Make it Yourself Monday- Body Scrubs

Body Scrubs are not just great for removing dead skin cells, but they also help promote circulation as they invigorate and rejuvenate the skin. The abrasive action that occurs when the scrubbing agent meets the skin, removes the dead skin cells and open the pores. The various oils that are added to scrubs offer nourishment for the skin as they moisturizing it.

Any carrier oil will work in any scrub recipe, so feel free to change out according to what you have in the cabinet. You should, however, study the oils enough to know which ones will work best for your skin type. You may want to review some of the past posts on carrier oils to refresh your memory.

Many things make good exfoliation agents. You can use salt, corn meal, almond meal, ground walnut shells, jojoba spheres, bamboo powder, apricot seed powder, sesame seeds, and on and on. You will want to do a test with your "scrubbing" agent though, especially if you are unfamiliar with it. You may be surprised at how rough a powder feels when they are used in a scrub. Once you become accustomed to performing routine exfoliation your skin will roughen up a bit and you will be able to exfoliate longer, harder, and with agents that you cannot tolerate when you first begin.

To make Ginger Lime Salt Scrub, you will need;
1/2 cup of sea salts (fine or small)
1/2 cup grapeseed oil (or sub as desired)
1/4 cup fresh ginger root
3-5 drops lime essential oil

To begin with, pulverize the fresh ginger (find this in the grocery store produce section) in a blender. Then mix the salt and the ginger together in a bowl. Make sure that you don't use any copper, aluminum, cast iron or teflon coated bowls or utensils. You don't want any chemical reactions while you are mixing.
When it is well mixed and appears to be a consistent blend, add the grapeseed oil, or whatever you are substituting. Once that is mixed well, add the essential oil. If you want, you can drop the lime EO to 3 drops and bolster with 2-3 drops of ginger EO. Once mixed well, place into an airtight container. Some prefer glass jars, but you can use a PET jar with a tight fitting lid and not have to worry about dropping it!   To use it, just scoop out a small amount, place it on your palm, and begin rubbing gently, in a circular pattern, over your skin. Make sure that you apply gentle, even pressure. You can do your hands, feet, heels, elbows and any rough patches of skin, anywhere else. Just don't use on skin that is cut, infected, or irritated, or you will be sorry!  Once you are finished, rinse off thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. While the oil in the recipe will give you some moisturizing, it is possible that you will need extra conditioning. If that is the case, apply lotion, cream, butter, oil, or whatever you use when you are finished exfoliating.

Remember that you need to begin slowly, you don't want to exert too much force, or rub too long. You do not want to tear or abrade the skin the skin, you just want to clean it. Then, as your skin becomes accustom to the treatment, you will be able to increase the amount of time that you spend performing the treatment, as well as the amount of pressure or force that is applied doing the treatment.

Since there is not any preservative in this recipe, make sure that you use a scoop or spoon to get the product out of the jar and then recap immediately. Never use your fingers to scoop out the product, as this could introduce microbes and contaminate the entire jar.  Do not store or use the open jar anywhere near water. Water, even a small drop, can seriously contaminate your product in a very short period of time. So take extra care to prevent this possibility from occurring.


You can make all sorts of scrubs, just use your nose and your imagination to blend what you like!
Use 3 cups of sea salts  (fine) and whatever oil or oils you want. Try mixing 1/2 cup of olive oil with 1/2 cup of sweet almond oil. When it's well blended, add in your EO (s). Try 2-3 drops of  tea tree essential oil, 2-3 drops of Siberian fir essential oil, 4-5 drops of rosemary essential oil, and 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil. OR any combination you can think of. Try a new one every day!

Body Scrub for Sun Damaged Skin

Summer is coming to its end. We love the idea of the sun soaked days but by this time of the year we can see the toll those days have had on our skin! Here is a recipe to rid our bodies of those uneven tan lines and fade sun spots and help improve sun damaged.

