Hey Guys!
I just wanted to share with you all my recipe for a traditional indian herbal hair oil. While herbal oils varies throughout communities, families, and just personal preferences among others. I would say that this one mostly represents an oil similar to the Neelibrighandi oil made among the Keralites. This oil in my personal experience makes my kinky coily hair soft, shiny, moisturized and strong. If you cannot find most of these ingredients you can simply make an oil of coconut oil with hibiscus and fenugreek which are readily available here in the US.
The Recipe (This recipe can make about 14-16 ozs of oil)
Oils
8 0z. of unrefined coconut oil (1 cup)
4 oz. of sesame seed oil (1/2 cup)
3 tablespoons of castor oil
2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil
Herbs
2 tablespoons of amla powder
1 tablespoon of ground fenugreek powder
2 tablespoons of hibiscus flowers or powder
1 tablespoon of brahmi powder
1 tablespoon of henna
1 tablespoon of indigo
*2 tablespoons of coconut milk powder
4 curry leaves
*traditionally coconut milk thats not in powder form is used, but for for the sake of not having to refrigerate my oil I use coconut milk powder , however you can still use coconut milk if you prefer, just keep the oil refrigerated.
Directions
First, combine all oils and place in a regular saucepan. Put over low heat and let simmer until oil is hot but not bubbling. You do not want to burn the oil which can easily happen so take care to watch over the oil. For me, it took around 15 minutes for the oil to be heated thoroughly but this can highly depend on your personal stove.
Once oil is heated, add all herbs then take saucepan off of the stove. Pour oil and herbs into a heat resistant jar (such a the glass jar above) and let sit at least overnight so that the herbs can infuse , if you can let the herbs infuse for at least a week that would be even better.
Once you have let the herbs steep in the oil you can strain the herbs either through a cheesecloth or fine strainer.
Once you have done this you can enjoy your oil!
How to use
– you can use this oil on your hair daily, twice daily, or every other day for moisture, shine, and protection.
-you can also use this oil as a pre wash conditioning treatment once a week. Just 5 tbsps of oil, apply to hair, then wrap your hair in a hot towel turban style. Let sit for a minimum one hour or at maximum for overnight. The next day rinse and wash your hair as usual. You can also apply to damp hair after wash to seal in moisture.
honeyandmalai 