KACHIYA ENNA - seasoned coconut oil for hair
Before the 2000's, if a lady with oily hair passed by, we would comment, " Nalla Kachiya Ennente mannam", which means nice aroma of seasoned oil. In Kerala, kachiya enna is often used for hair care.
When I started looking into why our ancestors used kachiya enna, I discovered that Onions are known to support hair growth by nourishing follicles, strengthening hair, and keeping the scalp healthy. This makes them a popular natural remedy for hair care even today. I can’t help but feel a sense of wonder at how our ancestors in Kerala came up with this special oil, unique to Kerala. It’s something I haven’t seen anywhere else.
INGREDIENTS
- 8 Tbsp.(1/2 cup) coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp. chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp each of methi & nigella seeds
- a few curry leaves
- a few peppercorns(this is used to avoid cold/cough in kids)
METHOD
- Heat a seasoning pan on medium-high heat. When the pan is warm, add the oil. When the oil is hot, add all the ingredients 2-5 and let the onions turn brown. You also get a nice smell from the caramelized onions. Turn off the stove. The ingredients will become blackish-brown as they sit in the oil. Let cool to lukewarm temperature in the pan.
- Sieve using a steel sieve.
- Here, in Seattle weather, make this just before massaging it into your hair. The oil will cool down within 5 minutes. Also, it's good to use the oil when it's lukewarm.
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