Homemade Body Wash with Essential Oils [Recipe]

Posted on October 18, 2016December 7, 2020 by Johann Callaghan

Homemade Body Wash

This homemade body wash is a simple, non toxic easy to make recipe you can make yourself with natural ingredients and essential oils.

Why should you make your own personal care products? Well, you can avoid harmful chemicals by using natural ingredients, reuse containers and it saves you money!

Organic castor oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It helps to soften and hydrate the skin leaving it smooth and supple.

Organic castile soap contains only vegetable-based ingredients such as coconut oil, olive oil, hemp oil and jojoba oil.

Ingredients

3/4 cup Organic Castile Liquid Soap
1/4 cup Organic Castor Oil
15 drops Lime Essential Oil
15 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil

If you like citrusy fragrance, use a blend of lime and grapefruit. You can use orange or lemon instead aswell.

Add organic castor oil to the castile soap and essential oils. Stir slowly with a spoon. Pour the mixture into a container/bottle of your choice using a funnel if required. You can use this homemade body wash for a complete body and skin care treatment while in the shower or bathing.

Instructions

Carefully mix all ingredients by hand with a spoon in a glass liquid measuring cup. Do not use a blender, whisk or had mixer as this will create bubbles and make it impossible to get into a container.
Pour into a bottle and use in the shower as a body wash.

Note: This recipe will last for several months at room temperature.

If you liked this recipe and would like to find out more, visit Johann’s online courses.

What is your favourite aroma blend to use in the shower? Comment below.

Top Tips to Reduce Toxic Ingredients In Personal Care Products

Posted on September 6, 2016December 7, 2020 by Johann Callaghan

Research shows that carcinogenic and hormone disrupting chemicals have been linked to a number of health problems including infertility, lower sperm counts, obesity, diabetes, thyroid imbalance, and certain types of cancers. The knowledge and information you’ll learn here will inform you and therefore help to empower you to make healthier choices for you and your family.

We are exposed to toxins on a regular basis. TOXINS are anything that can interfere with our body’s ability to function OPTIMALLY. They have a major impact on your SKIN! Your skin is the largest organ and it has many functions often not appreciated. The skin can tell you how your body is performing inside from a cellular level. So the skin is a doorway to how your body is working.

Toxic exposures

Food: Pesticides (Fungicides, herbicides, insecticides), Dirty Dozen Foods (EWG), Hormones/Antibiotics in Animal products, Additives (Aspartame, MSG, Sugar)
Outdoor Environment:pesticides, electric power plants, factory emissions, cooling systems, and diesel fumes
Indoor Environment: Most indoor air pollution comes from sources that release gases or particles into the air. Carbon monoxide (Blocks the movement of oxygen around the body), Nitrogen dioxide (combustion pollutants- a by-product of gas fires or cookers), Flame retardants in furniture and mattresses, Radon (Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps from the soil and rocks beneath your home). Other sources are Harsh solvents in cleaning products, Mould, Mildew, dust mites and Personal care products.

All of these sources of indoor air pollution can combine to create a toxic mess in the air we breathe. The common denominator is CHEMICALS.

Dirty Dozen These are foods that are sprayed most heavily with Pesticides. https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty_dozen_list.php

Additives are pretty much what you get in processed foods. It can throw things of metabolically and hormonally. And that’s pretty much what a toxin does.

Personal Care Products contain toxic chemicals like Parabens, SLS and Phthalates which we are going to go into more detail about.

We will Never Rid the body of all toxins BUT we can decrease our exposure and their impact.

Personal Care Products

The health and beauty industry is a business and many companies will do whatever it takes make money. Even if this includes using additives and preservatives that are not safe to put on the human body!

Many people ignore this because they are only putting these products on their skin and not ingesting them. However, this is not the case.

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in your body and up to 60% you put ON your skin goes INTO your body!

