I did some catnip hunting on the internet last night. You can buy certified organic catnip at places like Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire, so organic pet catnip does not mean expensive catnip, necessarily.
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I did some catnip hunting on the internet last night. You can buy certified organic catnip at places like Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire, so organic pet catnip does not mean expensive catnip, necessarily.
The one that I got is from a Healthfood store, where all of their bulk herbs are organic. I agree that when you are soaking your head in something it should be as natural and organic as possible. That is one of the reasons I have a hard time with the CO washing method and SMT that I tried for a while. It's just difficult for me to let VO5 type conditioner to sit on my head for hours. Not that theres anything wrong with them, I just had a difficult time with the conditioner choices.Quote:
Originally Posted by ktani
I've been thinking that the scalp reaction is from the Poo Bars that I have been using, so the experiment of using Catnip only may actually alleviate the issue. I'll have to see....Quote:
Originally Posted by ktani
It should be easy enough to determine. Patch test the catnip.Quote:
Originally Posted by eaglefeather71
I've never done that before successfully. Could you give me some suggestions?Quote:
Originally Posted by ktani
There a few ways it can be one. One is to use the upper inner arm. Apply the subtance, in this case the catnip and cover with a band-aid for 24 hours.Quote:
Originally Posted by eaglefeather71
Another way would be to apply some catnip, and not cover it to the nape area of the hairline or behind your ear and leave it there for 24 hours or unless in all cases you negatively react. If that happens, IMO, remove it by washing it off immediately.
Thank you, I'll do that. I did that (bandaid test) with the homemade coldcream that I thought was irritating my face skin, and didn't have a reaction. So I thought I did something wrong.Quote:
Originally Posted by ktani
I can use honey on my face in small quantities without too much difficulty but I am sensitive to it on my scalp. The skin is different in terms of reactions on various parts of the body, aside from the areas where you would think that was obvious.Quote:
Originally Posted by eaglefeather71
Ktani, a little question. :)
I'm playing with the idea of ordering shampoo bars, and since I remember catnip rinse is acid, can it be used as the final rinse instead of the recommended ACV rinse?
It is not as acidic as a vinegar rinse, depending on the dilution, nor is it as astringent. It may not remove the residue as effectively as a vinegar rinse. You will have to try it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Heidi_234
I'm not sure I'll notice the difference though. Can catnip be used after ACV?Quote:
Originally Posted by ktani
Shampoo bars tend to leave a residue that you will notice I believe and the answer is yes. You can use catnip after a well diluted vinegar rinse, which is the only kind that you should use, not to be drying.Quote:
Originally Posted by Heidi_234
Okies thank you. If and when I'll get my shampoo bars I'd got for it.Quote:
Originally Posted by ktani
You are welcome.Quote:
Originally Posted by Heidi_234
What about diluting the ACV into catnip tea instead of water for the acid rinse? Maybe try using less ACV?
I tried mixing acv into catnip. I did not like it. I prefer my catnip straight. It is more conditioning on its own, from my experience.Quote:
Originally Posted by Demetrue
I meant what about using it as part of the ACV rinse - she could still do the catnip treatment by itself after she rinsed out the ACV rinse. Since the catnip is both acidic and conditioning, it might boost the acidity of the ACV yet protect the hair from drying out too much from it?
That is what I said, first the diluted acv rinse, then the catnip.Quote:
Originally Posted by Demetrue
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=652
Catnip antibacterial/antifungal
http://books.google.ca/books?id=eOCv2BZ3OxsC&pg=PA62&lpg=PA62&dq=catnip+a ntifungal&source=web&ots=ILFXVBw4Py&sig=7RD8M0jl0H QNPyUE7JZkNea8mb4&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum =10&ct=result#PPA62,M1
The antifungal properties may be why catnip is known for growth, as well as shine, since dandruff can cause hair loss.
However, if someone has real dandruff, which is a fungal infection (as opposed to just dry scalp), I strongly recommend seeing a doctor and using the only proven and best antidandruff medications, like those in Nizoral and Head and Shoulders, or what the doctor recommends (prescription level antifungals). Fungal infections, IMO, are not for self-medicating or diagnosing.
While it is possible that antifungal plant properties may be helpful, they may not be strong enough at the concentrations used, or specific enough for certain funguses. This applies IMO, to any plant with antifungal properties. There is also a ringworm kind of dandruff http://www.omnimedicalsearch.com/con..._ringworm.html.
A broad spectrum antifungal is a nice idea, but there is enough research into dandruff now, to know which broad spectrum antifungals work for dandruff fungesses, that are certain kinds of funguses. The broad spectrum antifungal in Nizoral, is still aimed at dandruff funguses, not other kinds. Despite claims by vendors selling plants that can supposedly treat/cure ringworm and other kinds of dandruff, from what I have read in the following links on the subject, for another thread, medications to treat dandruff of all kinds, are used a specific way, and for specific times/durations.
This is an excellent article, IMO.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/27956.php
Although tea tree oil is acknowledged by the Mayo Clinic, as an alternative dandruff remedy http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dan...ative-medicine, there are safety issues with tea tree oil and it may not be sufficient for all kinds of dandruff.
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...8&postcount=34
More on tea tree oil
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...6&postcount=37
This is what I do with my catnip: I use it as the liquid in my ACV rinse. I like the way it feels better than water. I may not be getting the same fabulous benefits as if I did the ACV first and then the hour-long catnip thing, but I'm lazy, and my hair seems to like this version well enough.Quote:
Originally Posted by Demetrue
It is about what works for you. I'm glad that this does for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Roseate
My lazy catnip experiment today (more like running late and pressed for time): I made the tea and divided it into 2 cups. In one cup, I put a squirt of my Aubrey Organics JAY Desert Herb shampoo and mixed it all up, applied to scalp and massaged and rinsed. In the other cup I added a squirt of Aubrey Organics conditioner, mixed it up, poured it over all my hair, worked it through, waited 3 minutes and rinsed. The shampoo worked much better for me diluted in the catnip tea, and it dried very nicely afterwards, so this will be my conditioning method when I don't have 30-60 minutes to let the catnip sit on my hair. I feel like I still get the conditioning effects that I love from the catnip on those days when I am on the run and need to shampoo my hair and only have 5 minutes.
ok, I just this afternoon, while bored at the office, was inspecting the ends of my hair. Out of all of it, all I could find was 3 split ends. However, Im sure that where there are three, there are three more, and three more, etc.
so Im on board. I bought some fresh catnip from my herb lady when I was in salem a couple weeks ago. I plan to spend some time steeping it tonight and then pouring it on and over.
*grumbles* stupid split ends.......:patrol:
Just FYI everyone, I found organic pure catnip at my dollar tree last night!
Update
Where I am living, we are in the middle of a huge snow storm. I have been exclusively washing my face with catnip as an experiment. It does remove my oil based sunblock and even with fierce winter winds and indoor heating, my face is not dry, chapped or requiring anything more than sunblock, to keep my skin moist.
Fantastic!Quote:
Originally Posted by mooglewoo
Please update how it goes with it.
It may be helpful if there can be a list of brands of organic leaves and flowers that are reported to work well.
Hagen Catit Garden is one.
I have been experimenting with catnip stain or dye. If I leave the tea to steep longer than just cooled, 2 - 4 hours as opposed to 1.5, the tea stain does deepen in colour and cover my grey/white hair better, I think. It is still light blonde, just a bit darker. The conditioning is the same.
I missed this.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fencai
I apply it a little at a time in my hand and hold it on the hair for a few seconds, in different areas, multiple times.
It really helps if you squeeze the excess water out of your hair first, gently.
I have never use the multiple pouring method. I save some catnip for my skin out of what I brew to use on my hair and I want to concentrate on specific grey/white areas.
I hope that all went well for you.
It helps as well if there is no conditioner residue on the hair or another barrier to water, like oil, so the catnip tea has direct access to the hair. You can oil a bit afterward if you need to. I do not need to.
cool thanks! I plan to use for the first time tonight after I wash my hair.
Do you rinse it out? or leave it in?
I'll do like you said and hold some over the ends in different spots.
I'll report back later tonight on how it all went!
I always rinse it out. And not to mislead you, I hold the catnip over places against my head, and pour some through the ends after, scrunch them and pin up the ends and then bag my hair. This is done with my hair all forward.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fencai
Then after about 1/2 hour, I remove the bag, apply catnip to the top, front sides and top back and rebag it with the ends down. They get dripped on a bit.
Then I remove the bag, add more catnip to my greyest areas for a few minutes of cool down, then rinse it all out, all forward again. It sounds more complicated than it is. I get 0 tangles, BTW, doing all of that.
ok, well I did the rinse with the catnip and then since I was going to bed shortly after, I braided it.
The ends didnt feel so hot when i went to sleep and I wasnt sure if it was gonna work or not!
this morning when I got up and took out the braid to let it dry the rest of the way, Im pleasantly surprised! its nice and soft, and not stringy at all!
I wanted a "true" test of it, so instead of my normal CO wash, I used an extremely dilluted 'poo (about a 1/2 tsp-to a little less in 3 oz water) on my scalp, and just let whatever ran over the ends, run down.
Then since last night was a crazy night, I flipped my hair forward, squeezed on the catnip rinse to the scalp, and let it drip to the ends.
I then flipped it back right side up, and put more on the top and sides. I put on my shower cap, and put my turbie towel over the cap.
I left it on while DH and I chopped veffies for dinner, cooked and ate. (about an hour total).
Then I rinsed it out and braided it and went to bed.
Im off all next week so I will keep up with this routine and see how it works. (im ordering soapnuts today, so that will eventually replace the dilluted 'poo).
I am so glad that you are pleased so far. It does not sound as if your hair had too much conditioner residue on it. Catnip can take a while to penetrate as much as it can, and the hour you left it on, no doubt helped, IMO.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fencai
It is pretty amazing to think that so little of it (in terms of the amount in a recipe) can do so much. It can.
I know! Im all for a little goes a long way! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by ktani
When I started to use it, I had no idea how long a supply of catnip would last me.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fencai
It is very economical. It works out to be much, much cheaper than bottle after bottle after bottle of conditioner that did not do for me what catnip does, not anywhere close.
I have posted this before. Catnip is not recommended during pregnancy and breatfeeding. Many plants/herb are contraindicated during pregnancy and it is good to know which ones, IMO. I find catnip to be amazing but it is not for everyone at certain times. I post cautions on many plants/herbs. I do not discriminate as to which ones I post about. This is just a reminder that cautions are important.
"Documented adverse effects (emmenagogue and abortifacient effects). .... lack of scientific evidence for safety during pregnancy and lactation. Catnip is contraindicated in pregnancy because of its uterine stimulant activities .... may be contraindicated in certain other gynecological conditions because it could lead to excessive menstrual bleeding."
http://www.drugs.com/npp/catnip.html
2008 updated Health Canada monograph on catnip
"Contraindication(s): Do not use if you are pregnant."
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodn...ataire-eng.php
I experimented by using about half a teaspoon of dried catnip in the same amount of just boiled water, but only let it brew for 10 mins, or less. It didn't work and my hair was dry, tangled and unhappy. But you have to try these things. :) The orginal method works fine though.
I only got through about half of the threads and decided that I really wanted to try this. I was in the middle of an SMT, though, so I washed that out and went with wet hair, in a hat, to the pet store to get some catnip (yes, I did look rather silly:o). Came home, brewed the tea for about an hour. Applied it to my hair and put on the shower cap. I let it sit for an hour and washed it out, but I was afraid to not use conditioner b/c my hair gets a tangled mess, so I put conditioner in my hair as well. Then I did an acv rinse and went to bed with wet hair. The next morning, my hair was silky smooth:cheese:!!!!! It was the happiest I have been with my hair since I was using a flat iron (which, aside from the damage, made my hair feel silky.). I brought catnip to my sister's and told her to use it. My niece used it and my sister said her hair was much shinier. I have since used it again, but I think I am going to try a shorter time of leaving it on and seeing if that works. I would much rather not have to jump in the shower twice;). Thank you thank you thank you for sharing this.
I am so glad that you are pleased with it. It does not need to be washed out, just rinsed, if you use it the way I do. My tea takes about 1.5 hours to cool down from just boiled water to cool enough to be transferred into a plastic shampoo bottle.Quote:
Originally Posted by 6monkeys
Ok I read through this thread and today went to my local nursery to see if I could find a catnip plant of some kind anyway I didnt find catnip but a plant called catmint the lady in the shop said it was the same thing but i felt i might check with others in the know first, So with that here I am, the catmint had purple flowers not white like catnip has anybody used this or know anymore than I do on this product??
"Catmint (Nepeta mussinii)Quote:
Originally Posted by littlemiss
Purple flowers. .... plant has smallish, grey/green leaves. It grows up to 15 inches high.
Common Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
White flowers, grows up to 3 feet. This is the variety most cats enjoy."
http://www.cat-world.com.au/Catnip.htm
It is not common catnip and may be more ornamental than effective for conditioning. Try it and see. You will need the buds before opening and the leaves. I suggest trying organic pet store catnip. It can be very inexpensive. One certified organic brand is available at Wal-Mart, for example.