Yogurt Body Bliss • 1/4 cup rolled oats, ground fine • 1/4 cup organic corn meal (blue is my favorite, it’s a pretty purple color) • 1/2 cup full fat yogurt • 1 Tbs sweet almond oil • 1 Tbs honey • 8 drops lavender eo • 3 drops palmarosa eo • 2 drops geranium eo • 2 chamomile eo Grind oats into a fine powder and mix with corn meal in a glass bowl. Stir in wet ingredients and essential oils. To use Rinse skin with warm water. Turn off water and use scrub all over body making sure to get the few ignored parts~ feet, hands, and armpits! Yes armpits need some love too! Leave on skin for a few minutes. The key ingredient in this body scrub is the full fat yogurt. Yogurt is high in Lactic acid, which is a natural chemical exfoliator.

More Rubs, More Scrubs

As you have probably figured out by now, you can use a great many different kitchen and grocery products in your health and beauty regimen. Oatmeal, sugar, ground nuts, and ground citrus peel all make gently abrasive ingredients for scrubs. Experiment to see which feels best for you and which best suits your skin type. When in doubt go with oatmeal, as it is very gentle and helps to soften the skin while gently and lightly abrading, as well as being an agent that helps to reduce itching. As for the carrier oils, which you use can depend upon availability (just about everyone keeps olive oil in the kitchen) or you can go with one that is perfect for your skin type and/or need.

OILS

Apricot kernal oil rehydrates the skin and is great for facial scrubs or massages. It restores the skin's glow and softens the skin. It is a light oil and is great for mixing with heavier oils. Avocado oil is great for very dry skin. Even though it is very heavy, it is easily absorbed into the skin, so use this if you have skin that has a hard time accepting oils. This oil is very nourishing, but the shelf life is short. Hazelnut oil is easily absorbed by the skin and is great for those with oily skin. Jojoba oil is on the expensive side, but it is very similar to the oil our own skin produces so it is easily absorbed. Another plus is that it naturally contains vitamin E, which helps to preserve it and give it a longer shelf life than many other oils. Olive oil (extra virgin) is very heavy so you may choose to mix it with a lighter oil. It is disinfecting and healing, and it is great for chapped, dry skin. Safflower oil is light and very easily absorbed by the skin. Sunflower oil is a fairly light oil. It helps the skin to maintain its natural level of moisture while softening it. Sweet almond oil is a mid weight oil and a great all purpose oil. It can be used by all skin types and it relieves itchiness.

CREAMY FACIAL

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/8 cup honey

4 Tbs. powdered milk

2 drops rosemary EO

Heat the honey, remove from heat, then add in the mayo, powdered milk and rosemary essential oil. Stir well. When cool enough apply to face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes then rinse off with tepid water and pat skin dry. This must be used when and as it is made.

CORNMEAL FACE SCRUB

5 drops Pink Grapefruit EO 5 drops Patchouli EO 5 drops Lavender EO 1/4 cup cornmeal 1/4 cup plain yogurt Mix ingredients together and refrigerate for a couple of hours before using. Store any unused portions in the refrigerator.

GINGER BODY SCRUB

2 drops Ginger EO 4 drops Peppermint EO 3 drops Rosemary EO 1/3 Cup your choice of a Carrier Oil (like sweet almond oil) 1/4 Cup Cornmeal 1/4 Cup Dead Sea or European Spa salts Mix the salt and the cornmeal together. Warm the carrier oil, mix in the essential oils, then mix all with dry ingredients. Use this in the shower or standing in the tub, but be cautious to not slip in the oil. Apply in circular motions, working from the extremities inward, working towards the center of the body and the heart. Rinse with warm water, then pat dry. This, as with most scrubs, is best used in the mornings because of its invigorating effects.

Rub a Dub Dub, You Can Scrub..in the shower

Orange Zest Body Scrub

1/2 cup Sugar (white or brown) 1/4 cup Honey 1/2 cup unscented bath salt, either Dead Sea or European 1/2 cup Epson Salts 1/2 cup Coarse Sea Salt OR increase the Dead Sea or European Salts above, or mix to make 1 C 1/2 cup orange zest powder

10ml Orange (Sweet) EO 2 Tbs. Grape Seed Oil 2 Tbs. Jojoba Carrier Oil 1/4 cup Shea Butter This scrub has a fresh, clean, orange scent that will uplift your senses as it leaves your skin moisturized, soft and silky.

