Did you know that Liquorice was used by ancient Chinese as an essential ingredient in their hair loss treatments?

Liquorice contains active ingredients that limit the production of sebum in the scalp and           keep dandruff under check. Liquorice is rich in B-complex, phytoestrogens, choline, potassium, phosphorous, flavonoids, essential oils, fat and protein that are all essential for proper hair growth and maintenance.

Liquorice is often used as an active ingredient in hair wash products. It contains estrogen elevating properties that promote hair growth.

To treat split ends and reverse sun damage

Here is a simple hair care recipe to treat split ends. Take two tablespoons each of liquorice root powder, amla powder and henna powder. Add half a cup of water and mix well to form a paste. Apply this to your hair from root to tip and allow it to stay for about half an hour. Rinse with cold water and make sure that you do not use harmful chemical shampoos after this wash.

Amla adds strength to the hair strands while Liquorice reverses sun damage. Henna is a natural conditioner that leaves your hair feeling soft and silky.

Anti-dandruff treatment

Liquorice has many components that help protect the skin. Applying liquorice helps to control sebum production in the scalp which is the main reason for dandruff and bacterial infections in many people.

Though you may be thinking that your scalp is dry and is flaking off, you might not have noted that the underlying reason is possibly a bacterial or a fungal infection. This also causes dryness and itchiness. Liquorice, in addition to controlling oil secretion, also controls itchiness and reduces inflammation. Hence, it can be used repeatedly as an easy homemade dandruff solution.

For this, take three tablespoons of liquorice root powder and three tablespoons of fenugreek powder. You can add hibiscus leaves and flowers if available. Blend well with water to form a smooth paste. Then add about three tablespoons of yogurt and mix well. Apply this mixture to your hair including the scalp.

Put your hair in a bun and cover it with a warm towel so that it stays intact for a longer while. After removing the towel after an hour, rinse with regular water. You may apply mild shampoos if needed.

The liquorice present in this mixture helps to treat your scalp and get rid of dandruff along with fenugreek which also has anti-microbial tendencies. Yogurt helps to smoothen rough hair and keep it hydrated and conditioned.

Anti-lice treatment

Lice are a problem that many children and few adults do face. Many end up losing more hair due to itching and improper combing. A simple solution to get rid of lice is to use liquorice. You can combine two tablespoons of Liquorice and two tablespoons of coconut oil. You can also add a few drops of almond oil to this paste and apply it thoroughly on your hair strands. Comb with a fine toothed comb to remove lice and eggs. Using this hair care technique over a few weeks also helps to get rid of lice naturally instead of having to comb them out with much effort.

Boosting hair growth

Saw palmetto oil and liquorice extract have been known to induce hair growth when applied and massaged into the scalp. Take two tablespoons of saw palmetto oil in a vessel and place it in a bigger vessel containing hot water. This allows for the oil to be heated indirectly without losing its medicinal properties. On the other hand, make liquorice decoction by add two tablespoons of liquorice root powder to a pot of hot water and allowing it to brew. Strain the liquid after one hour in order to get the liquorice extract. Combine this extract along with the saw palmetto oil and store in a dry place, in a bottle.

You can massage your scalp with this mixture at night and before washing your hair. It helps restore hair growth and prevents hair fall.

Try these simple hair care tips with liquorice at home and see how they work for your hair. For more information about liquorice, click here.