This past weekend was Mother's day and God blessed us with a sunny, warm, clear day for a change! Ohio has been inundated with flooding for weeks now, as the rain has not seemed to stop. So, as we traveled to see my Son's (one just had surgery and could not make the trip to my home, and they live by each other, so Mom and I went there), we stopped to view the creeks that look like lakes, and the yards that the Ducks seem to feel are also lakes! Lol. I hope you enjoy!
What's Happening Wednesday-Book Plans
What's Happening this Wednesday , well I want to share an interesting new project with you. As you probably know, I have a great interest in, and have studied extensively, Essential oils. As an herbalist and a RN, I have always been fascinated with, and believed in the holistic approach to medicines. I firmly believe in the mind/body connection, and have dedicated the vast majority of my studying to the use of EO's in skin care and aromatherapy. Of course I also make a good many other products, including cp soap.
CP soap is such a hot craft at this moment, with many new Artisans becoming addicted to the craft daily. As such, there are more and more people on the soap forums asking questions and seeking information about how to do such and so, especially the scenting of their soaps. Always one to encourage education, I am quick to point out that EO's are more than scent, and in fact, can be dangerous when misunderstood and/or misused. In fact, people using EO's without being educated about their indications and potential hazards has always been my greatest pet peeve.
Which leads me to my "What's Happening". After a suggestion from a friend of mine I began considering writing a book about EO's, then I received an email from someone else who had read this blog, and they also suggested that I write a book. So, guess what.......I am writing a book! I recently began a book on Essential oils and their properties, indications for use, and even some soaping notes. Right now I am also considering a section on blending and creating perfumes, but I will see where I am at after I have the basics that I want to cover down. After all, that may just be a second book!
Now, as for what else is going on this Wednesday, I have recently added a few new products to the Unique Garden Essences line. I just finished formulating a "Baby Body and Bum Cream" and a "Super Cream", which I started selling at the Chatfield college show April 30. And, not too much before that, I created a new Fragrance blend, called "Embrace". Currently I have this fragrance in a batch of cp Soap, Spritzer, Roll-on Fragrance Oil and Hand and Body Lotion.
Embrace is a pretty sexy, slightly sultry scent. It is difficult to describe, but has a tantalizing fragrance, one that makes you long to Embrace the wearer! And, as a side note, the label is a picture from my Son's wedding on the beach!
The Super Cream has lanolin in it, so, while it is not Vegan (sorry), it is a very thick, very deeply moisturizing, extremely awesome cream! It is great for a night-time moisturizer, extra dry patches of skin, after sun care, or just any time you want to treat your tired, worn skin to a nice, cool pick-me-up!
The Baby Body and Bum Cream is perfect for any dry areas of skin and for the bum, in between diaper changes. Infused with chamomile and calendula, and with a tad of lavender added in there as well, this ointment is healing, but mild at the same time.
Additionally, I now have 30 different scents of Soap cured and ready for sale. The issue is that I have not had time to list them in my store front. Many were sold at the Chatfield show, but I still have plenty to list, and at least 10 more batches that will be fully cured in the next two weeks!
So, as you can see, I have been staying pretty busy, and still have a lot more to do! Of course I am also still working on getting my website back up and running, but I tend to put that at the bottom of my list since I have my domain pointed to the Etsy shop. Eventually I will get there I am sure, but for now, I am one busy bee!
Well, there you have it. Now that you know What is Up with me this Wednesday, tell me, what's up with you? Let me know in comments, and if there is anything in specific that you would like to see included in my book, let me know that too. I am open to suggestions.
Of course tomorrow is Tripod Thursday, and I am leaning toward sharing some more Ohio scenery with you.
Then Friday we will continue on with our Exotic Oils series. Next up is Seabuckthorn Oil, so make sure you come back to find out all about this exciting oil! .
CP soap is such a hot craft at this moment, with many new Artisans becoming addicted to the craft daily. As such, there are more and more people on the soap forums asking questions and seeking information about how to do such and so, especially the scenting of their soaps. Always one to encourage education, I am quick to point out that EO's are more than scent, and in fact, can be dangerous when misunderstood and/or misused. In fact, people using EO's without being educated about their indications and potential hazards has always been my greatest pet peeve.
Which leads me to my "What's Happening". After a suggestion from a friend of mine I began considering writing a book about EO's, then I received an email from someone else who had read this blog, and they also suggested that I write a book. So, guess what.......I am writing a book! I recently began a book on Essential oils and their properties, indications for use, and even some soaping notes. Right now I am also considering a section on blending and creating perfumes, but I will see where I am at after I have the basics that I want to cover down. After all, that may just be a second book!
