Thank you for attending Old Time Kitchen Skills Workshop on Saturday.
I've included below the latest issue of The Self-Sufficiency Shoppe Newsletter as mentioned during the workshop. Don't forget that all e-booklet downloads are on two-for-one offer until July 29 2013. If you are having difficulty downloading or not sure how to do it please email me: pam@theshoppe.com.au for help. If you'd like to attend other workshops please click on: Upcoming Workshops for a full list. Hopefully we will meet again! Pam - The Self-Sufficiency Shoppe |
| | -The Shoppe Newsletter No. 47-
In this issue: Natural Hair Care Alternatives
Personal Perspectives on using hair care alternatives
Recipe: Soap-based Herbal Shampoo
Conditioners, dandruff problems
Grandmas Hair-care Philosophy (Not so crazy!)
Recycling Food: Ways to use stale bread and cake
Appreciating Special Things from the Earth
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| |
Natural Hair Care Alternatives
The
commercial hair care business is huge - it brings in millions of dollars from
consumers eager to enhance the health and appearance of their hair and deal
with problem hair. To broaden and boost
sales (and profits) hair-care products focus on every possible aspect of hair management: oily hair, dry hair, everyday care, damaged hair, coloured hair, tangled
hair, hair loss, 'deep root' care, etc. More products means higher sales. New products and lines means even more sales and profit. Sales are boosted even further if those products are made as cost effectively as possible using dubious ingredients. However all this has a detrimental consequence for the consumer (not to mention environment).
Modern hair shampoos are basic 'grease-strippers' - containing the
same detergent base (chemical compound) used for a range of cleaning
products: dish detergents, laundry powders, hand washes, floor cleaners, shower
'gels', etc. Detergents have their place
in the laundry and kitchen (if you must use them) - but using them regularly on
the body (daily in some cases) could lead to long term problems. Hair shampoos are, in essence, detergents
(grease strippers) dressed up as wonder products - many with an expensive price
tag. Consumers are well and truly duped
- dangerously so when it has detrimental affects.
If
you already have a problem with dry skin and redness on hands due to
dishwashing detergent - then the same would apply to the scalp when using
detergent based commercial shampoos. If your hands are struggling to cope with
the chemicals in detergents imagine the consequences for more sensitive areas
such as the as scalp and hair follicles. Constant exposure to chemicals results
in the body's protective mechanisms kicking in - besides itchiness and dryness
(due to absence of natural hair oils) the hair follicles may also close off and
hair loss the result.
When I meet people via my workshops hair care is the most asked question
along the line of personal care products.
My answer to everyone is the same - no matter what the problem: "Stop
using chemicals, in particular, commercial shampoos" - and use, instead, less
chemically orientated alternatives. As most
shampoos are detergent based grease strippers they remove essential natural
oils from the scalp and expose the body to toxic chemicals that could have an
adverse affect. Some of us are lucky and are able to withstand this constant
bombardment with alien substances, but others not so lucky - thinning hair,
hair loss, itchy scalp, over oiliness - are all warning signs that something is
wrong and change is necessary. |
| | Personal
Perspective:
‘Hair-care’ is my favourite topic! After years of dandruff problems using
commercial shampoos and thinning hair later in life (and pointless medical
checks and blood tests looking for possible causes) I came to the realisation
that the chemicals in commercial preparations were my worst enemy. When I used
commercial hair colouring products my hair fell out and thinned even further. So the warning signs had always been there. I
now no longer use chemical preparations on my hair and use a soap-based
home-made shampoo containing rosemary and lavender to stimulate hair growth –
see recipe later - as a shampoo. Occasionally for something different I make up
a lemon-based bleach to enhance the fairness of my hair – see Booklet No. 71
for recipe – its cheap and easy to make. As a result my hair and scalp have greatly
improved - and although the hair that I lost some years ago has not fully grown
back - there has been no further hair loss and the dandruff and itchy scalp
issue have become something of the past.
Another Perspective:
Here's a letter from another new adherent to
natural hair care techniques:
Hi Pam,
I’ve just discovered your web-site
and think it’s lovely and useful. I’ve been washing my hair using nothing
but bi-carb soda and vinegar for over a year now, and it’s never been
healthier. Here's my method:
I have a small plastic bowl in the
bathroom that I put 1 – 2 tablespoons of bi-carb in just before I start my
shower. In the shower I have a plastic container of apple cider vinegar,
although any vinegar will work. After I’ve wet my hair in the shower I add
to the bowl about ½ cup of water, and pour it all over my scalp. If there’s any
undissolved bicarb left I do
it again. Then I rinse it out, no need to wait. I then put about 1 or 2 tablespoons
of vinegar in the bowl and top up with water, and pour that over my scalp, then
rinse. Once again, there’s no need to wait for it to work, so you save
water too.
