Detox baths (Home Spa)– My healing secrets revealed! – PART 16

THYME + LEMONGRASS BATH- Skin toner, aromatherepeutic, anti-acne

Thyme - $3 for 200gm (lasts 8 baths)

Lemongrass - $3 for 50 gm (lasts 2 baths)

You can also add bath salts/Epsom salts or any other herbs of your choice. Don’t be afraid to experiment, my lovelies!)

Soak Time: 20- 40 MIN

(once a week)

My Rating : ★★★★✩

Oh Lord. Here we've all been wasting money buying fancy creams and serums and expensive elixirs spending a fortune to get that radiant skin, and it turns out the answer to our problem might have been growing in the garden or sitting in the kitchen rack all along. It is so nice to find something that is chemical free and that smells and feels so good on my skin. I also can't believe how affordable it is. 

Thyme contains a powerful oil rich in Thymol, which is known to have antiseptic and anti-fungal properties.  Thyme also contains nutrients such as B-complex vitamins, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C and folic acid.  Thyme also contains manganese, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium and selenium. Thyme’s antioxidant action offers protection from free radical damage and speeds up skin cell regeneration. It helps to improve skin tone and has astringent qualities so it balances the pH of the skin. You can use thyme in the bath for aching muscles.

When you are in a negative mood and need some cheering up one of the best herbs to help with that is lemongrass. Lemongrass has a light and fresh citrus fragrance. It finds its use in aromatherapy and helps eliminate cellulite. The most important health benefit of lemongrass is its ability to calm and relax the muscles. Lemongrass is also useful in relieving symptoms related to depression, anxiety and panic attacks imparted by its antidepressant properties. Its astringent quality helps to close open pores and tighten the skin making it look and feel younger

How to take Thyme + Lemongrass bath

A warm bath with Thyme and Lemongrass takes you one step closer to achieving a general sense of well-being.

Just pick a handful of thyme and lemongrass, put it in a pot of water, bring to the boil then simmer for 10 minutes. Then strain and add the water to your bathtub. Soak, relax and inhale the heavenly aroma..!

This organic and all natural herbal bath is a great way to relax and purify the mind and the soul! I can honestly say that my skin feels well-nourished, moisturized, and looks healthy. I am a sucker for smells. I love anything that smells gooooood.. Lemongrass and thyme both smell so good I feel like to eating my arm during the bath! It’s just divine!

Detox baths (Home Spa)– My healing secrets revealed! – PART 15

CHAMOMILE BATH- Cures anxiety, promotes sleep , aromatherepeutic

Chamomile flowers - $2 for 200gm (lasts 3 baths)

(You can also use 3-4 chamomile tea bags)

Soak Time: 20- 40 MIN

(once a week)

My Rating : ★★★★✩

“Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression.”

― Dodie Smith, I Capture the Castle

My anxiety has been giving me insomnia, so I don't fall asleep until 3-4AM. Tired or a bit stressed out I like to take a break by taking a relaxing Chamomile bath.  Chamomile is known for its medicinal properties and chamomile tea is often offered at night to decompress.  With its calming effect on the body and mind, taking a bath with chamomile helps me get rid of stress. Chamomile's sedative qualities are wonderful to the bedtime bath. Chamomile is known to be anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-allergenic etc..

How to take Chamomile Anti-Stress Herbal Bath 

Boil about 4 cups water.

•               In a cheesecloth or a pouch, place chamomile flowers.

•               Close cheesecloth with twine and drop in boiling water.  Remove pot from heat and infuse covered, for about 30 minutes.

•               Pour liquid in bath and check bath temperature to make sure it is at your desired level.

Close your eyes and you are now ready to enjoy a relaxing bath, enjoy!

Aromatherapy is one of the best ancient medicinal treatments. And chamomile eases the stress level and helps me relax while I let the soft floral notes of the naturally calming fragrance unfold around me restoring the sense of peace and tranquility.

To me, chamomile tea is a magical brew. 