Now, as for what else is going on this Wednesday, I have recently added a few new products to the Unique Garden Essences line. I just finished formulating a "Baby Body and Bum Cream" and a "Super Cream", which I started selling at the Chatfield college show April 30. And, not too much before that, I created a new Fragrance blend, called "Embrace". Currently I have this fragrance in a batch of cp Soap, Spritzer, Roll-on Fragrance Oil and Hand and Body Lotion.
Embrace is a pretty sexy, slightly sultry scent. It is difficult to describe, but has a tantalizing fragrance, one that makes you long to Embrace the wearer! And, as a side note, the label is a picture from my Son's wedding on the beach!
The Super Cream has lanolin in it, so, while it is not Vegan (sorry), it is a very thick, very deeply moisturizing, extremely awesome cream! It is great for a night-time moisturizer, extra dry patches of skin, after sun care, or just any time you want to treat your tired, worn skin to a nice, cool pick-me-up!
The Baby Body and Bum Cream is perfect for any dry areas of skin and for the bum, in between diaper changes. Infused with chamomile and calendula, and with a tad of lavender added in there as well, this ointment is healing, but mild at the same time.
Additionally, I now have 30 different scents of Soap cured and ready for sale. The issue is that I have not had time to list them in my store front. Many were sold at the Chatfield show, but I still have plenty to list, and at least 10 more batches that will be fully cured in the next two weeks!
So, as you can see, I have been staying pretty busy, and still have a lot more to do! Of course I am also still working on getting my website back up and running, but I tend to put that at the bottom of my list since I have my domain pointed to the Etsy shop. Eventually I will get there I am sure, but for now, I am one busy bee!
Well, there you have it. Now that you know What is Up with me this Wednesday, tell me, what's up with you? Let me know in comments, and if there is anything in specific that you would like to see included in my book, let me know that too. I am open to suggestions.
Of course tomorrow is Tripod Thursday, and I am leaning toward sharing some more Ohio scenery with you.
Then Friday we will continue on with our Exotic Oils series. Next up is Seabuckthorn Oil, so make sure you come back to find out all about this exciting oil! .
Teaching Tuesdays - Exotic Oils Continued- Rosehip Seed Oil
We are quickly coming to the end of our Exotic Oils series, so any requests for another series, or any single post projects will be considered, just leave me a message! Today we will be discussing Rosehip seed oil.
Rose Hip Oil is extracted from the seeds that are contained in the deep red, berry-like fruits, or hips, of a wild rose-bush. Rosehip seed oil, produced mainly in Chili and Argentina, is botanically known as Rosa rubiginosa (another variety used is Rosa moschata), and is amber in color, with an orangish hue. While it has a pretty heavy characteristic odor to it, if found unpleasant, it can be easily masked with fragrance. Rosehip seed oil is easily, and immediately absorbed by the skin, and it does not leave a greasy residue. The biggest issue with this oil is that, due to its delicate nature, it needs to be protected from fluctuations in oxygen, light and temperature, so it must be stored in the refrigerator. However, when it is cared for properly, it can last for a year to eighteen months.
Rosehip seed oil contains high amounts of linoleic and linolenic acids, essential fatty acids that are important skin nutrients. It also contains Vitamins C and E, which promote healthy skin, and vitamin A, bio-available trans-retinoic acid, which helps to delay the effects of [skin] aging, assists with cell regeneration, and promotes an increase in collagen and elastin levels, which results in firmer, smoother, more elasticity and more youthful looking skin. Rosehip seed oil has been used successfully to treat; Stretch marks, UV damage from overexposure to the sun, Scars from surgery, burns, and acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Wrinkles and premature skin aging, Hyper-pigmentation, Dermatitis, Burns (including those from radiation and sunburns), Age spots, Brittle nails, and Dry and damaged hair.
Rosehip seed oil has only become recognized by the general public as the amazing oil that it is, in the recent past. But this oil is now believed to be one of the best, if not the best, oil available for skin rejuvenation and for its anti-aging properties. In fact, there have now been numerous scientific studies completed, and those have produced astounding evidence which support the use of rosehip seed oil in cosmetic applications. This oil is truly a wonderful hydrator, as it penetrates dry and damaged skin immediately. It is very mild and can be used undiluted on the most sensitive of skin. It can be used straight from the bottle as a moisturizer, or it can be incorporated into creams, lotions, facial or massage oils. Rosehip seed oil is a pretty inexpensive, and yet, effective, non-invasive product that will prevent and heal damaged skin. It is a must for your formulary!
