Rosemary Hair Lotion is free from artificial preservatives, colourants and fragrances

(25/03/2010)

Fans of ethnobotanist James Wong will have spotted the return of his BBC2 series ‘Grow Your Own Drugs’. With his Jamie-Oliver-style enthusiasm, Wong cooks up fragrant concoctions in his bachelor pad to solve common complaints, using natural herbal ingredients. Money saving they may be, but time saving they definitely are not.

So for those of us who have neither the time to whizz up our own lotions and potions, nor a flourishing year round herb garden at our disposal, Weleda provide many ready-made alternatives.

Wong is an admirer of green beauty pioneer Weleda: “I knew the company from my student days reading Ethical Consumer magazine, where Weleda came top for a whole bunch of things. It’s good to see a company focused on herbal ingredients making stuff for people who don’t have time for DIY remedies”.

It’s no surprise that the key ingredient in his home-made hair oil is rosemary, just like Weleda’s Rosemary Hair Lotion. This vintage find was first formulated in 1921 and is one of Weleda’s earliest health products. The fact that it is still going strong today speaks volumes, as does its popularity with professionals - for hair and scalp massage and specialist treatment for damaged hair or problem dry scalp.

Wong makes his “fantastically conditioning hair oil” with rosemary - chosen for its “incredible scent and natural anti-fungal properties” - as a natural remedy for dandruff. As he explains: “hair oils really can work; they’re fantastically moisturising and take some of that itching away”.

Likewise Weleda's therapeutic Rosemary Hair Lotion (rrp £7.50 100ml) is made from Rosmarinus officinalis, a herb used for centuries for its restorative and tonic properties, and particularly known as a circulatory stimulant. In years gone by it was used as a hair rinse for dandruff, and it’s an ideal ingredient for dry hair and scalp. The stimulating, revitalising and strengthening properties of rosemary help condition both hair and scalp, to leave hair shiny and manageable.

Like all Weleda products, this certified-natural hair lotion is free from artificial preservatives, colourants and fragrances. As well as organically-grown rosemary, it contains extracts of the horseradish plant (Cochleria armoracia) which is naturally high in silica and sulphur – both essential for the healthy growth of hair and scalp – and stonecrop (Sedum acre) for its anti-inflammatory properties and sulphur content. Together these herbal ingredients enliven the scalp, assist hair growth and strengthen the shaft of each hair.

After washing, simply splash a little lotion on the palms of your hands and sweep through your hair whilst it is still damp, massaging into the scalp with your fingertips. Allow hair to dry naturally or blow dry on the lowest heat. Regular use helps the condition of permed, bleached or damaged hair. After a couple of weeks of summer sunshine, sand, saltwater, sea breezes and swimming pool chemicals, you may need to give your hair a bit of attention after your holiday. This fabulously fragrant lotion stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Available from natural health stores or the online store.

Related categories:  Beauty products for hair   Conditioners   Natural ingredients