Custom herbal shampoo

Read more about effects and safety on each herb’s page.

• Caution

  Africa · Herb · № 4

  Aloe vera

  Aloe vera

  The gel from the leaf is used externally to soothe the skin and for minor burns. Research on wound healing gives mixed results; the gel is no substitute for wound care.

  Kallawaya healing knowledge+6Folklore
• Caution

  Europe · Herb · № 85

  Lemon balm

  Melissa officinalis

  Traditionally used for restlessness, sleep problems and a nervous stomach; externally for cold sores. Small studies suggest a mild calming effect, but evidence is limited.

  Monastic and folk knowledge+7Folklore
• Caution

  Asia · Herb · № 381

  Lemongrass

  Cymbopogon citratus

  Traditionally attributed effects: for oily hair.

  Ayurveda+3
• Caution

  Europe · Herb · № 2

  Rosemary

  Salvia rosmarinus (syn. Rosmarinus officinalis)

  An aromatic culinary herb with carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. A few small studies point to a slight effect of the scent on alertness; that it improves memory has not been shown. The leaf is used for digestive complaints.

  Monastic and folk knowledge+4Folklore
• Caution

  Oceania · Other · № 22

  Tea tree oil

  Melaleuca alternifolia

  An essential oil for external use. Limited research suggests possible effects for acne or athlete’s foot; evidence is preliminary.

  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge+1
• Caution

  Africa · Herb · № 8

  Basil

  Ocimum basilicum

  Traditionally used as an aromatic food plant and in herbal preparations.

  Western herbal medicine+1Folklore
• Caution

  Africa · Herb · № 375

  Atlas cedar

  Cedrus atlantica

  Cedarwood oil is used in hair products against dandruff and as a fragrance. A small study of an oil blend for hair loss (alopecia areata) found improvement, but the effect of the cedar itself has not been established.

  Local African healing traditions+1Folklore
• Caution

  Europe · Herb · № 81

  Juniper

  Juniperus communis

  The berries are traditionally used as a diuretic, for digestive complaints and externally for joint pain. Clinical evidence is limited.

  Western herbal medicine+5Folklore
• Caution

  Asia · Herb · № 241

  Patchouli

  Pogostemon cablin

  Traditionally attributed effects: inhibits sebum production, draws oil from the skin, fights acne bacteria; against dandruff.

  Chinese medical traditions+2Folklore
• Caution

  Europe · Herb · № 98

  Thyme

  Thymus vulgaris

  Traditionally used for coughs and bronchitis; thymol from the oil inhibits bacteria and fungi in the laboratory. There are some studies of thyme-based cough syrups.

  Greco-Roman medicine+4Folklore
• Caution

  Africa · Herb · № 201

  Rose geranium

  Pelargonium graveolens

  Traditionally attributed effects: antidepressant, pain-relieving, diuretic, calming, tonic.

  Western herbal medicine+1Folklore
• Caution

  Central America and the Caribbean · Food · № 257

  Grapefruit

  Citrus × paradisi

  A citrus fruit rich in vitamin C. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice inhibit enzymes that break down many medicines. The essential oil is used in skin and hair products, but effects on cellulite or hair growth have not been shown.

  Western herbal medicine
• Caution

  Asia · Herb · № 123

  Bitter orange

  Citrus × aurantium

  The dried unripe fruit (zhi shi) and peel are used in Chinese medicine for bloating and sluggish digestion. NCCIH warns that weight-loss products containing bitter orange (synephrine) pose risks to the heart and blood pressure.

  Chinese medical traditions+2