Rosehip seed oil is only recommended for external use. It is not, however, recommended for use on extremely oily, or acne prone skin. If you are at risk of developing acne breakouts because of high sebum (skin oil) production, and/or hormonal imbalances, then rose hip oil may further clog your skin pores.
If you do not have these issues, but have large pores, rosehip seed oil will solve that issue for you. It will shrink the pores just as effectively as retinol or microdermabrasion!
ROSEHIP OIL contains trans-retinoic acid, vitamin A, in a natural form. Considering that direct applications of retinoic acid can be very irritating, rosehip seed oil is a far more skin-friendly, and absorbable alternative to the pharmaceutical form. It is more compatible with our skin cell structures, and safer since the rosehip seed oil does not actually turn into retinoic acid until after it is absorbed, and your skin decides it needs some, so then it converts it. But, it is this vitamin A content which increases sensitivity to the sun of the newly formed skin cells, which arise due to its action. For this reason, a sun-blocker is a must! Still, rosehip seed oil makes a great treatment oil and a less expensive alternative to regular retinoic acid treatments.
To use Rosehip Seed Oil, simply massage the oil into the affected area, with your fingertips, until it is completely absorbed. Remember, if you are using it during the daytime, you must place a sun blocker on top of the oil treatment. To reduce scar tissue, prevent and/or reduce stretch marks, attenuate wrinkles and/or age spots, you will need to apply the Rose Hip Oil twice a day, every day, for about three months. This oil will also help to improve burned skin, swollen skin, and dermatitis that results from radiotherapy. It will immediately relieve dry skin and eczema.
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Make It Yourself Monday- Blueberry Dog Cookies
Dallas recently informed me that I was, once again, spending entirely too much time working on soaps and lotions, when he and Gizmo would prefer that I dedicate my time to making them more treats. So this Make it Yourself Monday is going to the dogs, yet again! Lol.
With summer almost here, I am anxiously awaiting the blueberries, and so are my dogs. Blueberries are not only tasty, but they are quite healthy, for both humans and dogs alike! So here is a Blueberry Cookie recipe for your Dogs!
You will need;
4 cups of whole wheat flour
1 cup water
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
2 Tbs. flax seed
1/3 cup rinsed and dried blueberries
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 Tbs. cinnamon
1 lrg. egg
Preheat the oven to 350 F. You will bake at this temperature for 20 minutes, then decrease temperature to 300 F. and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Combine the flax seed, flour and cinnamon. Mix well. In a food processor, combine the water, blueberries, oil, egg and vanilla. Mix until smooth, then pour it over the dry ingredients, stirring well until completely incorporated.
Once incorporated well, knead the dough and roll out to about 1/8" thick. Poke holes over the surface of the dough (a fork works great for this). Then, using a pizza cutter or a knife, cut the dough into bite-sized squares or rectangles. Bake for 20 minutes, then allow to cool completely. Decrease the oven temperature to 300 F. and cook an additional 30 minutes, or until the cookies are hard. You can then store them in an air-tight container for up to one month. If you do not think they will be used in that time, you can freeze them. Make sure sure that you completely thaw any frozen treat before giving it to your dog, it is dangerous to not do so! It generally takes (at least) 30 minutes to one hour to properly thaw a treat, so make sure you allow sufficient time. Frozen treats can be stored for about 4 months, but they never last that long at my house! .
With summer almost here, I am anxiously awaiting the blueberries, and so are my dogs. Blueberries are not only tasty, but they are quite healthy, for both humans and dogs alike! So here is a Blueberry Cookie recipe for your Dogs!
You will need;
4 cups of whole wheat flour
1 cup water
2 Tbs. vegetable oil
2 Tbs. flax seed
1/3 cup rinsed and dried blueberries
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 Tbs. cinnamon
1 lrg. egg
Preheat the oven to 350 F. You will bake at this temperature for 20 minutes, then decrease temperature to 300 F. and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Combine the flax seed, flour and cinnamon. Mix well. In a food processor, combine the water, blueberries, oil, egg and vanilla. Mix until smooth, then pour it over the dry ingredients, stirring well until completely incorporated.
