Whether we eat it or put it on our skin, we are ingesting it. Plain and simple. I’m a big proponent of adjusting what I put on the “inside” as it will always affect the “outside”. I also like to take care of my skin. Always have, always will. The skin is the largest organ in the body and really the housing of everything. I have included here some simple things that I PERSONALLY do and share with my clients for both the INSIDE and OUTSIDE of their bodies. Having this info easily accessible I thought was of value. A recurring theme in what I like to accomplish with MY body is reducing inflammation and keeping the system in a proper PH balance. Quite possibly the best information I can share is…and I can’t say it enough… HYDRATE!
Epsom Salts / Bath Salts
EPSOM SALT is a pure mineral compound of magnesium sulfate in crystal form, but isn’t actually salt. There are many therapeutic qualities to this compound. Epsom salt supports a magnesium deficient system by improving circulatory health, flushing toxins, healing eczema, reducing inflammation and thereby relieving muscle cramping and tension. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body, so in that respect relieves stress.
Also relieving arthritis and joint pain. BATHSALTS are filled with natural minerals that have many of the same therapeutic benefits for the system as well as helping cleanse and detoxify the body. From an energetic standpoint, a salt bath will help cleanse the toxic and negative energy from the system. Add a bit of essential oil to your bath as well. Really a lovely way to balance. www.seasalt.com
Morning Lemon Detox
A nice beverage to have first thing in the morning whenever you feel like a lift. It stimulates your metabolism! This is a liver cleanser and a really delicious drink. Also, if your liver is healthy…your skin is healthy. Just an extra added bonus!
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/3-1/2 juice of a lemon
- 1 TBLSP apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 TSP honey
Apple Cider Vinegar
For the benefits of your digestive system and beyond, ACV naturally balances your body’s pH and blood sugar. It has many enzymes and acts as a probiotic improving gut health. It also aids in detoxing the liver and lymphatic system.
Lemon
When taken in the morning, lemon will boost your metabolism and kick start your digestive system. It has a high mineral content and multiple vitamins like Vitamin C and folate which help balance your pH and nourish your body.
Honey
Raw honey has enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that will nourish the body as you detox. Also a great sweetener for this beverage.
Alkaline System
Keeping your body in an alkaline state vs. an acidic state increases your energy level, keeps your body functioning at an optimum level, slows down the aging process and reduces cancer risk. I personally consume and highly recommend the benefits of juicing (fresh vegetable/fruit juice) and eating whole foods.
Just wanted to add this information as I think it is invaluable.
Brown Sugar Scrub
Skin that is regularly exfoliated is healthier skin, both in appearance and function. Exfoliating the largest organ will stimulate it to circulate more efficiently, breathe in good nourishment and expel toxins. It also glows, is more uniform in appearance with tighter pores, and is soft to the touch.
Exfoliating with a sugar scrub relaxes the mind with its delicious smell and really transforms you to a spa environment. It’s all about nurturing your spirit! Sugar is also full of glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. The natural glycolic acid in sugar not only helps condition and moisturize skin, but protect it from toxins.
Whip together:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 TBLSP olive oil
- 1 TSP vanilla extract
I’ve had the best luck just storing in small open jar to use up daily in the shower. If you like a bit more sugar or a bit more coconut oil, then add.
Seaweed Baths
Seaweed baths are very common in Europe. There are many therapeutic benefits to seaweed bathing. Seaweed Baths will generally lift your mood as seaweed has high levels of Manganese, Potassium and Zinc. Manganese balances your nervous system while Potassium relieves anxiety and Zinc helps with brain function. Scientific studies have confirmed that seaweed baths help to relieve skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema, acne etc.). It has also been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of muscle aches and joint stiffness (rheumatism and arthritis), and excellent for some circulatory problems. Soaking in seaweed relaxes your muscles and releases tension due to seaweed being naturally high in Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium.
Seaweed is rich in Iodine, a mineral that your body naturally requires, which regulates your thyroid and hormones that control the body’s metabolism. Thus, seaweed baths are excellent for fat metabolism, cellulite and body toning. Seaweed baths will also assist in detoxifying your body by secreting toxins.
As you soak, the mineral and vitamin rich alginates, (natural gels) from the seaweed, nourish and moisturize the skin. Smear the seaweed over your face and body. By doing so, you will stimulate circulation, smooth the body, and remove wastes drawn to the skin surface. Twenty minutes is usually long enough to balance body pH, encourage liver activity and fat metabolism. Your skin tone, color, and circulatory improvement are almost immediately noticeable.
Our packages combine 2 oz. of Kelp and 2 oz. of Digitata that has been farmed from the coast of Maine. This can be used for two baths or sometimes three. Depending on the level of alginate that hasn’t yet been absorbed from your prior baths.
Directions:
Hydrate the entire 4 oz. package of seaweed in a pot of water that has been brought to a boil. Remove from heat. Do not cook the seaweed, but rather hydrate it for 5-8 minutes. Dispense the entire pot of hydrated seaweed and brown seaweed water into your hot bath. Soak for twenty minutes. Transfer the seaweed into a container and put in the refrigerator and use a day to two days later. You might even be able to repeat the process a third time.
If you are currently being treated for thyroid issues, a heart condition or high blood pressure, please consult your doctor before taking a Seaweed Bath. Iodine is possible to overdo, and anyone who has taken a kelp bath with too much kelp present in the bath water can attest to that! A good way to observe whether you are absorbing too much iodine into your system is by your energy levels- it will feel as though you have drunk too many cups of coffee…feeling anxious and jittery. We have packaged only 4oz to keep the bath experience gently therapeutic. Imagine the amount of iodine we absorb from a nice swim in the ocean!
Turmeric
Turmeric has been valued in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India. Today, science has identified compounds in Turmeric, curcumins in particular, which support healthy inflammatory function. This is a natural product and beneficial for inflammation, contains cancer fighting ingredients, detoxifier, etc. You might notice it is added to freshly squeezed vegetable juices. I take this supplement as well as adding ground Turmeric as a spice in my foods and soups!
Avocado Oil
The vitamins and minerals in avocado oil are not only nourishing for the inside of your body, they can also feed you from the outside in. I use it as an additive to my bath…a couple tablespoons. Boost your skin’s ability to generate more and stronger cells by moisturizing with avocado oil. The vitamin E, potassium, and lecithin which are the primary skin-feeding nutrients in the oil are all easily absorbed through the epidermis – the outermost layer of the skin – and into the dermis where they provide energy for the growth and health of new skin as well as fortification of existing cells. Avocado oil is also beneficial in diminishing age spots. Oils with the highest levels of sterolins are Shea Butter, Avocado oil, Sesame oil, Soybean oil and Olive oil. Repeated applications of avocado oil reveal an increase of hydration of the upper layers of the skin, and an improvement of the skins elastic and collagen properties, and will fade age spots with time.