Okra is a green edible flowering vegetable discovered around 3,500 years ago, growing to around 6 feet in Ethiopia. It is at home in subtropical and warm regions around the Nile in North Africa and The Middle East. Along with Cotton, Cocoa and Hibiscus, Okra belongs to a family of plants called the Mallows. Okra has a slime mucus quality when cooked but can also be consumed raw. It is a powerhouse of nutrients, consisting of Vitamins A, C, E, K, Riboflavin, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc and Protein and Carbohydrates.
HAIR BENEFITS
I can hear you asking ‘what has this got to do with hair’? Let me tell you.
Okra works well as a detangling pre-poo before you wash your hair, the mucilage acts as an intense conditioning detangler along with fighting dandruff. The mucilage with its Minerals and Vitamins can be used as a hair rinse leaving the hair feeling soft, shiny and replenished and these are some of its natural powers that make it excellent for the hair. It can also be used to add volume, as a leave in detangler and also as a clear hair gel.
WHAT YOU’LL NEEDED
3–10 pieces of vertically sliced Okra
Mesh strainer
150 ml of water
20 ml of castor oil
20 ml of sunflower oil
½ tb spoon of shea butter
1 tb spoon of Organic MSM powder
Castor Oil originally from Africa, is a vegetable oil from the castor plant, Ricinus Communis. There are two types. Clear yellow, made by filtering the oil directly from the castor bean without heat or any other additions resulting in its purest form & black which is not as pure as we would like to think as its colour is produced with the addition of ash from roasted castor beans. I would suggest you buy from a reputable brand as both types contain oleic, palmitic and linoleic fatty acids and will easily penetrate your hair follicles increasing the Keratin in your hair, reducing the frizz & strengthen the hair shaft making it softer. It has been said that it will also grow your hair.
MSM means Methyl — Sulfonyl — Methane, and is a sulfur based compound that is naturally produced for our bodies to remain youthful and energetic.The keratin in our hair contains sulfur which, as a protein, contributes towards maintaining the strength, shine and elasticity of your hair.
METHOD
Boil water
Add sliced okra, heat until frothy, leave to cool but not for long as it will thicken.
In blender on low blend gently mix castor oil, sunflower oil, and shea butter.
Strain boiled Okra into blender adding to sunflower oil and shea butter.
Add msm into the mixture on low blend.
When satisfied with consistency , pour into plastic bottle and use when cool.
Shake well before every use.
Apply this mixture to hair comb through and leave for 10–15 minutes then wash with sulphate free shampoo then condition and dry as normal. Okra does not smell and will leave your hair slick and shiny, not sticky .Any left over Okra gel can be stored in the fridge and used within 7–10 days.
By Sherman Hawthorne
