chi tea tree oil

AUTHENTIC KHAO SOI CHIANG MAI NOODLES

This traditional Khao Soi Curry from Chiang Mai is a flavorful dish from Northern Thailand. It combines a rich, creamy coconut milk broth with tender chicken and soft egg noodles, making it both comforting and easy to enjoy.

WHAT IS KHAO SOI?

Khao Soi is a flavorful Thai dish, particularly popular in Chiang Mai, featuring tender chicken in a creamy coconut curry noodle soup. The curry is made with coconut milk and a distinctive red paste that gives it a rich, aromatic taste. Traditionally, the dish is topped with crispy noodles, pickled mustard greens, and chilies for an added kick and texture. Although it’s not typically found as street food, Khao Soi can be enjoyed in food courts or restaurants. If you’re craving Thai cuisine, this delicious dish is a must-try!

INGREDIENTS

For the Khao Soi Curry

  • 1 pound wonton or egg noodles (dried or fresh, available at Asian grocery stores)
  • Vegetable oil (or avocado, canola, or coconut oil for deep frying the noodles)
  • Khao Soi curry paste (adjust the amount based on your desired spice level)
  • 1.5 pounds chicken drumsticks (chicken thighs work well too)
  • 14 ounces coconut milk (1 can)
  • 3 cups low or no-salt stock
  • 2.5 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1.5 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1.5 tablespoons sugar (palm sugar or brown sugar preferred)

For the Khao Soi Paste

  • 2-10 dried chilies (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 ½ tablespoons fresh turmeric (or 1.5 tablespoons powdered turmeric)
  • 3 brown cardamom pods (or 1 teaspoon powdered cardamom)
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds (or 2 teaspoons powdered coriander)
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 2.5 ounces shallot (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1.5 teaspoons shrimp paste

INSTRUCTIONS

FRY THE NOODLES

  • Heat enough oil in a medium saucepan for deep frying. Once the oil is hot, add a handful of noodles and fry them until golden brown (this should only take a few seconds).
  • The noodles will puff up quickly, so use a wire-mesh skimmer to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with remaining noodles.

PREPARE THE KHAO SOI NOODLES

  • Cook the noodles for the curry according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set them aside for the curry broth.

MAKE THE KHAO SOI PASTE

Combine all the paste ingredients in a food processor. Blitz until smooth, creating your Khao Soi paste.

COOK THE COCONUT MILK AND PASTE

  • In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, heat the thick, creamy part of the coconut milk (about ⅓ cup) on medium-high heat.
  • Cook it until the oil begins to separate and bubble, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the curry paste and stir, forming a rich, creamy yellow/orange sauce.

MAKE THE BROTH

  • Add the remaining coconut milk and stock to the pot, stirring to combine.
  • Add the chicken, lower the heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

SEASON AND FINISH

  • Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar to the broth. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as needed.

NOTES

When using store-bought pickled mustard greens, taste them before using. Some brands can be too salty or sour. Rinse or use less if necessary, and soak in cold water for 1-2 minutes to mellow out the flavor. After draining, chop them into small pieces.

  • The crispy noodles can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in a dry pantry.
  • To ensure a smooth Khao Soi paste, always use a food processor.
  • You can make the Khao Soi paste a few days ahead to save time.
  • Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of curry paste used.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DRY SCALP & GENTLE HAIR CONDITIONING MASK

A dry, flaky scalp can be a harmless issue, but it can become bothersome if it leads to itchiness and embarrassing when others notice the white flakes. Here are some natural remedy suggestions, including essential oils that can help alleviate dry scalp.

TREATING DRY, ITCHY SCALP NATURALLY

First, it’s important to distinguish between dry skin and dandruff. While some remedies may help both conditions, dandruff is more complex and requires a different approach.

Dandruff is typically caused by excess oil, resulting in larger, yellowish flakes that are more difficult to remove. An unpleasant odor may also accompany dandruff. If this is your concern, you may need to consider more intensive treatments.

Once you’ve established that you’re dealing with a dry scalp, it’s helpful to identify the underlying cause of the dryness. While you can start using essential oils for dry scalp right away, understanding the root cause can help prevent recurring issues.

Some common causes of a dry scalp include:

  • Stress
  • Poor diet
  • Dehydration
  • Seasonal changes and climate (such as cold, dry winter air or excessive sunlight in summer)
  • Harsh chemicals in shampoos, conditioners, styling products, or other hair treatments
  • Hormonal changes

I recommend being cautious with dandruff shampoos, as the chemicals in these products may exacerbate dry scalp conditions. 

BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DRY SCALP

These essential oils are renowned for their ability to cleanse the sensitive skin of the scalp and enhance hair conditioning. This list serves as an excellent starting point to discover which oils work best with your unique body chemistry.

  • Lavender: Known as one of the best oils for skin care, lavender essential oil is gentle yet potent, featuring antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
  • Tea Tree: This oil promotes healing of the scalp thanks to its antifungal properties and can also stimulate hair growth.
  • Rosemary: With its antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics, rosemary stimulates the scalp and may promote hair growth.
  • Cedarwood: This earthy oil combats bacteria and fungi with its antiseptic properties, adding shine to hair and serving as a heat protectant.
  • Lemongrass: A popular cleansing oil, lemongrass essential oil is effective for oily hair and helps strengthen hair follicles. It also boasts anti-inflammatory and detoxifying benefits.

A simple apple cider vinegar hair rinse can sometimes provide just what you need to balance your scalp’s skin, eliminate any bacteria contributing to dry scalp issues, and improve your hair’s texture. For many, this may be the only natural hair treatment needed in their routine. Here is a recipe for making apple cider vinegar at home that you can refer to.

Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Author: Mama Z

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar
  • 1⅓ cups purified or distilled water
  • 30-48 drops of essential oils*

Instructions

  • Combine one part apple cider vinegar with four parts water and add your choice of essential oils.
  • Pour the mixture into a squeeze bottle or a repurposed shampoo bottle.
  • After shampooing, apply the rinse to clean, wet hair in the shower.
  • Gently massage it into your scalp and the roots of your hair, allowing it to soak for 3-5 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly. You may find that you don’t need to use as much conditioner after this treatment.

Notes: The ratio for this recipe is 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. Feel free to adjust the quantities as needed for your family.

*Recommended essential oils include lavender, tea tree, cedarwood, lemongrass, and rosemary. Use about 15-20 drops per cup.

If your dry scalp requires more intensive moisturizing, this natural hair and scalp treatment is just what you need! Customize the essential oils to find the perfect match for your skin. Keep in mind that it may take a few applications and some time to heal your scalp. Here’s Mama Z’s at-home hair mask recipe for you to try!

NATURAL HAIR MASK TREATMENT

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 tablespoons aloe vera gel
  • 2 tablespoons organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon carrier oil or raw organic local honey*
  • 24-30 drops of your choice of essential oils**

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Combine all the ingredients to create a hair treatment mixture.
  • Apply the natural hair mask to your scalp, ensuring it penetrates the skin to help eliminate bacteria and flakes.
  • Start at the crown of your head or your natural part, working the mask down your scalp. A wide-tooth comb can help distribute the mask effectively if needed.
  • Cover your head with a shower cap or a clean towel, allowing the mask to soak in for 15-20 minutes or as long as desired.
  • Rinse thoroughly and shampoo or condition as usual, though you may find you don’t need as much conditioner after this treatment.

Notes:

  • Follow this mask with my Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse to balance your hair’s pH and remove any excess product. Use an organic, unscented conditioner on the ends of your hair.
  • I recommend using a scalp massager to thoroughly work the hair mask into your scalp. For extra care, you can use a Nix lice comb to remove any leftover particles from your hair and scalp.
  • To complete your hair care routine, consider applying our Hair Regrowth Gel.

*Avoid coconut oil, as it can dry out the skin. Opt for jojoba, argan, almond, or olive oil instead; jojoba is particularly good for adding shine. Honey is also a great option for moisturizing and can help tame frizz.

**Suggested essential oils include cedarwood, lavender, lemongrass, tea tree, and rosemary. My favorite blend is equal parts peppermint, rosemary, and tea tree.

This treatment makes for a wonderful weekly ritual, especially while you unwind in a detox bath or simply to rejuvenate your scalp’s skin.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, essential oils offer a natural and effective solution for addressing dry scalp and promoting healthy hair. By carefully selecting oils like lavender, rosemary, tea tree, and peppermint, you can create a gentle yet potent hair conditioning mask tailored to your specific needs. Remember to always conduct a patch test before using essential oils on your scalp, and dilute them properly with a carrier oil to avoid irritation. With consistent use, this DIY hair mask can help nourish your scalp, reduce dandruff, and leave your hair feeling soft, shiny, and revitalized. Embrace the power of nature and unlock the transformative potential of essential oils for your hair care routine.