Sahlab... A wonderful way to cozy up in cold weather.

If you're like me, a cold drink on a warm day can change everything.  With this year's rare cold winter here in Egypt I set out to find that perfect comfort drink and here it is... Sahlab (سحلب)

Sahlab is a creamy drink traditionally made from the tubers of the orchid orchis mascula. Sahlab in its true form is becoming increasingly rare as the wild orchid is becoming rarer.  In traditional methods, sahlab was made by boiling the tubers of the orchid, drying them, and then grinding them into a starch. Sahlab was then prepared into a drink much similar to what is enjoyed across the world today.


 Sahlab was once used as an aphrodisiac and the tubers of the orchid are known to have medicinal properties that help relieve stress, soothe indigestion, and relieve headaches. The drink is not particularly an Egyptian drink, though it's true origin is unknown.  It is popular throughout the Middle East, Balkan, and Mediterranean areas.

Most of the sahlab drink mixes you will find today will contain very little if any actual orchid tuber, so if you're concerned about the rarity of this flower you needn't be as you can avoid using the pure natural product.  I have used both 100% natural pure sahlab (from Greece) and the artificial drink mix (Dreem Sahlab) and I have noted only a slight difference in taste and no difference in the consistency.
Both the artificial and natural products can be found online and often at your Middle Eastern supermarkets.

Sahlab is fairly easy to prepare using either the traditional or prepackaged method.  I do recommend that before trying either method that you purchase a milk pot, which is a pot used for boiling milk as sahlab does get thick and sticky.

When preparing artificial sahlab simply follow the directions on the package.  I can not stress enough, though, not to let your milk heat too quickly as you will end up scorching it.  Also, be sure to whisk or stir continuously.  Below you will find the recipe for natural, traditional sahlab.

Sahlab
Serving Size: 2
Cook time: 5-8 minutes


INGREDIENTS:

• 2 1/2 cups of full cream (whole) milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla powder
• 3 1/2 tbsp pure finely ground sahlab
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 1/2 tbsp shredded coconut
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp pistachio or cashews (optional)
• cinnamon to dust (also optional-I personally don't like the taste)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Add milk, vanilla, sahlab, corn starch, sesame seeds, and 1/2 tbsp of shredded coconut. to milk pan and place over low heat.  Heat until hot, but remember DO NOT BOIL
2. Stir with whisk continuously.
3. Make sure to whisk out any lumps before the milk begins to heat
4.  Continue to whisk until it thickens to desired consistency.  This will be just before the boiling point. 
5. Pour into mugs and top with shredded coconut and nuts.
6. Enjoy hot.

Tips: be sure not to cook this too quickly and whisk continuously!


  

Product Review: Schwarzkoph Gliss Hair Repair for Covered Hair

Covered women experience their own set of issues when it comes to their hair.  While covering your hair will protect it from damaging UV rays and pollution many people don't talk about what damage it does to your hair and scalp as well.

Many women who wear hijab have complained about hair loss, split ends, and oily dull hair.   Having your hair pulled back in a tight bun compressed under fabric for hours a day can really take a toll on it's health.  Over the past three years my hair has begun to become less and less healthy and seems duller than ever.  I accepted the fact that I was losing more and more hair every time I brushed it and that I would ultimately be trimming it shorter and more often than I'd like to keep the split ends under control.  

To be honest, I have never seen products that are particularly aimed at repairing covered hair so I was surprised to find a shampoo and conditioner which claims to repair damage caused by covering your hair. 

Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair For Covered Hair is available at many pharmacies throughout Egypt though I purchased it cheaper at Metro Supermarket in Port Said.  I paid 35 EGP each for the shampoo and conditioner.  In the US and Europe it can be purchased through Amazon for about $8.00 USD each.  

My first impression of the shampoo was it's smell.  I have used Schwarzkopf products before and always have loved the smell and this is no different.  It has a floral, yet sophisticated salon smell. The bottles provide an adequate amount of product for the price as well as they were full up to the neck of the opening.  Both the shampoo and conditioner are thicker than most shampoos, appearing as though they have not been watered down to save money.

I want to express that I did follow the directions on the bottle except for one fact; whenever I condition my hair I allow the conditioner to soak for about 3-5 minutes before rinsing.  I'm not sure if this made any difference in the results or not, but I want everyone to be aware.

Ok... So...

Day 1:  No real change in hair other than it smelled nice and brushed out easier than normal.  I still experienced a handful of hair-loss after brushing.

Day 2: After my hair air dried I noticed it seemed slightly more vibrant.  The color was slightly brighter and it felt softer.

Day 5: Obvious difference in hair loss.  After brushing only lost about half as much hair as normal.  Hair was much more vibrant.

Day 8:  Very little hair loss and my hair was showing signs of volume-something I haven't experienced in almost 3 years.

Day 10: I lost 5 strands of hair today!!!  I am actually so happy with my hair I have begun leaving it down much of the day.  I have noticeably less breakage and my hair is bright and full of volume.

The downfall I noticed:

I have begun developing signs of dandruff near my bangs which I have never experienced in my life. I am sure it is attributed to the shampoo t as I have never had it before.  I will try washing once or twice a week with a dandruff shampoo and see if that makes any difference.

My overall thought on the product:

It seems to verify its claims to repair hair damaged by wearing headscarf.  I have experienced noticeably less hair loss, breakage, and my hair is very vibrant with a lot of volume. If it does continue to cause dandruff I will discontinue using it though.

I personally recommend anyone suffering from hair loss, breakage, limp, dull hair due to wearing hijab give it a try.