Detox baths (Home Spa)– My healing secrets revealed! – PART 14

 MINT BATH- Rejuvenating, invigorating, aromatherpeutic

Mint (Pudina) - 500gm- $2

Bay leaves – 100gm - $1

   (You can either use a blend of the above herbs or add peppermint, rosemary, thyme or any herb of your choice depending on the availability.)

Soak Time: 30- 40 MIN

(once a week)

My Rating : ★★★★✩

When it comes to an at home spa experience, I don't hold back. If you are looking for a spa experience that leaves your skin with a pleasant tingle and an overall splash of moisture then you must try the mint bath.

What is sometimes overlooked is the astounding cleansing and soothing properties of fresh mint and how easily it can be used to make your own refreshing bath. Mint is cooling, refreshing, and astringent to the skin. It is also very cleansing, and great for a putting in a bath on a hot, sunny summer day.

The oils of the mint leaves are antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic. Using mint to liven up the bath is a great way to clear mind and senses, refreshing the body all over and making you feel and smell clean. Mint makes me feel and smell refreshed and clean all over! It soothes muscle aches and pains.

Mint transforms a pleasurable bath experience into a heavenly one. This delicious, invigorating bath helps me relieve stress, mental and physical tiredness, clearing the conscience and improve breathing. Mint Bath also instantly restores the senses and leaves the skin lightly perfumed.

Whenever I am feeling a little under the weather this bath lifts my spirits and help to clear my sinus passages.  Bay leaves are just what I need. With the invigorating properties of bay I am left feeling fresh, renewed and in tip-top shape. The sweet subtle aroma of bay leaf is a natural mood enhancer and when combined with the soothing and softening qualities of Mint, the skin will be left blissfully happy.

How to take a Mint bath

Toss the bundle of mint and bay leaves in a pot and bring to a boil. Let it steep for 10 minutes. Fill the tub with hot water and let the herbs steep in the tub until the water is cool enough for bathing about 20 to 40 minutes depending on the heat of your water.  The water will turn a deep greenish yellow. This bath also makes a great hair rinse! My hair feels healthier, shinier and bouncier every time I take a mint bath. And I come out smelling like a pack of bubblegum too! YUM!

Whether it’s making a good day even better or curbing the bad one, my Mint Bath is just what I need to take my day up a notch. So I grab that book I’ve been wanting to read and head straight to the tub, maybe light a candle or two along the way. I feel refreshed, refocused and re-inspired.. Ready to face the world head on! 

Detox baths (Home Spa)– My healing secrets revealed! – PART 13

HERBAL BATH- Rejuvenating, detoxifying, Aromatherepeutic

Dried Jasmine flowers - 200gm - $1.50 (lasts 3 baths)
Licorice root - 200gm- $1(lasts 3 baths)
Chrysanthemum flowers - 200gm - $2 (lasts 3 baths)
Ginseng root - 500gm - $2 (lasts 10 baths)

(You can either use a blend of all the above herbs or just any herb of your choice depending on the availability. Click on this to see other herbs you can use in my previous post)

Soak Time: 30- 40 MIN

(once a week)

My Rating : ★★★★✩

I LOVE hot baths, on occasions when my anxiety rears it's ugly head, a hot bath with scented candles is sure to sort it out. Not sure what it is but there is something truly special about a herbal bath, Something that carries you away to another world.

I enjoy the feel of the hot water on my skin and the delightful scent of

whichever herbs I have chosen to add.

There is something so old-fashion about the idea of the quiet, uninterrupted time spent bathing.  Since then, I’ve consciously been trying to make time for real relaxation for my body and mind.

And with this hopeful plan for regular relaxation I throw in some alluring aromatherapy-relaxation bath herbs in my bath tub to make that time alone even more special and deeply relaxing both physically and emotionally. You can use any of the above herbs or any herb of your choice.

