Severe Allergic Reaction to Children from Adulterated Henna Use

Children’s Severe Allergic Reaction from Adulterated Henna
-a serious concern

The following world reports warn against temporary black henna tattoos and adulterated henna hair dye for children. Children’s severe allergic reaction is well documented and should be given serious attention. However, adults should also heed the warnings about these dangerous products, since many adults have suffered from severe allergic reaction to adulterated henna (black henna).
Great Britain

There's been a sharp rise in children suffering from allergic reactions - so what's to blame?
To everything from coins, to henna, to hair dye

“For one in five of the population, we inhabit a toxic world. These are the people with "skin sensitivity" – who suffer allergic reactions to products ranging from perfume to nickel coins and hair dye. Their number runs into the millions.

But allergies do not stay the same. They shift along with changes in behaviour and patterns of consumption. The craze for coloured hair among children had dermatologists warning last week of a sharp rise in allergies to hair dye among them.

After metals and fragrances, the commonest reaction was to para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a constituent of hair dye, which is also a found in high concentrations in black henna tattoos. Even one exposure to PPD can sensitise a child and cause an allergic response on further use of a hair dye containing it. A study presented at the British Association of Dermatologists annual meeting in Manchester found that 16 per cent of children were affected, twice the proportion a decade ago.” | …read more.

Henna Tattoo Warning

“Jo Boutflower, head of business and consumer services at North Yorkshire council, said: ‘We’re urging people to act with extreme caution before having a temporary tattoo or allowing their children to have one. We’d also encourage people to report any allergic reactions to hair dyes or cosmetic products to the manufacturers so they are aware of the scale of any problems.’ ” | …read more.
Bali

Six-year-old Darwin boy facing lifelong battle with allergies after being exposed to toxic chemicals in temporary henna tattoo paint in Bali

“After doing some research Ms. Cooper found that skin ­reactions to black henna were commonplace. ‘I can’t understand how there aren’t warnings put out for travellers heading to countries where it is commonly used on tourists,’ she said. She said it was important people understood the difference between traditional henna and black henna.

Traditional henna is a reddish-brown colouring made from a flowering plant. It has been used since the Bronze Age, ground into a paste, to dye skin, hair, fingernails, leather, silk and wool. But today black henna is often used in its place. The danger in black henna is due to an ingredient used in it which is essentially hair dye containing p-phenylenediamine (PPD) which often causes dangerous skin reactions and is outlawed in most western countries in products applied directly to the skin.
‘It’s not as simple as going to your GP and getting a cream to fix it,” Ms. Cooper said.
“We have tried every topical cream and nothing has worked. We now have to take Ben to a dermatologist.’ ” | …read more.

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

Vetiver Oil of Tranquility in an Herbal Shampoo Powder

Vetiver (Andropogon muricatus) – India’s ‘Oil of Tranquility’

Vetiver is commonly called the “oil of tranquility” in India. The Latin names are Andropogon muricatus, Anatherum zizaniodes, Chrysopogon zizanioides (Ushira)  and Vetiveria zizanioides. More commonly called in English: Vetiver, Khas-Khas, and Khus-Khus.  Andropogon muricatus is an aromatic grass plant that grows in India. This native plant grows up to 2 meters. Its valuable roots grow in a downward manner to a depth of 2-4 meters. The essential oil, extracted from its roots, delivers numerous health benefits well known throughout India.

The oil blends well with other oils like lavender, lemongrass, ginger, frankincense, cedarwood, chamomile, sandalwood, vanilla, spikenard, ylang-ylang, Rose and Patchouli. It has excellent fixative properties and that is why it is cultivated for use in perfume. Its medicinal and deeply relaxing properties are used in aromatherapy.¹ 
It’s not only the scented oil that makes Andropogon muricatus special, but the plant is known to provide other remarkable external curative properties. It is a cicatrisant or vulnerary (contains a property that speeds up the disappearance of scars and other marks from the skin, and promotes the growth of new tissues in the affected places). It’s also reputed to be an anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, tonic and more.

India’s Oil of Tranquility in an Herbal Shampoo Powder

The essential oil of the Andropogon muricatus root system has been used in in perfumes used by royalty. It has an earthy, woody, yet sweet-smelling scent that is widely used in perfumes, cosmetics and scented soaps suitable for men and women. In fact, it is one of the botanical ingredients in Lustrous Henna® Shampoo Powder by Saba Botanical of USA.

Lustrous Henna® Shampoo Powder
A sulfate-free and preservative-free herbal shampoo.

Contains ‘Oil of Tranquility’: Vetiver (Andropogon muricatus) 
and Other Nutritious Ingredients for Your Hair

¹Please read the following disclaimer: Please note, the International Federation of Aromatherapists do not recommend that essential oils be taken internally unless under the supervision of a medical doctor who is also qualified in clinical Aromatherapy.