It takes about a week
for your hair to get used to it, but eventually you find that you only have to
wash your hair every 4 or 5 days under normal circumstances. You’ll find
your hair is much lighter because there’s no product residue, and it will
behave better. We have a septic tank and it seems to prefer the vinegar
and bicarb to shampoo by far.
I’ve also found that using the bicarb solution to wash my face and
the vinegar to tone works wonderfully well too. I hope you find this helpful, all the best, Liz (via email) |
| | The Hair-Care Solution:
1. Stop using detergents. Use less chemicals (commercial products, hair
dyes, bleaches, etc.)
2. Shampoo less (let 'Mother Nature' take over -
make use of the natural hair oils and allow the body to use it's own resources
to heal and nurture).
3. Be persistent - allow your scalp time to readjust - switching
from powerful grease stripping shampoos to more gentle alternatives will result
in some initial 'oiliness' BUT it will settle and your body will balance out to
normal levels. |
| | Homemade Shampoo
There are many good quality commercial hair
products that contain less toxic ingredients - but they are expensive. If on a
budget and more practical about environmentally friendly solutions than
homemade alternatives are the answer.
The very best natural shampoo is egg (for
those of us that can remember the days of 'egg cream shampoo') - it's high in
protein, froths like shampoo and wonderful for hair health. But if the thought
of using fresh eggs or bicarb soda for your 'hair shampoo' is a little
overwhelming then try using a bar of soap in place of commercial shampoo to
wash your hair.
Soap is gentle, contains less chemicals, is environmentally friendly and is much less likely cause adverse reactions in the body. It will still provide
that frothy shampoo experience but without the powerful grease stripping
properties detrimental to hair health.
Even better this herbal soap-based shampoo will enhance even further
healthy hair:
Herbal Soap-based Shampoo:
Grate half a bar of soap into a bowl. Add approx.
650ml of boiling water and 1 teaspoon washing soda or bicarb soda (optional -
but will enhance frothing). Blend until soap has fully dissolved. When cooled add
2 tablespoons almond oil (or grape-seed oil - a cheaper alternative) and 10
drops each of rosemary and lavender essential oils. Stir well. Pour into a screw top jar ready for use - use
in the same way as commercial shampoo |
| | Conditioners:
Creamy hair conditioners are a modern day
creation to replace what commercial hair shampoos have removed from the hair
and scalp. In times past conditioners
were often applied before shampooing - olive oil, for example, to help de-tangle
and add lustre to the hair. And lemon as
a mild bleach and conditioner.
But even when using soap-based shampoos you
may find it necessary to apply a hair conditioning agent. It's reassuring to
know that commercial hair conditioners contain less dreaded chemicals than commercial
shampoos. So as a comprise when using soap-based shampoo still use a commercial
conditioner to make hair management easier. But there are natural alternatives:
cider vinegar, lemon, yoghurt, oatmeal, almond or coconut oil, herbal rinses are some
suggestions.
(See e-Booklet No. 14 - Natural Hair Care for more detail).
Dandruff a Problem?
Anti-dandruff
hair preparations are big business! If dandruff is your problem - perhaps first
consider the fact that the powerful grease stripping properties of commercial
shampoos are leaving your scalp too dry and the skin peeling away as the
result. Before purchasing expensive
anti-dandruff shampoos (and applying even MORE chemicals) to resolve the problem try using a natural alternative
first - it is cheaper and most definitely your hair and scalp would benefit
from using less chemicals.
Grandma's Philosophy:
In times past the general philosophy was that
natural hair oils - produced by the body for the body - were essential for
healthy hair (lustre, good growth and thickness). Hair was washed (shampooed) once weekly with
pure soap to ensure the oils remained on the scalp and around the hair follicle
base to provide the right environment for healthy hair. If the hair became over oily during the week
a 'dry shampoo' was applied - such as oatmeal, bicarb soda, bran, rice-four, etc.
It was rubbed well into the scalp and then thoroughly brushed out - leaving
hair oil free and shiny. All this makes complete practical sense - sometimes it pays to take heed of the wisdom of times past!
|
| | For more information.....
e-Booklet No. 14 - Natural Hair Care. Includes numerous
natural recipes for shampoos, conditioners, rinses, herbs for hair care,
specific hair problems: dandruff, oily hair, baldness, graying hair, frizziness.