Dried Jasmine flowers

Used in a bath jasmine can help relax the mind just by breathing in the jasmine aroma coming from the bath. The warm jasmine scented bathwater helps relieve tension, aches, pains, and stiffness in the body relieving inflammation and promoting blood circulation throughout the body. It can also help make your skin softer, firmer, toned, and younger appearing with a slight glow! I like jasmine because it relieves depression, anxiety and stress. A nice relaxing jasmine herbal bath also relaxes and soothes the body from head to toe. As an antiseptic, jasmine cleanses the skin of impurities. It also helps to balance oily, sensitive skin, and nourish a dry scalp

Licorice root

Licorice root helps with nervousness and depression. Other Licorice Root uses: adrenal exhaustion, age spots, as a blood cleanser/detoxifier/purifier and protector, to adjusts blood salts, to balance blood sugar, chest congestion, cancer, circulation, colds, constipation, cough, fevers, flu, heart strengthener. Licorice is also a skin lightener!

Chrysanthemum flowers

Chrysanthemum tea helps detoxify blood, regulate blood pressure and calm the nerves. It has antibacterial properties. The traditional Chinese have used the tea to treat influenza, fevers, inflammations and even heatstroke due to its cooling effect. It is helpful in treating skin problems and increasing the immunity power. It also helps in postponing the aging process.

Ginseng root

The Chinese believe ginseng can increase vigor, balance body condition, protect against disease, strengthen digestion, and prevent aging, among numerous other benefits. Ginseng is generally considered by the Chinese to replenish Chi, the inner energy flow that drives the body and subsequently maintain the dynamic of Yin Yang and the five elements. Unbalanced yin yang can lead to illness. A Ginseng tea bath offers traditional benefits of ginseng as well as exfoliation and protection for the skin. Ginseng is revered for its many health benefits and may be used to reduce stress, increase energy and boost the immune system. 

Boil all these herbs in water for 20 minutes. Let it steep for half an hour before pouring the decoction into the bath tub. You can use a muslin bag or small pouch to pour the herbs in so that it doesnt clog the drain. lie back, inhale the aroma and relax!

Herbal baths has a very comforting effect on me, when I'm anxious. With a few simple ingredients, you can turn average bath time into a luxurious, skin-loving, aromatherapeutic experience!

Elixir of life or Cannibalism??

What would you do to stay young? Look for new ways to turn back the clock or maybe stop it all together? Just how far would you go? Perhaps you'd be happy to drink on your own urine or wine made from the snake. Would you do it for a  glowing skin of a Hollywood starlet?

The quest for eternal youth has always obsessed mankind. however anti-ageing solutions till recent date was just about plastic surgery or all the expensive creams and serums money can buy. Today times have changed! Celebrities today gulp their own pee in order to stay young! And they recommend you that for great results your first pee between 4am and 6am is more ideal! In Asia, it is still practised widely (the former Indian Prime Minister Moraji Desai was a big fan of urine consumption!)

Wait. There’s more. Bird poop, urine facials, leech rejuvenation etc…Very fascinating indeed! So if jumping in to a bathtub of leeches sucking on your blood sounds amazing then you will be glowing in no time!

In 2010, when I first started learning about the bird's nest drink and bought my first bottle too. (Read my Bird's nest blog post here.) I was also educated about the placenta pills. My co-workers enlightened me about the sheep placenta capsules that the Singaporeans consume in order to maintain ther youthful look. No wonder the women here look so young even after mothering 2-3 children! I always thought it's in the genes or perhaps the food habits of the Chinese/Singaporeans. But all that fascination turned into a culture shock when I also heard that human placenta is used for consumption to slow down ageing! Human placenta is readily available from China and even found in dried form from Chinese medical halls in Singapore.  Here’s a short video I compiled which shows exactly how the human placenta is encapsulated!

Placenta as we all know plays a crucial role in sustaining pregnancy by supplying the baby with oxygen and nutrients, allowing it to dispose of wastes, and helping it build blood vessels.

