4 Month Ayurveda Challenge!

just oiled with amla light....

this is all new to me, but i went out and bought

oils: amla light, brahmi
powder: amla

I guess I need one more powder for this challenge.....hibiscus? i need another moisturizing powder to tea rinse with.

this seems like such a (loooong) process to me...but...I'm looking forward to fab results. I love love love love my hairveda products.....so i will be incorporating these oils and powders with hairveda.
 
I would like to join this challenge.

I have a problem......

I don't know what a lot of the terms mean. (i.e. 3b,4a, APL, etc)

Someone...Please help me out!

Happy Growing!!
 
Cutiepie, thanks for the link. How are you storing it because that is where I have the problem with clumping.
 
ltown said:
Cutiepie, thanks for the link. How are you storing it because that is where I have the problem with clumping.
Click to expand...

Well I personally never make more than 2-3 applications...so I put my excess in a glass tupperware bowl in the fridge...

When I get ready to use it...I steam it...in the glass tupperware bowl...

I hope I can explain this..because I'm not the best at directions...

First I boil a pot of water on the stove...

As the water boils...I place a metal colander (spaghetti strainer -see pic)

colander_main.jpg


on top of the pot...

Since the bottom of the colander is the same size or larger than the pot..it just sits up there...and as the water boils...the steam travels through the holes in the colander...and I place my glass tupperware bowl in the colander...this steams paste (and makes it warm).
As it steams...I take my mini-whisk and stir it...

But usually it doesn't require a lot of work...because I whisk it thoroughly..when I first make it..

HTH

P.S. Use caution when removing...as it will be HOT!!!!
 
Last edited:
jaded_faerie said:
I love love love love my hairveda products.....so i will be incorporating these oils and powders with hairveda.
Click to expand...

Another Hairveda lover!! I own the entire product line with the exception of the green tea butter.

Ladies I have a question. I hear a lot about specific ayurvedic herbs (bhramhi, henna, aritha, shikakai, fengugreek, bhringraj (sp?), neem, amla, vatika) but is there a comprehensive list out there somewhere? TIA.
 
I oiled my scalp & hair last night with Bhrami oil, then today I oiled again with my homemade concoction, then followed up with a paste of Amla, Bhrami, Bhringraj, & Shikakai. I used mostly water and little cond. this time because I wanted a stronger treatment of the herbs. I will rinse with Suave Humectant, then dc with ORS & TJ nourish spa.
 
cutiepiebabygirl said:
Well I personally never make more than 2-3 applications...so I put my excess in a glass tupperware bowl in the fridge...

When I get ready to use it...I steam it...in the glass tupperware bowl...

I hope I can explain this..because I'm not the best at directions...

First I boil a pot of water on the stove...

As the water boils...I place a metal colander (spaghetti strainer -see pic)

colander_main.jpg


on top of the pot...

Since the bottom of the colander is the same size or larger than the pot..it just sits up there...and as the water boils...the steam travels through the holes in the colander...and I place my glass tupperware bowl in the colander...this steams paste (and makes it warm).
As it steams...I take my mini-whisk and stir it...

But usually it doesn't require a lot of work...because I whisk it thoroughly..when I first make it..

HTH

P.S. Use caution when removing...as it will be HOT!!!!
Click to expand...


ITA, I found out when I make up a whole batch, it tends to swell up & clump & get watery after a few days no matter how smooth it starts out, I usually mix enough for 1 to 2 applications. Any left over I save in the fridge. If it's too thick I just loosen it with a little more cond., but I will have to try this method:yep: I imagine the warm paste feeling:lick:
 
Shay72 said:
Another Hairveda lover!! I own the entire product line with the exception of the green tea butter.

Ladies I have a question. I hear a lot about specific ayurvedic herbs (bhramhi, henna, aritha, shikakai, fengugreek, bhringraj (sp?), neem, amla, vatika) but is there a comprehensive list out there somewhere? TIA.
Click to expand...


This is the best I could find so far, It's a post from the member who started the Ayurvedic recipe thread HTH.​



HOMEADE AYURVEDIC RECIPES

PART 3:




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. See for more information and for ordering.