The average woman uses about 12 products daily which contain up to 168 different chemical ingredients. This ranges from body wash, shampoo, shaving gel, body lotion, face moisturiser, deodorant, make up, hair spray and more. The average man uses 6 products daily with 85 unique ingredients. Kids are exposed to more chemicals than adults in the environment around them including the air, water, food and personal care products. Their immune system is less capable of dealing with chemical toxins. Baby wipes containing bronopol, DMDM hydantoin and fragrance are a very big offender. Teenagers are using more personal care products now from hair gels and strengtheners to make up and tanning lotions. EWG detected 16 potentially toxic chemicals including phthalates, triclosan, parabens, and musks in the blood and urine samples from 20 teenage girls. These are hormone disruptors and are carcinogenic. Teenagers are now experiencing earlier onset of puberty as a result.

By using essential oils and plant based oils you can reduce your overall exposure to toxins. Use essential oils instead of synthetic air fresheners and spray deodourants. Essential oils help to bring the body back into balance. They are anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and help to boost your immune system. They smell amazing and boost your overall well-being and immunity also. Vegetable oils or carrier oils contain phytonutrients that nourish and protect your skin and fight free radicals, the precursor to pre-mature ageing and other skin diseases.

Build your immune system to help reduce the effects of toxic exposure and open up your detoxification pathways.

Using and making your own skin and beauty products and personal care products are the only way to guarantee that you won’t be exposed to these dangerous toxins. There are friendly to the environment, your skin will love you for it and you’ll not regret it!

Top 8 Toxic Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid

Parabens

This is also known as Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Isoparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben. These are synthetic preservatives found in many cosmetics and personal care products to inhibit microbial growth and extend the shelf life of the product. They act as oestrogen mimics and thus disrupt the hormonal system. They are known to cause rashes and allergic reactions, so not good if you have sensitive skin.

Linked to breast cancer, decreased sperm counts and precocious puberty (early onset of puberty).

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS)

It is an inexpensive and very effective foaming agent. It is used in concrete floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car wash detergents, and just about every soap and shampoo on the market. In the same way as it dissolves the grease on car engines, sodium lauryl sulfate also dissolves the oils on your skin, which can cause a drying effect. They act as oestrogen mimics and thus disrupt the hormonal system.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), and Ammonium Laurel Sulfate (ALS) are in most body care products. According to the EWG review, research has shown that they put you at risk for cancer, skin irritation, and organ toxicity.

Mineral oil/ Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)

This is a by-product of crude oil and it is used as a very cheap emollient base ingredient. It has no nutrient value and can interfere with the body’s natural moisturising ability. It can not be absorbed by the skin and creates a film on the surface, blocking the pores and preventing the skin from its normal functioning. This petroleum by-product can causes allergies.

Synthetic Fragrance/Parfum

This is a blanket term for hidden chemicals that should be avoided. Phthalates (plasticising agent) are included in this.

Phthalates

Used to retain scent in a product. A plasticizer, used to soften plastic and makes pvc flexible. Used in skin moisturisers and skin penetration enhancers in cosmetics. Linked to cancer.

A study published in the journal Environmental Research analysed urine samples of 1040 men for 8 types of phthalates. The average age of the men was 32 – 36 years old. They each gave two samples for the study. The researchers found that the presence of phthalates in the urine was linked to poor semen quality.

Phthalates are chemical plasticisers that can sneak in almost anywhere from milk (the plastic used on the cows’ udders) to shower curtains and toiletries but you must do what you can to reduce your exposure to them. Make a habit of reading the product labels of everything you use around your home and on your body. Phthalates contain hormone disrupting effects in the body.

Talc (Magnesium Silicate)

A natural mineral found to be a lung irritant. It is widely used in makeup and body powders as well as baby powder. cornstarch powder is a safe and reliable alternative.

Made from the purified mineral bearing the same name. Is poisonous when inhaled or swallowed.

Oxybenzone

An active ingredient in chemical sunscreens that accumulates in fatty tissues and is linked to allergies, hormone disruption and cellular damage

Formaldehyde

A known neurotoxin and carcinogen and irritant found in personal care products. DMDM hydantoin-(formaldehyde releaser) It increases the shelf-life of cosmetics (e.g. shampoos, skincare products, hair gels, baby wipes etc) by “releasing” formaldehyde and thus killing bacteria.