Many animals including cats, bats, goats eat the placenta after birth. This is a known fact. Human placenta heals aging problem deep from the roots. Eating human placenta  after giving birth provides the mother the nutrition she needs after using up all her energy and reserves in birthing her young. Traditional Chinese medicine has long believed that the placenta restores and rejuvenates one's body, especially for a mother who consumes hers after the birth. Some women eat it raw, It can also be cooked or steamed into a soup. Recipes are available on the internet for preparing it in various ways! Others dry it and then encapsulate it so that it can be popped every day as capsules. In Singapore, there are even companies that specialise in this preparation.

As I write this, my mind wanders into many hypothetical scenarios. Is this considered Cannibalism??? If eating human tissue is cannibalism then perhaps yes?

Again on the contrary, we eat eggs and placenta is basically human egg white, right? It is not a part of the body after childbirth anymore just like your hair or nail which is not part of your body after you get a cut. And the placenta isn't a part of the woman- it will leave with the pregnancy and the body will grow a new one to support another baby. So this topic is open for debate and I bet would be a controversial one too.

Celebrities are not left behind in this trend of restoring their youth.  Jennifer Lopez although doesn’t consume placenta but certainly likes pricey placenta facials!Kim Kadarshian intends to relish her placenta after her baby is born.. Tom Cruise is supposedly a regular human placenta eater..I wish it could help the hollywood hunk grow taller.. sigh.. Well, the list goes on..

Beauty is not just going under the knives and scalpels anymore.. We humans have found bizarre ways to restore our youth. Immortality beckons eh?

That brings me back to my question..So, just how far would YOU go???

Detox baths (Home Spa)– My healing secrets revealed! – PART 12

HIMALAYAN ROCK SALT BATH- Rejuvenating, detoxifying, moisturizing

Price : 500gm – $2 (lasts for 2 baths)

Soak Time: 30- 40 MIN

(once a week)

My Rating : ★★★★✩

Salt for life -  eat it, drink it, bathe in it! A detox bath is my go to when I feel “toxic” or blah. I can't live without it! Am addicted…

Someone recently told me that bathing in Himalayan salts for 30-40 mins feels the same as fasting for 3 days!!! So, the detoxifying effect of a brine bath can be compared to a 3-day fast! So I just had to try it!

Himalayan Rock Salt originates from the primal seas of millions of years ago, where life began. Himalayan Crystal Salt is totally pure and contains every mineral and trace element found in the human body. The pink salt of the Himalayans is thought to be the purest salt in the world! Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt contains the full spectrum of 84 minerals and trace elements..

Himalayan Rock Salt provide real delicious delight(culinary purposes) and cleanse your body if long placed in a tub.
It also has a remedial effect on your mind, heart, and soul whether you have sore, tired feet from standing all day, or a stiff back from working at your desk.
 Himalayan Rock Salt can help improve the way you feel and alleviate away the tension.
Adding Himalayan Rock Salt in water surprisingly helps improve your circulation too.

Benefits of Himalayan Rock Salt :

stimulate circulation,

hydrates the skin,

increase moisture retention,

promote cellular regeneration,

detoxify the skin

help heal dry, scaling, irritated skin.

reduces inflammation of the muscles and joints, relaxes muscles

relieves pain and soreness

How to take Himalayan Rock Salt bath?

Add Himalayan bath salt to a bath tub; and fill the bath with warm water. You may add essential oils to your bath to create a beautiful aroma and further assist the healing process. For a mineral treatment soak for around 15 min or soak 30 minutes for a full body detox. Toxins are released through the skin into the water, and the soaking effect can help to soothe tired and aching muscles.

Full Moon Bath – On the day of the full moon the healing process of the body is at its peak as is its absorption potential. At full moon, the body will absorb the most minerals from the salt bath. The mineral materials penetrate and are absorbed into the skin in the form of ions.

New Moon Bath – At new moon, the body’s capacity for detoxification is at its highest. This is a perfect time for a cleansing salt bath. Weight adjustment and decontamination of the body are supported.