Covers dry shampoos, hair spray and hair setting lotion. Price: 12.00. To download click here |
| e-Booklet No. 71 - Natural Hair Dyes & Colours: Commercial
hair dyes contain powerful carcinogenic chemicals - this booklet offers safe, cheap and
easy-to-make chemical free alternatives to commercial hair dyes and colours
using natural materials. Covers: hair rinses & dyes using such ingredients
as: sage, chamomile, lemon juice, rhubarb, black tea, coffee, turmeric, red
wine, hibiscus, henna and more. Price:
12.00 To download click here |
| | The chemical we come into daily contact with (more than any other household chemical) is detergent. There is a price to pay - not only for our health but the environment. This e-booklet explains more about the topic:
e-Booklet No. 50 - Recycling Soap: Soap: The environmentally friendly alternative to detergent. Contains many simple suggestions and recipes for:
rose liquid hand soap, lemon dish-washing soap, rosemary & lavender
hair shampoo, soap-based garden spray, wash-balls, heavy-duty cleansing powder,
soap-bags, old English wash-balls, 'gourmet soaps' (pet soap, honey soap,
etc.), beeswax polish (containing soap) and other interesting uses. You'll be amazed at the things that can be
done with a simple bar of soap - including making putty, poultice and as a drawer
liner
Price:
12.00 To download click here
|
| | Chemicals applied to the body on a daily basis and left all day are the most dangerous. This e-book set outlines the alternatives:
Natural Hair & Body Care e-Booklet Set Safe and chemical
free alternatives for: hair-care, hair dyes and colours, deodorants, foot and
teeth care.
5 Booklets: No. 1 Homemade
Toothpastes & Mouthwashes, No. 2 Recipes for Homemade Deodorants, No.14
Natural Hair Care, No. 27 Fantastic Feet, No. 71 Natural Hair Colours &
Dyes. Price: $39.00 To download click here |
| | Natural Body
& Hair Products 'Workshop at Home'
Download
Creating alternatives to commercial
products at home using simple ingredients from the home and garden.
Natural, safe alternatives for deodorants, body powders,
shampoos, hair dyes, toothpaste and foot care. All chemical free using natural
ingredients (from kitchen and garden)
Recipes and procedures for making: Lavender spray
deodorant, herbal deodorant spray, rose
deodorant/body powder, chamomile body
powder, herbal hair shampoo, deodorising foot powder, teeth-cleaning
powder, lemon hair bleach, dry hair shampoo
|
| About the Workshop Downloads:
The Self-Sufficiency regularly presents Sustainability Workshops in South Australia. I'm currently working on plans to do the same inter-state. In the mean-time I've made available four of the most popular workshops in down-loadable format to do at home - containing all the recipes, exercises and procedures in an easy to read format. Do them at home, with your local community group or the family to encourage sustainability and environmentally friendly. For more information go to: Sustainability Workshops |
| | Recycling Food
It makes good kitchen sense to not waste a
thing. Everything ultimately comes from the earth - we should therefore respect
that source for our continued survival into the future. Tons and tons of precious
food are discarded everyday all over the world. Do your bit in your own home by
reusing and recycling food BEFORE relegating it to the rubbish or compost
bin. Here's some ways to reuse bread
(from e-Booklet No. 80 - Uses for Stale Bread): |
| Homemade bread crumbs: Place pieces of bread
(including crusts) in a slow oven. Leave
to become dry and pale straw in colour.
Place on a board and crush with rolling pin or put through a food
processor or sieve. Store in screw top
jar ready for use. (If kept dry, homemade breadcrumbs will keep for some
months).
Pastry alternative: Use stale bread to line pie dishes, muffins tins,
etc. in place of pastry - remove crusts from bread first and cut to
required shape. For a thinner, crispy pastry roll the bread with a rolling pin (works best
with stale soft bread - not dry). Stale mountain bread can
also be used in place of pastry as a pie base or lid – its healthier &
cheaper!
Croutons: Cut bread into 1.5 cm
squares. Fry in a small amount of olive oil to make croutons for soups.
Alternatively, toast or grill the croutons instead of frying. Spray with a
little oil before grilling.
Bread Pan-cakes: Ideal for very dry hard
bread. Cut the bread into circles. Give them a quick dunk in some hot salted
water. Place on greased pan and brown
both sides. Serve as a pancake with honey and cream/ice cream.
Bread Crumb-Pasta Snack
Cook 250g
pasta in the usual way. Drain. Melt 3 tablespoons butter. Sauté one clove of
garlic (finely minced). Add 1 cup bread
crumbs. Saute. Add to hot pasta and toss to coat. Add grated Parmesan and/or chopped parsley if
desired.
