Catnip for split ends?

[ktani]

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.

[HintOfMint]

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?

[Barniie]

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!

[ktani]

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?

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.

[ktani]

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

[KarpatiiSiv]

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.

[ktani]

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.

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.

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.

[earthymamawitch]

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

[ktani]

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.

[ktani]

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.