Thursday, April 14, 2011

Hibiscus Flower - Part 2 - Benefits

Hibiscus flowers have become popular these days, espcially with the natural hair community.  It is also popular in the long hair community as well and is reputed to promote exceptional hair growth. 

The benefits of Hibiscus treatment:
  • Prevents hair loss
  • Enhances growth of hair
  • Discourages split ends
  • Thickens hair
  • Prevents premature greying of hair.
A very simple traditional recipe is to cook some red hibiscus flowers (whole, not powder) on low fire in coconut or sesame oil and let it cool. This oil is then massaged into the hair. Red Hibiscus or Jabakusum as it is known in Hindi, is known for its hair growth related properties.  Be sure to rinse the oil out with very mild shampoo otherwise it will nullify th effect of the oil.

For those that do not like to oil their hair, the whole hibiscus flowers can be made into pulp in the mixer and applied to the hair for thirty minutes and then rinsed out with water.  Or the powder version can be used mixed with water to make a paste.