~Instructions~

1. Take two tablespoons of powder into a bowl and gently mix with warm water until the mixture forms into a watery paste.

2. Apply to dry head, gently massaging into scalp.

3. Once scalp is covered, apply any remaining mixture to the length of hair.

4. Leave for 1-2 hours, as desired.

5. Wash out in shower with warm water, followed by organic shampoo & conditioner for best results.

~Base elements~

You may have heard that cannabis topicals are great for your skin, but did you know they can also treat burns, alleviate arthritis, and soothe bites and abrasions due to anti-inflammatory properties? Because cannabis topicals are non-psychoactive, they are a versatile way for you to take advantage of those cannabinoids, offering numerous healing properties. Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and it’s also your body’s first line of defence against invasive toxins. The skin acts as a protective layer with the body’s highest density of cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoid receptors sit on the cell surfaces, waiting for specific neurotransmitters (such as those found in cannabis) to bind them. Different types of receptors are found in other parts of the body as well, in what is known as your endocannabinoid system (ECS). Once applied, the cannabinoids bind with the CB2 receptors in your skin, providing quick relief for muscle pains.

Applying cannabis topically for bug bites, scratches, and other skin abrasions offers localized pain relief whilst reducing swelling. Further, cannabis topicals contain potent antibacterial properties and inhibit the buildup of dead skin cells. Due to a powerful array of antioxidants, applying cannabis topically prevents your skin from aging, and has been shown to speed up the healing process and prevent tissue damage caused by the environment.

Cannabis is a well-known aphrodisiac, particularly for women. In fact, references of cannabis for sexual pleasure date back over 2000 years ago in India where cannabis was incorporated into tantric sex practices.

CANNABIS (Hemp) Seed powder (>0.03% THC)
Cannabis sativa

Henna, or Mehndi, is an evergreen plant with history and useage spanning the Middle East and Asia. Native to Egypt, the first documented use of henna dates back to 1200 BCE to dye the hair and nails of Egyptian pharaohs, and during the mummification process. The redish brown dye is made by crushing the dried leaves and flowers, then mixing the fine powder. Energetically it has an astringent cooling effect; in Ayurvedic terms this means that it pacifies the Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (earth and water) doshas by calming the nervous system and encouraging the body to restore itself to proper function. (see bottom of page for information on the doshas).

This cooling effect also means henna is praised for its ability to cure headaches - traditionally, by applying a plaster of henna flowers soaked in vinegar to the forehead. It is also promotes hair health by helping to seal the hair cuticle, strengthen and condition hair, prevent breakage and increase the shine and appearance. It's natural properties promote hair growth and is known to be a natural treatment for dandruff.

Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, having been used for over 3000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels and improve concentration. The plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers, native to India and north Africa. Extracts or powder from the plants root or leaves are used to treat a variety of conditions, with many of its health benefits attributed to its high concentration of withanolides, having been shown to fight inflammation. Ashwagandha is said to pacify the Vata (air and ether) and Kapha (earth and water) doshas.

Researchers have reported that ashwagandha completely blocks the stress pathway in the brains of rats by regulating chemical signaling in the nervous system. Many human controlled studies show similar effects in reducing symptoms in those with stress and anxiety disorders. Studies have also shown that ashwagandha may help reduce cortisol levels – a stress hormone released from your adrenal glands. Research shows that ashwagandha may mitigate memory and brain function problems by promoting antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals. In one study, rats with epilepsy that were treated with ashwagandha had nearly a complete reversal of spatial memory impairment, likely caused by a reduction in oxidative stress.

~Ayurvedic elements~

Cultivated from the Amalaki plant, Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, has been an important medicinal plant in Ayurveda and various traditional folk systems of medicine in Southeast Asia. Used as an essential part of hair care rituals since time immemorial, Amla is considered an elixir; rich in minerals, amino acids and phytonutrients that increase the circulation of blood significantly throughout the scalp. Amla is a highly revered Rasayana (rejuvenative) for the entire system. Specifically, it promotes youthfulness, bolsters immunity and promotes overall health and well-being. It is a brain tonic, promoting memory, and its sattvic nature foster subtle awareness, balanced emotions, and clarity of minds.

Owing to its richness in nutrients like Vitamin C and tannins, it also possesses nourishing properties which prevent the accumulation of dandruff. Further, its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties are very effective at preventing dandruff formation. One fruit from the Amalaki plant contains up to 80% moisture – making it a great natural conditioner. Amla also contains essential fatty acids that penetrate into follicles, making hair softer and shinier, and its high iron and carotene content stimulates hair growth. Amla is said to pacify all three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha).

From the family Lamiaceae, Tulsi (or Holy Basil) has been described as the “Queen of plants” and the “mother medicine of nature”. All parts of the Tulsi plant act as an adaptogen, a natural substance that helps your body adapt to stress, boost energy and promote mental balance. There is mounting evidence that Tulsi can address physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress through a unique combination of pharmacological actions. Rich in vitamin K and antioxidants, it benefits hair by stimulating blood circulation and promoting hair growth.

Tulsi has been shown to counter psychological stress through positive effects on memory and cognitive function through its anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties. The plant contains a number of beneficial compounds, including eugenol (a terpene with pain-relieving properties), ursolic and rosmarinic acid (compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ageing properties), and ocimumosides A and B (compounds that reduce stress and balance the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine). In Ayurvedic practice, the common uses of Tulsi include treatments for headaches, soothe inflammation and skin diseases. It balances the Kapha (earth and water) dosha.

