.

Mix arrowroot powder with a little bit of cool water. Make a large mug worth of strong tea with hibiscus and fenugreek. Strain then add arrowroot. Allow to cool then use as a conditioning rinse.

Kissedbyfire's Indian Herbal Wash/Condition

1 tablespoon neem

1 tablespoon shikakai 1 tablespoon aritha 1 tablespoon amla 1 tablespoon sandlewood 1 tablespoon brahmi 1 tablespoon hibiscus 2 tablespoon marshmallow root 1 cup tea (rosemary, chamomile, lavendar, etc.)

Allow tea to simmer while mixing up the herbs. Add tea to herb mixture, mix well. Let cool to a warm temperature and apply.

Start with an avc rinse, then dry hair. Apply mix to slightly damp hair and scalp, and massage. Let sit for an hour wrapped in a plastic bag. Rinse.

Oils and Oiling Techniques

compiled by mira-chan

Why oil? Oils are used as a protective conditioner and for treating problems of hair growth and both hair and scalp condition. They can be used daily to protect hair from the elements. Herbal oils are applied to the scalp daily or pre-wash to treat scalp conditions. More thorough scalp and length oiling is done pre-wash as a conditioner to protect the hair from the drying effects of the cleansing herbs and water.

Herbal oils are chosen depending on condition of the scalp and used either together or separately. They are applied on non wash days in the evening or at least 30 minutes before washing to let the herb act on the scalp.

Pre-wash oiling is done on dry hair at least 30 minutes before washing. Non- wash day oiling can be done on dry or damp (misted) hair depending on how hair reacts to oiling. Amount used depends on hair length and how much oil the hair absorbs. Start with small amounts and increase as needed.

Post wash oiling is done on dry or damp hair depending on the hair reaction to oils. Only a small amount is used. It helps in detangling and shine, similar to a leave-in conditioner.

Which oils might be right for you?

Coconut -– cooling oil

Used for scalp and length of hair, the body, and for cooking. Herbs can be infused in it, flavoring/scenting the infusion by immersing oils in it and letting it sit in the sun without high heat as heat from cooking a long time will alter the properties of unrefined coconut oil slightly. Prevents protein loss from hair during washing. Applied both pre-wash and on the days between washing.

For dry or damaged ends: Wet/ mist the ends of the hair and liberally apply coconut oil, then braid. Let the oil soak in for at least a day.

Sesame –– Warming/ neutral oil

Commonly used for hair and cooking. The best oil to use when infusing other herbs by cooking. Can be applied between washing but, referred as a pre-wash oil as it has a stronger scent than coconut.

Mustard -– warming oil

It is used more in Northern India, for the scalp and for medicinal body massages. It brings circulation to the scalp due to its mild irritating properties, similar to cayenne pepper. It has anti-bacterial properties. Do not try to infuse herbs in this by heating as it produces noxious fumes. Applied pre-wash to scalp only. Has a strong scent.

Amla Oil -- cooling oil

Conditioning astringent. A cooling, pitta soothing oil. Used for hair loss, premature graying, strengthens the roots, reduces dandruff. Prevents split ends. A small amount is applied to hair and scalp after washing or massaged in pre-wash. Promotes sound sleep when massaged into the scalp.

Brahmi Gatu Kola (Bacopa monnieri)

Herb infused in oil. A cooling, pitta soothing oil. Used to combat dandruff and dry scalp.

Bringraj (Eclipta alba)

Oil of the herbs called the king of herbs for hair infused into oil such as sesame. Aids in hair growth. Used for prevention of premature balding, and helps with sun damaged and color treated hair. Massage into the scalp pre-wash.

Commercial Products

compiled by Shell

Indian women, like women everywhere, want to take good care of their hair using the best ingredients, but they also want the convenience of prepared commercial products. The following links will take you outside of this page to learn more about commercial options in Indian Herbal hair care. Many people here at TLHC have used these products.

One quite popular brand is Dabur. They make a variety of oils and shampoos, a few of which I will highlight here. Please be sure to click on their website for more in-depth information. All information on their products comes from their page.

Dabur Amla Oil is described by its manufacturer thusly: "...a scientific blend of the purest mineral and vegetable oils. Mixed hygienically in the correct ratio these oils nurture the scalp, give hair a luxurient glossy look, keep them silky and long, and prevent hair damage from the extremities of weather, premature graying & falling of hair. When massaged into the scalp it relaxes the mind, eases out stress and promotes sleep. It also nourishes and strengthens the hair roots." A lighter formula of this oil is also available.

Dabur Vatika Oil is described by its manufacturer thusly: "...a premium coconut hair oil enriched with Henna, Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Lemon and five other trusted herbs. Vatika's unique natural formulation ensures deeper oil penetration. Giving your hair and scalp complete nourishment for problem free, healthy hair. While Henna forms a protective coat to prevent oxidation, Amla strengthens the hair-roots and the astringent action of Lemon prevents dandruff."

