BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawing in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the steps and components involved in the method of making the composition of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Referring now in more detail and by reference characters to the drawings, the hair and scalp treatment composition of the present invention is described primarily in one preferred embodiment with numerous equivalents thereof and the various possible embodiments of the invention which can be derived by using the equivalents for the ingredients in the preferred composition and the differing ranges thereof.
[0030] It is desired to produce a composition which is essentially an all natural composition and even one more preferably made entirely of herbs and natural ingredients. However, it is recognized that in some cases, other ingredients which are not necessarily herbal ingredients and which are even more so not natural ingredients, may also be used. However, in accordance with the present invention, it is preferable to keep the number of synthetic ingredients to a minimum, such that the composition is largely or primarily herbal or natural.
[0031] The composition of the present invention primarily starts with oils which are used as an initial liquid carrier. The oils are preferably natural oils, such as natural vegetable oils, although there could be mixtures of oils employed and which may contain some synthetic oils, as well. The preferred oils are soybean oil and olive oil. Both of these oils can be used in combination. The soybean oil predominates in amount of oil present constituting over 80% of the oil present by weight and the olive oil constitutes the significantly lesser percentage of oil, although these respective ranges can vary somewhat. When only one oil is used, it is preferred to use the soybean oil. Moreover, when both oils are used, it is preferable to use at very least 70% by weight of the soybean oil.
[0032] The preferred soybean oil is one which is extracted from the seeds of the soybean plant. Soybean oils of this type are normally used in the manufacturer of soaps, shampoos, and bath oils and thus have been proven to be highly effective for use in stimulating hair growth in the scalp. Soybean is used also in cosmetics and other hair preparations.
[0033] The olive oil has been found to be effective for fever induced illnesses, nervous tension and hypertension. Moreover, it is effective for treatment of the nervous tension and hypertension and fevers. Olive oil can also be used externally for abrasions. It is effective for treatment of dry skin and, even more so, for hair dandruff. Olive oil is frequently in skin and hair preparations. Its combination in the present invention has proven to be highly effective.
[0034] The citronella oil, sometimes referred to as cymbopogen oil, contains large amounts of citral and geraniol and which are naturally lemon-scented and rose-scented, respectively. The citronella is an aromatic herb which actually has cooling properties, in that it increases perspiration and relieves spasms. To this extent, it is effective for use as a scalp treatment ingredient. Moreover, the citronella oil is also known to be an effective bacterial agent in combating bacterial infections.
[0035] Citronella oil is also known for internal use in reducing digestive problems, particularly in children. It is also known for external use for treatment of ringworm, lice, athlete's foot and scabies. The oil has actually found use in herbal bath preparations and cosmetics. However, the citronella does find very effective use as a scalp and hair treatment.
[0036] The soybean oil has been known to be effective for reducing the incidents of clogged pores for many years. It is believed that the active ingredient in the soybean oil which is effective for this purpose is the lecithin. The olive oil has similarly been known to be useful for this purpose. However, it is possible to use other natural oils and, particularly, other natural vegetable oils as, for example, corn oil, almond oil, as well as oils of various other nuts.
[0037] It is also possible to use other oils, such as safflower oil, of the type which is used in creams and lotions for softening the skin and in hair preparations. Although, not expected, various vegetable oils and even edible vegetable oils may be used. A salad oil has been found to be beneficial when rubbed on the skin of babies and older individuals. They have also been used in cleaners, in emollient creams and hair grooming preparations.
[0038] Although it is possible to use animal fat oils, they are not preferred due to their high fat content. Nevertheless, they are natural to the extent that they are generated in animal bodies and are usually not as disadvantageous as many of the lower alkene aromatic oils and synthetic oils.
[0039] As indicated previously, the major ingredients are added to the one or more oils in a mixture some of these other ingredients are normally in a dry state and still others are in liquid state. These ingredients are preferably, although not necessarily, all natural ingredients as, for example, herbal ingredients.
[0040] One of the main important ingredients added to the oil carrier is a microbicide for eliminating fungus or other microbial growth on the scalp of an individual. Any efficacious microbicide which exhibits substantial antimicrobial action can be used for this purpose, and include those microbicides hereinafter described. It is understood that microbial growth which can infest the scalp is often contributory to a large number of poor hair conditions and poor scalp conditions. Therefore, it is an important aspect of the present invention to eliminate these microbes which may have infested the scalp region.
[0041] One of the important microbicides which can be used is that of citronella. This ingredient is a natural insect repellant and is also highly effective in destroying fungus and precluding the growth of fungus on the scalp. As indicated previously, a eucalyptus oil can be used in place of the citronella oil or in addition to the citronella oil. There are several other antibacterial agents which can be used. To some extent, some of the microbicides can function as an antibacterial agent. As indicated, citronella oil, which is an effective microbicide, is also effective as an antibacterial agent. To the same extent, Quassi Chips (picrasma) is effective for this purpose, as well as lavender and Golden Rt. As pointed out above, Goldenseal Rt is effective in various skin infections. To this extent, the Goldenseal actually operates as an antibacterial agent. The same holds true of basil oil.
[0042] Where a combination of the citronella oil and the eucalyptus oil is employed, the citronella oil would be used in as a substantial major portion of any such mixture. Thus, the citronella oil would be used in an amount of about at least 75% by weight and, even more preferably, an amount of about 85% by weight with respect to any other oil.
[0043] Some of the other microbicidal agents which can be used include that composition known as Melissa, which is an herbal oil. The Melissa oil contains a lemon scent but has effective antiviral activity. It is frequently used for treatment of herpes sores, gout, insect bites, and also as an insect repellant.
[0044] Another microbicidal agent which can be used are quassi chips, also known as “picrasma”, and which are derived from an ash-like tree. This tree frequently is used externally in lotions and removes parasites, such as lice. It is also used internally for convalescent debility, poor appetite and even malaria and nematodes.
[0045] Another microbicide which may be used is that of lavender. Lavender has been used externally for burns, sunburns, skin irritations, and insect head lice. It is known to be effective in its treatment for insect head lice. It has further uses, such as in treatment of muscular pain and neuralgia.
[0046] Another microbicide which can be used is golden seal Rt. This type of herbicidal composition has been used formerly for external treatment of eczema and various skin infections. Consequently, it has been found that for use in the hair and scalp treatment it is an effective microbicide. In addition, it has been used internally for digestive disorders, peptic ulcers and excess mucus.
[0047] A further microbicide which can be used both as a microbicide and as an insect repellant is basil oil. In addition, hops can be used as a microbicide. Hops were initially medicinally used for insomnia
[0048] Any agent which is capable of operating as a microbicide can be used for this purpose. Thus, for example, iodine is also effective as a microbicide. However, iodine is not preferred inasmuch as it is not necessarily one of the natural herbal ingredients.
[0049] It is further desirable to use an anti-bacterial agent along with the microbicide. To some extent, the microbicides are effective antibacterial agents, and vice versa. One highly effective anti-bacterial agent which is herbal in nature is alkanet, sometimes known as Alkanna Tinctoria. Several species of the alkanets can be used. The alkanets are effective in that they actually function as a dye but more importantly operate as anti-bacterial herbs which promotes the healing and relieves itching of the scalp, particularly when the scalp may be injured by brushes or combs. The alkanets are also an effective astringent. Typically, alkanets have been used externally in the past for varicose and indolent ulcers, bed sores and itching rashes. Nevertheless, it has been found to be effective in the composition of the present invention.
[0050] The scalp conditioner, willow, is actually preferably used in the form of a willow-bark. It functions as an as