Take the ANTI-ITCH NEEM OIL TREATMENT Challenge!

Tweet We've already discussed Treating Dandruff, Psoriasis, and Eczema in a July post and now we are here to challenge you to tackle your issues head-on!

Our ANTI-ITCH NEEM OIL TREATMENT

I decided to do an Anti-Itch Neem Oil Treatment challenge because recently my scalp started to itch like crazy and I did one of the salon's Intensive Neem Oil Treatment on Thursay and it helped for a day but then it was back to itching and I thought "Uh oh. Some of the clients might have used this treatment once and might be thinking it doesn't work!" Having used neem oil to treat itching and dandruff before I know that you need to use it over a sustained period of time, which is one the hallmarks of natural products. Most natural products take a time to build up and they work over time with sustained used.

With that in mind, I did another treatment on Saturday and the itching has decreased a lot (yay!) but it has not gone away. Again, I am not surprised by this,because this treatment is generally done for a month or more to get sustained benefits. As I continue to undertake this treatment I'm asking you to take the Anti-Itch Neem Oil Treatment challenge with me! So here is how the challenge works: Buy a 4oz bottle of Anti-Itch Neem Oil Treatment, use it for four treatments (1-2 hot oil treatments per week) and if you are substantially less itchy at the end of this period, bring back the bottle to us for a full refund!

I generally wash my hair every 5-8 days and so I am going to continue the treatment based on that regime. Here's how the Intensive Neem Oil Treatment works: Gently warm about an ounce of the Anti-Itch Neem Oil Treatment and massage this onto the scalp. You can add it to the hair as well because it restores damaged hair and is an excellent moisturiser that gives you silky, shiny, stronger hair! Cover the hair with a steam cap and leave it for at least 30 minutes (but you can leave it up to overnight) and then shampoo thoroughly. You do not need to add conditioner because these types of treatments are moisturising conditioning treatment. And I can tell you that my hair was so soft on Friday, even though it was still itchy, and is even softer today after the second treatment! I can only imagine how lovely my hair will be in two weeks when I have completed the course of treatment---both itch-free and soft, shiny, and perfectly conditioned!

You can also come down to BEAUTIFUL EARTH and have an Intensive Neem Oil Treatment or four! So take the challenge with me as we forge ahead in our quest for beautifully itch-free hair and scalp--naturally!

The Benefits of Peppermint Oil for Hair and Skin

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NOW AVAILABLE!

BEAUTIFUL EARTH's SCALP STIMULATING PEPPERMINT OIL TREATMENT debuted at the LOCKOLOGY NATURAL HAIR, HEALTH & BEAUTY SHOW on October 29th and what a hit it was! 

This Oil Treatment is a rich infusion of natural oils formulated to stop breakage and thinning and promote healthy hair growth and a healthy scalp. Peppermint is a balancing oil that normalises the scalp's oil production while also treating dry scalp and dandruff. Paired with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Jamaican Virgin Coconut Oil, Peppermint essential oil helps to moisturise the hair shaft while also stimulating the hair follicles and promoting hair growth! And for those with oily hair, note that this  this oil does not leave the scalp oily. This oil works as an astringent which helps in the normalisation of the scalp's oil production and has a neutralising effect on the scalp. This oil also works well as a conditioner. Learn more about peppermint and its wonderful benefits below.


The Peppermint Plant
The Peppermint herb is a well-known herb with many healing properties and is Peppermint is best known for it's minty scent. Peppermint herb has a wide-array of healing applications internally, topically and as an essential oil. It contains a variety of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, B2 and C, potassium, calcium, copper, iron and manganese. The properties of Peppermint make it an effective: antibacterial, antimicrobial, astringent, and antiseptic. 


Those who have used peppermint on their skin or in their hair will know that peppermint has a cool, warming effect that attracts blood to the surface and so  improves circulation. And anyone who's eaten peppermint sweets knows of this tingling cooling effect too!


