Natural "Shampoo"

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HopeinHim4ever

Guest
#41
There are some very good books on the subject. Those are good to have for field manuals and positive IDs IMHO. If she doesn't have a copy already and you are ever looking for a gift for her, many like the Peterson Field Guide to Wild Edible Plants of the Eastern US. In case it's something of interest to her. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/378203.A_Field_Guide_to_Edible_Wild_Plants
It has photos instead of illustrations.

How fortunate you are to be home schooled. That's such an advantage. I went through the public school system, and earned a 5 year agricultural degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences at a land grant university. My pastor and church asked me to be on their church school board. I was up front and honest. I let them know that I have known students who were public, christian, and home schooled. I also did a research paper comparing standardized tests of each category. I told them that there are plenty of exceptions, however I would have to recommend home schooling to any parents who wanted my opinion. Regardless, they still wanted me on the board.
So, for some very important reasons, I recommend home schooling whenever possible.
Oh yeah I think she has that one. A couple of different Peterson plant guides actually.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,602
4,522
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#42
Oh that's not strange to me. I've made a lot of salads with chickweed, lambs quarters, and dandelion greens.
Oh yeah!
You can't buy those delicacies in the grocery store. They taste good and are as healthy as it gets. High five! 🖐️😄🥗
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,439
3,218
113
#44
I'm one who prefers to stay away from a lot of chemicals, especially on my body, so I was glad when a friend told me about this natural hair wash.

•Bring a gallon of water to a boil; remove from heat.
•Add one cup of borax and stir till dissolved.
•Cool and store in gallon jug. You can also add a few drops of rosemary and/or peppermint oil. It stimulates the scalp and of course smells really good!
When you wash your hair, wet your hair, pour some of the solution onto your scalp and work it in thoroughly. Rinse.
For a rinse I use diluted Apple cider vinegar, maybe 1:3 vinegar/water ratio.

I've been using this instead of shampoo and conditioner for nearly a year and am very happy with the results. You can keep small containers of each accessible so you don't have to always handle large jugs. Also I only wash my hair about once every 1 or 2 weeks. It's much better for your hair as frequent washing strips the natural oils, then causes your scalp to produce excess oils. Historically I think women would be more likely to only wash their hair once a month.

Anyway, hope this helps someone like it did me.:)
Borax is a chemical, as is vinegar of any kind. The body is made of of chemicals. I don't know why the fuss. One of the greatest health discoveries ever was soap, made from sodium hydroxide and fats. Borax is toxic if ingested. Handle with care.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,439
3,218
113
#45
Oh I definitely believe you about absorbing toxins through the scalp. Especially when soaked in hot water probably. It's just that from what I know it looks like the danger from using borax is very low.
And so is the risk from shampoo. Each to his/her own.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,602
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Almost Heaven West Virginia
#46
I agree with you. There was probably a time when public schools were good, but not in these days for the most part. My dad says that's where he was introduced to things he wishes he wouldn't have gotten into as a young person.
I'm going to guess, did you help teach your own little brothers and sisters?
 