Conclusion

Don’t be fooled by companies claiming that their products are “all natural” or even “organic.” Empower yourself by not assuming that something is 100% safe. Be a voracious label reader and make sure that you’re not putting dangerous chemicals onto your skin!

If you liked this article, find out more at courses.therapeutic-healing.ie or download my free ebook. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know below.

As I am so passionate about this, I am looking for your much needed support for something I am so passionate about. If you know me, you will understand this. I have just entered a competition to win an Organic Skincare Entrepreneur Scholarship. I have until 25th Sept 2016 to get as many votes in. Go to this link: http://wshe.es/T2YgYcoS and click the ‘like’ button beside my picture. Scroll down to see my entry. Thanks for all your support. <3

Back To School: How to Make a Natural Hand Cleaner [Recipe]

Posted on August 26, 2016December 7, 2020 by Johann Callaghan

Back To School: How To Make a Natural Hand Cleaner [Recipe]

It’s that time of year again and the kids are heading back to school. It’s a perfect time to make an effective hand cleaner with essential oils to help ward off those pesky germs.

This hand cleaner is quite different to the alcohol based cleansers which can contribute to breaking down the skin surface layer and drying out the skin. It is also free of triclosan, a known anti-bacterial chemical ingredient found in hand soaps and body washes which is linked to hormone disruption. This hand cleanser is much gentler and is made with skin nourishing ingredients aloe vera gel and essential oils of Tea Tree and Lavender, full of anti-bacterial properties. Aloe Vera gel is probably best known for treating sunburns and for healing minor wounds. It contains anti-bacterial properties and vitamins and minerals so it is a great one to have for cuts and scrapes. Just what every kid needs!

Ingredients

50ml Aloe Vera Gel (Organic Aloe Vera Gel)
5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
4 drops Lavender Essential Oil or Orange Essential Oil

Instructions

Mix all ingredients and store in a squeezable tube or pump bottle. (iNeibo Silicone Travel Bottles)
Use as needed to naturally remove germs from hands.

Use a small funnel to transfer into your bottle. If you wanted to make a spray version of this hand sanitiser, all you have to do is use half distilled water and half aloe vera gel and mix together with the essential oils.

The blend is safe to use on children five years and older. This is a fun and very simple recipe that you can even make with your children. You can use this for cuts and scraps and even as an after sun gel or spray.

Have you ever made a hand cleaner? How did it turn out? Please comment below.

If you like this article, and would like to learn more please visit my online courses page.

How to Control Rosacea Naturally

Posted on May 15, 2016December 7, 2020 by Johann Callaghan

Many people know Rosacea with having red, flushed face sometimes with small pimples or spider like veins. For the person experiencing the symptoms the skin can feel dry, itchy, hot or burning, stinging sensation, sensitive in the sun and easily blushes. Like most skin flare ups there is usually a trigger to cause the symptoms. Rosacea flare ups occur when something causes the blood vessels in the face to expand, which causes redness. It usually comes down to how stressed or run down you are, if your diet is triggering any auto-immune responses, or irritation from too much sun. Rosacea is an inflammation problem that comes out as a rash. It is similar in nature to acne, psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.

Anti-Inflammatory foods

Inflammation on the skin can be a sign that you are experiencing inflammation in the gut. It is important to know what foods may trigger flare ups and other congested skin problems. Avoid common allergens and focus on anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, garlic, onions and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cabbage).

Omega 3 fatty acids and healthy fats: coconut oil, avocados, wild caught salmon, nuts and seeds. Omega 3 also helps to balance the hormones.

Make sure your gut does not have an overgrowth of yeast or bad bacteria by keeping your microbiome in good health. Use a good multi-strain probiotic as an every day supplement to support gut health which can be purchased in your local health shop.

For the skin

Don’t use toners that contain alcohol. If you use toners go for floral waters like rose water or witch hazel.

Vegetable oils: Calendula, rosehip, jojoba oil or coconut oil. Use the vegetable oils in combination or on their own. A lot of people use rosehip on its own.

Essential oils: neroli essential oil, roman chamomille or german chamomille (german is highly anti-inflammatory and calming), geranium or rose.

