You can make shampoo out of soapwort. I have to, as I have a chronic scalp condition which is irritated by some of the stuff that is in shampoo.
All I do is boil up a handful of soapwort root in a pint of water with a sprig of rosemary. Simmer for 5 minutes, leave until cold, then strain. You don't need the rosemary, but it smells nice. You could use another herb, if you like.
Bottle it, and put it in the fridge, it should keep for 2 weeks. To use it, massage ot gradually into your hair, combing it in. It won't foam up much, and it is very watery. Then rinse it off with plenty of warm water. You won't need conditioner, as it is very gentle and won't strip the hair of all of its natural oil. It won't feel squeaky clean like bought shampoo leaves the hair, but it WILL be clean, you have to take a step of faith in it until it is dry. It really is great for flyaway, frizzy hair. You can grow soapwort in the garden, it has pretty pink flowers.
If I have used any citrus fruit, I put the skins into the washing up bowl, with a teaspoon of washing soda and add hot water. This does the job as well as any dishwashing liquid, and it smells lovely too. Its also environmentally friendly. The essential oil in the skin is released by the hot water and by squeezing the skins in the bowl. Orange oil is supposed to be good for easing depression, at any rate, the lovely smell cheers me up even if I'm always getting lumbered with the washing up! ... View related article.
