I live in a very dry climate. When that is combined with menopause the impact on my hair becomes significant. Most men lack a self care/personal grooming routine. The ideas that skin, hair, beards etc. need regular preventative care may not come to mind. A simple homemade beard oil can make a dramatic change in facial hair appearance, leaving it shiny, smooth, more attractive, and less brittle. The right combination of herbs can soften , clean/disinfect, nourish, and stimulate hair growth. This oil will also have an impact on skin by repairing damage. You will notice a reduction in dryness flakes, fine lines and wrinkles too.
Base Oil Infusion Ingredients
nettle, rosemary EO, nutmeg, yarrow, cardamon, fennel, calendula, thyme EO, juniper, sage, lemon peel, oregano. Organic US olive oil.
Carrier Oil Choices
seseame apricot oil, almond oil, castor oil, vitamin E oil, rose hip oil avocado oil, argan oil
essential fatty acids like evening primrose oil, flax oil or borage seed oil
Scent
orange, thyme, juniper, rosemary essential oils
DIRECTIONS
1)Make 1/2 cup of oil infusion choosing some combination from the suggested list above. You can use fresh or dried plants. Let infuse for no more than 4 weeks before strainin
2)Make a 1 cup mixture of carrier oils using the suggested list above for ideas.
3)Measure out 2 tBSP of fatty acids
4)Choose 5 drops of essential oil
5)Mix all of the ingredients together. Bottle and shake well before using.
If you would like more of a paste you can experiment by adding small amounts of melted beeswax or shea butter and testing a bit on a spoon placed in the freezer until you get the desired texture.
Apply in the morning after showering and drying off.
I have to overwinter my rosemary in the house. It currently lives in my kitchen and seems to be pretty happy there but I have to remember to water it.
Rosemarinus is an evergreen shrub in the mint family, cultivated worldwide for its aromatic leaves. It can vary in size and shape depending on the variety. Some cultivars appear as small bushes, while others trail over low walls. Look for ash colored scaly bark on the numerous lengthy branches. The leaves are 1 inch long and very narrow, leathery, dark green on top, and downy white underneath. You will notice a prominent central vein and margins with rolled down edges. The plant produces lots of small delicate two lipped, blue flowers at its tips. Rosemary likes dry sandy soil, lots of sun and a warm/temperate climate. It will tolerate the the drought of the dessert better than cold, snowy winter.
The volatile oils in rosemary are very stimulating in the body, moving blood and stagnation. They help to increase liver/galbaldder function and the production of bile. This plant raises blood pressure and improves percirculation. It increases metabolism and the processing of sugar and fats.
The nervous system loves rosemary. Headaches depression, stress, vertigo, epilepsy, concentration and memory loss may often improve with use of this herb. We find rosemary as a culinary spice because it can relieve gas, poor appetite, bloating, vomiting, and other digestive issues. This herb moves energy so well that it could be helpful for any issue related to the menstrual cycle, the heart, poor circulation and inflammation. This plant has a history of being used for asthma, respiratory issues/infection, high blood pressure, cardiopulmonary edema, cold hands/feet, adrenal fatigue, stress, anxiety and cancer. Therapeutic use is best reserved externally to treat sore muscles, bruises, sprains, wrinkles, dry skin, eczema, neuralgia, poor circulation, cellulite, and rheumatism. Rosemary is often used as an ingredient in shampoo to prevent dandruff, gray hair and hair loss. As a gargle it has been used to treat sore throat, bad breath, gum disease, and sores.
Parts used: Leaves
Energetics/Taste:Warming, spicy, bitter and drying
Element:Fire
Contraindications:Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy. Large doses can cause poisoning.
Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy 