It is actually a freezer bag not a storage bag. I find it works well and a package of 15 lasts forever. I reuse mine after washing it out and drying it. Thank you for the clarification. Good luck!Quote:
Originally Posted by Lunami
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It is actually a freezer bag not a storage bag. I find it works well and a package of 15 lasts forever. I reuse mine after washing it out and drying it. Thank you for the clarification. Good luck!Quote:
Originally Posted by Lunami
I tried it today! It almost felt a little like conditioner in my hair, i liked the feeling. I put a plastic freezer bag (free from store) and it stayed on well. I will do this again and hope it'll make my hair grow faster.
Great! I find freezer bags thick and they keep body heat in well. I have in the past used the bags stylists use for treatments (from the beauty supply stores). I did not find them as good and they are much more expensive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lunami
washed with couple drops shampoo in big pitcher of water
soaked hair with catnip tea i'd made in my percolator
bagged it up, sat back
cool rinsed thoroughly
twisted it up in microfiber, then silky scarf till mostly dry
oh man - sooooooffffftttt
Catnip is very surprising that way. Glad you like it.Quote:
Originally Posted by proo
Alright, my catnip plant has finally grown up enough to where I think I can harvest some leaves without damaging it too much. I took the freshly picked leaves(as well as two clusters of buds/flowers) and steeped them WAY longer than my intended 1 hour. (It was more like 8 D: ) But anway, I have rinsed my hair and have it up in a shower cap. I will try this freshly-picked-method for now, but I want to try to dry out the leaves, just to see if it makes a difference.
Good luck! I wash my hair first, http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&articleid=118. See how your method goes.Quote:
Originally Posted by Stormcast
Update:
I am currently experimenting with catnip buds (first test will be today). I have prepared the catnip. Interestingly, when I poured the boiled water into the mug, I got instant dye/stain release. The water turned yellow immediately. That has never happened before. I am still going to steep the buds for 5 hours. It is a different experience to work with buds. They smell different, (pungent). The bag they came in is perforated near the top (to keep them dry) and is resealable.
However, I measure my catnip by teaspoon, so I removed all the buds and what leaves there were on the large stalks carefully, and put them in a plastic container. The buds are still on the small stalks. I did not pick off the individual buds. I did not use the leaves that came off the large, thick stalks. The large, thick stalks, I discarded. The leaves I am undecided about but have kept.
I store dried catnip well, in a cupboard away from heat, light and moisture and I want the freshest stock to begin with. My concern with freezing it is possible freezer burn, http://healthycooking.suite101.com/a...g_freezer_burn. I have had no problems with storing catnip the way I do now.
I have bleach blonde hair, so if I use catnip would it affect the color in any way?
Catnip stain is light blonde, between warm and ash and it is not gold. I steep mine longer for a deeper colour although it is still light blonde on my hair. You can experiment with steeping times for the colour/conditioning and strand test. I still got 0 split ends from using catnip steeped for 30 min., strained, recovered and cooled and 1.5 hours, cooled (while covered).Quote:
Originally Posted by Pandora.
A few questions, forgive me if they are a little nitpicky or if they have been asked already. 229 pages is a lot.
1. I have a metal strainer. Will that affect the effectiveness of the tea? I know not to brew it in a metal cup, but what about the strainer? Should it just not touch metal, period?
2. In regards to reducing split ends, does it prevent them? Or does it smooth and cover them up, like silicone?
Thanks in advance.
Nitpicky is fine with me, lol. Here is the Catnip Article to save you time, http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&articleid=118.Quote:
Originally Posted by HintOfMint
For me and as reported by others, catnip use can prevent split ends. It is nothing like silicone.
As to your strainer, I do not think the amount of time the tea is in contact with the metal makes all that much difference. However, I did buy myself a stainless steel tea strainer for less than $3.00 CAD when I decided to use loose herbs.
I read the article and didn't see it mentioned if it was ok to use catnip as a rinse after conditioning and just leave it in? I read one of the members here uses it that way..but wondered what is your opinion using it this way,ktani? leaving it on for an hour might be too time consuming for me to keep up with it often.
I have said in this thread repeatedly that catnip did not work well for me over conditioner nor did it work well for me left in. I have always preferred to rinse it out.Quote:
Originally Posted by lastnite
I thought I was clear in the Article.
"However, catnip tea is most effective for me, following shampoo, with no conditioner residue (if conditioner has been used frequently, there will be some left behind after shampooing) as a treatment on hair that has had the excess water gently squeezed out of it (the shampoo used, one that does not cause build-up or contain a coating that can interfere with catnip's accessibilty to the hair, like mucilage), bagged (covered with plastic) and timed on the hair for 1 hour, and rinsed out."
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&articleid=118
It is too early for a final verdict on the catnip buds. Colour me very pleased though.
First impressions.
My hair is softer and shinier.
The final colour is lighter in the bottle (my shampoo bottle). However it coloured my grey/white as well as the leaves and buds.
My hair is silkier. I have used more shampoo than usual the last 2 times (including this time). I just felt I needed too.
However this time, my hair is nicer, so far. I wanted looser waves. I got it. I wanted my hair to feel softer. It is.
I did a self trim and s&d just prior to this wash. My hair is in excellent condition. I just wanted to see if I could take it to the next level. It looks very positive that I have.
That's awesome. :cheese:Quote:
Originally Posted by ktani
How much color did the catnip buds leave? I want to start using catnip but I'm kind of afraid of how it would affect the color of my hair (I really really don't want it to darken or turn more gold).
Thank you!Quote:
Originally Posted by Pandora.
It did not darken my hair. It is not gold. However, catnip yields a light blonde stain. If your colour is very ash blonde you may see a difference. I suggest strand testing.
If I may ask -- and I know it's been addressed to an extent in this thread but I'm not fully clear on this point -- is there a way to use catnip that will absolutely NOT have a staining effect? I like what I'm reading about catnip making hair soft and preventing splits, but I'm worried about the colour issue. Most of my hair is dark enough that I don't expect to see any visible change from catnip, but I do have some silvers coming in which I absolutely don't want to stain in any way, shape, or form!Quote:
Originally Posted by ktani
That could be a problem. I have no answer for that. Catnip will not stain over conditioner. However, from my experience you will not get the full benefit of the conditioning that way either.Quote:
Originally Posted by Theobroma
But if it does stain, it will wash out, correct? So there is no harm in trying. and you could leave it on for a bit shorter than ktani does.
Yes, the stain washes out with shampoo in my experience. Not all of it each time. Over time all of it will wash out.Quote:
Originally Posted by LadyJennifer
Hi Ktani,
I currently CWC and I was wondering how I might transition my hair to using catnip. I use an SLS shampoo only on my scalp--scalp loves it, ends don't, so the the first "C" in CWC is really beneficial. I was thinking of using a catnip soak/rinse to replace the first leg of conditioning, however, I am worried that the conditioner from the previous washing might lower its effectiveness. Would a water rinse prior to the modified CWC take care of the residue and allow for the catnip to do its job?
Or should I just use catnip for both legs of conditioning in a CWC?
HintOfMint: Wouldn't you just rinse before C in your CWC routine anyway? I get where your coming from though, it sounds like it would work still to me!
If you have been using conditioner regularly as part of your routine you will probably need to clarify your hair first. Then you would only need 1 catnip treatment. Water cannot wash out conditioner residue or wash catnip from the hair, in my experience.Quote:
Originally Posted by HintOfMint
Update:
The catnip buds I bought are excellent quality. However, after using buds only twice (I used a bit more this time) my hair has actually been drier both times. It seemed softer at first. I needed to see how my hair reacted and felt over the weeks between washing and treating. I used the buds the same way I used the mix.
I prefer a mix. I just bought another tub of Hagen Catit Catnip Garden, http://www.hagen.com/canada/english/...05501080010101. It is 100% organic and pesticide free. There is something about the leaves and buds together that is better for my hair. I wanted to see if there was any real difference. I have in the past used a leaf and flower or leaves and buds mix with very few buds. Now I know what my hair needs and likes best, which as I thought is a more balanced mix. The Hagen brand is what I have used for the past 3 years approximately. I trust if for consistent quality. There are I am sure, other pet store brands that are excellent too.
Hagen is a Canadian Company, and their products are available internationally http://www.hagen.com/canada/english/about.cfm. One thing I like to do is check out the brand behind what I buy. I have spoken with a Hagen representative in the past about their catnip. Not all companies behind a brand of catnip grow their own product. What I like about pet supplied catnip is that the companies know about their product and can answer questions with knowledge. I have read enough research on catnip to know when a company does not and I have not had that happen with pet suppliers of catnip.
I have seen and read what some non pet suppliers of catnip have said about their catnip. Some know very little or nothing about what they actually offer for sale. Their prices for quantity per recommended single use packages of catnip for cosmetic use are to me, ludicrous (overpriced). The quantities I have read recommended for single use are wasteful and way too much, even for the longest, thickest hair. I have been buying catnip and using it cosmetically for hair and skin for almost 5 years. Catnip is extremely economical to use for personal care. The Catnip Article.
Having bought and used bulk catnip from health food stores in the past with a huge variance of quality, I will not go back to spending my money on catnip of questionable quality and source again. Since I use catnip on my hair and skin, I will only purchase it from a pet supply company that has been around long enough and is still competitive in that business. That is no different to me than people here questioning the quality and source of the henna they buy. If I were to grow catnip myself, there is a lot of information I would need to make sure that what I grow would meet the same standards of quality of an excellent quality, pet supplier catnip.
Some information on certified organic labelling - I find this most interesting.
U.S.
What seal to look for
http://www.organicguide.com/united-s...united-states/
"Keep in mind that even if a producer is certified organic, the use of the USDA Organic label is voluntary. At the same time, not everyone goes through the rigorous process of becoming certified, especially smaller farming operations."
http://www.organic.org/articles/showarticle/article-201
Canada
"Understanding the terms used on the Label
The term “organic does not mean the same as pesticide free or“no pesticides."
http://www.consumerinformation.ca/ap...1&language=eng
"Going organic: Growing demand, tougher regulations" 2008
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/200...d-organic.html
Organic Products - new logo 2009
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/.../orgbioe.shtml
This exactly matches what the Hagen representative told me when I asked why their catnip was not labelled "certified organic".
"2009 Organic Products Regulations
Questions and Answers
Q3 Are non-food products, such as aquaculture products, cosmetics, fibres, health care products, etc., included in the Canada Organic Regime?
The regulations apply only to food products, animal feed and products used for the cultivation of plants. Each sector not included in the application of the regulations may continue to make organic claims. However, these products must also meet all other relevant federal legislation"
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/.../quest2e.shtml
Certified organic labels worldwide
"There are more than 400 bodies claiming to offer organic certification services. Some are governmental agencies while most are private organizations."
http://www.countryfarmorganics.com/c...sltcat=2&cid=7
Ktani Very interesting experiment results and information. Thank you. :)
I have been using catnip now for over a year and am very pleased with the results. I no longer use any other form of conditioner and find I don't need to use any oil either. I started by using the Hagen brand of catnip which worked very well. I have tried other catnip during the year but have not been as happy with the results so I have each time, after a very short period, gone back to using the Hagen brand and will be sticking with it from now on as my hair likes it the best for both conditioning and staining. :D
Thank you for posting this. You are not the only one besides me who has reported that one can give up conventional conditioning and oiling and use only catnip.Quote:
Originally Posted by KarpatiiSiv
I am not saying that Hagen is the only pet store brand to use. I have used non pet store organic brands in the past as I have said and I started out with a non organic pet store brand. I just prefer Hagen as you do. It has a great company profile and the results with it are very consistantly excellent. If I were to switch brands it would be another organic pet store brand mix only, after careful researching of the brand. I doubt that will be necessary though. Hagen brand catnip is very popular and because of that it is very available and Catit Catnip Garden comes in different sizes and prices.
Nepeta cataria is not a plant high in tannins. It has never dried my hair out, no matter which brand I have used. Most plants contain tannins. There are different types of tannins, http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/...ts/tannin.html.
One caveat if one is buying bulk catnip. Other Nepta species do not have the same chemical profile as Nepeta cataria, or common catnip. There are major differences in constituents between the species. When I was buying catnip from the health food store, I always checked which species I was buying by asking.
Pet store catnip is Nepeta cataria. If that is not stated on the label contact the company and ask. I have contacted pet suppliers and asked and every time the answer has been the same, Nepeta cataria. Nepeta cataria is the only species I have seen in research with both a medicinal and cosmetic history. It is a specific for scalp irritations and is non toxic. The only caution with it other than possible allergy is that it is not recommended during pregnancy. Too much of the tea should not be taken internally at once (possible stomach upset).
Other Nepeta species have different historical medicinal uses to Nepeta cataria and there is no scientific research on their medicinal and recommended use today that I have seen. There is for Nepeta cataria. The other Nepeta species are grown today as ornamental garden plants. I would not use or recommend them, cosmetically or medicinally, without referenced material from reputable sources on their safety and dosage like this http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodn...ataire-eng.php and I have found none for the other Nepeta species. I research Nepeta cataria and other Nepeta species regularly.
Are there any other herbs that can be safely infused with catnip for a strengthening rinse, or is it best used alone? I want the benefits but NOT residue/buildup. Thanks :)
Jenn
In my experience it is best used on its own.Quote:
Originally Posted by earthymamawitch
Update
I am happily back to using Hagen Catit catnip and my hair is grateful and not as dry compared to using buds only, although my hair was not dried out, just drier. I am playing around with my application method and I am very happy with my results. One interesting note is that my skin is better too. The buds only made some minor facial lines more noticeable. They are hardly noticeabe now.
I have been using a little bit of honey in my catnip tea. I tried doing a search, but most previous posts seemed to be about coloring, while I use both only for conditioning.
So far (it's been a couple of weeks) the split protection from the catnip seems to work the same with the honey. I'm not using a lot of honey, maybe 2-3 tablespoons to a pint of tea (I make a teapot full.)
Is your hair more moisturized with the honey, than without it? (In terms of softness, shininess, general texture?)Quote:
Originally Posted by haibane
It's definitely been softer, and the ends less velcro-y, though reading the over moisture thread (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...ad.php?t=51882) I think using the honey tea after every wash might have been a bit much. My hair has seemed almost too soft. I didn't think such a thing was possible. :pQuote:
Originally Posted by HintOfMint
You are using enough honey to possibly lighten your hair. I do not recommend honey with catnip.
For conditioning
1. You can microwave the honey separately to destroy the enzyme that generates peroxide (30 seconds to under 1 minute).
2. For lightening, replace the catnip tea with distilled water. Catnip contains a fair amount of iron. That can impede lightening by reacting with hydrogen peroxide. However, in doing so damaging free radicals are produced. While honey naturally contains chelators than can bind iron found in hair from tap water and conventional hair products, adding more iron through catnip tea is not going to help and can can lessen honey's ability to do so. That said, there have been 0 reports of honey lightened hair being damaged.
Thanks for the heads up on the lightening ktani. I don't really mind if it does lighten my hair. I like it a bit lighter, but I don't care enough to really attempt to lighten it right now. Too busy trying to figure out how to condition. :p
I suspect that since I've put the honey in with the scalding hot water and then let it steep with the catnip, any peroxide enzymes are long gone by the time it reaches my hair.
You are most welcome!Quote:
Originally Posted by haibane
Unlikely that you have completely destroyed the enzyme. It does not work that way, http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...postcount=1763, although the heat will negatively affect the peroxide level. Microwaving honey 30 seconds to 1 minute has been reported to work.
Update
Rather than repost all of the text, I am just linking it from a post in another thread. I think I am right and it was the buds. My hair and scalp were both affected and I suffered no ill effects.
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...&postcount=192
I just did my first catnip rinse...
I did a heavy oil this morning left it for about 4 hours then drenched my hair in cheap condish, after letting that sit for 1 hour I rinsed this out in the shower then poured through 3 cups of catnip tea ( I made this by steeping 1 tablespoon of dried catnip in boiling water for 4 hours till it was cold)
I didnt rinse it out with fresh water, was I supposed to is it ok to leave it in?
Do you think it will work because I did it straight after a deep oil and conditioner treatment?
My hair isnt dry yet, so I dont know if it worked it fells abit knotty though :confused:
From my experience catnip does not do as well over coatings, oil or conditioner. It works best for me over clean, uncoated hair.Quote:
Originally Posted by kitten1986
Thank you SO much for posting this! We have quite a bit of catnip due to a very entertaining kitty so I will be able to test this. ^_^ Split ends are my biggest problem but I would rather suffer them than use chemicals.