Popularly known as ‘false daisy’, Bhringaraj is a traditional wonder herb belonging to the sunflower family, widely used all over the world and highly recommended for growing long, silky and strong hair. According to Ayurveda, it’s a ‘Rasayana’ that has special properties of age reversal and rejuvenation. It contains a host of bioactive constituents including flavonoids and phytochemicals like ecliptic, wedelolactone, coumestans, polypeptides etc, all of which are known to be potent hair vitalisers whilst simultaneously improving blood circulation to the scalp.

Its beneficial properties are numerous, but most interestingly (in terms of this product) it is said to include Shiro artinut, a property useful for treating headaches. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Bhringaraj is said to promote hair growth, strengthen hair, and prevent greying and dandruff. It balances the Vata (air) and Kapha (earth and water) doshas.

Known as the “herb of grace,” Brahmi, a staple plant in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, has been used for centuries. It is said to promote clarity, memory and concentration due to the cognitive packed nutrients that it provides. It’s an excellent herb for those who suffer from hair loss, since it naturally helps toughen and strengthen hair follicles while also promoting hair growth. Brahmi helps provide strength and nourishment through the scalp, strengthening blood vessels; thus, oxygen and nutrients prevent hair loss. The alkaloids in Brahmi bind to the proteins in the hair shaft, producing stronger and thicker hair.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Brahmi is praised for it’s ability to soothe pitta (fire and water), the dosha responsible for inflammation, difficulty sleeping and skin problems. Owing to bacosides (a class of powerful compounds) Brahmi has the ability to boost brain function and alleviate anxiety and stress. Packed full of powerful antioxidants, Brahmi can also help protect against cell damage caused by harmful molecules. In a study treating rats with dementia, not only did this herb reduce free radical damage, it also reversed signs of memory impairment.

HENNA ~ MEHNDI ~ Lawsonia Inermis

ASHWAGANDHA ~ Withania Somnifera

AMLA ~ Phyllanthus Emblica

TULSI ~ Ocimum Tenuiflorum

BHRINGARAJ ~ Eclipta Prostrata

BRAHMI ~ Bacopa Monnieri

~Essential oil elements~

Ylang ylang is a yellow, star shaped flower that grows on the Cananga tree, and has been used for centuries in perfumes, religious ceremonies and aromatherapy. It is native to countries surrounding the Indian Ocean, such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, India, and the Polynesian Islands. Rich in scent, it is best known for its uplifting, soothing and calming effects which can be attributed to the main chemical constituent, germacrene. Ylang ylang is renowned for its mood enhancing, and antidepressant properties. Beneficial for the immune system, cardiovascular system and endocrine system, it relaxes and liberates the body of negative emotions. Loaded with organic components that promote the appearance of healthy hair, Ylang ylang is praised for its ability to protect from summer heat and increase the appearance of healthy, shiny hair by improving thickness and lustre.

YLANG YLANG ~ Cananga Odorata

Lavender is native to northern Africa and the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean, used for millennia to calm the mind. It is a relaxing nervine that eases tension and anxiety, helping with restlessness and insomia. It has a mild analgesic effects and can ease headaches and migranes when taken soon after onset. Lavender has compounds which inhibit several neurotransmitters causing a sedative and anxiolytic effect. One study showed that Lavender increased the percentage of deep sleep, and all participants reported feeling more refreshed and energetic the next morning. It has many benefits for hair health – encouraging the repair and rejuvenation of follicles through softening and moisturizing properties. A 2016 study found that Lavender oil applied to mice made them grow more hair, at a thicker and faster rate than normal. When applied to the scalp, it may prevent itchiness and dandruff.

LAVENDER ~ Lavandula Angustifolia

~Essential oil elements~

Vata consists mainly of the two elements vayu (air) and aakash (ether). It's all about the energy of movement, and generally described as cold, light, dry, rough, flowing, and spacious. Autumn represents vata for its cool, crisp days.

Those with a vata dominant dosha are usually described as slim, energetic and creative. They're known for thinking outside the box but can easily be distracted. Their mood is highly dependent on the weather, people around them, and foods they eat.

Pitta consists mainly of the two elements teja (fire) and jala (water). Known as the energy of digestion or metabolism, pitta is generally described as hot, light, sharp, oily, liquid and mobile. Summer is known as pitta season for its sunny, hot days.

People with a pitta dominant dosha are said to be very athletic, with a muscular build, and serve as strong leaders. They're highly motivated and goal-orientated, yet their aggressive and tenacious nature can be off-putting to some.

Kapha consists mainly of the two elements prithvi (earth) and jala (water). It's a stabilising energy of lubrication and structure and often described as steady, stable, heavy, slow, cold and soft. Spring is known as kapha season as many parts of the world slowly exit hibernation.

People with a kapha dominant dosha are described as calm, grounded and caring. They're known for keeping things together and being a support system for others. They rarely get upset, they think before acting and go through life in a slow and deliberate manner.

VATA ~ Air and ether

PITTA ~ Fire and water

KAPHA ~ Earth and water

Ayurveda, translating to 'the science of life,' is one of the world's oldest forms of holistic medicine. The practice is based on the idea that the world is made up of 5 elements - aakash (ether), jala (water), prithvi (earth), teja (fire), and vayu (air). A combination of each element results in three 'doshas' or mind-body types, comprising Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (earth and water). Each of us is born with a unique ratio of doshas, each expressing a unique blend of physical, emotional and mental characteristics. Commonly, one dosha is dominant, and guides the way to a lifestyle that suits you best. Your unique ratio is known as Prakriti (natural state), which can only be properly determined by a Vaidya (Ayurvedic doctor). Health is said to exist when your doshas are in equilibrium with your Prakriti.