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2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14
In folk cosmetology, various medicinal plants have been used for hair and scalp care for a long time. In most cases, the effect that can be achieved as a result of using herbal infusions and decoctions is in no way inferior to the effect achieved through expensive salon procedures and the use of professional cosmetics.
One of the most popular folk remedies for hair and scalp care is fresh birch leaves. In these nondescript-looking green leaves, a huge amount of useful substances is concentrated, thanks to which the regular use of birch broth allows you to maintain curls and scalp in perfect condition.
Useful properties of birch leaves for hair
The benefits of a decoction of birch leaves for hair have been known since the days of our mothers and grandmothers. They contain a large number of phytoncides that effectively destroy pathogens and prevent them from multiplying.
In addition, the plant is rich in substances such as carotene, magnesium, calcium, saponin, iron, potassium, ascorbic acid, tannins, and valuable essential products.
The unique combination of these components makes birch leaves a versatile and optimal treatment for curls and scalp, which is suitable for absolutely all the fair sex. In addition, if you make various products based on them yourself, you can get great cosmetic products for your hair almost for free.
Contrary to popular belief, the benefits of this tree lie not only in fresh leaves, but also dried and crushed raw materials. At the same time, it is really better to prepare cosmetics based on it from fresh leaves in early summer - during this period they contain the maximum amount of phytoncides, and you can achieve a noticeable effect in an incredibly short period of time.
Regular use of infusions and other hair cosmetics prepared on the basis of birch leaves can achieve the following results:
- stop hair loss and activate the growth of strands;
- normalize the activity of the sebaceous glands and get rid of excessive oily scalp;
- soften curls, make them smooth, shiny, silky and elastic;
- get rid of dandruff and other rashes on the scalp;
- restore the structure of the strands and protect them from the negative effects of external factors.
Despite the fact that cosmetic products for hair and scalp based on birch leaves are universal and suitable for all girls, some women develop an individual intolerance to this natural remedy, which leads to excessive drying of the strands and scalp.
Recipe for making a decoction of birch leaves
An unusually simple recipe will help you prepare an effective broth - take some fresh or dry birch leaves, grind them, pour enough water, put on fire, bring to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes.
In the same way, you can prepare a decoction from birch buds. The finished product should be stored for no more than 3 days, since after this time it loses most of its beneficial properties. In addition, in some cases, alcohol tincture is prepared on the basis of birch leaves and buds.
For this, medicinal plants are poured with the required amount of alcohol and kept for 7 to 10 days.
Methods for using a decoction of birch leaves for hair
In most cases, it is a decoction of birch leaves that is used for hair care. But in some cases, tincture can also replace it.
This tool allows you to normalize the activity of the sebaceous glands, stop the process of incipient baldness, get rid of dandruff and solve a number of other problems related to the appearance and health of our hair.
The use of this folk cosmetic product is especially important for owners of oily hair, since it almost instantly removes the unpleasant greasy shine from the curls and gives them incredible freshness. The broth is most often used in its pure form to rinse the hair after washing, but it is also often used to prepare various masks and other cosmetics on its basis. In addition, the finished product can be added to industrial shampoos and balms.
If you plan to use the prepared decoction of birch leaves to rinse your hair, let it cool to an acceptable temperature, and then add a small amount of vinegar or natural lemon juice. Use this rinse aid every time you wash your hair.
No less effective are folk masks based on a decoction or tincture of birch, prepared at home according to one of the following recipes:
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heat a small amount of wheat or linden honey in a water bath, add a little castor and burdock oils to it, and at the very end - a decoction of birch leaves or buds. Stir all the ingredients until a homogeneous composition is obtained, which in consistency resembles thin sour cream. Apply to your hair about 15 minutes before washing your hair, and after this time, wash yourself in the usual way. It is best to use egg shampoo as a cleanser, homemade from natural ingredients. This mask nourishes the curls along the entire length and activates the growth of the strands;
- prepare a broth, add 1 fresh chicken or 2 quail eggs, a little dry mustard, and flaxseed oil, which, if necessary, can be replaced with olive oil familiar to all housewives. Using a blender, combine all the ingredients and bring them to a homogeneous state, then distribute it over your hair. Soak this mask on your hair for at least half an hour, and then rinse your head with warm water or nettle decoction. When used regularly, this remedy helps to stop hair loss and, moreover, to get rid of dandruff;
- finally, on the basis of alcohol tincture, you can prepare an effective mask for treating split ends and restoring their structure. To do this, it must be mixed with any oil used for cosmetic purposes, for example, castor, almond, peach, burdock or ordinary olive, and also add a few drops of your favorite essential scent - rosemary, mint, lavender, bergamot, and so on. It should be borne in mind that this cosmetic product may slightly lighten the curls.
The use of cosmetic products based on birch leaves really helps to achieve a noticeable effect in a short time, but in order for the result to be felt, it must be used regularly - at least 2 times a week.
Just try rinsing your hair with natural broth every time you wash, and your hair will look great!