Natural Bodycare From Your Cupboard by Maggie Julseth Howe

Natural Bodycare From Your Cupboard

Why is natural bodycare important? Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It acts as our protector, and filter from the pollutants of the outside world. At the same time it allows us to absorb things into our body – for better or for worse. Think of some medications/treatments that are absorbed by your skin (the nicotine patch, or birth control patch are two common examples) and we begin to see why we should pay attention to the soaps, lotions and powders we slather on our skin every single day.

We tend to forget that the things we put on our body have direct, lasting impacts on our health. Read the ingredient label on your favorite conditioner or hand cleanser and then compare to the simple ingredients listed below. Honey, grains, oils, salt, flowers and herbs – these are some common, natural ingredients that can replace the artificial cleansers and moisturizers we all use. Creating our own bodycare products is more economical, wastes less packaging and transportation resources, and gives us a better healthier, higher-quality end result to boot!

Oatmeal and Honey Bath Soak

2 cups mineral salts (Epsom salts), sea salt, or plain cooking salt

1/2 cup dried oatmeal, any kind

2 tbsp. honey

2 tbsp. vegetable oil (any kind)

Optional: Cinnamon powder, vanilla or almond extract

In a bowl, combine the salts with 1/2-cup dried milk powder. Grind the oats into a fine powder, using a blender, food processor or coffee grinder. Add to salt/milk mixture, along with the honey and oil. Mix thoroughly - it's a bit difficult to mix the honey in - you can use your (clean) hands to make the task easier if you like. Add powdered cinnamon for scent, color and herbal benefits (cinnamon is invigorating and warming, excellent for tired feet and muscles). You can also add vanilla or almond extracts at this point, if you like, for a lovely fragrance. To use: Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup to a warm bath. Soak, and relax. This is an excellent soak anytime but is especially useful for any rashes, skin irritations or sunburns.

Oatmeal is soothing to skin, especially dry, irritated or sensitive skin. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it attracts moisture to the skin, while soothing it. Salts are purifying, and help relax muscles and soothe aches and sprains. Packaged in a recycled jar, this makes an excellent homemade gift idea.

Lively Lemon Salt Scrub

1 cup salt, sea or regular

The juice and grated zest of one lemon

¾ cup vegetable oil, any kind will do

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Keep by the kitchen sink for a wonderfully effective hand scrub that removes unpleasant odors. It’s also effective for removing grease and oil from hardworking hands. Or, take to the tub or shower and use as an all over body cleanser, exfoliator and moisturizer in one. (Over time, the salt will sink to the bottom of the jar. Simply give a good stir or shake and the scrub is ready to use again). Salt is cleansing and purifying, the oil is moisturizing, and citrus juice and essential oil (in the rind) is invigorating and uplifting, as well as antibacterial! Makes a fabulous foot scrub/soak also. Salt scrubs are an excellent alternative for those who have sensitivities to soaps and other cleansers, or for people who suffer from dry skin or excema.

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BIO:

Maggie Julseth Howe co-owns a 2 acre herb farm and shop in central Iowa. You can visit her website online at www.prairielandherbs.com.

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