Warm the Grape Seed and Jojoba oils over a very low flame, slowly, being careful to not burn the oil. Once warm, add the shea butter. When the shea butter begins to melt, remove the mixture from the stove. Stir well and allow the mixture to cool, but not harden. Then add the other ingredients one at a time, in the order shown. Be sure to add the add the essential oil last, and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Then put the mixture into plastic containers and place in the refrigerator to cool completely and harden. The oils will rise to the top and form a soft butter. The other ingredients will settle on the bottom. When it is completely cooled you can scoop it out by the handful to use (make sure you reach to the bottom to get the scrub ingredients, not just the oil). Massage it into your skin from head to toe. This scrub contains a lot of oil, which makes the tub slippery, so be careful not to slip. If you wish, you can place a towel in the tub to help prevent slipping. Happy scrubbing!!!! The shelf life of this product is pretty long even without a preservative because of the honey, essential oil and salt, but be sure not to get any water into it as you use it, or you'll risk bacterial growth. As always, use the freshest oils possible for best results!

Honey Lemon Sugar Scrub

4 tsp lemon juice 4 drops Lemon EO 4Tbs. honey 1/2 cup Sweet Almond Oil 2 1/2 cups Sugar Combine the sugar and sweet almond oil in a large bowl and stir well to combine. Add the lemon juice and stir again. Finally, add the honey and lemon essential oil and stir again to mix. You should have a grainy paste. To use, stand naked in a tub or shower and scoop the scrub using your palms. Begin massaging body, extremities first, in circular motions to exfoliate and cleanse.This mixture is oily and so you will have to be especially careful that you do not slip in the tub! After you're finished, you can cleanse with soap or bath gel as usual if you'd like to remove some of the excess oil from your skin ... which should feel polished and luxuriant after your treatment! You can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, but allow it sit before use until it reaches room temperature, then stir well to mix before using. It should last a few weeks if you use fresh ingredients and store it in an airtight container.

Gingerbread Body Scrub

1 tsp cocoa powder 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 drops Ginger EO 1 Tbs. Jojoba Oil 1 tsp freshly grated ginger Measure all of the ingredients into a bowl and mix well. To use in the shower, scoop up some of the scrub and rub it in circular motions all over your body. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry. This scrub really smells great!

Scrub a Dub Dub Take Time To Do A Body Rub!

When visiting any Spa, the integral part of the treatment will be some type of exfoliation. While the techniques may vary, the purpose of exfoliation is always the same. First of all it serves to rid the skin's surface of dirt and oil as it rubs off the outermost layer of dead skin cells. The removal of this layer of dead cells enables the skin to more easily and effectively absorb or react to any products used after the exfoliation process. Therefore the second purpose of exfoliation is that it actually prepares the skin for other, subsequent treatments. It is very important to remember that body scrubbing is NOT facial scrubbing. You need to have appropriate tools for the job, such as; a sisal mitt, a loofah sponge, a stiff, natural bristle brush, and/or an abrasive sponge, a pumice stone and a towel are good to have also. The pumice stone is great for the bottoms of the feet, but not a necessity. Whichever tools you choose to use, make sure that you use your scrubber in a circular motion, beginning at the feet , moving to the legs, the working the hands, arms, shoulders, then down the back and up the torso toward the heart. Apply firm, even pressure but do not apply so much that you irritate or "burn" the skin. As you incorporate a full body rub into your daily beauty regimen (it really should be done daily five minutes is all that you need if done consistently) your skin will build a tolerance to the rubbing and you will be able to apply more pressure, offering a more vigorous scrub. When you are brand new to body rubs, you have to begin by being more gentle in order to avoid abrading the skin. Body scrubbing helps to stimulate and circulate the lymph fluids, which then help to eliminate the body's toxins. A cool water rinse after the body scrub will further help with blood circulation. After the rinse, pat dry and moisturize if you are not performing another type of treatment. Do not skip moisturizing! As previously stated, after the exfoliation the skin will more readily drink in the moisturizer, making it much more effective at this time than any other. Since exfoliation is very energizing and revitalizing, it is a treatment that is really best suited to a morning regimen. As with most recipes for body treatments, the ingredients are dependant upon your needs. You will need an abrasive ingredient along with one that will make it easy to apply to the skin. The various oils used should be chosen according to your skin type and any essential oils used should be chosen to maximize the effects that you desire. You can review what the essential oils are used for by reading the archives. All essential oils are listed alphabetically during 10/08 and 11/08. The next post will review potential choices for the abrasive ingredient in recipes, as well as the various carrier oil choices, along with a few more recipes. Meanwhile, you can find some recipes in the archives for 8/16/08.