Once incorporated well, knead the dough and roll out to about 1/8" thick. Poke holes over the surface of the dough (a fork works great for this). Then, using a pizza cutter or a knife, cut the dough into bite-sized squares or rectangles. Bake for 20 minutes, then allow to cool completely. Decrease the oven temperature to 300 F. and cook an additional 30 minutes, or until the cookies are hard. You can then store them in an air-tight container for up to one month. If you do not think they will be used in that time, you can freeze them. Make sure sure that you completely thaw any frozen treat before giving it to your dog, it is dangerous to not do so! It generally takes (at least) 30 minutes to one hour to properly thaw a treat, so make sure you allow sufficient time. Frozen treats can be stored for about 4 months, but they never last that long at my house! .
Frankly Speaking Friday- Exotic Oils cont.- Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil, botanically known as Cucurbita pepo L. is a versatile oil, one that is becoming increasingly popular as its health benefits are becoming more well known. This oil has been nicknamed "green gold". You can buy it in varying grades, and even from other types of pumpkins are marketed worldwide. Some International producers use white seeds with shells, and this will produce a cheaper white oil. So make sure that you are getting a nice green/red oil. Pumpkin seed oil is edible, and it is cold pressed, the oil being extracted from the seeds of............you guessed it, pumpkins! The good stuff comes from a specific variety of pumpkins, the Cucurbita pepo, which is a pumpkin originating in Austria. This pumpkin seed oil is a specialty of Steiermark, the Austrian province of Styria. Styria is a lush province that is located in the southeastern corner of Austria, which borders on Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. Pumpkins grow very well in Styria, and her people have become well versed in pressing the oil from the seeds of the pumpkin fruit.
The seeds are first separated from the pumpkin, then cleaned and dried. It takes around 2.5 kgs of dried seeds to create 1 liter of pumpkin seed oil. After drying, the seeds are then crushed and fine milled, creating a seed flour. Water and a little bit of salt is added to the seed flour, then everything is dispersed. The water is necessary to hold the flavor and the oil in the roasting process. This process is done at a very low temperature in order to protect the seed flour from burning. This roasting brings about a typical, roasted flavor, and is responsible for adding a nice taste to this oil. After the roasting, when the seeds have that flavor, the pressing is then done with high pressure to get the oil. When complete, the fresh pressed oil is stored for several days because the seed flour needs to "rest". Once rested, then the oil is then bottled or canned and ready for distribution.
This oil is quite viscous, with a deep green, to red brown color depending upon the light. It has a mildly rich scent, with a nutty taste. It is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and sterols. In fact, over 75% of this oil is a combination of linoleic and oleic acids. It contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are known to promote energy levels, brain function, and overall health and vitality. It also contains high levels of Vitamin E, as well as Vitamins A and C and other vitamins, Zinc, and other trace minerals too. Pumpkin seed oil has a delicate nature though, and it should be stored in a cool, dry area, out of sunlight. Refrigeration will help to prolong its shelf life, but you will still only get about 6-8 months from it.
While pumpkin seed oil is great for you and quite tasty, it cannot be used as a cooking oil, because the heat destroys the essential fatty acids, destroying its important health benefits. But, since this oil has a nice and rich, slightly nutty taste, a great way to use it is in a simple salad dressings. Try mixing it with just some honey or olive oil. In Austria, the typical Styrian salad dressing consists solely of the pumpkin seed oil and cidar vinegar. But they also use it in deserts, and it gives even ordinary vanilla ice cream an exquisite nutty taste. In fact, there are a lot of recipes for using pumpkin seed oil available on the net for cakes, sausage, salad, noodle salad and much more. You can try it with a smoothie, or even just drizzled over your freshly cooked meal, right before you serve it. This oil is considered a real delicacy in Austria, and there, they add a few drops of the oil to pumpkin soup and many other local plates. So experiment with it, and see what dishes you can add flavor too!
Historically speaking, pumpkin seeds, both the whole seeds and the pressed oil, have been used all around the world for healing purposes. They were either applied or consumed for various purposes, which included; the healing of wounds and burns, as a diuretic, to get rid of intestinal worms and other parasites, hormone production, to treat overactive bladder, and for prostate problems.
It seems our predecessors had it right, because today this oil has been successfully utilized in alleviating, and even in preventing, prostate and bladder problems. It is also currently being studied as a cholesterol lowering agent, due to the phytosterols that are present in it.
Extraction- Cold Pressed/Unrefined
As previously pointed out, pumpkin seed oil contains many vitamins and trace elements, as well as being high in the omega 3 ad 6 fatty acids. Because of these constituents, this oil is a welcomed addition to any bath and body formula that you may make, especially skin care balms designed to heal wounds and care for burns. Make sure to add this oil in the cool phase of your process. Also, the efficacy of using this oil in cp and hp soaps is a bit of a controversy, since the fatty acids are broken down by heat. Because of this, you may wish to keep this somewhat pricey oil for your lotions, balms, and melt and pour soaps, adding it only when the cooling is well under way.