Only use essential oils in your blend of vegetable oil(s) if your skin is not too sensitive. The facial skin is thinner than anywhere else on the body so we only need a weak dilution blend of .5%. ie 1 drop in every 10mls of vegetable oil. See my article on How to Dilute Essential Oils for more.

Sun: Be mindful of wearing a sunscreen to prevent irritation from UV light. Use a natural physical broad spectrum sun cream which reflects sun rays unlike chemical sun creams which absorb the UV rays. Physical sun cream contains natural minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Managing Stress Levels

Many people feel mentally and emotionally challenged by this skin condition. Stress increases auto-immune responses and thus inflammation which triggers symptoms of Rosacea. While it is difficult to avoid stress, you are not helpless and can help to control the symptoms. You can empower yourself to find ways to beat stress. Educate yourself about the disorder and be open to trying new approaches and making certain changes in your lifestyle in order to help you feel more in control. Try stress reducing techniques like excercises, meditation whatever helps to soothe yourself.

Have you tried any other approaches that have helped reduce or manage your Rosacea? Let me know.

If you enjoyed this article and want to know more, check out our online courses or join our Aromatherapy Empowerment Facebook Group where we offer free advice & tips, recipes and more…

3 Ways to Exfoliate Your Skin Naturally

Posted on March 9, 2016December 7, 2020 by Johann Callaghan

To exfoliate is to remove the surface dry skin cells, the outermost layers of the stratum corneum. This helps to increase cell turnover, improve skin texture and improves skin tone leaving you with a lovely glow.

Exfoliation, derived from the Latin exfoliatus (to strip of leaves), is a term that describes any process meant to remove dead skin flakes from the body.

Why is it important to exfoliate?

Well, by exfoliating you improve your skin function and any skin issues like blocked pores which lead to further problems like acne, dull skin, pigmentation and fine lines. The skin is a major organ in your body and we need it to work well. It protects us from pathogens in the environment and helps with the process of phagocytosis. It enables the production of vitamin D together with sunshine and cholesterol on our skin . So we want our skin to have the right acid mantle levels and we want it looking radiant aswell.

What do I use to exfoliate?

You can use chemical or physical exfoliants or you can take a gentle salt bath.

What is a Chemical Exfoliant?

Chemical Exfoliant

These exfoliants include ingredients such as AHAs and BHA, and enzymes such as Pumpkin, Papaya, and Pineapple. These ingredients will dissolve dead skin cells and usually have a deeper exfoliating effect. It penetrates further into the pores meaning it helps with blackheads and acne. Using this type can make the skin sensitive to sunlight so it is best to do this at night. Be sure to use chemical exfoliators that are based in natural ingredients, like fruits, milks, or sugars.

Physical Exfoliant

These products are facial, hand and body scrubs. These usually include ingredients like fine sea salt, apricot kernel or pumice stone powder. For the facial, I use bamboo powder. It is so gentle and effective for facial skin. You can also use a dry skin brush which can also help to improve your circulation. Using gentle but firm pressure, start at the ankles and rub in circular motions working up towards the heart. If you are taking a shower, use a loofah sponge.

Detox Baths

If you wanted a more gentle approach with less physical work, you can take a hot bath using sea salts. Sea salt has a cleansing effect on the skin, gently softens and dissolves away surface dead skin cells. All you need is about 1 cupful. You can add your favourite essential oils to the salt before adding to the water. My favourite is lavender and roman chamomile. It completely relaxes me and really helps with sleeping. Great for anyone with difficulties getting to sleep at night, stress and anxiety. Read my article about various different types of detox baths.

What is your favourite exfoliant? I love to use sea salt with almond oil for it’s rich emollient properties and essential oils of lime and grapefruit for it’s bursting citrusy aroma and detoxifying benefits. Let me know, and if you have any questions, please comment below.

If you enjoyed this article and want to know more, check out our online courses or join our Aromatherapy Empowerment Facebook Group where we offer free advice & tips, recipes and more…

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What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Posted on December 22, 2015September 2, 2016 by Johann Callaghan

We all know that late nights and working too hard can contribute to dark circles under the eyes. So what is happening on the cellular level to this delicate skin around the eyes.

