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Condition Your Hair with Apple Cider Vinegar

For several years now I have been using the “no-poo” or “low-poo” method to care for my hair. This means I do not use shampoos containing harsh detergents such as sulphates. I use gentle shampoos that do not strip the natural oils on my scalp. Many people who use the no-poo method simply use baking soda as a shampoo and apple cider vinegar as a conditioner.

I found the baking soda to be a little too drying on my fine curls, so I use a gentle shampoo such as Mop C- System Hydrating Shampoo.

Once you stop using harsh (and often toxic) products on your hair, your hair will become much more moisturized, have more volume and shine, and require less styling products.

A few years ago I started using apple cider vinegar (ACV) to condition my hair. For some reason (I can’t remember why) I stopped using the apple cider vinegar, and started a quest to find the perfect organic conditioner. I was looking for something light, yet very moisturizing and not too expensive. I can tell you I spent a lot of money in the process – and remarkably came back to what seems to work the best – apple cider vinegar!

Here’s why you should use give ACV as a conditioner:

It is antibacterial and anti-fungal, so it heals dandruff
It seals the cuticle of the hair to reduce frizz, provide shine, and keep hair moisturized
It’s slightly acidic and is the perfect PH for your scalp
It clarifies and gently removes product build-up
It is very inexpensive and a little goes a long way

After shampooing, I add approximately 1 or 2 teaspoons to 16 ounces of warm water and pour all over my scalp and hair. There is no need to let it sit on your hair. You can rinse immediately. If your hair is thicker or longer, you may need to use more ACV. My hair is short and fine, so a little goes a long way for me! I have found that if I use too much ACV, my hair becomes greasy. There is a slight vinegar smell when using this in the shower. However, it dissipates quickly, and your hair will not smell like vinegar at all once it is dry.

If you are using the no-poo or low-poo method, you will not be able to use hair products containing silicones as they can only be removed from your hair by using a shampoo with harsh sulphates. The silicones will build-up in your hair, and it will become limp and dull. I am confident you will find that you don’t need products with silicone once you start using natural, gentle products on your hair.

You will notice a great improvement in your natural, “naked” hair! It will feel incredibly soft, and look much shinier when using ACV as a conditioner!

Give it a try!

Holly

October 14, 2015

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Easy At-Home Remedies for Colds

It’s that time of year – when it seems like everyone around you is suffering from the cold and flu…and you keep your fingers crossed that you’re not next.

Unfortunately for me, I was.

After suffering from a severe cold the past several days (head and chest congestion, body aches, and fever), I felt inspired to share some natural remedies that helped me get through it and start feeling better. I rarely get sick to this degree – a recent increase in stress likely caused my immune system to weaken. I am reluctant to take antibiotics due to the issues they cause within the digestive system and the balance of healthy bacteria (which is the core of a strong immune system to begin with!). Therefore, whenever possible, I rely on at-home remedies – and they actually work!

Gargle Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is loaded health benefits! If you are struggling with laryngitis or a sore throat, gargling some apple cider vinegar can help kill bacteria in your throat, loosen mucus, and boosts white blood cell counts. The acid will coat your throat, preventing germs from accumulating. Dilute one tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar (the one with “the mother”) with a couple splashes of warm water. Gargle, spit, and repeat. You can do this every few hours if you’d like. Your throat will thank you!

Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Get Rid of Ear Infections

Hydrogen peroxide will kill bacteria within your ear and loosen congestion. Lay one side of your head down onto a pillow. Use a dropper to put 1 or 2 drops of hydrogen peroxide into the ear facing the ceiling. Wait 7-15 minutes, then switch sides and repeat.

Use Steam to Clear Sinus and Respiratory Congestion

I remember going to my pediatrician as a child, and she told me that breathing in steam was just as effective as taking an antibiotic. I always remembered that. You can purchase an at-home facial steamer or boil water in a pot. The steam will sanitize your head and chest and break up congestion. Place a towel over your head and facial steamer/ bowl of hot water and breath it in for about 15 minutes. I also added several drops of hydrogen peroxide to boost bacteria-killing power. The steam is also great for cleaning out your pores!

Use a Neti Pot to Clean Your Sinuses

A Neti Pot is a little pot that looks like a cross between a tiny teapot and a genie lamp. You fill it with a saline solution, place the spout in one nostril, and tilt your head to the side as you raise the Neti Pot, causing the solution to flow through your sinuses and out your other nostril. Then you reverse nostrils and repeat. Sounds kind of gross, but it works magic! I use a teaspoon of sea salt and fill the pot with lukewarm water (if the water is too warm, it will burn). If you’ve ever gone swimming in the ocean and had salt-water up your nose, it feels a little like that. The salt will clear away mucus and kill germs.

Drink Detox Tea

Speed up your recovery by drinking a tea with plant and herbs that support your liver to help flush out toxins. Try this detox tea with healing ingredients such as dandelion, burdock root, and ginger. Add some raw honey to help sooth a sore throat. Drinking tea will also help increase your fluid intake and warm your body.

In addition to these at-home remedies, nothing beats getting plenty of rest, eating whole foods, and drinking lots of water. Listen to your body! If your body is telling you to slow down, don’t push yourself to go to work or any other obligations if you can help it. Take care and feel better!