Why We Love Peppermint for Hair and Scalp
1. As mentioned, peppermint helps with oily scalp: Although peppermint oil has a cooling, tingling effect when massaged onto the scalp, rest assured the oil is hard at work balancing the pH levels of your scalp to help put a stop to oily hair. Peppermint oil is actually an astringent which normalises your scalp's oil production. Peppermint oil eliminates this problem and makes the appearance of greasy, flat hair a thing of the past!

2. Peppermint helps with dry scalp: Because of its pH balancing qualities, peppermint oil can also be used to treat the opposite problem: dry scalp and dandruff. And since the oil will be neutralizing the dryness on the scalp itself, it will take away any itching sensation associated with these conditions!

3. Peppermint is a good moisturiser: Paired with paired with carrier oils such as almond or olive oil,   peppermint oil is used as a moisturiser for the hair shaft. To get the best effects of this you can use our Scalp Stimulating Peppermint Oil Treatment as a hot oil treatment: Distribute a generous amount evenly throughout your hair,wrap your hair up in a shower cap or thin towel and leave for 30 minutes. Wash and rinse thoroughly and reap the benefits of moisture-rich hair!

4. Peppermint promotes hair growth: The tingling sensation of peppermint not only evens the pH balance of your scalp, but it also stimulates your hair follicles and promotes hair growth! Peppermint oil for hair loss treatment is very effective as it binds the hair roots and increases blood circulation.

We also have lovely peppermint shampoos and conditioners that help to moisturise and grow your hair! Available for use and sale at the salon, these lovely products are made with natural ingredients, paired with peppermint essential oils! 

Benefits of Peppermint Oil for the Skin



Not only does peppermint oil promote hair growth, it helps in making your skin healthy and glowing! This is because of the menthol present in the oil, which helps to control excess oil production and thus can be used as a cure for oily skin. It also brightens dull skin and is known to cool the tired skin. Peppermint oil is one of the ingredients used in lip balms and other cosmetics because it makes the lips smooth and supple along with providing nourishment. It is used as a remedy for sunburned and cracked lips. Our Scalp Stimulating Peppermint Oil Treatment can be used just as effectively on skin as on the hair and scalp. Try it out!

Apple Cider Vinegar and Your Hair

Tweet About ACV

According to the book Dr. Berkowsky’s At-Home Health And Beauty Spa, apple cider vinegar (ACV), produced through the fermentation of fresh apple cider is a rich source of minerals (particularly potassium), vitamins, enzymes and amino acids. 


ACV  has long been used as a natural haircare product to promote healthy hair in both men and woman. Its acidity is close to that of natural hair, it's a good conditioner and cleaning agent and it's also an effective germ killer. As a result, apple cider vinegar uses and benefits for the hair include:

• Vinegar hair rinse,
• Herbal hair rinse,
• Essential oil vinegar hair rinse,
• Dandruff and itchy scalp relief,
• Natural hair loss treatment, and
• Home remedy for head lice.

Unfiltered ACV can be used as an excellent treatment for both the hair and facial skin. As regards the hair, apple cider vinegar is cleansing, gives the hair more body and lustre, and reduces hair loss. It also reduces itching scalp and dandruff by destroying the bacteria and/or fungi that clog hair follicles.

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is our favourite!  Clear commercial grade vinegar is created by distilling at high heat, which destroys the vinegar's natural enzymes and it's toxin-neutralising malic acid, and eliminates most of its mineral and vitamin content.

Herbal Hair Rinses

Rinsing with apple cider vinegar will help balance the pH of your hair and remove the buildup that can result from the use of these styling products, shampoos, and conditioners. Rinsing will also close the numerous cuticle scales which cover and protect the surface of each hair shaft. This imparts a smoother surface that reflects more light and as a result leaves your hair shinier, smoother and easier to manage. Don't worry about the slight vinegar smell you will notice after rinsing as this disappears completely as your hair dries. 

The vinegar rinse is applied after shampooing. You can rinse out the vinegar or, for extra conditioning, you can leave the rinse on your hair. This natural haircare product can be used once or twice a week or more often as needed.