Your skin below the eyes is very thin and can show the blood vessels and the blood contained therein.

Ageing

As we age and get older, our skin loses it’s elasticity and collegen production resulting in the skin becoming even more thinner. we lose subcutaneous fat which often masks the blueness just below the surface of the skin. This is why the elderly often appear to have very dark circles under their eyes.

Sun Exposure

More melanin can be produced below the eyes resulting in the eyes looking darker and browner. However this process called periorbital hyperpigmentation and often only affects darker skinned people. Sun protection is advised to prevent over production of melanin and also premature aging contributing to weakening and thinning of the skin.

Seasonal Allergies

Eye puffiness and weak blood vessels can be a result of too much fluid build up which can be caused by an immune system response, allergies or excessive salt in the diet. This causes the blood vessels to appear closer the surface of the skin. Seasonal allergies cause the release of histamines causing inflammation around the area. Rubbing the eyes as a result further worsens the situation.

Food Allergies

Usually if the puffiness is constant you may have an undetected food allergy. People with food allergies tend to be deficient if B6, B9 (folic acid), and B12.

Sleep

For the majority of us, the cause is usually tiredness. So how does that effect our eyes? Well our circulation is slower causing blood to pool. Usually it can appear worse in the morning. Well when we are low in energy our body releases cortisol. This is a stress hormone and it raises blood volume which causes the blood vessels below the eyes to appear puffy and dark. The excess fluid accumulation causes the blood vessels to become fragile, weaken and can leak.

Top 6 Tips to Reduce Dark Eyes?

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If you suffer with seasonal allergies, eat foods that inhibit histamine release and stabilise mast cells like pineapple, ginger, garlic, turmeric and onions. Drink chamomile, nettle and peppermint herbal teas.
For possible food allergies, get a food allergy test done and find out what vitamins and minerals you are deficient in.
You can use topical creams with ingredients that will boost the circulation and constrict blood vessels. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid pump up the area keeping the blood vessels further away from the surface of the skin. Vitamin C can help with the production of collagen as well as brightening the skin.
In the morning, apply a cold compress for about five minutes to constrict the blood vessels. You can use cucumber slices or tea bags aswell. The tannin in tea bags reduces swelling and discoloration.
Make a saline solution to help clear nasal congestion with one cup of distilled water and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. This will help to reduce a build up of mucus which causes inflammation and pain or sinuses. Also eat non-mucus forming foods or alkaline foods like green leafy vegetables, cucumber, lemons, nuts and legumes. Avoid dairy.
Reduce salt intake and eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. Drink plenty of water to help detoxify.

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The LEAH Nourishing Eye Cream contains active ingredients known for their anti ageing and tissue regenerating properties.

What did you try to tackle dark circles and how did it work for you? Let us know. Please comment below.

If you like this article, and would like to learn more please visit my online courses page.

Oil for Oily Skin

Posted on December 16, 2015December 16, 2015 by Johann Callaghan

The cause of oily skin and problem skin is normally associated with our hormonal teenage years. Acne Rosacea (adult acne) can also appear after 30 years of age. A shinny face also may be associated with oily skin. So what do we do about it?

The oil your skin produces helps keep your skin moisturised, but if your body produces too much oil, it can cause the pores to block up and cause congestion in the skin resulting in acne. We also need a balance of oil to help prevent skin from drying out resulting in premature aging and a weakend skin barrier.

Our hormones control the production of sebum. Women may experience oily skin during parts of their menstrual cycle, during pregnancy or even during menopause. Excessive sebum production is perhaps the most common culprit. In addition, an excess amount of dead skin cells can cause blockages in the hair follicles aswell.

A condition known as hyperkeratinisation, is when too much keratin (a protein) keeps the dead skin cells binded together and not allowing them to shed as easily as normal skin. This causes the immune system to attack the bacteria formed and results in inflammation. The skin is further impeded by a weakening of the skin barrier function.

Typically many cleansing products contain too many harsh chemicals and further strip the skin of its protective barrier, resulting in the oil glands producing even more oil to compensate.

