Uses of Bran Water

Few housekeepers know the value of bran water in the household. Its uses are manifold and its cost but a trifle. As an effectual and harmless dirt remover it cannot be surpassed. In preparing it for use, place in a cloth bag some bran, upon which pour boiling water; let stand for several minutes; squeeze the bag out and remove, when the water is ready for use.

In washing woodwork, be it hardwood or painted, it will be found invaluable. The dirt is quickly removed and the original finish of the wood is retained.

For washing printed fabrics it has no equal, for it will not injure the most delicate colors.

If one would use bran water when washing the hair, she would find it not only cleanses the scalp thoroughly, but also imparts to the hair that beautiful luster so much desired.

Another important consideration is that the water does not injure the hands, like so many cleansing preparations; on the contrary, it has long been known that bran is an excellent skin whitener and beneficial when used in the bath.

Lastly, it will cure chronic constipation, by drinking anywhere from three to five cups of bran water at intervals before breakfast. A few drops of lemon juice make it more palatable to some people. For this purpose it is well to soak the bran over night in a covered receptacle and strain in the morning.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

Hair Wash to Cleanse the Scalp

Add six drops of aqua ammonia to a wine-glass of warm water, and with a small bit of sponge or flannel wash the head thoroughly, dividing the hair into partings, so that all the skin is wetted. This not only cleanses the scalp quickly, but also preserves the color of the hair. It can be applied once a week, before going to bed, with very good effect.

Source: Household Hints and Recipes, Henry T. Williams

Baldness

Rub the head night and morning with a decoction of boxwood. One ounce to a pint of water, boil for a quarter of an hour in a covered vessel, cool and strain, add an ounce and a half of Eau de Cologne or lavender water to make it keep.

Or: A valuable stimulant to promote the growth of the hair is made as follows:- Eau de Cologne 2 ounces, tincture of cantharides 2 drachms, oil of rosemary 10 drops. To be rubbed on the bald part every night.

Source: Fray’s Golden Recipes for the use of all ages, E. Fray

An Ointment For The Hair

Mix two ounces of bear’s grease, half an ounce of honey, one drachm of laudanum, three drachms of the powder of southernwood, three drachms of the balsam of Peru, one and a half drachms of the ashes of the roots of bulrushes, and a small quantity of the oil of sweet almonds.

Source: The Ladies’ Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness, Florence Hartley

Oil for the Hair

A very excellent ready-made oil for the hair which answers all common purposes, is made by mixing one part brandy with three parts of sweet oil. Add any scent you prefer.

Source: Our Knowledge Box, ed. G. Blackie

Directions to Dye the Hair

First wash the head, beard, or moustaches with soap and water; afterwards with clean water. Dry, and apply the gallic acid solution, with a clean brush. When it is almost dry, take a small tooth comb, and with a fine brush, put on the teeth of the comb a little of the silver solution, and comb it through the hair, when it will become a brilliant jet black. Wait a few hours; then wash the head again with clean water. If you want to make a brown dye, add double or treble the quantity of water to the silver solution, and you can obtain any shade of color you choose.

Source: Our Knowledge Box, ed. G. Blackie

For Thickening The Hair

To one ounce of Palma Christi oil, add a sufficient quantity of bergamot or lavender to scent it. Apply it to the parts where it is most needed, brushing it well into the hair.

Source: The Ladies’ Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness, Florence Hartley

Instantaneous Hair Dye

Take one drachm of nitrate of silver, and add to it just sufficient rain water to dissolve it, and no more; then take strong spirit of ammonia, and gradually pour on the solution of silver, until it becomes as clear as water, (the addition of the ammonia at first makes it brown); then wrap round the bottle two or three covers of blue paper, to exclude the light — otherwise it will spoil. Having made this, obtain two drachms of gallic acid; put this into another bottle which will contain one-half pint; pour upon it hot water, and let it stand until cold — when it is fit for use.

Source: Our Knowledge Box, ed. G. Blackie

Ammoniacal Pomatum for Promoting the Growth of Hair

Take almond oil, quarter of a pound; white wax, half an ounce; clarified lard, three ounces; liquid ammonia, a quarter fluid ounce; otto of lavender, and cloves, of each one drachm. Place the oil, wax and lard in a jar, which set in boiling water; when the wax is melted, allow the grease to cool till nearly ready to set, then stir in the ammonia and the perfume, and put into small jars for use. Never use a hard brush, nor comb the hair too much. Apply the pomade at night only.

Source: Our Knowledge Box, ed. G. Blackie

Loss of Hair

The most simple remedy for loss of hair, is friction to the scalp of the head, using for the purpose an old tooth-brush, or one of which the bristles have been softened by soaking in boiling water. The shape of the instrument adapts it to be inserted readily and effectually between the hair, where it should be rubbed backwards and forwards over the space of an inch or so at a time. In addition to the friction, which should be used once or twice a day, the head may be showered once a day with cold water, carefully drying it with soft, spongy towels.

Source: The Ladies’ Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness, Florence Hartley