Relaxing the Body, Cleansing the Skin

For several months, I had been searching for ways to keep my skin soft and free of toxins, which is no easy task depending upon one's skin type. I've always been sensitive to over-the-counter skincare products ever since I was a child. I was diagnosed as a child with eczema; my mother had to use a prescription lotion for my skin on a nightly basis. Fortunately, eczema isn't the problem it used to be for me, however, I am still avid when it comes to keeping my skin clean and soft.

One evening while looking through my essential oils and herbs, I decided to try a few things out to see what would help my skin feel its very best. By this time, I was already implementing sea salt baths, essential oil baths, and essential oil steams. I knew there were many sea salt scrubs on the market, however, I didn't want to risk exposing my skin to chemicals that could possibly recreate another skin condition.

Next thing I know I'd put together a nice sea salt scrub using the natural ingredients I had available at home. The items used in the recipe listed below can all be found at your local herbal and natural food shops.

Recipe:

1 cup sea salt (finely ground)

1 tablespoon castor oil

5-10 drops of eucalyptus oil

5-10 drops of peppermint oil

1 teaspoon of chamomile flower herb (or a few drops of chamomile oil)

1 teaspoon of lavender flower herb (or a few drops of lavender oil)

Instructions: Mix all the ingredients together with a fork to keep the salt smooth and not clumpy. This mixture stores very well and for a good length of time in a plastic airtight container. Do not store in heated areas. I keep my container of the sea salt scrub in the bathroom in the medicine cabinet or on a shelf for easy access for baths. Take a generous amount and rub it all over your body or the area that you feel needs it the most. Let it sit on your body for 10-15 minutes, run a nice warm bath with no additives in the water, and soak for 20 minutes.

As you can see in the ingredients, all of them provide something unique and much-needed for one's skin. Castor oil is best known for softening the skin. Although, sea salt is used for cooking; it is excellent for detoxifying the skin. Eucalyptus and peppermint are very refreshing scents to use that provide a cool feeling to the skin. The chamomile and lavender herbs are used for their calming properties.

This wonderful scrub can be used as often as you wish. However, please keep in mind that individual results do vary depending upon any skin conditions already diagnosed and overall sensitivity to the individual ingredients. Use with care. If you notice any reactions to the ingredients other than satisfactory, please discontinue use immediately. This sea salt scrub is not intended as a cure-all method and should not be used to replace any professional medical treatment provided.