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

Mung Beans Hair Thickener from Ancient Times in Herbal Shampoo

Mung Beans Traditional Use as Hair Thickener

Did you know that for centuries, pregnant mothers throughout Asia have included mung beans in their diet? The reason: they want to make sure that their baby will have thick hair. Is this an ‘old wives tale’ or based on scientific fact? Well, it’s more than just an ancient tale! Mung beans contain rich protein, vitamin B1, vitamin E and anti-oxidants; nutrients that the body and hair cells depend on. Those ancient women knew that mung beans are a wonderful fertilizer for healthy hair growth.

Mung Bean Botany (Phaseolus Aureus)

The mung bean is one of many species recently moved from the genus Phaseolus to Vigna, and is still often seen cited as Phaseolus aureus or Phaseolus radiatus. The Mung bean, also known as green bean, mung, mongo, moong, moog (whole) or moog, mash bean, munggo or monggo, green gram, golden gram, and green soy, is the seed of Vigna radiata. The split bean is green with the husk, and yellow when dehusked. The beans are small, ovoid in shape, and green in color. The English word "mung" derives from the Hindi: mung.

Hair Thickener in an Herbal Shampoo Powder

Lustrous Henna® Shampoo Powder
A sulfate-free and preservative-free herbal shampoo.

Contains Mung Bean (Phaseolus Aureus)
and Other Nutritious Ingredients for Your Hair

Wondering where you can find mung bean as a hair thickener? No need to hunt and search very far for this ancient hair thickener. It’s ready to use in combination with other ancient plants known to improve hair condition and radiance. Simply pick up a package of Lustrous Henna® Shampoo Powder.

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

5 More Indian Plants for Hair Growth
-and Healthy Hair Care

This is the second of two articles that review the beneficial properties of 10 commonly used Indian plants for hair growth and healthy hair care. This post reviews the second 5 plants on the list. Listed in alphabetical order:

Amla, Bhringraj, Brahmi, Cassia Obovata, Henna,
Hibiscus, Neem, Orange Peel, Reetha, Shikakai

Hibiscus

In many parts of Asia, in addition to being used for medicinal purposes, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis  is still used to stimulate thicker hair growth, for hair loss treatment and scalp disorders, prevent pre-mature gray and help retain natural color of hair. It acts as a natural emollient hair conditioner and can be used in mild shampoo, hair loss treatment and promote hair growth.

Neem

Neem Leaf Powder and Neem Oil have been used for preparing hair and skin cosmetics for centuries. The ancient benefits of neem (Azadirachta indica): lighten blemishes, rejuvenates facial skin, treats acne, tones the skin, skin astringent, helps relieves psoriasis symptoms, effective treatment for eczema, athlete’s foot and other fungal or bacterial infections. Known benefits of neem leaves for scalp and hair: helps control dandruff; reduce scalp itchiness; enhances hair growth rate; conditions hair.

Orange Peel

According to, The Times of India, “orange peel juice can be used on the scalp to reduce dandruff and oily conditions. The peel can be mashed into a pulp and used as a hair pack. It helps to condition the hair and cleanse the scalp.”² Crushed orange peel or orange peel powder, gently applied to scalp has been helpful in reducing dandruff and bacterial growth, due to its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Orange peel powder used as a hair mask to get rid of dandruff: Mix 1-2 tablespoons with yogurt and apply to scalp. Cover with plastic cap for 10-15 minutes. Gently rinse off.
Orange peel powder hair wash: Mix 1-2 tablespoons with the same amount of Shikakai powder. Add enough water to make a soft paste and apply to hair. Wait for about 10 minutes and gently rinse off.

Reetha

Reetha Fruit (Soapnut) from India has been used for washing for thousands of years by native peoples worldwide. Soapnut, Soapberries are given this common name because the fruit pulp is used to make soap. Soapnut contains saponins, which are a natural surfactant. Besides containing excellent cleansing properties, it great if you want soft skin and hair. The extract is made by grinding the seed and the pulp into a powder to use in shampoo and other applications.

Shikakai

Ancient Shikakai is an ancient botanical known as, “fruit for hair” that promotes hair growth by nourishing the scalp at the glandular level. It also can strengthen hair roots. It is rich in vitamin C and vitamin D, along with other nutrients that nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth. It can be used by itself or mixed with other natural ingredients in powder form, along with water to form a paste that is then applied to the hair. Since it also acts as a detangler, it usually doesn’t need to be followed up with a conditioner.
Important note about washing hair with plants containing saponin (natural soap): PRIOR to washing the hair, MASSAGE the scalp with coconut oil or castor oil. This has been the traditional method for centuries in India.