Bathing Recipes to Soothe and Move
Well, since my automatic posting obviously failed and I wasn't aware of that until now, when I came to write Thursday's post, I will skip the pictures usually offered on Thursday and post what should have posted Wednesday morning at 8 am. Technology, you just have to love it! Lol. It really has been one of those weeks folks!
Continuing on from yesterday (now the day before yesterday), here are some herbal bath blends that are sure to make your soak a therapeutic one! Remember, the most effective way to use them is to tie the ingredients into cheesecloth or a muslin bag and toss it into the bath as it is filling, or to hang it from the faucet so that the water will flow over the bag as the tub fills. Allow at least 5 minutes of steeping before you begin your bath, and make sure to soak for at least 15-20 minutes to get the full therapeutic benefits. Also, be sure to toss out all used herbs, they are not re-usable.
Revitalizing Blend
4 cups grated ginger root
1/4 cup dried parsley
1/2 cup grated lemon peel
2 Tbs. oatmeal (uncooked, old fashion type)
Oatmeal softens the water. Lemon is cleansing and aromatic. Parsley is a skin tonic. Ginger root promotes circulation.
Invigorating Blend
1/4 cup dried rosemary
1/4 cup dried sage
2 Tbs. oatmeal
Rosemary relieves mental fatigue. Sage treats loss of concentration. Oatmeal softens the water. Oatmeal softens the water.
Stimulating Blend
1/4 cup dried basil
1/4 cup dried eucalyptus
1/4 cup dried peppermint
Basil regenerates mental powers. Eucalyptus treats lack of concentration. Peppermint alleviates mental fatigue and lack of concentration, and revitalizes.
Citrus Tonic
1/4 cup grated lemon peel
1/4 cup grated orange peel
1 Tbs. dried parsley
1 Tbs. dried comfrey
Lemon treats lethargy. Orange fights depression and anxiety. Parsley stimulates.Comfrey is a mild antiseptic.
Relaxing Infusion
1 Tbs. dried peppermint
1 Tbs. dried lavender buds
1 Tbs. dried eucalyptus leaves
1 Tbs. dried chamomile flowers
Peppermint alleviates mental fatigue and lack of concentration, it revitalizes. Lavender relaxes, sooths, promotes rest and sleep, and restores balance to the body systems. Eucalyptus treats lack of concentration, and helps you to breath deeply. Chamomile calms you and helps to tone the skin.
**Please make sure to read the Disclaimer tab at the top of this page**
Continuing on from yesterday (now the day before yesterday), here are some herbal bath blends that are sure to make your soak a therapeutic one! Remember, the most effective way to use them is to tie the ingredients into cheesecloth or a muslin bag and toss it into the bath as it is filling, or to hang it from the faucet so that the water will flow over the bag as the tub fills. Allow at least 5 minutes of steeping before you begin your bath, and make sure to soak for at least 15-20 minutes to get the full therapeutic benefits. Also, be sure to toss out all used herbs, they are not re-usable.
Revitalizing Blend
4 cups grated ginger root
1/4 cup dried parsley
1/2 cup grated lemon peel
2 Tbs. oatmeal (uncooked, old fashion type)
Oatmeal softens the water. Lemon is cleansing and aromatic. Parsley is a skin tonic. Ginger root promotes circulation.
Invigorating Blend
1/4 cup dried rosemary
1/4 cup dried sage
2 Tbs. oatmeal
Rosemary relieves mental fatigue. Sage treats loss of concentration. Oatmeal softens the water. Oatmeal softens the water.
Stimulating Blend
1/4 cup dried basil
1/4 cup dried eucalyptus
1/4 cup dried peppermint
Basil regenerates mental powers. Eucalyptus treats lack of concentration. Peppermint alleviates mental fatigue and lack of concentration, and revitalizes.
Citrus Tonic
1/4 cup grated lemon peel
1/4 cup grated orange peel
1 Tbs. dried parsley
1 Tbs. dried comfrey
Lemon treats lethargy. Orange fights depression and anxiety. Parsley stimulates.Comfrey is a mild antiseptic.
