The latest addition to the cosmeceutical market is Ginkgo biloba. This well-studied herb has been used in studies relating to the skin. Studies of herbs used topically such as Green Tea and Olive Oil have been found to be beneficial due to their antioxidant polyphenols. Since Ginkgo is rich in polyphenols, it is likely to also provide skin protection and other benefits when applied topically as a cosmeceutical.

Ginkgo may be used for the skin or hair. Our herbal recipe is for an herbal shampoo. There are a lot of ginkgo-based shampoos which claim to increase blood circulation, thereby delivering nutrients to the hair follicle, and promoting hair re-growth. Although we cannot support this claim due to lack of research, we know that a lot of people are seeking more natural shampoos made without unnecessary chemical additives. A further advantage of making your own is that you actually have a decent quantity of the herb in there rather than just a drop!

Ingredients

• Plastic or glass bottles [8 ounces]
• Glass jar [12 ounces or more] OR glass bowl
• Tea kettle or saucepan
• Strainer
• 7 ounces distilled or spring water
• 4 tablespoons liquid castile soap (1 fluid ounce)
• 3 tablespoons of dried Ginkgo c/s
• 3 tablespoons of a second herb (see below for a list of herbs appropriate for different hair types)*

* If using fresh herbs, use double to triple the amount of FRESH herbs. For people who have blonde hair and want to keep it that way, stay with lighter colored herbs.

Note: If using whole flowers such as marigold, it's a good idea to crush them first

Directions

1. Boil the distilled/spring water in the saucepan or the tea kettle.
2. Put the herbs in the glass jar or bowl.
3. Pour boiling water over the herb. Cover the container and allow the herbs to steep for 10-30 minutes, depending upon how strong you want the mixture.
4. Strain the infusion, making sure that none of the leaves have fallen into the herbal water
5. Add the liquid castile soap to the bottle that you'll be using for the finished shampoo.
6. Once the infusion has cooled, add it to the bottle with the castile soap.

Note: Refrigerate the herbal shampoo, as natural ingredients are not as stable as a commercial shampoo, and the homemade shampoo does not contain additives used to keep products stable at room temperature.

Herbs Recommended for Hair Types

Normal: Horsetail, Red Clover, Chamomile and Calendula, Lavender

Dry: Comfrey root, Comfrey leaf, Red Clover, Lavender, Elder flowers, Chamomile, Calendula and jojoba oil added to the shampoo base

Oily: Nettle, Rosemary, Peppermint, and Lemongrass

Gray: Sage, Rosemary and Nettle.  Also, check with herbs suited for your recommended type.

Hair loss: Rosemary, Lavender, Sage, Nettle and Basil

Dandruff: Nettles, Comfrey leaf, White Willow bark, Peppermint and Lemongrass