Sidr, the natural shampoo

Botanically known as Zizyphus Jujuba , Sidr is a beautiful fruit tree, also known as the Chinese date , widespread throughout Asia, particularly India, Pakistan and Yemen. Sidr powder is obtained from the dried leaves , a soft and impalpable base with a light green color and a consistency similar to talc. 

Oriental and Middle Eastern women are well aware of its healing properties: rich in saponins, mucilage and vitamins, but also in nutrients such as tannins , iron and precious mineral salts , Sidr leaves are often marketed dried or powdered in bags that sometimes they have the label of neutral Henna, even if this is not the case. 

Precisely by virtue of the presence of saponins, Sidr can be considered a completely natural shampoo and replace the classic one.

Unlike the latter, it is delicate, it does not attack the hair, but cleans it while nourishing it, and it does not foam. Furthermore, by oriental women it is used to  restore volume and body to brittle and damaged hair , leaving it on for up to half an hour, which also helps to purify the skin in depth. Here’s how it is prepared.

Sidr: the recipe for healthy hair

For the basic recipe of the natural Sidr shampoo just a few minutes and a few ingredients: hot water and a pack of Sidr powder of about 40-70 grams if you have medium-short hair, from 70 to 100 if they are long and some non-metallic tool.

Preparation
Put the Sidr powder in a non-metal bowl and slowly add hot water: mix with a plastic or wooden whisk or a wooden or ceramic spoon for a few minutes and add the hot water necessary to form a smooth batter and homogeneous .

Leave everything to rest for at least five minutes: the  Sidr will release mucilage that will make the mixture more slimy, gelatinous and soft. Wet the hair lightly and spread this preparation. Then massage thoroughly with your fingertips, well on the skin, leave on for a few minutes and then rinse.

It can be finished by adding a nut of balm or natural moisturizing treatment. 

Warning: it is often mistakenly thought that plant products are free of contraindications. It is always necessary to first carry out the skin sensitivity test in the hollow of the arm, putting the preparation 48 hours before application on the hair. In predisposed subjects, an allergic reaction is always possible.

Read also Fenugreek, a cure-all for skin and hair >>

Healthy hair with oils and herbs

In Indian culture , Shikakai – one of the  most used Indian herbs  for body, skin and hair care, especially for its  rebalancing properties – and S idr powder  are also part of Ayurvedic treatments for the body .

Here is a nice Youtube video  by Olivia Rose that illustrates the difference in use of one compared to the other, particularly dedicated to women with afro hair . 

Starting from the basic recipe of Sidr’s shampoo, to soften and obtain a more silky effect , you can also add a few drops of vegetable oil (jojoba, olive, avocado), as well as a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or a couple of drops of the oil. natural essential suitable for hair care and well-being, such as that of lavender , chamomile or myrrh .

It is easily found online , a 100 g sachet of SIdr  costs about 5 euros ; it is also found in the best herbalists and ethnic shops selling Indian products.