Why use plain oils when you can get more?



We use oils like olive, jojoba,  grape seed, coconut, and safflower oils, among others for sealing, deep conditioning, scalp massages, moisturizing, hot oil treatments, and lubrication of our strands. Now that's great and all but what about making these oils work harder? I used plain oils for a while until I found out I could steep herbs and get more out of them. I realized it really wasn't rocket science to make my own herbal oils and it won't be for you either. I mostly use rosemary, nettle, and horsetail herbs which  can be found at supermarkets and health food stores. So you don't have to go out there and do anything elaborate at all.


The benefits of adding herbs to oils include less shedding, faster hair growth, hair regrowth, and extra conditioning properties depending on your individual reactions/needs to the mixes.


Here is one of my simple recipes.
Tools:
1.) Mason(glass) jar(can be found at Michaels
2.) spoon
3.) 1 oz herbs(1/2oz. rosemary & 1/2oz. nettle)
4.) oil
5.) measuring cup
You can mix and match different oils and herbs if you like.


Method
There are two methods; cold steeping and heat steeping.
Cold steeping requires keeping the herbs and oil in a dark place for three to six weeks. You can use a plastic container for this.
Heat steeping requires that you heat the mason jar of product in a pot of hot water uncovered on very low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. You can then let it steep for a week or more(the three to six weeks) if you like.
I like to use one ounce(2 tablespoons) of herbs to 4 or 5 ounces of oil.


1.) Measure and add oil to mason jar


2.) Add herbs


3.) Heat on a low flame for 15 to 20 minutes
4.) or cover and store in a dark place for three to six weeks.


Finished Product 


Where can you buy herbs?
Well you can go right to the supermarket Caribbean section and get rosemary, thyme, and sage or to a health food store and get those same herbs or others you can't find in the supermarket like horsetail, burdock, and nettle. You can even buy them online. Additionally, a gallon bottle of olive oil can also be bought at National Wholesale Liquidators for $10. It's not extra virgin but a gallon of olive oil for that price is right up my alley.


Have fun steeping!! :-)