Make it Yourself Monday-Moisturizing Body Scrub

Have you seen the soap in jars that looks like whipped cream?  If you have, you know what I mean. They usually layer a couple of pretty colors together and pack it into a see through jar, and suggest that it makes a great shaving soap. Sometimes it is mixed with sugar or salt and sold as a body scrub, or even a face scrub. This whipped soap takes several months to make, as it needs months of what is called "rotting" time. Basically that just means that it need curing time. But, if you don't have the time, patience or inclination to wait that long, yet still want to try this great soap, you are in luck! Many vendors sell a whipped soap base. That means that you can make it yourself!

While the directions may vary slightly with your particular vendor, the basics are all the same. You need to put one pound of base, 1/4 to 1/2 ounce of skin safe fragrance (either essential oil(s) or fragrance oil), and 1 ounce of the oil of your choice (Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, and Olive Oil) into a bowl. Using your electric mixer, the kind with two beaters, slowly begin to mix the ingredients. Keep on low until the mixture is smooth. When you have it blended together, turn your beaters to high and mix until it is fluffy. Don't go overboard with the mixing though, or you will cause it to flop, much like when you are baking and someone slams the door, causing your cake to fall in. Generally speaking, you are looking to double the size of your batch. Once you are at the right fluffiness, you can split the batch into two if you want to do two different colors. Add in your colorant and gently stir it. Basically you are folding in this ingredient so that you don't collapse the fluff. Most people use mica to color, but your vendor will likely tell you what choices you have and what they feel is best. Food coloring is not appropriate. Now is also the time to add in the exfolliant, 1/2 to 1 pound of sugar or salt, whichever you like best. Again, you want to fold it in so that you don't collapse the fluff. When the sugar or salt is blended in, you are ready to package it. You can just use a spoon and layer it into jars, or you can get a little fancy and pipe it in with a pastry bag. To do this, just grab two plastic storage bags (freezer bags work best) and spoon each colored mixture into one bag. Seal the top of the bags and push all the whipped soap down into one corner. Cut the corner of the bag and use it just like a real pastry bag, alternating layers of the whipped colors until your jars are full. Make sure that you press the tip of the bag around the sides of the jar so that you get nice, clean layers. Since this can be so pretty, I suggest using clear jars. But if you don't really care about how it looks, only in its use and feel, then you can skip the coloring part of this and store it in any colored jar that you want. In order to make using it easy though, you probably will want to use a wide mouth jar.

This is really a very easy and very fun project for an afternoon. There are just a few things to remember in order to ensure that you are successful.
-Aside from not over whipping, you need to make sure that you do not add in too much oil or too much fragrance. The vendor should provide the maximum percentage of additives, as well as the ideal amount.
-Not every fragrance/essential oil is safe for use on the body. Be sure that what you want to use is appropriate for use on the body, and that you know/check the maximum skin safe amount for use in this type of soap. Understand that the maximum skin safe amount and the maximum amount of fragrance load that the base can accept, are likely different amounts. You must comply with both in order to be safe and to have a successful batch. If you are not sure about your fragrance choice, check with the vendor. They should be able to tell you if your choice is skin safe, and how much you can use in various types of products.
-Once you get the fluff, you need to stop and prepare to package. If you over-fluff and your batch collapses, you cannot re-fluff. So, while it may be fun watching it rise out of the bowl, don't get carried away with yourself! Lol Stopping and starting is not good either.
-You need to use an electric mixer to make this, a hand mixer just won't get enough air into the batch, and air is what "whips" it up. Once you start on the high setting it should only take a couple of minutes to incorporate enough air to double the batch size.
-If you don't want to make a scrub, you may want to add in (fold it in) about two tablespoons of kaolin clay to make some shaving soap. Shaving soap isn't just for men either, this feels great on the legs of women, and moisturizes the skin quite nicely!
-Of course you don't have to add clay either, whipped soap is wonderful to use in and of itself. Just remember that you don't want to get water into the jar, use wet fingers, or store where moisture may get into it, as this recipe doesn't contain a preservative. As long as there isn't any water in the product you don't need a preservative, but if water is introduced, it won't take long for microbes to begin growing nasty things. So use a scoop, store in an airtight container, and keep away from the tub/sink area.

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!

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.

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