Detox baths (Home Spa)– My healing secrets revealed! – PART 20

MILK BATH - Rejuvenating, Cleansing, exfoliating

Milk Powder (any brand) - 200GM - $3

   (You can add Cocoa powder or any essential oil of your choice as well)

Soak Time: 30- 40 MIN

(once IN 2 weeks)

My Rating : ★★★★✩

Milk baths are amazing! Milk baths go all the way back to the Cleopatra era. She was known for her 'exquisite' skin. Milk baths are very good for the skin. It also makes it smooth & soft. It is best to use powder milk though. Plus it's less expensive. You don't necessarily need gallons and gallons of the real milk. Get the milk powder! And just pour a good amount under the running water to get it diluted... And just soak and relax! They make your skin insanely soft.

How to take Milk Bath

First, get into the bath. Take a shower, rinsing the dirt and grime out of your hair and body. Fill up the tub with hot water (whatever suits your body temperature). Pour a few cups of milk into the bath (Depending on how much you fill the tub up with, but if you have a normal sized tub, I'd recommend 3 cups of milk) Just sit in the tub for a while, atleast 30-40  minutes.

This bath will exfoliate your skin. It will get rid of the dead skin cells and help clean some blackheads. It will help lock the moisture into your skin. Take one twice a week for about 3 weeks and you will start to notice a difference in your skin!

You can also add a cup of Cocoa powder into this bath. Not only is it beneficial to the skin, it helps stabilize your mood by initiating serotonin release. It is very rejuvenating and helps you feel more at peace, happy and relaxed.

Detox baths (Home Spa)– My healing secrets revealed! – PART 19

BURDOCK ROOT + ANGELICA ROOT BATH - Rejuvenating, anti-ageing, aromatherpeutic

Burdock Root : 100gm - $2 (lasts for 5 baths)

Angelica Root: 100gm - $3 (lasts for 5 baths)

 

Burdock Root

Burdock Root is my favorite herb as it rids the body of excess water weight. The root is said to help strengthen and beautify hair, stop dandruff, and combat hair loss. Burdock root is a famous detoxifying agent in simple words, a gentle blood purifier and liver cleanser. Its diuretic effect helps the kidneys quickly filter impurities from the blood. 

 

Angelica Root

Angelica contains nutrients that contain anti-aging, anti-septic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat skin conditions naturally. It helps treat and soothe skin naturally by hydrating and softening the skin while relieving the inflammation and killing any harmful bacteria. Angelica root are perfect for anyone with dry, dull and dehydrated skin; bringing a youthful, hydrated glow. It also cleanses the hair without stripping the colors or natural oils resulting in clean and silky locks you’ll fall in love with.

How to take Burdock Root+Angelica Root bath

Taking a detox bath with burdock and Angelica root facilitates the body to expel uric acid, in addition to helping in clearing rashes and cleansing boils. Add a handful of Burdock  and Angelica Root to two quarts of water and boil it for about 30 minutes. Subsequently, filter the liquid and add it to a bathtub filled with tolerable hot water. You can purchase these roots from stores selling herbal products and health foods. You can also buy them at the Chinatown markets in your city. All Chinese shops sell the herbs I have been writing about.

Once the bath is made, it is best to get in and soak for as long as possible. I always try to soak in this bath for an hour so the nutrients from herbs have the time to soak deep beneath the pores of the skin to help cleanse, nourish, moisten and soften skin.

Benefits of Burdock Root+Angelica Root bath

• Promotes healthy skin


• Aids in blood cleansing


• Supports liver detoxification


• Encourages healthy digestion


• Helps reduce water retention

The range of herbal preparation that can be blended for an exquisite bathing experience are endless. You can also experiment by using other herbs to make your bath absolutely divine!

Detox baths (Home Spa)– My healing secrets revealed! – PART 18

TULSI (HOLY BASIL) BATH - Rejuvenating, anti-ageing, aromatherpeutic

Tulsi( Holy Basil)- 500gm- $1

   (You can either use just Tulsi or also add mix of herbs like peppermint, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves or any herb of your choice depending on the availability. Always good to experiment!)

