The Ancient Secrets of Shampoo Ginger Revealed

There is this natural product called shampoo ginger that has been used by Polynesians for centuries. Also known as Awapuhi (or Avapuhi), it is an extract from a plant of the same name (Zingiber zerumbet). As a member of the ginger family, it grows to one and a half meters tall and has leafy stems. It has Indian origins, but is now a recognized as a Polynesian plant since it was brought to Pacific islands by small sea vessels.

It has many medicinal uses. The roots are used to prevent stomach and tooth aches. When boiled and used for tea, it gives a sense of wellbeing. The most common traditional use of Awapuhi is for cleaning and conditioning hair. The juice from mature flowers is squeezed out by hand and left in the hair after bathing, giving it a healthy shine and texture. It is also ideal as a massage oil. An extract from Zingiber zerumbet smith, called Zerumbone, was found to kill cancer cells in the liver in a laboratory study.

Traditionally, Awapuhi oil is harvested in the forest, but now, it is available as a patented product. It is a primary ingredient used by the Epoch company in its hair cleansing products.

What is dry shampoo and how is it used? Click for a video demo.