What are you waiting for??? Take advantage of the power of nature, using a simple warm bath infused with Himalayan Rock Salt - to nurture, heal, and soothe your body, mind, and spirit. Relax, while your body absorbs the 84 vital nutrients and your skin attains the soft glow of health.

SO, Slip into a sheer ocean of energy with these magical bath salts! NOW!

Detox baths (Home Spa)– My healing secrets revealed! – PART 11

CONFINEMENT BATH- Soothing, Beautifying, detoxifying

Daifonai Herbal bath(contains 2 sachets) - $4 (lasts 2 baths)

Soak Time: 30- 40 MIN

(once a week)

My Rating : ★★★★★

Those who know me best — or those who read this blog with any regularity — know that I love bath time. Bathing is more than getting the dirt off; for me it is a ritual with water! I have already shared a few ideas to turn your bathtime into a grown-up spa fit for a queen. Or a Kardashian!

Steeping your body in a bathtub full of herbs and flowers is more than pampering; it is preventive medicine that washes away stress and tension. Many herbal constituents can be absorbed through the skin and taking the time out to lie down in the bathtub is healing in itself. Herbal bathing can help to calm the mind, lift the spirits, reduce stress, relax sore muscles, increase circulation, promote mental clarity, and help the body to release toxins.

Mind you. I am not expecting or a new mommy. I have always been curious about the confinement baths and tried it for the very first time and loved it! It is a fantastic way to get soft, supple skin – all over your body.

The Custom of Confinement - What is confinement like?

Traditional confinement practices are based on the belief that a new mothers body is 'out of balance' after giving birth. The confinement period focuses on re-energising your body. Chinese, Malay and Indian communities all have their own confinement practices. While different ethnic groups may do things differently, the main aim is to help the mother and her body recover from the intensities of childbirth.

First and foremost, Confinement - in Chinese cultures - is the utmost important period following childbirth (often 30 to 45 days) for women to recuperate and regain energy after the birth. Women are advised to rest completely, often with help from Confinement Nannies, and take specially prepared meals and herbs for fast healing.

What is a Confinement bath?

Chinese Herbal Bath is believed to aid blood circulation in confinement mums. Confinement baths are not just aimed at maintaining hygiene, they are necessary to rejuvenate, and invigorate a new mother’s body. The herbal preparations are also calming and add to the pleasantness of bath time. The bath ingredients come pre-packed in sachets available from most Chinese medical shops.

Benefits of Confinement Bath:

. Traditionally, the herbal bath is believed to help a new mum to

•   regain her energy;

•   dispel wind;

•   get rid of odours

•   treat sore veins.

Herbal bath is a pure herbal preparation with unique blend of natural ingredients. It is a 0% chemical product, so it does not cause any harm to the skin. On the other hand it has a unique feature of keeping skin soft, smooth and glowing due to the natural herbs present in it. It maintains the oil balance and prevents dryness. It removes the dirt blocked in skin pores that enables free passage of oxygen. This helps to keep skin healthy and glowing. The herbs in herbal bath powder protects the skin from rashes and other skin allergies. It also helps to tone muscles and keeps them supple.

How to take a Confinement bath?

My favorite way is to brew a very strong tea using the herb sachets (and essential oils, if I want an extra kick). Brew 1-2 cups of very strong herbal tea and add it to your running bathwater. It is necessary to boil sachets in water just before bath time so that the water is hot enough to relax your muscles but not scald your skin during the bath.

So whether you are Chinese, Indian or Malay in sunny Singapore, a confinement bath is something you probably would look forward to. Just the thought of enveloping yourself in the vapour of the various herbal fumes is a relaxing nap waiting to happen.

It’s just … softening. Soothing. It caresses the body and makes it feel brand new. Most of all I love how when I step into the bath and lay my head back, inhale the beautiful smell, I instantly feel relaxed. Extremely relaxed, in muscles and mind. It is such an indulgent treat. But a girls’ got to have a treat every now and then. Right?