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HopeinHim4ever

Guest
#47
Borax is a chemical, as is vinegar of any kind. The body is made of of chemicals. I don't know why the fuss. One of the greatest health discoveries ever was soap, made from sodium hydroxide and fats. Borax is toxic if ingested. Handle with care.
Maybe I should say harsh chemicals... I haven't done my research but I heard that a teaspoon of sodium laureth sulfate can kill you. So I wonder what harm how much they put in most shampoos can do. (Don't know the amount)
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,439
3,218
113
#50
Maybe I should say harsh chemicals... I haven't done my research but I heard that a teaspoon of sodium laureth sulfate can kill you. So I wonder what harm how much they put in most shampoos can do. (Don't know the amount)
Many things are harmful in large concentrations. Some are harmful when in combination with other products. I avoid homeopathy for that reason. I eat well so I take no extra vitamins. I'm 71 and my health is good. I don't drink my shampoo so I'm pretty sure that the ingredients won't harm me. I do know that worry is bad for your health. I used to literally worry myself sick. I tried a lot of supposed health helps - multi vitamins, massive doses of vitamin C, apple cider and such. None of it made a bit of difference. When my stress levels dropped, my health improved. I also discovered that not eating properly or drinking enough fluids gave me migraines. I've not had a migraine for nearly 40 years. It's not "one size fits all". What works for me may not help someone else.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,602
4,522
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#51
Many things are harmful in large concentrations. Some are harmful when in combination with other products. I avoid homeopathy for that reason. I eat well so I take no extra vitamins. I'm 71 and my health is good. I don't drink my shampoo so I'm pretty sure that the ingredients won't harm me. I do know that worry is bad for your health. I used to literally worry myself sick. I tried a lot of supposed health helps - multi vitamins, massive doses of vitamin C, apple cider and such. None of it made a bit of difference. When my stress levels dropped, my health improved. I also discovered that not eating properly or drinking enough fluids gave me migraines. I've not had a migraine for nearly 40 years. It's not "one size fits all". What works for me may not help someone else.
Homeopathy?
Do you mean something else, because homeopathy typically takes extremely low concentrations of a natural substance to use as a remedy for whatever symptoms a person is trying to relieve?
On the other hand, medicine uses synthetics that often are given to patients at very high dosages/ concentrations. Many are designed to deactivate/ neutralize/ kill enzyme systems that are manifest as symptoms. That might be those involved with pain receptors, for instance.

I have a friend who earned a PhD in pharmacology who agrees that there is no way of knowing what might occur when a patient takes more than one medication. The drug studies usually record just the common side effects of one drug on young males.

I understand. There are many people who notice no benefits. All supplements are not created equal. There are good and bad supplements and the good ones should be taken after a good health consultation for benefit IMHO. It can save money, time and help with absorption. I don't take certain supplements myself; however, my food does not contain enough vitamins and minerals for optimum health. I probably wouldn't have that issue if I grew all of my own food on volcanic soil.

You have my sympathy for going through such pain. That's awful. I'm glad that you were proactive and figured out what was causing your migraines. 🙂👍 You got to the root of the problem, while most people depend on physicians that some will only prescribe pharmaceuticals. Good ones will learn like you did and tell their patients the common causes of migraines and how to correct them.
 
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HopeinHim4ever

Guest
#52
Many things are harmful in large concentrations. Some are harmful when in combination with other products. I avoid homeopathy for that reason. I eat well so I take no extra vitamins. I'm 71 and my health is good. I don't drink my shampoo so I'm pretty sure that the ingredients won't harm me. I do know that worry is bad for your health. I used to literally worry myself sick. I tried a lot of supposed health helps - multi vitamins, massive doses of vitamin C, apple cider and such. None of it made a bit of difference. When my stress levels dropped, my health improved. I also discovered that not eating properly or drinking enough fluids gave me migraines. I've not had a migraine for nearly 40 years. It's not "one size fits all". What works for me may not help someone else.
I agree that worry and stress can make you sick. And I see your points.:) I'm glad your health is better now.
 

MaryM

Well-known member
Nov 25, 2022
513
320
63
#53
I'm one who prefers to stay away from a lot of chemicals, especially on my body, so I was glad when a friend told me about this natural hair wash.

•Bring a gallon of water to a boil; remove from heat.
•Add one cup of borax and stir till dissolved.
•Cool and store in gallon jug. You can also add a few drops of rosemary and/or peppermint oil. It stimulates the scalp and of course smells really good!
When you wash your hair, wet your hair, pour some of the solution onto your scalp and work it in thoroughly. Rinse.
For a rinse I use diluted Apple cider vinegar, maybe 1:3 vinegar/water ratio.