At BEAUTIFUL EARTH we offer a Rosemary Vinegar Rinse and a Thyme Vinegar Rinse to our clients. Come on down to the salon to do a Vinegar Rinse using raw Apple Cider Vinegar or you can make your own infusion at home! Here are some recommended herbs to use with apple cider vinegar:

• For dark hair:......Parsley, Rosemary, Sage
• For light hair:.....Chamomile, Flannel Mullein, Marigold
• For red hair:.......Henna
• For oily hair:......Lavender, Thyme, Witch Hazel, Yarrow
• For dry hair:.......Marigold
• For brittle hair:...Horsetail

The Benefits of Using Rosemary

The Plant

Rosemary plant in bloom

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves. It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, which also includes many other herbs such as include basil, patchouli, and lavender. Rosemary is thus a well-known culinary herb and the fresh and dried leaves are used frequently in traditional Mediterranean cuisine. However, rosemary has a long history of medicinal uses too. It has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including stomach upsets, digestive disorders and headaches. The use of ‘Rosemary for remembrance’ has been supported by a recent study, which found that rosemary "produced a significant enhancement of performance for overall quality of memory and secondary memory factors, but also produced an impairment of speed of memory compared to controls” [1].

Aromatherapy Properties: Rosemary Essential Oil is clarifying, warming, invigorating, improves memory, confidence and perception.

Medicinal Properties: Antiseptic, anti-microbial, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, fungicidal. Rosemary as a liniment eases muscles pains. Diluted oil applied to temples or rubbed onto the hair can help to relieve headaches.

For the Hair

Rosemary essential oil has a strong woodsy, camphor-like aroma and is a popular essential oil that has been used for thousands of years for its numerous health uses. This magnificent herb is widely respected for its value as a hair and beauty aide.

It is one of the most well-known essential oils and herbs used for promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss. According to author Judy Griffin in her book "Flowers that Heal," rosemary is not only a useful herb to encourage hair growth and prevent hair loss, it can also combat oily hair and scalp and help to heal split ends. Rosemary is used specifically to treat oily hair but is excellent for all hair types and problems because rosemary also eliminates dryness and act as an excellent conditioner. Additionally, it is one of the best herbs to use to treat dandruff, promote hair growth, stimulate hair follicles, give lustre and body to thin hair, and bring out dark highlights in the hair.

How to Use

Rosemary can be combined with other hair growth oils such as sage, lavender, or lemongrass oils, and mixed with a carrier oil to make an effective scalp treatment to combat hair loss. We use one such combination in our Beautiful Earth Coconut & Lemongrass Hydrating Oil and Honey Locs Twisting Butter.

Our Coconut & Lemongrass Hydrating Oil
Our Honey Locs Twisting Butter
Our 100% Jamaican Virgin Coconut Oil

Another way to use rosemary for the hair is to add it to a vinegar rinse. We thus also also offer a rosemary hair rinse at BEAUTIFUL EARTH, made by infusing raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with dried rosemary. This rinse gets rid of buildup and softens hair at the same time, as well as providing the other benefits of using rosemary.

  

For the Skin

Rosemary has two important properties that help the skin: it is an outstanding free radical scavenger and therefore has amazing antioxidant properties and it has a remarkable stimulating effect on the skin. Applied to the skin, rosemary essential oil helps strengthen the capillaries and has a rejuvenating effect. For this reason, rosemary is a common ingredient used in many cosmetics, including skin toners, creams, soaps and hair products. Recent research findings have now confirmed the skin-protective benefits of rosemary. According to researchers working at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Catania, in Italy, rosemary extract helps protect the individual components of skin cells, which may prevent age-related skin damage such as wrinkles [2]. Like most of our products, our Coconut & Lemongrass Hydrating Oil can be used on the skin as well, allowing you to reap the benefits of rosemary for the skin.

Safety Warning: Since rosemary is a stimulant do not use rosemary essential oil if you are pregnant, suffering from high blood pressure, or suffering from epilepsy. It may cause irritation of the skin.

[1] Moss M, Cook J, Wesnes K, and Duckett P (2003), ‘Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults,’ International Journal of Neuroscience, 113 (1): 15–38.

