How to make DIY Shampoo with Okras & Essential Oils

USES & BENEFITS: 

• To wash and condition your hair and scalp as frequently as necessary without concern of chemical damage
• To strengthen the hair and roots and grow the hair (thanks to Niacin and Vitamin C among other nutrients found in okras)
• To add bounce and volume to your hair (thanks to the mucilage in okras)
• To take "Naturopathic Control" by avoiding carcinogens and other toxins in commercial alternatives

YOU WILL NEED:

• 6 fresh young okras / gumbo / lady fingers (approx 4 inches)
• 2.5 cups Water
• Essential oils for your hair and scalp needs. (Optional). Example(s): rosemary for hair growth; tea tree for dandruff
• Pot, Bowl, Strainer and Spoon. Implements should NOT be made of copper, brass, iron or tin

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INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Remove the stalks
2. Chop the okras into small pieces
3. Boil the okras and water for about 15 minutes on a medium heat. In time, the brew should become slimy and slightly brown
4. Cool the brew
5. Strain the brew to separate the liquid from the fiber. The liquid is the base for your shampoo. You may either eat or throw away the remaining fiber.
6. Add the essential oil (which oil is good for you?)
7. Apply the shampoo to wet hair.
8. Massage it in very well (to increase blood circulation)
9. Rinse to remove the shampoo and dirt

OBSERVATIONS:

• The lather was not foamy like commercial shampoos (since the synthetic foaming agents are not included in this all natural recipe). Instead, the lather feels slippery. Once applied and massaged into hair, it builds body. 


• After its use, our hair and scalp feel clean. There is no lingering smell and no build up. (Miss C and friend)

OTHER DIY SHAMPOO RECIPES

• Cleansing
• Aloe vera - cleansing conditioner / co-wash 
• okra - cleansing conditioner / co-wash 
• Growth & Strengthening
• Onion juice for hair growth 
• Un-fermented rice water for the hair (and skin)
• Fermented rice water by Hair Buddha
• Dying
• DIY natural permanent dye to turn hair from gray to black

33 Calorie Snack for Weight Loss - Natural, Crunchy and High Nutrition

Thanks to nature, we have struck the weight loss jackpot with a natural and healthy snack. It is extremely low calorie (33 calories per crunchy cup) and full of health giving properties.

Apart from helping to burn calories, this natural weight loss snack is especially beneficial for pregnant women and those suffering from obesity, diabetes and other blood sugar related problems, atherosclerosis  and other cholesterol related diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, lung inflammation, soar throat, ulcers and stiff joints. It may also reduce the risk of getting constipation, colon cancer and cataracts. Furthermore, it is useful after antibiotic treatments since it facilitates probiotic development for a healthy gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts:
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• 33 Calories
• NO Saturated Fats
• NO Cholesterol
• Folic Acid (which is excellent for pregnant women since it is essential for neural tube formation of the fetus within the 4th and 12th weeks of the gestation period)
• Vitamins A, B6, C
• Riboflavin
• Iron
• Calcium
• Zinc
• Dietary Fiber
• Niacin
• Amino Acids (tryptophan, cystine and other sulfur amino acids)

 
You will need:
Enough fresh okras to make 1 cup when sliced. Okras are also called gumbo and lady fingers.


Instructions:

1. Wash the okras thoroughly
2. Test the freshness of the okras (by bending each tip to a side. Those that snap are fresh. Those that bend all the way until they touch the side of the okra should be discarded).
3. Only just before eating them, cut off the stalk end (to preserve the nutrients and energy)
4. Slice thinly into round, star shaped disks that are crunchy
5. If you wish to cook the okras, steam the okras for as short a period as possible (like 5 minutes)
6. Avoid contact between the okras and these following materials (so as to prevent discoloration of the okras): copper, brass, iron, or tin. (Tip: You may therefore use stainless steel, porcelain, agate, earthenware and glass utensils).

Okra Properties:

• Non toxic
• Non habit forming
• No adverse side effects
• Very alkaline. Alkaline reaction

Observations (Miss C):

The texture is most people's concern. So I will talk about that.

As a child, I would have preferred punishment over okras. The reason for my strong dislike was that okras in my household were often overcooked which made them extremely slimy. However, when raw (or slightly cooked), the sliminess is hardly detectable. The snack is simply crunchy and without any strong taste (like popcorn or lettuce). Besides, any sliminess seems to be a small cost that is hugely outweighed by the many health benefits.

So set up the movie and bring out the OKRAS!

Other natural, healthy and effective ways to lose weight:

• 10 Things you should know about weight loss. Weight loss can be easy, safe and effective for anyone.

Other Ways of using Okras:

• Okra homemade Conditioning Shampoo