(NB: I've made this recipe many times
- adding other ingredients such as spinach, corn, chopped onions,
capsicum, etc. The crispy fried bread crumbs are yummy! Pam) |
| So enthralled am I about ways to use up stale bread I've put together a whole e-book. It's very useful kitchen resource saving dollars in the process......
e-Booklet No. 80: Ways to Use Stale
Bread: Over 80 recipes and suggestions for
using stale bread - from bread crumbs to many practical uses to save money and
time, as a filler and binder, recipes for soups, sauces, entrees, main dishes,
desserts, cakes and biscuits, includes bread in craft work, healing wounds,
coffee substitute, cleaning teeth and more - all using left over stale bread! Price:
12.00. To download click here |
| | And it doesn't stop there - e-Booklet No. 12 -
The Kitchen Improviser contains ways to use up stale cake.....
Lemon or Chocolate Pudding Cake: Grease suitable casserole dish.
Pour in pieces of stale lemon or plain
cake (icing included). Make up
custard mix - add grated rind of 1/2 lemon or a few drops lemon food
flavouring. Pour hot custard over the
cake (the heat will freshen the cake). Serve with cream or icecream. For Chocolate Pudding Cake follow recipe
outlined above - use stale chocolate cake and replace lemon custard with
chocolate (add cocoa powder to plain custard).
Sprinkle with grated chocolate (the chocolate will melt to form a
chocolate layer).
Crumbed stale biscuits or cake mixed with condensed milk and added ingredients such as dried fruit, nuts,
rum essence, chocolate chips, etc. and rolled in coconut make sweet
treats. (Both recipes from e-Booklet No. 12) |
| | e-Booklet No. 12 - How to Make Do - Kitchen Improviser: In times past frugality and improvising were
an important aspect to having a productive kitchen. This booklet contains some of Grandma's
useful 'how to' information: egg substitutes, how to make SR
flour from plain flour, souring cream, yeast substitutes, mock cream, icing
substitutes, how make custard without custard powder, gravy
without gravy powder, homemade salad dressings, and much more. A very handy kitchen reference. Includes time-saving measurement
reference - converting milliliters and grams to container volume. Price: 12.00. To download click
here |
| | Improvising in the
Kitchen
Booklet Set
Back to the days when food was
unprocessed & uncomplicated!
8 e-booklets:
No. 12 Improvising in the Kitchen, No. 42 – Eggstatic!, No. 53 Homemade
Spice Mixes, No. 54 – International Meals on a Budget, No. 70 Homemade
Breakfast Cereals, No. 64 – Coffee Alternatives, No. 65 – Natural Sweeteners,
No. 80 – Uses for Stale Bread Price: $69.00
To download full
set click here |
| | Appreciating Special Things from the Earth
I'm often asked about the specifics of
caring for, cleaning and treating household items made from natural
sources. It would seem with so many
synthetic materials being used now-a-days to make household goods that
information about how to care for items from natural resources has become
scarce or forgotten. I can remember when
most young girls had a 'glory box' - usually made of camphor-wood. It was a
valuable representation of a young
girl's transition from child-hood to woman-hood (and marriage) and was often
passed down to their daughters in preparation for their same maturation. So maintaining and preserving natural
mediums (such as as camphor-wood) so that it lasted many generations was of
great importance. I think it's also an example of the importance of appreciation for the
earth's resources and the source from which the things we use come from - something that has been lost in the rush for modernisation.
The material I've gathered on the topics in
this book has come from both my own information sources and the older
generation (familiar with how to manage and maintain items that were precious
and important to keep). All pooled into this e-booklet:
|
| e-Booklet No. 59 - Caring for Natural Woods
& Fibres: Many natural mediums such as
wood respond best to specific types of care and cleaning methods. This booklet
covers an array of natural woods, cane, bamboo, sea-grass. cork, canvas, wool,
etc and gives recipes and ideas for cleaning, polishing and rejuvenating. Useful information not so commonly known with
the advent of commercial cleaning products and the popularity of synthetic
materials
|
| | For a full (PDF) list of all The Self-Sufficiency Shoppe publications:
|
| | I
hope you enjoyed this newsletter. Keep well - and I'll catch you next time.
Pam Marshall -The Self-Sufficiency Shoppe email: theshoppe@tpg.com.au
www.theshoppe.com.au
Help educate others about the benefits of 'anti-consumerism' and
alternatives - please forward this newsletter to a friend!
For back Issues of The Shoppe Newsletter click
here
© 2013 Pam Marshall - The Self-Sufficiency Shoppe
(To unsubscribe to this newsletter see below) |
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