Name that Treatment!

What's in a name? A.K.A., more terms to know so you're in the know!

So far we have discussed various massage techniques, exercise programs, and treatments that benefit the mind and/or the spirit. Today we will cover miscellaneous definitions and treatments, as well as water tretaments. Together with the previous two posts (http://uniquegardenessences.blogspot.com/2009/02/whats-that-touch.html and http://uniquegardenessences.blogspot.com/2009/03/little-mind-body-and-soul.html) these posts will provide you with the basic information necessary to allow you to choose treatments that best address your specific needs. Of course not all treatments are appropriate at all times. For instance, you certainly would not want an invigorating treatment just prior to bed, or an extreme relaxation one prior to having to report to work. Armed with the basic information provided here, you'll know what the descriotive words of treatments mean so you can pick and choose the treatments that you need or those that interest you more easily.

Spa Therapy and Treatment Vocabulary Words

adaptogen- a substance that stimulates the body's immune mechanism and helps it adapt to a new stresser. alterative- something that restores the normal functions of a body organ or system, it promotes healing. analgesic- a pain reliever antifungal- a substance that clears and counters fungal infections. antioxidant- a substance that prevents other substances, such as fat, from binding with oxygen, thereby slowing the deterioration process. aromatherapy- the art of using essential oils, derived from roots, flowers, leaves, fruits, herbs, and woods, to alter both mental and physical status/conditions. These essences can be used for various treatments including body massage, inhalation therapy, and water therapy. astringent- constricts tissue to cut off the flow of fluids or blood, thus giving skin a smoother and firmer texture and appearance. carrier oils- aromatherapy oils are so concentrated that they should rarely be used more than a few drops at a time, and they should always be in a diluted base. Oils such as sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, and jojoba oil [as well as others] are used as the base to hold these essential oils, and are therefore called "carrier oils" . compress- a cloth soaked in a herbal infusion, then applied to an area of skin that is painful or tired. The compress can be either hot or cold, and the various herbs determine what affects the compress has on the body part. (most relieve irritation or fatigue). decoction- a solution made by simmering roots, barks, or the woody parts of plants in water to extract the active ingredients. The infusion is then strained prior to use. detoxification- a process that facilitates or speeds the elimination of toxins from the body, and increases circulation in the process. Most often heat, water and herbs are used. Detoxification therapies include steam, sauna, inhalation therapy, and whirlpool bathes. diaphoretic- a substance that induces perspiration. diuretic- a substance that increases the release and elimination of toxins, generally through elimination. emollient- a substance that smooths and softens essential oils- concentrated oils that are derived from roots, flowers, leaves, fruits, herbs, and woods. These essences are used to treat various maladies and induce . exfoliation- a treatment thats purpose is to scour dead skin cells from the body. holistic health- a philosophy that seeks balance and harmony. A life-style where well-being is promoted by balancing emotional, spiritual, and physical health, holistic health deals with the root of problems not simply the manifestations of those problems (symptoms of illness). homeopathy- a form of medicine in which patients are treated with small quantities of natural substances meant to trigger symptoms like those that are in need of being cured, by this the body is encouraged to heal itself. humecant- a substance that promotes moisture retention. hydroculator- a pre-made, clay-filled compress. infused oil- an aromatic infusion of herbs into oil, which is applied externally or used in salves, lotions, or creams. inhalation room- a room where steam is mixed with eucalyptus. Breathing the infused steam is meant to decongest the respiratory system. iridology- a method of detecting the condition of body organs by reading markings in the iris of the eye. mud bath- the body is coated with organic, thermal mud to release tension and nourish the skin with minerals. naturopathy- natural healing prescriptions that use plants and flowers. peliotherapy- the therapeutic use of muds. peloids- a generic term for muds. percussion- a massage term for the gentle, rhythmical taps on the body (like a light karate chop) to awaken the body and increase its vitality. petrissage- a massage term for deep circular movements of the fingertips or thumbs on a particular muscle. phytotherapy- a generic term for treatments through mud packs, baths, massages, or inhalation using herbs, plant oils, or extracts. poultice- a plant or herb compress used to relieve pain , swelling, or irritation. The plant or herb itself is applied directly to the affected area, then a cloth is wrapped over and around the plant or herb. regenerative- reviving or producing tissue growth. rubefacient- any substance that causes redness of the skin. salve- an herbal ointment that is not water based and does not blend with the skin, but forms a protective layer over it. It is used to protect, nourish or treat injured and/or sensitive skin. thalassotherapy- water-based treatments utilizing seawater, seaweed, algae and/or mud to rejuvinate, cleanse, energize, and nourish. The treatments improve circulation, detoxify and revitalize the body. tincture- an infusion where an herb or a mixtire of herbs are steeped in alcohol, glycerine, or vinegar and water. tonic- a substance that fortifies the body when taken over a period of time and balances the "qi", what the Chinese call the viatal force of life.