[2] Calabrese V, Scapagnini G, Catalano C, et al. (2000), ‘Biochemical studies of a natural antioxidant isolated from rosemary and its application in cosmetic dermatology,’ International Journal of Tissue Reactions, 22 (1): 5-13.

Thyme is for More than Cooking!

In Jamaica thyme is widely used for culinary purposes and is a good source of iron. However, thyme is also a medicinal herb that can be used to boost the immune system and it helps in preventing cold and flu, as a remedy for tooth and earache, etc.

Use of thyme in hair oils can be traced back to ancient times when African princesses applied them to their long lustrous hair. Thyme is good for oily hair, to promote hair growth, and to help treat dandruff and mild hair loss. Thyme can be used as thyme oil or as a tonic. Regular massage of thyme oil improves blood circulation in the scalp and gives your hair lustre, shine, and bounce. Thyme is an excellent tonic for the scalp and hair, and in folk medicine it has been used to prevent hair loss as it invigorates and sets off new growth and is often used in hair tonics or specialised hair products.

We offer a thyme hair rinse (tonic) at BEAUTIFUL EARTH, which combines raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with dried thyme to make an infusion. Clients therefore get the benefits of thyme as well as the benefits of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar including:

* An acidity that is close to that of natural hair,

* It’s excellent conditioning qualities, which leave the hair soft and shiny, and

* An effective cleaning agent and germ killer.

Controlling Itchy Scalp, Dandruff, Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dermatitis with Neem Oil

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In this post we focus on natural ways of dealing with itchy scalp and dandruff, as well as more complex and aggravating issues such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. The focus is on oil from the neem tree. The neem tree is a tropical, evergreen tree that originated in India but grows in other places like Jamaica. Here are some pictures of the leaf and the flower, you might have seen this tree around and not even know it was good for more than just shade!

All parts of the tree have been used medicinally for centuries. It is widely used in toothpastes, soaps and lotion today, as well as being a biological insecticide. Neem oil, also called neem seed oil or neem tree oil, is the oil pressed from the seed kernels of the neem tree. Raw neem oil has a strong, pungent odour, often described as similar to sulphur and garlic. Yes, raw neem oil stinks. But the components that give off the offensive sulfurous smell are the ingredients that make neem oil so effective. A refined, deodorized neem oil is generally not what you want! The closer to its natural state something is the healthier and the better for you it is. and so despite the smell neem oil is a very popular ingredient in hair and skin care products because it:

* Restores damaged hair and is an excellent moisturiser.
* Soothes irritated skin, and studies showed it can kill harmful bacteria or skin parasites.

* Relieve dry and itchy scalp, dandruff, the symptoms of scalp psoriasis, as well as giving you silky, shiny, stronger hair.

* Can even help with hair problems like hair loss and premature graying, where loss of hair or loss of colour is caused by imbalances and health issues, rather than normal aging.

Most people's skin/scalp is dry from too much exposure to harsh chemicals, environmental toxins, and even the things in your average shampoo... Oil is good. Oil is a rich, nourishing treatment. Regular hot oil treatments  are beneficial for your hair and we offer several options at BEAUTIFUL EARTH NATURAL HAIR HAVEN. For those with issues with itching, dandruff, psoriasis, and dermatitis we offer an Intensive Neem Oil Treatment in which we massage neem oil (within a combination of other oils, such as Jamaican Virgin Coconut and Castor Oils) into your hair and scalp, cover and leave on for 15-30 minutes under a warm hairdryer, and then the hair is washed with shampoo infused with neem. You'll love the difference!

We also offer our Anti-Itch Neem Oil Treatment that you can take home and use as a hot oil treatment before you wash your hair. The combination of oils in this mixture helps to relieve dry and itchy scalp, dandruff, the symptoms of scalp psoriasis, as well as giving you silky, shiny, stronger hair! And you can ask for a formulation specific to your needs! We can provide treatments that are milder (for daily use) or stronger for those with more severe scalp issues. Just ask!