Where can you find a reputable supplier of these Indian plants for hair growth in powder form?
Saba Botanical of USA.

¹Apart from this list, there are also a number of other Indian plants for hair growth and healthy hair care.
² Source:Times of India.

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

5 Indian Plants for Hair Growth
-and Healthy Hair Care

Actually, this is the first of two articles that will review the beneficial properties of 10 commonly used Indian plants for hair growth and healthy hair care. This post reviews the first 5 plants on this list.^[1] Listed in alphabetical order:

Amla, Bhringraj, Brahmi, Cassia Obovata, Henna

Amla (Indian Gooseberry, Emblica officinalis)

Amla (oil and powder) is used as a treatment for hair and scalp problems. Amla is wonderful cleansing agent and excellent conditioner for hair. It imparts luster to hair and protects from dandruff, also helps prevent premature gray hair. It stimulates growth of hair on the scalp, and strengthens the hair roots. Amla extract in all-natural shampoo does not deposit any color on the hair and can be used by everyone. Amla extract helps replace the nourishment lost by hair gels, chemical hair color and hair spray.

Bhringraj

Bhringraj is an Ayurvedic herb found throughout India. For centuries, it has been reported to improve hair growth and color. A medical study showed that extracts of Eclipta prostrata decreased the amount of time it took for hair to begin regrowing and to fully regrow. ^[1] Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata) is used from the hair shaft to the tips, for preventing baldness, anti-dandruff, anti-lice and revitalizing the hair. Bhringraj is also proven to be effective with numerous benefits: improve hair shaft condition; stop hair loss and thinning hair; promote luxuriant hair growth; stop premature graying of hair shaft and improve hair color. It’s used as a rejuvenating hair tonic and natural hair conditioner.

Brahmi

Brahmi (scientific name: Bacopa monnieri) has been long used as a hair tonic to provide nourishment and vitality for radiant hair color. By nourishing the hair roots and scalp, it is known to reduce hair fall and premature baldness, clears dandruff from scalp, thus promoting healthy and lustrous hair with no side effects.

Cassia Obovata

Cassia Obovata (Senna italica) is an ancient plant from India that has a number of beneficial properties. The ground powder is made from harvested, dried leaves of the plant. Cassia Obovata will naturally condition all textures of hair, adding luster and supple definition. It’s also been used to thicken, color or highlight natural hair color; improve scalp condition and eliminate dandruff. 

There is some confusion about Cassia Obovata due to the fact that Cassia Obovata (Senna) has been commonly marketed as Neutral Henna. Cassia Obovata is not Henna or made from the Henna plant. The staining and conditioning properties of Cassia Obovata (similar to henna staining and conditioning) might be one of the reasons it is often marketed as “neutral henna”.

Staining properties: The yellow color is left when the Cassia Obovata made into a paste and is left on the hair for long periods of time. If your natural hair color is blonde or gray, it will brighten and add golden hues and golden highlights (depending on length of time it's left on your hair). If your natural hair color is brunette or black, you will still reap the deep conditioning benefits found in pure Cassia Obovata –but it will not bring out golden highlights if you don’t have any naturally.

Henna

In addition to its staining and dying properties, did you know that the henna plant is also used for its hair conditioning benefits? Pure henna contains conditioning properties that are quite beneficial to hair. Henna as a hair conditioner results in increased strength and shine to your hair. With continued use, henna hair dye restores the acid/alkaline balance in the scalp. Damaged hair begins to heal and strands are protected from further damage and excessive dryness. Additionally, henna has been used for centuries as an effective aid to treat and prevent dandruff. Allergy to pure henna is extremely rare.

Where can you find a reputable supplier of these Indian plants for hair growth in powder form? Saba Botanical of USA. In my next post, I’ll review the benefits of: Hibiscus, Neem, Orange Peel, Reetha, Shikakai. 5 more Indian plants for hair growth and healthy hair care.

¹Apart from this list, there are also a number of other Indian plants for hair growth and healthy hair care.
² Chopra, RN, Nayar, SL., Chopra, IC.,1955. Glossary of Indian Medicinal plants. C.S.I.R., New Delhi.

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

Hair Loss Awareness Month –Prevent Scalp Damage from Hair Dye

August is National Hair Loss Awareness Month

How Permanent Hair Dye Causes Hair Loss

Countless men and women are affected by hair loss caused by heredity, medical condition and natural factors. Unfortunately, the hair loss of many of other individuals could have been prevented -by avoiding products applied to the hair containing harsh chemicals.

Why can hair loss occur after using permanent hair dye?


Permanent hair dye products containing para-phenylenediamine (PPD), combinations of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, as well as other chemical ingredients have proven to be extremely harmful to one’s health; especially through overuse. Unfortunately, chemical hair dye can cause major scalp damage, resulting in hair loss.