Therapy and Treatments Descriptions

cold plunge- a deep pool of water where the temperature is kept to 60 degrees F/ 15.5 C or below. It is usually utilized after a steamy, hot shower. A quick plunge in this cold pool will instantly invigorate. crystal healing- a healing energy generated by quartz or other minerals. deep sea mud treatment- a mineral rich mud that is imported from the Dead Sea and applied to the body to cleanse pores and relax muscles. This mud is especially high in calcium, magnesium chloride, and potassium chloride and will ease arthritic and rheumatic pain. dulse scrub- In order to remove dead skin while enriching the skin with vitamins and minerals, the body is scrubbed with a mixture of powdered dulse seaweed and either oil or water. facial- a deep-cleansing treatment of the face, neck, and shoulder. fango therapy, sometimes called parafango, is the mixture of hot paraffin wax mixed with natural volcanic ash that is spread over the entire body, or affected parts, to promote joint and/or muscle mobility, relaxation, and alleviate the aches and pains of illness or injury. flotation tank- a tank filled with mineral-enriched water. Floating in darkness in this tank is supposed to promote relaxation by clearing the senses. Also known as a sensory deprivation tank. haysack wrap- a body detoxification treatment that utilizes steamed hay. herbal wrap- the body is wrapped in sheets that have been soaked in a heated herbal solution, then covered in plastic blankets or sheets. The generated heat eliminates impurities from the skin and enhances muscle relaxation. hydrotherapy- water treatments such as underwater massage, hot and cold showers, mineral baths and jet sprays for example. Hydrotherapy assists in the healing process of almost any ailment, and this type of therapy, which is one of the oldest methods known to man, provides stimulation and relaxation at the same time. iodine-brine therapy- a treatment that utilizes bathing in water that is rich in iodine and salt to speed the recuperation and convalescence process. Kneipp system- treatments that combine hydrotherapy with herbal preparationsand a diet of natural foods. Laciol manicure- a treatment where hands are soaked in a dish of milk or warm moisturizing cream to sooth and smooth the skin. loofah scrub- a full body scrub with a loofah sponge and sea salt, usually mixed with a warm oil (often avocado or sweet almond). Its purpose is to exfoliate the skin and stimulate circulation. moor mud pack- a healing treatment that is prepared with nutrient rich muds from the bottom of inland spa lakes. Its purpose is to improve cell regeneration, stimulate lymph glands, and balance hormones. paraffin treatments- covering the hands, feet or entire body with hot paraffin wax, a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and then covering with plastic wrap. The wax is peeled off after it hardens, leaving the skin smooth . Ingredients in the wax moisturize the skin as they increase mobility in the joints and muscles. repechage- facial or full-bodied cleansing or moisturizing treatment using mud or clay and herbs and/or seaweed. Roman bath- a heated seawater jacuzzi with jets and benches for seated bathing. Roman chair- an exercise machine specifically intended to strengthen back muscles. salt glow scrub- a mixture of coarse salt and aromatic oils that is rubbed all over the body to help remove drying, dead skin, while improving circulation. sauna- dry heat used to open the pores and encourage the sweating out of impurities. Scotch Hose- a treatment that utilizes a high powered water spray to invigorate, energize, and/or cleanse. The water can be either hot or cold, freshwater or seawater. sweat lodge- a Native American spiritual purification ceremony. Swiss shower- a shower where powerful jets are aimed at different body parts to create an invigorating massage. Vichey shower- an eregizing treatment where water jets are set at varying temperatures and pressures.

