Catnip for split ends?

**Canarygirl** · July 25th, 2009, 11:17 PM

Ktani

When you first began using catnip treatments, how did you get the buildup off of your hair? Did you just use a clarifying shampoo?

**ktani** · July 26th, 2009, 03:37 AM

Originally Posted by Canarygirl

Ktani

When you first began using catnip treatments, how did you get the buildup off of your hair? Did you just use a clarifying shampoo?

No, that was the best part for me. I just kept using catnip and my shampoo, having stopped what caused the build-up (linden tea) and the build-up washed out over time. I did not want to risk my hair getting even drier by clarifying, although that would have been a lot faster.

I was very surprised and pleased to see that just by using catnip following my shampoo, that my hair was improving each time I washed it. Then it became a matter of getting the catnip use to improve even more. Bagging it and timining, did that and by that point, the build-up was gone.

That is what proved to me that catnip itself does not build-up. Enough of it washes out with each shampoo for that not to happen. My hair that had been breaking off (nape hair on one side in particular), started to grow long again. I was still experimenting with the best way to use catnip, adding things to it, using conditioner from time to time, until I stopped doing any of that and just persued using catnip on is own, as I said, bagging it and increasing the timing. That is when I stopped seeing split ends, and the rest is history. For me it was a long journey (roughly about 2 years into using catnip that I saw optimal results). What I recommend now is based on of all of that.

Even a little conditioner did not wash out each time I washed my hair and catnip could not stain over it, during the experimental time for me, and my hair was still not in optimal condition, until I just used catnip on its own, the way I do now, and have for some time. The increased timing caused the biggest change but all of the things combined did it, no coatings, bagging and the timing.

**ktani** · July 26th, 2009, 05:19 AM

Originally Posted by AuntyClaus

Ktani, I do have a question: if I use green tea as a wash or rinse prior to applying the catnip, will it interfere with the catnip absorption?

Excuse me if this has been asked before. I've read the entire thread, but most of it was awhile ago, and I wasn't interested in using green tea then, so if it was mentioned, it didn't stay in my head.

I am not sure why you would want to use green tea first but it may interfere with absorption of catnip. Green tea contains resins and polysaccharides that can build-up on hair.

**ktani** · July 26th, 2009, 05:22 AM

Originally Posted by Shiva

OMG! I just read all 168 pages of this thread.... it took me 4 days to do so

but, I think it was most worth it.

First of all, Kudos to Ktani for all the excellent guidance and all the others who experimented and posted thier successes and failures.

I did my first catnip treatment yesterday and as skeptical as I was I was VERY impressed with the results. I steeped my catnip for 8 hours, strained it and then refridged it because I had no plans on washing my hair that day. The next day I took the concoction out of the 'fridge to warm up a bit (that ended up being about 4 or maybe even 5 hours) and then I hopped in the shower, shampooed my hair with AO Honeysuckle Rose shampoo, rinsed, and then squeezed the excess water out of my hair and dunked my length in the catnip several times then I bagged my head and went about my other showerly duties. I only had the stuff on my head maybe for 5 - 10 minutes then I rinsed. I didn't use any conditioner or leave-in conditioner afterwards.

Well.... my hair detangled easy and as it dried it was SOOOO soft. Even the next day it was still the same (usually my ends get dry the next day, but not this time).

One thing I want to point out, tho, is I just had a major trim so most all my splits have been cut off already (you can see my album for what happened to my hair and what it was like pre-trim if anyone is interested). I really want to see if the catnip can keep me free of splits and breakage.

You are most welcome for my part of the information. I am very pleased to hear that you are so pleased with your results. I suggest experimenting with the timing. For me, 1 hour in total (I do my catnip treatment in 2 sections, to get all of the hair thoroughly done), works best, for optimal results.

**AuntyClaus** · July 26th, 2009, 06:41 AM

Originally Posted by ktani

I am not sure why you would want to use green tea first but it may interfere with absorption of catnip. Green tea contains resins and polysaccharides that can build-up on hair.

Mostly wanted to use it just to try something different as a hair wash. We also have a few yucca plants on the property, but I know you've said the mucilage they contain will interfere with the catnip, so that's a "no".

Thanks for the info! I definitely do not want to get in the way of catnip absorption!

**ktani** · July 26th, 2009, 06:44 AM

Originally Posted by AuntyClaus

Mostly wanted to use it just to try something different as a hair wash. We also have a few yucca plants on the property, but I know you've said the mucilage they contain will interfere with the catnip, so that's a "no".

Thanks for the info! I definitely do not want to get in the way of catnip absorption!

You are most welcome! I am not sure what in yucca leaves a coating but I tried 2 different species to wash my hair with ages ago (different dilutions too) and both definitely left a coating of some kind. It was "yucky", lol.

**ktani** · July 27th, 2009, 08:17 AM

Catnip and dogs. I just had to look this up, lol.

1. It is on the safe list of plants for dogs, although I would not recommend any of them in quantity or without consulting a vet, just to be sure.

2. "Common uses in dogs
This herb, because of its mild tranquilizing effect on most animals, is effective for treating restlessness, nervousness, and insomnia. If your dog gets nervous or restless in stressful situations such as vists to the vet, long car trips, etc., try putting a few fresh leaves into his drinking water, or sprinkle the dried herb (1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of per pound of food) on his food. For prolonged period of stress, use a glycerine-based tincture - use 12 drops/8 oz. of water as a start.
The gas relieving and antispasmodic effect of catnip also makes it excellent for treatment of flatulence, diarrrhea, and dyspepsia.
The herb is also effective in treating early symptoms of colds, flus, and other feverish conditions, especially ronchitis due to its sweat inducing property.
Externally, catnip can also be used as an antiseptic poultice for sores and wounds."

**ktani** · July 27th, 2009, 11:41 AM

My school projects are delayed right now, frustrating!

However, I have been able to do other things and almost catch up on the boards (I am still behind on reading the blogs list I had made)!

Interesting observation.

I sleep with my hair loose. I always have. I have satin acetate knit bedding (including pillow cases, it breathes, so it is warm in winter and cool in summer) and is great for my hair.

I noticed that sleeping in a smooth synthetic material (wearing it), my ends stay smoother. I wear cool, sleeveless all cotton sleep sets on really hot nights, but I recently went back to a synthetic set (top and bottom) of smoother material, (it is not hot here right now), and my ends are again smoother in the morning.

I hate air conditioning and I do not need it in my apartment. My hair does not tangle with catnip use but having my ends smoother after sleeping, is nice. Cotton seems to not allow that as well, even with the satin bedding. So, I think, what one sleeps in, (as in wears) is as important as what one sleeps on, if one wears their hair loose.

**mugglemomof3** · July 29th, 2009, 02:29 PM

Kudos to you Shiva!!! I've tried to read the whole thing but skipped ALOT and it took me much longer than days!!

First report. I love this stuff. !!!!

I've done it a total of three times now, and am simply AMAZED at how moisturized, untangly, and smooth my hair looks and feels. I will be doing it as often as I can. It allows me to use a cheap cone-free conditioner as opposed to more expensive ones. It has totally changed the way I feel about my hair.

Will post again soon!!!!!

**ktani** · July 29th, 2009, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by mugglemomof3

I've done it a total of three times now, and am simply AMAZED at how moisturized, untangly, and smooth my hair looks and feels. I will be doing it as often as I can. It allows me to use a cheap cone-free conditioner as opposed to more expensive ones. It has totally changed the way I feel about my hair.

Will post again soon!!!!!

Great! I am pleased that you are so pleased. It is something that until it is tried a certain way is difficult to understand how it can work so well, from my experience.