Alkanna – Le Erbe di Janas

Alcanna is an evergreen shrub of the Boraginaceae family, from whose roots a powder with a high red coloring power is obtained.

Hair: 

In addition to the dyeing and reflecting properties, Alkanna leaves the hair soft and silky; it also acts in synergy with the oil with which it is prepared, nourishing and strengthening the hair.

Note tintorie: Colorante Viola che varia la tonalità in base al pH: aggiungendo una sostanza acida (come succo di limone o aceto) si ottengono tonalità più rosate,  mentre aggiungendo circa 4 grammi di bicarbonato (ogni 100 g di polvere – corrispondente a due dei nostri misurini da 1 ml) si otterranno tonalità blu/viola.

If used alone, the dyeing power of Alkanna is not very high and it is not lasting; for this reason it can be mixed with #039;Cold Red Henna, to enhance its cherry-colored reflections and obtain an even colder red! 

Skin:

Useful in case of eczema and psoriasis, it has an antimicrobial and healing action. It is also an excellent antioxidant and anti-aging. As a face mask, it is recommended to mix it with Clays and/or other Herbs, to avoid unpleasant chromatisms. The processing time is 10-15 minutes. Do not let the mask dry, but keep it moist by dispensing water or aromatic waters on the skin.

HISTORY AND CURIOSITIES: in India it is known as Ratanjot and has always been used as a natural dye for fabrics, cosmetics and food. 

How to use:

Mix the powder with a vegetable oil (recommended castor oil, jojoba oil, almond oil or a mix of these.). Leave to infuse for 30 minutes in hot water or for 48 hours at room temperature. Alternatively you can opt for cold maceration, putting the Alkanna powder mixed with the oil in a hermetically sealed jar, to be kept for 40 days in the dark and shaken at least 2-3 times a week.

Apply the pure oil to the hair as a reflecting compress or add it to the Henna paste. If you have to mix with Henna, you can prepare the powder with water, even if the coloring power will be reduced, by mixing until you reach the consistency of a yoghurt. It is always not recommended to use only Alkanna powder prepared with water.

Inci: Alkanna tinctoria root powder