Relaxing Infusion
1 Tbs. dried peppermint
1 Tbs. dried lavender buds
1 Tbs. dried eucalyptus leaves
1 Tbs. dried chamomile flowers
Peppermint alleviates mental fatigue and lack of concentration, it revitalizes. Lavender relaxes, sooths, promotes rest and sleep, and restores balance to the body systems. Eucalyptus treats lack of concentration, and helps you to breath deeply. Chamomile calms you and helps to tone the skin.
**Please make sure to read the Disclaimer tab at the top of this page**
Teaching Tuesdays - Soaking in Info About Bathing
While bathing is a common occurrence, something that you have been doing since you were a baby, I will bet that there are things that you still do not know about bathing. Things that can help you to maximize the healing potential of your bathing!
For instance, did you know that the best time to take a bath was on an empty stomach? Or that you should you should drink plenty of water or herbal tea after a bath to replenish body fluids? And, if you experience light-headedness when bathing in hot water, add some salt to your bathwater and it will alleviate your discomfort.
Morning baths are primarily for relieving physical fatigue, stimulating the body, and eliminating toxins. They should be tonics and the ideal temperature [for a morning bath] is around 96.8 F/36 degrees C.
Baths intended to sooth muscles or joints after intense physical exertion or after an extremely stressful afternoon should be between 104 and 107 degrees F (40-42 degrees C).
Evening baths are meant to be relaxing, stress releasing, and in preparation for sleep. These baths should be between 98.6 and 102 degrees F (37-39 degrees C).
And after a bath you should always apply moisturizer after bathing, while the skin is still moist and warm. This allows the lotion to better penetrate the outer layer of the skin, giving you more protection.
For those special needs or just as a treat, try an aromatic herbal bath. The ceremony of bathing in herbs has become a daily rite in many cultures, as they mark a return to the source for the body and the spirit. Depending upon the blend, herbal baths can be detoxifying and aromatic, intensely physically relaxing, and even spiritually soothing.
The particular herb used, or the combination of herbs, is dependent upon what effects are desired. Do you want to soothe the skin, promote sleep, stimulate circulation, relieve muscle aches and pains, or simply enjoy an aromatic experience? Whatever the effect you are striving for, the concept remains same; you'll be drinking in the aroma while soaking in a giant cup of herbal tea!
To brew an herbal bath you can either;
-Toss several herbal tea bags (yes, the kind you drink, try some chamomile) directly into bath water. This is the easiest method.
-Fill a piece of cheesecloth or a muslin cloth or bag with herbs, then tie shut. Toss the bag into the tub, or hang it from the facet so that the water runs through it as it fills the tub. This is the better method for a therapeutic experience, and is the method that I will be giving recipes for in my next post!
For instance, did you know that the best time to take a bath was on an empty stomach? Or that you should you should drink plenty of water or herbal tea after a bath to replenish body fluids? And, if you experience light-headedness when bathing in hot water, add some salt to your bathwater and it will alleviate your discomfort.
Morning baths are primarily for relieving physical fatigue, stimulating the body, and eliminating toxins. They should be tonics and the ideal temperature [for a morning bath] is around 96.8 F/36 degrees C.
Baths intended to sooth muscles or joints after intense physical exertion or after an extremely stressful afternoon should be between 104 and 107 degrees F (40-42 degrees C).
Evening baths are meant to be relaxing, stress releasing, and in preparation for sleep. These baths should be between 98.6 and 102 degrees F (37-39 degrees C).
And after a bath you should always apply moisturizer after bathing, while the skin is still moist and warm. This allows the lotion to better penetrate the outer layer of the skin, giving you more protection.
For those special needs or just as a treat, try an aromatic herbal bath. The ceremony of bathing in herbs has become a daily rite in many cultures, as they mark a return to the source for the body and the spirit. Depending upon the blend, herbal baths can be detoxifying and aromatic, intensely physically relaxing, and even spiritually soothing.
The particular herb used, or the combination of herbs, is dependent upon what effects are desired. Do you want to soothe the skin, promote sleep, stimulate circulation, relieve muscle aches and pains, or simply enjoy an aromatic experience? Whatever the effect you are striving for, the concept remains same; you'll be drinking in the aroma while soaking in a giant cup of herbal tea!
To brew an herbal bath you can either;
-Toss several herbal tea bags (yes, the kind you drink, try some chamomile) directly into bath water. This is the easiest method.
-Fill a piece of cheesecloth or a muslin cloth or bag with herbs, then tie shut. Toss the bag into the tub, or hang it from the facet so that the water runs through it as it fills the tub. This is the better method for a therapeutic experience, and is the method that I will be giving recipes for in my next post!
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