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.

Certain herbs and oils in Indian culture are given the "absolute power" status: Oils: Coconut oil, mustard oil, castor oil, Amla oil,Neem oil and Sesame oil.
Herbs: Amla, Hibiscus, Tulsi, Neem, Bhringaraj, Brahmi, Fenugreek.

I just want to *stress* on three, over and above what you have mentioned:

Castor oil: Not very popular due to its massive stickiness and viscosity outside India (because I have seen only Indians (in India) being comfortable with having their hair as oil slicks. They just bun their massively oily hair, put some flower strands in it and are as happy as can be), but it is a very powerful carrier oil. Said to promote hair growth, fight dryness and dandruff and prevent greying.

Neem: Truly a tree to be revered. I cannot profess enough about the goodness of this tree. It is a medicinal oil and helps fight hair loss, dandruff, premature greying and a little goes a long way.

Hibiscus: Again, a plant that is high on my list and most Indians list. I want to worship this plant! The leaves can be crushed/blended with a li'l hot water and applied as a hair mask to condition. The flowers too. Dried flowers, leaves can also be used and also powders are available. The least Indians do is put the leaves, flowers in their "buckets" of water which they use to bathe with , and believe that even that helps!

Again - I just thought that the above 3 deserved a bit more stress - is all. Doesn't mean I want to take away from the "king" of oils - coconut (in Indian parlance) or amla, Bhringaraj etc.

One word of caution (may be an old wives tale): Sandalwood is used sparingly because it is believed to cause "lightness" of strands. Just like Cassia(right?). If you are going for darkening you may want to read up more on this.
In India Sandalwood is used as a face-mask to lighten skin too! It is mostly used in hair to perfume it - much like Kapoor Kachhli.
 
Do I have to wait 7 days to relax my hair even if I'm using the moisturizing powders (amla, etc...) even though they are not drying to the hair? If so, why?

Please someone answer, because I'm relaxing on the 20th. TIA!
 
Denise11 said:
Do I have to wait 7 days to relax my hair even if I'm using the moisturizing powders (amla, etc...) even though they are not drying to the hair? If so, why?

Please someone answer, because I'm relaxing on the 20th. TIA!
Click to expand...


I responded in the Candy C thread.
 
Please sign me up. I would like to try the powders and this will keep me committed. However, my powders are not here yet. If they don't come by the 16th, am I out? :sad:

Thanks!!
 
Posted this elsewhere already. It's what i did yesterday.....

I pre-treated with homemade ayurveda oil (coconut and castor with a mixture of 5-6 powders) and MT for 3-4 hours as I went about my day. Rinsed well with warm water then washed with ayurvedic tea and rhassoul clay - this mix really clarified and left my hair feeling so clean and yet not at all stripped! I made my tea with a tsp each of amla, shikakai and brahmi in a cup of warm water, left for a few hours, (I believe 20 mins would be sufficient but I didn't need it till later) strained and mixed rhassoul clay with the tea. It was kinda runny so used a jug and to pour this on my hair, catching it in a bowl and repeating the process till my hair was all covered. I also used it to clease my face neck etc - my whole head basically. Let it sit for 7-10 minutes as I gently massaged my scalp and patted my hair. Rinsed thoroughly, till water run clear (couldn't get over how clean my hair felt, yet soft!!!), then I applied my beloved AO HSR and saturated every single strand of hair on my head. Covered in plastic and a warm towel and a showercap, let sit and marinate for 3-4 hours then rinsed off, finished with a herbal tea (rosemary, sage, mint, fennel, nettle) and ACV rinse (been reading about porosity control), moisturised and sealed. Hair today feels strong yet moisturised, thank God. I was scared I might have overdone the protein and teas but it feels good. I wish it was loose so I could feel it better but I'm happy with it for now. So, no protein for 2 weeks other than MT on the roots.

My plan till my next protein treatment is to co-wash and DC 2-3x/wk. I will add teas to my condish for co-washing, see how that goes. Finally I feel like I'm getting a regimen sorted out but it'll be a while yet as I'd love to incorporate all the good stuff I have to the regimen (if I ever get one down).

