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The
At Home Spa
By Jennifer
Ziegler
Who doesn't dream of being pampered from head to toe? Just the thought
of being at a spa complete with seaweed wraps, mud baths, and yummy pineapple-mango
smoothies makes me sigh. Too bad we can't afford to spend a weekend
being lavished with sweet-smelling concoctions. Or can we? I say if we
can't go to the spa, let's bring the spa to us.
Start by playing something soft and soothing like Enya or Rasa and gather
some basic ingredients. Sea salt, eggs, honey, apricot kernel oil, green
clay powder, lavender, geranium, and ylang ylang essential oils are all
that's required. Are you ready? “Step into my parlor,” said
the spa therapist to the downtrodden soul.
Our hair is our crowning glory whether we like it or not so we have to
take care of it. And a honey hair mask is the special of the day. Warm
1-2 cups of honey and coat your hair. Wrap your head in a towel and let
it do its healing magic while we work on your face.
Your face is seen everywhere you go so when your skin looks dull you can't
hide it. What about an egg facial to nourish and tone the skin? Whip an
egg white (or yolk if you have dry skin), a tablespoon of honey, and a
few drops of lavender or geranium essential oil together and spread on
your face and neck. For more deep cleaning use a green mud mask. Stir
2 tablespoons green clay powder, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 5 drops geranium
essential oil until combined and slather it on.
While it's setting, let's mix up a body scrub to get rid of that
old layer of skin, shall we? Combine 1 cup fine ground sea salt or granulated
sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey, and enough apricot kernel oil to make a
thick mush. Run a hot bath with 1 cup of honey added. Strip down and rub
the salt scrub all over your body being careful to get your knees, elbows,
and heels. Feel the salt exfoliate all that dead skin.
Your skin should be good and tingly by now so hop in the tub and soak
for 20 minutes while the oil penetrates your skin. Be sure and drink something
cold like grapefruit and tangerine juice or good, old orange juice. Use
a wine glass for a touch of luxury.
When it's time, pull the plug and take a warm shower but don't
use soap. Let the water cascade over you, rinsing away the masks and dead
skin. Aaaahhh. Doesn't that feel better?
After you pat yourself dry, mix 1 tablespoon apricot kernel oil with 5
drops ylang ylang or lavender essential oil and massage it into your clean
skin. You'll probably have an oil residue left from the salt scrub
and that's okay. Just rub it in. Your skin could use the extra moisture
and vitamins anyway. Don't forget to put a dab on your face, too.
Slip into something organic, soft, and comfy like a silk gown or cotton
pajamas and finish off with a little foot rub. Really lavish them with
TLC. Your feet take a beating every day and ask for very little from you.
They deserve some attention.
For athlete's foot, mix 5 drops lavender essential oil or tea tree
if you have it with 2 teaspoons apricot kernel oil and rub all over, especially
where you have blisters and peeling skin. To heal and get the circulation
going use geranium oil instead. Make sure you really rub it in. I promise
you won't hurt them. Get between the toes, on your toenails, everywhere.
Have a pair of thin, stretchy socks nearby to slip your tootsies in when
you're done.
Once you get the hang of it, branch out into new areas. Add a few scented
candles for your bath, an assortment of wines and juices, and a few of
your favorite glasses to your home spa. Experiment with avocado, almond,
grapeseed, and other oils to see what works best. And get your hands on
some pure neroli or jasmine oil for the ultimate fragrant sensation if
you can. Make friends with your local health food store. They carry all
the products you need for whipping up some scrumptious goodies for your
whole body. They can also point you in the direction of new products and
uses you might never have thought of.
Now refill your glass and lie back to relax. Take a break from housework,
yard work, and work, period. Who says you have to go 24/7? Why not take
a spa day once a month? Your mind and body will thank you. Did I mention
it's good for the soul?
Jennifer
is an avid herbalist and has studied aromatherapy for seven years. She
enjoys painting, reading, and gardening among other things. Contact her
at: jenny@fidnet.com.
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Self-Realization
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