Permanent hair dye penetrates the cuticle of the hair, damaging it. The hair is exposed to hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, causing overlapping of cuticular seates to lift from the hair cortex, thereby leading to rapid loss of amino acid. By removing the proteins that build the structural strength, the hair shaft is weakened. The chemical damage results in an easily fractured hair shaft and eventual hair loss.

Other problems associated with chemical hair dye:

• Dull, brittle, unmanageable hair; cosmetically unacceptable.
• Irreversible damage to the protein structure and fracture of the hair shaft.
• Epidermal type of melasma on the forehead and neck; black circle around the eyes due to sun sensitization of the skin.

Hair Loss As We Age

Naturally as people age, the inclination is to use measures to retain a youthful look.  Melanin is the pigment that gives the hair color. Since they lose melanin with age, many consumers will use stronger permanent hair color dyes. The final hair color is produced when the hair dye interacts with the melanin. Gray hair is usually harder to dye by this measure, because of the dramatically lowered melanin level.  Additionally, permanent chemical dyes can damage the hair shaft, since it becomes thinner and finer as we age.

What Dermatologists Recommend to Prevent Allergic Reaction

Dermatologists want consumers everywhere to be aware of the risks involved in using chemical hair dye. Dermatologists all over the globe have recommended the use of all natural pure henna for hair to prevent allergic skin reaction, scalp damage and hair loss -caused by the overuse of chemical hair dye. Since the damage can be irreversible, why risk it? Pure henna coats the hair and doesn’t penetrate the hair shaft. Therefore, it makes sense to use what many dermatologists recommend: all-natural, pure henna for coloring hair. Wouldn’t you agree?

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.

Lustrous Henna Ingredients -Conditioning Henna Hair Dye Benefits

Benefits of Lustrous Henna^® Hair Dye Ingredients

Lustrous Henna^® hair color is 100% natural henna hair dye, It's the preferred hair color choice of health-conscious men and women, people allergic to chemical colors, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, teenagers.  Various natural hair color shades are achieved using pure henna and pure extracts of ancient herbs.
The following are the ingredients of Lustrous Henna^®. The order in which the ingredients are listed on each pack varies from one shade to another:
Lawsonia inermis, Indigofera tinctoria, Isatis tintoria, Coffea arabica, Rubia tinctoria, Bocopa monniera, Eclipta prostrada, Acacia concinna, Trigonella foenumgraecum

Get to Know Lustrous Henna^® Hair Dye Ingredients

Botanical Name: Lawsonia inermisSynonyms: Henna, Al-Khanna, Al-henna, Jamaica Mignonette, Mehndi, Mendee.Usage: Used as henna powder, it is a natural hair dye, hair color, also called mendhi, used for hair coloring, hair dying, hair conditioning, it's known to be a hypoallergenic dye used by pregnant woman, also by many men and woman, specially who are allergic to chemical dyes.

Botanical Name: Indigofera tictoriaSynonyms: Indigo, Pigmentum Indicum, Neel, NeeliiUsage: This is one of the most ancient natural dyes used by man for dying of hair and textile. was used before christ. This natural vegetable dye, most of the time is used along with henna to create color shades. It makes hair soft and silky.
Botanical Name: Acacia catechuSynonyms: Catechu, Cutch, Katha, KharUsage: Used as traditional mouth freshening material with beetle leaves, also used as natural dye for hair coloring and textile.
Botanical Name: Bacopa monnieriSynonyms:  Bhrami, Halneem, BacopaUsage:  It's a herb of 1-2 feet tall grown widely in India and other neighboring countries.

Botanical Name: Acacia concinnaSynonyms:  Shikakai, SatlaUsage:  Anti-dandruff, anti-lice and hair vitalizer.

Botanical Name: Eclipta AlbaSynonyms: Bhagra, Bhringraj, BeemrajUsage:  Prevention of graying of hair, hair tonic, hair conditioning agent.
Botanical Name: Rubia cardifoliaSynonyms: Manjith, Madder, ManjisthaUsage:  For dyeing and coloring of hair and Textile, anti-fungal properties.
Botanical Name: Embalica officinalisSynonyms: Awla, AmlaUsage:  Hair colorant, Hair tonic, Hair conditioner.
The combination of these amazing herbal ingredients not only color your hair, but Lustrous Henna^® hair dye actually conditions your hair. Now that is something not to be found in a harsh chemical dye. Experience healthy, radiant hair from ancient plants.

Read real customer testimonials.

 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not copy or reprint this article without the consent of the author or Saba Botanical of USA.

Want to view our website? Go to:Saba Botanical of USA

 *Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.