Soak Time: 30- 40 MIN

(once a week)

My Rating : ★★★★✩

Holy basil, commonly known as ‘Tulsi’, is a common sight in most of the Indian households where it is usually worshipped. It is highly antibiotic, disinfectant, anti bacterial and anti fungal in nature. Apart from repairing damages done by the free radicals, Vitamin C and other anti oxidants in Tulsi can minimize the stress induced by these oxidants. They soothe nerves, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and reduce stress. Basil also has an energizing aromatherapy effect and also helps to retain youth and avoid aging.

How to take a Holy Basil Bath

Boil 2-3 handful of dried or fresh basil leaves in water in a pot. The sweet aroma of Tulsi is released when the herb is boiled for 15-20 min. Remove from heat and strain. Add to bathtub and relax.

The hot bath will open the pores, loosen debris and allow for a deep skin cleaning, leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed. I love sweating in the bath because it expels water from body and reduces bloating. This induced sweating also helps eliminate the toxins that can cause harm. More importantly the skin feels younger and fresh.

Bathing in Tulsi not only clears up acne and blemishes, but also makes the skin complexion visibly brighter and instantly smoother. If you have let down your hair in the bathtub your hair will also absorb the medicinal qualities of tulsi.

So enjoy the medicinal properties of this herb you can find in your backyard and soak in a long bath. It is cleansing physically and spiritually! All the herbs that I use in my bath have a spiritual significance. Some herbs ward off evil and negative energies, some bring luck, love and good fortune. It may sound funny but its true. These herbs do have a magical quality and that is why our ancestors have used them in all religious rituals and other auspicious purposes. I have always felt the magical energy whenever I bathe in these herbs. The soul feels cleansed not just the body. More on that soon!

Detox baths ( Home Spa)– My healing secrets revealed! – PART 17

FRENCH CELTIC SEA SALT BATH- Rejuvenating, Cleansing, Detoxing

200GM - $5

Once a month

   (You can add Epsom salts or any essential oil of your choice as well)

Soak Time: 30- 40 MIN

(once a week)

My Rating : ★★★★✩

I take detox baths simply for common sense reasons:  we live in a toxic world and eat foods that contain toxins.

A good way to measure how toxic you really are is by seeing how you handle these baths and the length of time you can stay in tub.  I use very hot water but that's ONLY because I have been detoxing for a very long time now. Every single day for the past 10 months! 

As a beginner, use warm water and start off slow, maybe alternate days. In the beginning you should feel some effects but these effects are only temporary and are signs that the detox is working. The more you do these baths the better you will feel in the long run. So don’t give up when you start feeling dizzy or unwell. Just take shorter baths and increase the time eventually. Once your body is into the routine of detoxing, daily detox baths would help to heal. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Celtic sea salt has the honor of being the is 100% natural, most flavorful and healthiest of all the available sea salts. The last remaining Celtic salt flats are in Brittany, France. Nearly eighty vital nutrients and minerals can be found in the tiny, gray crystals of celtic sea salt providing the body with a healthy dose of electrolytes and energy.

The natural minerals in this salt have been used traditionally for years to promote healthy, smooth, soft and more youthful looking skin. In addition they are said to purge the skin of impurities resulting in a clean, radiant glow.

Sea salt soaks are very therapeutic and beneficial to our bodies and minds. Seriously, if any of you have trouble going to sleep, have rigidity in your muscles, you need to try this. It certainly did helps me relax and makes me feel younger and healthier! These baths especially feel great after a strenuous exercise or after am back from my swim. It feels so wonderful to soak in hot water and relax those strained muscles.

A must try! Happy detoxing!

Hair Care/Color, the natural way!

I wish I had gone natural years ago. Since the beginning of year 2013 I'm such a different person after going NATURAL, albeit a little too late. I feel so much better inside and out and have a much positive outlook on life. I blame the chemical onslaught on our bodies for how we behave, and positive steps yield positive results!

I look at an active lifestyle, clean eating and using all-natural products as the ultimate health insurance. When you live a processed and chemical-free lifestyle, you're taking full control of the quality of your life. Most personal care products – from shampoos, conditioners and hair dyes to delicate and wickedly expensive face creams contain a virtual mine field of dangerous chemicals.

I'm in the process of trying to transition away from most of these products. After some trial and error I am now doing a few things that I'm happy with.

