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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

A Soothing soak

Happy hump day to you!  I wanted to share a recipe for bath salts I made last week that turned out pretty great, if I do say so myself.  Over the past 5 years I have suffered from eczema.  Especially on my hands and I also get "hot spots" on my legs.  I would say mine is moderate, but it is painful none the less.   I notice it more of course in the winter, and when the days go from cold to hot or vice versa really quickly.  I wanted to make something that would soothe my skin, but also smelled good.   This mixture definitely did the trick.  I think it would work great for sensitive skin, or if you just want a relaxing soak.
                                        


I don't really measure when I make something new (helpful right?) but I think you could take these ingredients and mix in what you feel is right for you.  So these are really just roundabout measurements.

2-21/2 cups epsom salt
2 cups organic oats
handful of lavender, chamomile, and calendula flowers.
chamomile oil
sweet orange oil
lavender oil
Rosehip seed oil

I took the lavender, chamomile, and calendula and put them in my mini food processor and gave them a quick chop.  I like to leave mine a little on the  thicker, but I think next time I would even grind them a little more.   Dump in a large bowl and add all ingredients.   Mix well and then add essential oils.  I used about 10 drops of each oil.



This made quite a bit, I filled a 20 oz mason jar full, and also gave some to friends to try out.  I would say it made about 25-30 oz total.   I want to open an herbal shop in the future, and I like to use my friends as guinea pigs.  (Thanks Juli-I love you!)

I add about 2-4 oz to the bath depending on how strong I want it.  Just remember any time you are bathing with epsom salts, you want to drink a lot of water before and after your bath.  Those salts suck a lot of toxins out and if you are not careful can dehydrate you.  Also, don't soak for longer than 20 minutes.  Let me know if any of you gorgeous ladies out there try this, I would love to hear what you think.  



11 comments:

  1. looks amazing Hollie, I also use chickweed for eczema as my boy has it from time to time. I just found a whole heap of chickweed along the river bank today, or rather my girl did, so drying some in preparation for when it is next needed :) x

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    1. I would love to find some chickweed growing, how wonderful your little discovered it!

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  2. Thanks for sharing this, Hollie! I've had a patch of drive-me-crazy eczema on my left hand for months, and I'm looking for ways to help alleviate it.

    Totally had a too-long epsom salt soak last night - got a little engrossed drawing in my art journal (I'm totally one of those people that writes/draws in the tub, ha!). Remembered after about the epsom salts, oopsy!

    Megan

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    1. Megan, I have a wonderful recipe for an eczema salve, that has changed my life. Seriously, it works awesome. I'll post the recipe soon, or if you want it sooner let me know.

      I do the same thing in the tub, except for me it is usually a book!

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  3. i didn't know that epsom salts can dehydrate you. that's very interesting! how many times a week would you recommend taking an epsom salt bath?

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    1. I have read that it is safe to do it as much as you want, just as far as you are hydrating and staying in no longer than the 20 minutes.

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  4. Love this post! I want to try it but, maybe this is dumb question.... Where can I buy Lavander or Chamomille? Or even the oils?? Do you have a particular place? I am kind of far from the city, helpppppp!!!
    Alicia

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  5. I am here to help! Most local health food stores will usually carry at least the essential oils you need. Chamomile oil is not as easy to find as the lavender and sweet orange oil. As far as the herbs go some will also be found usually in bulk at the health food store. If you can't find what you need, my two favorite places to order from are: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/ and http://www.bulkapothecary.com/. I hope that helps!!

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  6. I need this! I have acne, and I have horrible prickly heat (heat rash.) If I am nervous, or if the weather is hot, etc. I get hives. I must try this. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. I think this would be great for you Angie, chamomile and oats are so soothing. Even if you can't get your hands on all the ingredients, just a straight oatmeal bath can really help with prickly heat.

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  7. THANK YOU! I am so grateful I get to be your guinea pig. And this recipe... my favorite so far! Although I don't suffer from eczema, this recipe made my skin feel incredible. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

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