Artemisia annua, also known as sweet wormwood or sweet annie, is an annual plant native to several regions in the U.S. and Canada. The plant is traditionally used to treat inflammation and as an antimalarial, according to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Artemesia annua may also be effective against itching on the body and scalp when used topically, states Linda B. White, author of "The Herbal Drug Store." Add Artemisia annua to a mild shampoo to treat itching on the scalp.
Making the Shampoo
Step 1
Fill the teakettle with filtered or distilled water. Set the kettle to boil.
Step 2
Measure the Artemisia annua, willow bark and other herbs to the heat-safe measuring cup. Pour the boiling water over the dried herbs, up to the one-cup mark.
Step 3
Cover the measuring cup with plastic wrap. Let the herbs steep for 20 minutes.
Step 4
Strain the liquid into another measuring cup. Discard the herbs.
Step 5
Mix two tbsp. liquid castile soap and one tsp extra virgin olive oil into the herb liquid.
Step 6
Pour the mixture into a plastic squeeze bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to three months.
Using the Shampoo
Step 1
Wet your hair with warm water. Pour a quarter-sized portion of shampoo into the palm of your hand and massage the shampoo into your scalp.
Step 2
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and lather a second time.
Step 3
Rinse, and pat your hair dry with a towel. Condition and style your hair as normal.
Things You'll Need
- Tea kettle
- 2-cup heat-safe measuring cup
- 1 cup filtered or distilled water
- 1 tbsp dried Artemisia annua
- 1 tsp white willow bark
- 1 tsp birch bark
- 1 tsp dried comfrey
- 1 tsp dried nettle
- 1 tsp dried peppermint leaves
- Plastic wrap
- Strainer
- 2-cup measuring cup
- 2 tbsp liquid castile soap
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- Plastic squeeze bottle
- Towel
References
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Artemisia Annua
- United States Department of Agriculture: Artemisia Annua
- "The Herbal Drug Store"; Linda B. White, M.D.;2000
- "The Herbal Home Spa"; Greta Breedlove; 1998
