Ayurvedic Curls: Marshmallow Root

SuperCoils of It’s a Crazy Coily Life writes articles on Ayurvedic herbs. First one up, Marshmallow Root! It is extremely useful and beneficial to the overall health of one’s hair.

Marshmallow root is a white herb that is often used to treat both skin and hair ailments, such as eczema, psoriasis, and dry scalp, in addition to treating sore muscles (my current ailment, due to extensive physical training). The way it does this is with it’s “mucilage”, or complex glutenous carbohydrate secretion (sounds pretty gross). This mucilage is not only rich in proteins and vitamins ( A and C, to be exact), but, when applied to the hair in the form of a rinse, gives the hair incredible slip, as well as conditioning it. As a matter of fact, a marshmallow rinse can be used as a conditioner for your hair! This explains why Kinky Curly’s Knot Today is such an effective detangler and conditioner: it contains marshmallow root as it’s third ingredient!

Marshmallow Rinse Recipe:

• 1 cup hot water
• 4 teaspoons shredded marshmallow root

Put the marshmallow root in a cup, then add the hot water and allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, as if you were making tea. Strain the marshmallow out, and use the “tea” as a rinse for your hair.

Peace, Love, and Marshmallow,

SuperCoils