Dabur Special Hair Oil s described by its manufacturer thusly: "...a non-sticky light hair oil with the goodness of Lemon and Hibiscus. Lemon gives hair a natural shine while Hibiscus and other natural ingredients strengthen the roots and nourish the hair from deep within - making them thick, lustrous and healthy." It also contains rosemary.

Dabur Jasmine Hair Oil is described by its manufacturer thusly: "For ages, the enchanting fragrance of Jasmine has spellbound people. Dabur Jasmine Hair Oil has the same fragrant goodness of Jasmine. That gives your hair a new life and makes them long, thick and beautiful." Jasmine is the only ingredient listed.

The Dabur company also makes a variety of shampoos for all hair types, including a dandruff shampoo. The ingredients of their shampoos are similar to western commercial products (including SLS) with Indian herbs added.

Song of India Herbal Shampoo comes in both liquid and powdered forms. Contains oils and herbal extracts. The powdered form supposedly contains no preservatives, but I couldn't get ingredient lists for either product.

Shikakai Shampoo Bar: this appears to made of shikakai and saponified oils. It contains no animal products and doesn't list any SLS.

Hesh Ayumix Shikakai, Neem, and Amla Shampoo Bar is a product for those looking for convenience and Indian herbs. See Keenkitty's review linked below.

Ayurvedic Shampoo Bar Neem Plus5 80g Auromere is described by its manufacturer thusly: "This unique Ayurvedic formula in a handy bar includes Neem, the premier herb for skin and scalp, plus 5 other potent herbal extracts: Reetha, Shikakai, Henna, Amla and Methi, all prized for their natural cleansing, nourishing and rejuvenating effect on the hair and scalp. Recommended for all types of hair: (Vata-Pitta-Kapha body types).

Ingredients: Coconut oil, Palmyra oil, Castor oil, Alkali,Wax, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine (from Coconut oil), Cocoamidopropyl Amino Oxide (from Coconut oil), Sandalwood fragrance, Soya Lecithin, Neem, Reetha (Indian Filbert/Soapnut), Shikakai (Acacia cancinna), Henna, Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Methi (Fenugreek).

Neem oil is commonly used in India for dandruff control and against lice. This site sells an organic variety

Meera Herbal Hair Wash Powder: Ingredients listed (courtesy of naj): shikakai, aritha, tulsi, hibiscus,vetiver, green gram,and fenugreek.

New Meera Gold Powder Ingredients listed (courtesy of LittleFlower): Phaseolus mungo - (black gram, green gram, or mung bean), hibiscus, shikakai, tulsi, usilai, vaagai, sirisa, vetiver,fenugreek (methi)

Both of the Meera products are herbs packaged in jars or sachets for traditional Indian hair washing. Both are shikakai based. Reports are that it lathers though, and that may mean that other ingredients are in the powder than are listed. This is reported an issue with some Indian commercial products. Both may contain fragrance oils. Meera Herbal Oil contains a variety of beneficial herbs in a base of coconut and mineral oils. The herbs continue steeping in the oil through an innovative cylinder in the bottle.

Ingredients

compiled by mira-chan and Shell

Albizia amara- usilai, vaagai, sirisa

For dandruff.

Amla (Emblica officinalis)

The herb is an astringent, helps dye uptake, a conditioner and is mildly acidic (high in Vitamin C).

Aritha/Reetha soapnut (Sapindus trifoliatus)

Cleansing, can leave hair a bit stiff. Aritha - can be used whole, fresh or dried, boiled then let stand of a night, as a shampoo on their own. It can also be used as a gentle fabric detergent. Some recommend it for use with shikakai and amla.

Brahmi Gatu Kola (Bacopa monnieri)

Used for skin diseases. When used as a paste promotes growth and is anti dandruff. Similar to the oil.

Bringraj (Eclipta alba)

Aids in hair growth. Used for prevention of premature balding, and helps with sun damaged and color treated hair. Bringraj herb and oil have similar properties.

Hibiscus (Rosa sinensis)

Mild cleansing agent, promotes hair growth, softens and conditions. Hibiscus - possibility of it staining light porous hair a slight red.

Jatamansi--Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)

An essential oil usually mixed with sesame oil. It helps in growth and darkening of hair, prevents hair loss and premature graying. It is good for dry hair and scalp. It is used as a nerve sedative by massaging it into the scalp.

Kapoor Kachii

used for fragrance.

Methi fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)

Very conditioning, can be used as a gelling agent in mixes for the slime factor.

Gives shine to hair. Also good for dandruff and hair loss.

Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Anti fungal, anti bacterial herb. Can have an unpleasant smell if infused in oil. The herb itself has a neutral smell. It works in killing of and protection against lice, fungal caused dandruff, and any infection caused skin conditions. Helps treat eczema. Natural insecticide and fungicide.