Detox baths (Home Spa)– My healing secrets revealed! – PART 10

 HERBAL BATH- Rejuvenating, Beautifying, detoxifying

   

    Rosemary Leaves (200 gms - $3)

    Lavender Flowers (200 gm - $4)

    Sage herb (200 gms - $2)

    Peppermint leaves (200 gms - $3)

    Green tea leaves (200 gms - $4)

    Parsley leaves (200 gms - $3)

  (You can either use a blend of all the above herbs or just any herb of your choice depending on the availability)

Soak Time: 30- 40 MIN

A handful of each herb(20gms each)

(once a week)

My Rating : ★★★★★

My secret retreat, my place for peace and quiet - My bathtub.

Lately my love for baths has led me down to every medical hall in Singapore, discovering my total love affair with herbs along the way. The aromatic scents of herbs, their beauty and fragrance, has inspired me to just keep adding to that knowledge. My bath supplies now has a range of Chinese herbs and other natural products that I am very proud of!

The herbal bath will benefit not only the skin but also emotions by providing with some herbal aromas to inhale as you soak away the cares of the day.

How to take a herbal bath?

Take a half cup each of the above herb (or whatever herb you found in the store from the above list). Boil in a vessel for 20 minutes and let it steep for half an hour. Strain and add the decoction to the tub with water as hot as you can stand it. I usually put the herbs in a muslin cloth and throw into the tub so that it doesn’t clog the drain.

Relax and immerse yourself in the aromatic, therapeutic soak!

Rosemary Leaves:

Rosemary is often used widely as a common household spice. Rosemary will help tone your skin and retain your natural moisture.   It smells great by itself but can be combined with other essential oils to tantalize your senses and give you a truly relaxing and beautifying feeling. And what’s more? It is an excellent herbal rinse for hair and can help get rid of dandruff and speed hair growth!

Lavender Flowers:

Lavender can lift your spirits, help you sleep, relieves pain. The plant is also widely used in the cosmetic industry! enjoy its gentle perfume in relaxing bath blends and  benefit from its natural healing properties. The floral aroma has a calming effect on the mind. Lavender alleviates anxiety, stress and tension.

Sage herb:

Putting sage in your bath can have numerous benefits. Sage is effective against skin rashes. It has been used to treat dandruff. Those suffering from stiffness of the muscles or joint aches and pains can benefit from soaking in a sage bath. Sage is also used largely in cosmetics. Sage is capable of clearing acne, freckles, and spots from your skin. Sage also provides complete nourishment to your scalp as it is capable of penetrating deep inside the roots, thereby strengthening and conditioning it.

Peppermint leaves:   

Peppermint is known to balance the PH levels of the skin which may help balance the production of excessive oils of the skin. Also the astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory activity of Peppermint may help diminish the appearance of acne, black heads, rashes and redness. aromatherapy using peppermint oil may help relieve anxiety, stress, emotional imbalance and stress-induced headaches or migraines.

Green tea leaves:

On stressful days or when I am feeling a bit sick one of my favorite things to do is take a green tea bath. Green tea really help sooth your body, mind, and spirit, while drawing out harmful toxins from your body and healing any open wounds or sores you may have on your body. Green tea are very nourishing to the body as well because they are filled with helpful powerful antioxidants and vitamins that your body needs to stop signs of aging and to help the body from illnesses

Parsley leaves:

Parsley is a plant that creates a great deal of relaxation. Next time you see it as a garnish on your dinner plate, go ahead, have a bite. Taking a bath with parsley leaves will cause muscles to relax and stress to be relieved. Moreover, it helps fade freckles and skin spots. After a long day working, the benefits of parsley can help you very much with the fatigue. Treat yourself to a parsley bath . The sweet smells will sooth your smell senses and cool your exhausted nerves.

  

This herbal bath wakes up the whole body. It is invigorating and exhilarating. I am a bath-aholic. For me the ritual can’t last long enough. if things were not going my way I escape into the bathtub with these magical herbs.. Many times too, I would leave the tub with my problems going down the drain... literally…..