HHG ladies!
 
Thanks flowinlocks! You are always so helpful. Okay here is what I've been doing (powders are still not here but I saw that they left the facility yesterday):

Tues: prepooed with vatika frosting for 2 hours, got under the dryer for 1 hour, did rinse with Hairveda's Amala Rinse, then cowashed with Nutine Garlic condish, dc'd with Alter Ego Garlic condish 1hr with heat and 1 hour with out, detangled in the shower with Hairveda's hydrosoft spritz, did acv/honey rinse, then used Giovanni leave in, moisturized with whipped cream, and sealed with Cocasta & Shikakai oil, airdried in a bun

Thursday: prepooed with vatika frosting overnight, 1 hour under the dryer (I'm there now as I type), rinse with Amala rinse, cowash with Hairveda's Moist PRO, protein tx with Komazacare Hair Strengthener, dc with Sitrinillah 1hr with heat and 1hr without heat, detangle in the shower with hydrosoft spritz, acv/honey rinse, then use Giovanni leave in, moisturize with whipped cream, and seal with Cocasta & Shikakai oil, airdry in a bun

Not much ayurveda but when the powders get here I will be using them 3x/wk by adding them to my cowashes and dcs. Not sure how often I will do tea rinses, maybe two times a month. I will be making tea rinses by making tea bags with the powders and the bags I got from FNWL (they are on there way also according to tracking they should be delivered today). Pastes--depending on when I relax I may be able to do 1 paste session. I'm currently 10 weeks post.
 
Haven't been checkin in much, but I've been prepooing overnight w/one or two of my oils and cowashing w/the amla/brahmi or shik/amla.
 
I'm in I have nothing to loose all Ayurvedic hair user's hair look healthy. I just found another Indian store andbought more powders. I'm making a rinse now.

My first past will actually be used today, then I will either buy a wig or get a sew-in by next week. My goal is APL 2009 and I don't plan to miss it!!!
 
I can do this one. I just began using Ayurveda last month and love it. No direct heat is not a problem for me.
 
MCrzyGr said:
Ayurveda Challenge #2!
Join this great bandwagon, you will NOT regret it! The benefits are endless.

This Challenge Begins March 1 and ends June 30
The Last Day to Sign up for this challenge is March 15th

The Rules:
1. No Direct Heat
2. You must use at least two Auyrvedic oils
3. You must use at least two Auyrvedic powders
4. 2 Heat Passes (I'm feeling generous)

Any takers!

For those who want to join, but don't know where to start:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/for...d.php?t=183305
The previous challenge thread is here:
http://longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=310841
The current results thread is here:
http://longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=343331


Challengers:
theprincess098
Denise11
Elis829
joib
flowinlocks
LadyD2u
shae101s
sheba1
4mia
kyna323
JetBlackHair
2inspireU
Rosie8604
AVE_One
lusciousladie07
Itown
Platinum
Shay72
rben
Jaxhair
Eisani
crownofglory1985
tatambabyy
tay_luv
Ivy_Santolina
ChamelionChick
jaded_faerie
GirlTalk
Nice&Wavy
knightsqueen
LaBellaDon
Golden75
scarcity21
stepiphanie
phive34
Urban
FeelinIt
Ericka
Mz. Princess
pringe
Queen214
Aspire
Click to expand...


Hand raised... please sign a sistah up!

Thanks!
TonicaG
 
checking in. I pre pooed over night with amla oil, made a paste using brahmi and hibiscus then co washed with vo5 moisture milks DCed. air drying in braids.

I have 1 question to those who make pastes: How long are you leaving on the paste before washing it off?
 
Ok just got my powders today, decided that I'm going the tea method for now. Bought Shikakai and Amla to start off with and Vatika Oil. Pre pooing as I write so hopefully we shall see tom how this goes! I hope well!! Will keep u posted!@
 
My tea bags are here. I got some very cute containers to hold my powder mixes. My powders are at the post office. I hope I can get them by Tuesday so I can start incorporating the powders into my routine. The post office has been pissing me off lately so that's why I say I hope I get them by Tuesday. I don't even want to get started on that.
 
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