.

ERIN GO BRAGH !

On this wearin' of the green day, and being of almost full fledged Irish decent [Great, great Grandma was a full blooded American Indian], I'd like to say, Eire go brach, which is Gaelic for "Ireland until the end of time" (or Eirinn go brath, which is "Ireland Forever")! The term Erin go braugh! is the Anglicized version. Any way ya say it, Top of the morning and a Happy St. Patrick's Day to ye! LOL, I have been out all afternoon celebrating St. Patty's Day! Upon returning home I found that I never finished and published this post! Oops and sorry! I do not, however, want to wait another year, so here ye are. I hope your day was blessed with the luck of the Irish! In keeping with the green theme, try these! The oatmeal in the following recipe is very rich in vitamin E, and is well known for its anti-itch, anti-inflammatory, and skin soothing properties. Almonds are a natural emollient and, when ground, make an excellent exfoliant. The almond, oatmeal mixture is great for irritated, tired, dry skin. The avocado pulp, which contains vitamins A, D, and E, possesses collagen rebuilding properties. In order to avoid clogging your drains, use a small pouch or make a muslin bag to hold the oatmeal and almonds. Ideally, the pouch/bag should be large enough to fit your hand into, so that you can use it as a mitt to rub the avocado on your body. Alternatively, you could use a bath glove, but the pouch will afford you more room. AVOCADO ALMOND BODY SCRUB 1/2 cup almonds 1 cup dry oatmeal 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and mashed Grind the almonds in a blender or coffee grinder until course, don't make too fine! Then mix the almonds with the oatmeal and place into a muslin mitt or a glove. Scoop the avocado and rub on your body with the mitt. Rinse with warm water, pat dry and moisturize. Then save the pitt to use as a natural massage tool ! AVOCADO CARROT CREAM MASK 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 carrot, cooked and mashed 3 Tbs. honey Combine the ingredients in a bowl and spread over your face and neck. Relax for 15 minutes, rinse with cool water, then pat dry. Remember that the thicker you make the mask paste, the more intense the action on your skin will be. The carrots are high in beta-carotene and anti-oxidant vitamins, the cream high in protein and calcium, while the avocado is rich in vitamin E. Put them all together and this mask will improve skin texture while diminishing age spots and rebuilding skin collegen when used regularly. AVACADO HAND RUB 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted 3/4 cup oatmeal 1/4 cup almond oil 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup water Place all ingredients except water in the blender. While slowly mixing, drizzle the water into the blender until the paste has the consistency of a thick pudding. You may not need all of the water, depending upon the amount of avocado meat. Once completed, rub and massage the paste into your hand in a circular motion. Rinse off with tepid water and pat dry. For best results, use twice a week to maintain soft, smooth hands.