Natural Hair Agenda Series-Flax Seeds a Chemical-Free Alternative to Hair Gel

Flaxseed or linseed comes from Linum usitatissimum, a blue flowered plant. Flax seeds are thought to have originated in the ancient Middle East during biblical times. Historians have traced its cultivation in Babylon as early as 3000 BC.

Since 1994, Canada has held the position of the world's leader in the production and export of flax.  They are an important source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including Omega-3, plus Magnesium, Zinc and dietary fiber. Flax seeds can be bought in health food stores and can be found in grocery store health food sections. 

Flax oil from flax seed is the richest known source of linolenic acid. Flax seed contains protein, mucilage, phytosterols and lignans, which are naturally included at 100 times the level of wheat bran (the next best source). The benefits of eating flax seed include lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

It is also helpful in conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including high cholesterol, the treatment of sore throat, upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and can be applied to the skin for acne, burns, boils, eczema and psoriasis.

Many natural hair wearers have been making their own styling gel from flax seeds. Flax Seed gel is a great alternative for those seeking a natural hair gel. It enhances curls, controls frizz and does not flake or harden.

The mucilage in the seeds produce a gel when the seeds are boiled. Aloe vera or carrier oils can be mixed with flax seed gel for added moisture, as well as essential oils which will enhance the gel’s properties and preserve the mixture for up to three weeks.

Make your own flax seed gel …

Tools:

1 cup water
2 tablespoons of flax seeds
Saucepan
Measuring spoon
Tongs
Stocking cap or Cheesecloth
Container with lid
Optional
Essential oils/additives - Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Almond Oil, lavender,

Directions:
Line your container with the stocking cap or cheesecloth and set aside. Bring water to boil, stir in flax seeds. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 mins, while stirring. You will notice the mixture thickening, and foam/gel beginning to form. After 10 mins remove from heat (your mixture will continue to thicken as it sits).

Pour mixture into your lined container, while it is still hot for easier straining. Carefully remove the liner from the container. While holding the liner filled with flax seeds over the container, use the tongs - to protect your fingers - to strain the gel directly into the container.

After the gel cools, mix in your additives. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of lavender or your favorite essential oil to add fragrance. If you are adding both essential oils and a carrier oil - mix these separately adding 1 drop of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, before adding to your gel. If you are adding aloe vera, add one part Aloe - to three parts flaxseed gel.

 

Dependent upon whether you added essential oils - that will act as a preservative - the gel can be stored in the refridgerator for up to three weeks. The flax seeds can be put into a separate container and frozen, to be used again until they no longer produce mucilage.

More information (click links below)

FlaxCouncil of Canada
Goldenvs. Brown Flax Seed 
PurchaseFlax Seed Online Texas Natural Supply
Howto Video Naptural87 
TheHairoine
FlaxSeed Gel Thyroid Warning

Stay tuned for more articles from the Natural Hair Agenda Series.

Guest Blogger Laquita Thomas-Banks is one of the Natural Hair communities most noted writers. Her credits include writing for Clutch magazine and its sister site Coco and Cream, the Examiner.com as the DC Natural Hair Examiner. She also writes natural hair articles for Pumpsicle, AfroGlitz, Living No Lye, Sanata International print magazine, and a guest blogger on Kinnks.She was also featured during BOND Inc’s Spotlight.

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A Natural Born Leader

This Week's Spotlight Chere Cofield~ “Our Health- Its A Serious Matter”

Ladies and Gentlemen meet Chere Cofield of Baltimore, Maryland. Ms Cofield is  the founder/Creator of Chere Cofield International & the” Let’s Get Serious” Health , Wellness, & Fitness Expo which puts emphasis on healthy living as a family. “Let’s face it, Chere shares, if a family member gets ill the entire family is affected. Knowledge is the answer but prevention is the key.” 
 

Chere Cofield has been a Licensed Practical Nurse for the past 21+ years, specializing in areas of Geriatrics, Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia, and Wound Care. Chere is currently attending school at the Community College of Baltimore County to further her nursing education. She has received numerous nominations and awards for outstanding customer service, as well as, a Governors Citation and an Award of Recognition from the Baltimore City Council 11^th District for Tenacity In Business and Giving Back to The Community.  Chere has also been awarded as a Woman of Power with the Woman 2 Woman 4 Women Organization and was named  2011 Professional Business Woman of  the Year by The Professional Black Woman’s Network. She is also a member of WEPP and Sisters 4 Sisters Network, Inc.

As a single mother of two boys she still finds time to empower men, women, and children through lifestyle coaching, motivational speaking, volunteer work in the community, and supporting fundraising events for worthy causes. She recently completed her 3^rd  5K run to raise awareness and funds for The Brain Injury Association of Maryland. Chere is also a Promotional Model, Brand Ambassador, Event Planner, and Public Relations Consultant. Among Cheres’ most recent works is her appearance in the promotional video for the William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Foundation entitled “The Scream” which can be seen on You Tube & the Foundations website. Chere feels you must constantly reinvent yourself.

Mottos she lives by are:
“You only have one life to live, so make it worthwhile!”
“Live each day as if it were your last, leaving behind a legacy.”  
“Never live with regrets or settle for second best.”
“Set reasonable goals and work hard to meet those goals.” “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”
“Be the person you were Born to Be!”

My Greatest Accomplishment To Date Has Been:
Being named the Professional Black Business Woman for 2011 by The Professional Black Women’s Network & Creating of Annual “Let’s Get Serious” Health, Wellness, & Fitness Expo

The Most Challenging Thing I Ever Experienced:
The death of my dad 2 years ago at the age of 59 due to heart attack

My Most Valuable Lesson: 
Appreciation for life, Importance of pursuing your passions without fear

Final Remarks: 
Thank you for the opportunity to share me with you.

For more information about Chere Cofield International visit  www.cherecofieldinternational.com.

BOND Inc Spotlight features ordinary African American women from all over who are doing extra-ordinary things. If you or anyone you know would like to be featured, send your requests for more information to iambondinc@gmail.com.