I've been using this instead of shampoo and conditioner for nearly a year and am very happy with the results. You can keep small containers of each accessible so you don't have to always handle large jugs. Also I only wash my hair about once every 1 or 2 weeks. It's much better for your hair as frequent washing strips the natural oils, then causes your scalp to produce excess oils. Historically I think women would be more likely to only wash their hair once a month.

Anyway, hope this helps someone like it did me.:)
It sounds good, very natural.


However I really love to wash hair daily. So I use a rich shampoo made for dry hair and use a very small amount, I like lathering. I rinse very thoroughly then comb a small amount of an enriching conditioner through before rinsing in the shower. So I keep in mind the chemicals but minimise their usage.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,602
4,522
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#54
I'm one who prefers to stay away from a lot of chemicals, especially on my body, so I was glad when a friend told me about this natural hair wash.

•Bring a gallon of water to a boil; remove from heat.
•Add one cup of borax and stir till dissolved.
•Cool and store in gallon jug. You can also add a few drops of rosemary and/or peppermint oil. It stimulates the scalp and of course smells really good!
When you wash your hair, wet your hair, pour some of the solution onto your scalp and work it in thoroughly. Rinse.
For a rinse I use diluted Apple cider vinegar, maybe 1:3 vinegar/water ratio.

I've been using this instead of shampoo and conditioner for nearly a year and am very happy with the results. You can keep small containers of each accessible so you don't have to always handle large jugs. Also I only wash my hair about once every 1 or 2 weeks. It's much better for your hair as frequent washing strips the natural oils, then causes your scalp to produce excess oils. Historically I think women would be more likely to only wash their hair once a month.

Anyway, hope this helps someone like it did me.:)
Hi HopeinHim4Ever,

I plan on washing some wool clothes soon and an Alpaca scarf that is on it's way for my Mom. I'd like to wash it by hand before giving it to her. I ran out of Woolite last time I used it and am having trouble finding any more in town. Do you happen to know if Borax is safe for wool?
 
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HopeinHim4ever

Guest
#55
Hi HopeinHim4Ever,

I plan on washing some wool clothes soon and an Alpaca scarf that is on it's way for my Mom. I'd like to wash it by hand before giving it to her. I ran out of Woolite last time I used it and am having trouble finding any more in town. Do you happen to know if Borax is safe for wool?
I don't know... seems like it would be but I really don't know:unsure:
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,602
4,522
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#56
I don't know... seems like it would be but I really don't know:unsure:
Good to hear back from you. How are you doing?

We had a beautiful springlike day here in West Virginia yesterday and I was wanting to wash my wool clothes and hang them outside on the clothesline. I don't dry them in the dryer because it damages them and might make them shrink. I went to two more stores that used to carry Woolite and another brand of laundry soap for those. They quit carrying them. It'll probably be a while before we have another dry day like that, so it'll give me a chance to find out about Borax or where to get the other.

I'm also interested in scent free hair conditioner. The alpaca people told me to use that too. If you come across any scent free or homemade recipe that would work, would you let me know?
 
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HopeinHim4ever

Guest
#57
Good to hear back from you. How are you doing?

We had a beautiful springlike day here in West Virginia yesterday and I was wanting to wash my wool clothes and hang them outside on the clothesline. I don't dry them in the dryer because it damages them and might make them shrink. I went to two more stores that used to carry Woolite and another brand of laundry soap for those. They quit carrying them. It'll probably be a while before we have another dry day like that, so it'll give me a chance to find out about Borax or where to get the other.

I'm also interested in scent free hair conditioner. The alpaca people told me to use that too. If you come across any scent free or homemade recipe that would work, would you let me know?
Hey I'm doing good. Actually on a trip getting to see friends and family right now which is so nice.
That's great you're into natural things. I love wearing natural fibers like linen and cotton but I don't have much wool except a piece I cut for a shawl.