The first being, how I wash my hair or color it. Here are a few ways I color/condition my hair regularly. Do it yourself at home with natural herbs and products found in your kitchen cabinet. Go natural if you are cutting costs. You will actually do yourself a favor!

How to Lighten hair:

Mind you. These ingredients will not give you a blonde tint or last long. This will make your hair a few shades lighter than the original color but the difference is noticeable and beautiful. The color fades after every wash so if you don’t like the look you don’t have to wait long to try below ingredients to see what suits your hair best! All these ingredients worked perfectly well for my hair.

Honey   ★★★★✩

- really works well for black hair. 

It conditions the hair and releases a mild amount of hydrogen peroxide when diluted to lighten hair without damaging it. Mix the 2 spoons honey and 6 spoons conditioner and apply to hair. Let it sit for as long as you want( 30-60min). Rinse.

Cinnamon powder ★★★★✩

-works well for brown hair

Stir together conditioner and a good amount of cinnamon. Apply to the hair and put a shower cap over it. Let it sit for 30-60min. Shampoo and rinse.

Apple cider vinegar  ★★★★★

-works wonders on my hair!

Rinse hair with half a cup of vinegar mixed with a litre of water. This will only work over a long period of time. Apple cider vinegar  works best and is better for your hair as it’s a wonderful conditioner. I do this once a week for good results.

How to Darken hair:

The color usually is temporary lasting for about 2 weeks and fades out after every wash. I am not a henna fan although it does give my hair a nice burgundy tint and makes it bouncy. Try the below simple ingredients.

Tea(black) ★★★✩✩

-adds shine, prevents hair fall 

Boil water and put a teabag(any flavor) in as usual, allow to cool and then use it as a rinse. Let it sit in your hair for 15 minutes or so. It is recommended that the rinse is repeated between 3-6 times before rinsing it out with water.  

Beetroot ★★★★✩

- One of the best colors. 

It gives an auburn tint to your hair which will shine as highlights in sun. Boil beetroot in water till it becomes half of the original volume and use it as a rinse.

Cocoa powder + Coffee powder ★★★★★

– amazing brown shiny tint! awesome color, shine and bounce! – MY PERSONAL FAVORITE!!

After brewing 6 spoonful of coffee I mix the coffee decauction, little conditioner and 6 spoonful of cocoa powder to make a paste. I apply the paste on my hair evenly and wait for 40-60 min and then rinse. This makes the hair smell delicious! The caffeine keeps me excited and hyper all day long making my day very productive and a happy one.  Do this twice a month and you can see the hair color darken.

Other herbs that darken the hair are rosemary and sage. I usually brew a tea out of these herbs and rinse my hair. But I find that using these herbs in my hair oil works better for me. It helps in hair growth and darkening the hair. Trying to fight the greys and old age. After all I turn 30, next month!

How to Condition hair:

Eggs ★★★★★

– just amazing!

Egg is full of protein and nutrition. It will be best that u massage it on scalp for few mins and leave it on hair for about 20 mins. Use as many depending on the length of your mane. You may dislike its smell but result will be worth it! My hair fall situation is now under total control not to mention how beautiful it looks! Twice a month and your hair will shine blinding others!

Apple cider Vinegar ★★★★★

Use as above - best conditioner ever!

For luscious hair growth:

Hair oil herbal mix: ★★★★★

Hair shines, grows, bounces!

Mix Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, lavendar, chamomile, or other herbs available of your choice in your regular oil. I oil my hair once a week and leave it on for 5-6 hours. I  love the way my hair feels after wash.. Smooth, bouncy and shiny hair! I have been using Dabur amla kesh tel for the past 28 years! I fill the bottle with all these herbs and use the oil for months!

Glycerin ★★★★★

 – really works wonders!  My second favorite!

My hair feels smoother shinier and luscious! Hair actually grows in length!

My new-found love! I use 10 drops of glycerin in a mug full of water and rinse my hair slowly and let it stay wet for 10-15 min. Then wash it. The hair is moisturized and looks fuller. Hair actually grows longer than usual, no kidding! It prevents split ends and keeps hair hydrated. Just don’t over use glycerin because it might get sticky and messy. Once or twice a month is ideal.

NOTE: The results will be different on each person. The colors blend and look natural. Usually these colors last about two weeks.

Get ready for the best change of your life! GO NATURAL!

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!