Orange Peel (Citrus aurantium)

A mild astringent used for skin. Makes hair soft, manageable, shiny, and supple.

Phaseolus Mungo -- black gram, green gram, mung bean

Cooling agent.

Rose Powder (Rosa alba)

Cooling, soothing, and cures skin irritations. Fragrant.

Sandalwood--red (Pterocarpus santalinus)

Cooling and soothing herb. do not confuse with yellow sandalwood, which is prized for its lovely scent.

Sandalwood--yellow

Purifying and soothing. Good for normal to oily hair in a hair mix (not a lot, has a simialr consistence to clay cleaners). Good as a face mask.

Shikakai/Sheekakai (Acacia concinna)

Cleansing agent. Can be drying. Use with oils or a conditioning herb.

Triphala/Trifala

triphala - mix of Amla, Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) - promotes hair growth

Tulsi--holy basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Treats ringworm and other skin diseases, protects skin from environmental damage.

Vetiver (Vetivera zizanioides)

A cooling herb, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

"How do I get rid of the bits of herbs in my hair?"

There are a few standard methods to remove excess herb debris that is left after rinsing:

1) Strain the herbs so there isn't much left to remove 2) Use lots of conditioner 3) Soak hair in a bucket, filled sink or mermaid soak in a bath tub 4) After hair dries, brush out or shake out the excess herb bits. You can hold your ends and shake your hair to get out the bits. It works pretty well. "Will Indian herbs darken my hair?"

In general, most people do not experience darkening when using Indian herbs. Factors that can increase the possibility of herbs darkening include leaving on the herbs for a long period of time and cooking herbs for extended amounts of time before application. People with light-colored hair are more likely to notice a color change, so strand testing is advised. You many find that oiling makes your hair darker, or redder. Oiling may also increase drying time.

"Where can I buy Indian herbs?"

Indian groceries are typically the least expensive place to buy Indian herbs, although the age of the stock widely varies from store to store. You can locate the Indian grocery closest to you by checking phone listings under ethnic groceries. Bulk herb and organic/natural food groceries sometimes carry herbs like hibiscus and fenugreek in their tea sections. Indian herbs are also available via the Internet.

"How much oil should I apply to my hair before washing with Indian herbs?"

It is usually helpful to start off with small amounts of oil and work toward an optimal amount. A light oiling can consist of a thumbnail-sized amount or less of coconut oil or 1/2 tsp. or less of a liquid oil. Giving the oil time to soak in before washing can help ensure a thorough removal by the herbs.

"Can I rotate Indian herbs with other methods?"

Yes, of course you can. If you like, you can use Indian herbs as your only method, along with other products, or just as an occasional deep treatment.

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HOT - Hot Oil Treatment

It is good to do hot oil treatments if you want long healthy hair. Some people do them every week, some once a month. Hot Oil Treatment provides your hair with necessary nutrients and make it suppler and healthier.

My favorite oil to use are Amla Oil and Olive Oil but I also use other oils like Kemi, Almond, Emu, Vatika, Shikakai, Jojoba, Coconut, and Vit E oils. I often mix 3 or more together.

I pour the oil in a bowl, you can use a color application bottle, microwave it. I apply it to my hair by sections and cover my head with a plastic cap. I put a headband around the cap to prevent the oil from dripping and getting everywhere. I then cover the cap and headband with a Microfibre Hair Turban Wrap previously warmed up in the microwave, I leave on for about 30 mins or overnight and follows with washing.

Note: I often only cowash after my HOT, you don't have to use shampoo, conditioner works as well.

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Transitioning

My last relaxer was in Nov 08 and I've been transitioning every since, due to a very busy schedule at first and then having read a lot about it, made the conscious decision not to put any more chemicals on my head. So I'm transitioning for good and my hair type is 4b (see my hair type). My plan is to keep micro braiding my hair as a protective style for at least 3 years (and just redo them every 7 weeks or so) , I'm also considering trying BKT (Brazilian Keratin Treatment), as the results looks pretty fantastic.

I'm hoping that by using BKT I won't have to trim my relaxed ends and therefore will keep having a good length. My hair is currently at APL.

I transitioned once before from 2001 to end of 2004. At that time, I had my braid done in at the hairdresser (she was really heavy handed with my new growth, so much so that she often sent me on the verge of tears - which is why this time, I braid my hair MYSELF) every 2 months and each time I would trim (MYSELF) my relaxed end before getting new braids. After the 3 1/2 years, my hair was 100% natural and it was at BSL, then of course, silly girl aka me could not resist the appeal of the white smelly cream...yes, I relaxed my hair, retained my length for a good 6 months and ....

So here I am again... What I do now:

• Deep condition as often as I can, use a plastic cap with or without heat and keep at least 20 minutes
• Baggy almost every nights
• Take my vitamins

What I don't do:

Comb dry hair, I always, always comb hair while wet and saturated with conditioner (when I'm not wearing braids).

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