I actually use diluted Apple cider vinegar for my hair conditioner. I think a lot of people don't like it cuz the smell but when it's dry you can hardly smell it anymore. It's supposed to balance the pH of your hair. I really like how my hair turns out with it. I tend to have pretty dry hair so sometimes I put a little olive oil in my hair after it's dry.

I was thinking about you a little bit ago cuz my brother and I were listening to that song "Shoulders" you mentioned in a post. I'd still like to hear that story that you were talking about sometime.:)
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,602
4,522
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#58
Hey I'm doing good. Actually on a trip getting to see friends and family right now which is so nice.
That's great you're into natural things. I love wearing natural fibers like linen and cotton but I don't have much wool except a piece I cut for a shawl.

I like linen and cotton too.
That's so much more comfortable than polyester. Everything seems to be a polyester or polyester blend when it comes to men's clothing. Have you ever tried bamboo? It sounds counterintuitive, but I haven't found anything more comfortable than bamboo.

I actually use diluted Apple cider vinegar for my hair conditioner. I think a lot of people don't like it cuz the smell but when it's dry you can hardly smell it anymore. It's supposed to balance the pH of your hair.

I use apple cider vinegar and other vinegars, but haven't tried it for hair conditioner yet. I'll have to try that. That reminds me that I need to make some now. I'm nearly out of it.

I really like how my hair turns out with it. I tend to have pretty dry hair so sometimes I put a little olive oil in my hair after it's dry.

It's very beautiful. It's hard to see the back. How long is it?

I was thinking about you a little bit ago cuz my brother and I were listening to that song "Shoulders" you mentioned in a post. I'd still like to hear that story that you were talking about sometime.:)

Those are good memories. Thanks for reminding me. When I think about it again and have about an hour block to type it out, I'll share that with you. 🍵🙂
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,602
4,522
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#59
I'm one who prefers to stay away from a lot of chemicals, especially on my body, so I was glad when a friend told me about this natural hair wash.

•Bring a gallon of water to a boil; remove from heat.
•Add one cup of borax and stir till dissolved.
•Cool and store in gallon jug. You can also add a few drops of rosemary and/or peppermint oil. It stimulates the scalp and of course smells really good!
When you wash your hair, wet your hair, pour some of the solution onto your scalp and work it in thoroughly. Rinse.
For a rinse I use diluted Apple cider vinegar, maybe 1:3 vinegar/water ratio.

I've been using this instead of shampoo and conditioner for nearly a year and am very happy with the results. You can keep small containers of each accessible so you don't have to always handle large jugs. Also I only wash my hair about once every 1 or 2 weeks. It's much better for your hair as frequent washing strips the natural oils, then causes your scalp to produce excess oils. Historically I think women would be more likely to only wash their hair once a month.

Anyway, hope this helps someone like it did me.:)
Hi!

How is your trip going?

I plan on buying another box of Borax and trying your hair wash recipe. In the meantime, guess what?
I finally found a new bottle of Woolite. It's the right kind too. I thought the company quit making it. The weather was good enough to dry my wool clothes on the line.

I think you're right about over washing hair.
Have you read the ingredients of shampoo? Most of those chemicals absorb through the skin to some degree. I've done my best to try to reduce chemical exposure too.
 
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HopeinHim4ever

Guest
#60
Hi!

How is your trip going?

I plan on buying another box of Borax and trying your hair wash recipe. In the meantime, guess what?
I finally found a new bottle of Woolite. It's the right kind too. I thought the company quit making it. The weather was good enough to dry my wool clothes on the line.

I think you're right about over washing hair.
Have you read the ingredients of shampoo? Most of those chemicals absorb through the skin to some degree. I've done my best to try to reduce chemical exposure too.
Hi, it's going well. I've been able to have some really nice visits. Probably be going home in a week or two.

Yes I have read the ingredients of shampoo but I actually don't know what a lot of them are. I have heard that sodium laurel sulfate is really bad.

I'm glad you found your woolite, that's great!