Makes 12 ounces
This rinse can gently enhance your hair color, deepening the color of dark hair and highlighting lighter shades. The green prickly leaves make a cleansing rinse that treats dandruff and will leave your hair clean and shiny, and works on all hair types and colors. If you cannot find fresh blackberry leaves, look for dried leaves in the bulk bin of a natural food store or for herbal tea made from 100 percent blackberry leaves.
• 1/2 cup clean fresh blackberry leaves
• 2 cups water
• 2 to 3 fresh blackberries (optional)
1. Place leaves in a small saucepan and cover with water. For a hint of natural color, add a few fresh berries to water, if desired. Bring water to a boil over medium heat. Lower heat and simmer 15 minutes.
2. Remove the pan from stove and allow to sit 20 minutes. Strain the liquid and pour into a clean bottle with a tight-fitting lid. You will have a yellow- green liquid with a mild berry scent.
3. To use: Use as a final rinse after shampooing.
Janice Cox recently co-authored a book with her daughter Lauren Cox, EcoBeauty–Scrubs, Rubs, Masks, and Bath Bombs for You and Your Friends (Ten Speed Press, 2009). Look for it in bookstores nationwide.
Click here for the main article, Body & Soul: Herbal Hair Rinses.
