Itchy Scalp Remedy: Swivel/ Sour Orange

Sour or swivel orange was a major part of a hair wash/ cleansing routine. Before many poor Jamaicans who resided in rural Jamaica were exposed to the "luxury of Shampoos," the swivel orange was the shampoo of the day. It was said to have been effective in the treatment of itchy, dry scalp.

The juice from the fruit would be squeezed over the entire head and scrubbed using the finger pads. It would then be left on the head/ hair for a short period of time before rinsing and washing with just about any soap that was available.

Other natural ingredients that played a part in hair routine were tuna, aloe vera aka single bible, castor oil and coconut oil.

The Tuna Plant

Aloe Vera

The Oil Nut Tree (Castor Oil)