Oil for oily skin complexions are very successful in treating problematic skin and can help to control sebum levels produced by the sebaceous glands without stripping or drying the skin.

Premature aging is also from a lack of oil in the body causing wrinkles and dry skin. Essential Fatty Acids are vital for skin health. They are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes and help keep skin plumper, hydrated and younger looking skin.

When it comes to dealing with spots, blemishes, dry or oily skin, try LEAH Oil Cleanser for Dirt & Debris or LEAH Oil Cleanser for Sun Damaged skin and Blemishes.

Steps To Solving Congested Skin

Posted on October 16, 2015October 16, 2015 by Johann Callaghan

Dull complexion, uneven skin, white heads and black heads are actually signs of clogged and congested skin.

White heads, black heads, and clogged pores occur due to a combination of factors, such as accumulated toxins and excess sebum (sometimes from over cleansing), pollution, dead skin cells, make-up and dirt. They can enter the open pores and combine with continuously producing sebum and oil causing a plug to form.

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Oil and Sebum

Sebaceous glands are tiny, oil producing glands connected to hair follicles beneath the surface of the skin. The oil they produce lubricates skin and hair. The sebum moves up the hair follicle to the opening of the follicle. However, if there are dead skin cells, the sebum acts like glue and together block the pore. This stimulates bacteria, encourages growth of white heads. When exposed to the air, the plug darkens. All this activity triggers the immune system which causes inflammation and redness as it tries to kill the bacteria.

Dead skin cells

Our skin cells turn over every four weeks. This natural process causes a layer of dead cells to appear on the skin surface. If not removed regularly, our skin won’t appear as vibrant as it should. In addition, dead cells can clog pores on our face and cause congestion or blackheads.

Pollution

Air pollution from car exhausts, factories and power plants etc., contributes to ageing, and can contribute to other skin-related issues.

Skin care and make-up products

Research shows that hormone disrupting chemicals in skincare products have been linked to a number of health problems. Many of them mimic estrogen like parabens. SLS’s can increase the skin’s pH level and can dissolve the natural oil your skin produces. Mineral oil/ Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly) is derived from crude oil. It can not be absorbed by the skin and creates a film on the surface, blocking the pores and preventing the skin from its normal functioning.

Hormones

Hormones and anti-biotics are often used to treat the animals and/or their byproducts, and these hormones can cause acne and other skin problems. Healthy protein includes grass-fed beef and organic poultry, organic dairy products & nuts.

Skin Nutrition

Lack of vitamins and minerals can make skin lifeless, blotchy, dry, or oily. Healthy skin requires a variety of vitamins to keep it resilient; specifically, vitamins A, vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Vegetable oils nourish the skin, contains vitamins and essential fatty acids.

Healthy Fats

We need healthy fats (omega-3 & 6 fatty acids) to absorb fat soluble vitamins. They also improve skin elasticity, and help prevent wrinkles. Unhealthy fats, like saturated and trans fats, should be avoided.

Lifestyle and dietary habits

Refined foods and simple carbohydrates causes sugar spikes which increases insulin. High insulin levels increases inflammation and likely to lead to rashes, blemishes, and breakouts. Dairy is also linked to increased testosterone which is linked to acne. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean protein, healthy fats, nuts and seeds is good for our skin because it contains many vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that promote a healthier skin. A good diet combined with movement/excercise will help lymph flow which in turn helps to eliminate toxins.

LEAH Anti-Acne Treatment Oil

LEAH Anti-Acne Treatment Oil is great for congested and acne skin. This treatment oil will help to dissolve excess sebum naturally and unclog pores. High in Fatty Acids Omega 3 & 6, Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) and Linoenic Acid which are easily absorbed by the skin and known for their tissue regeneration and normalising skin with large pores.

LEAH Anti-Acne Treatment Oil contains Vitamin A and Vitamin E anti-oxidants to help rid free radicals which contribute to inflammation and help to repair skin damage. Contains essential oils of Frankincense, Bergamot and Lemon for their anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and astringent benefits to the skin.

Healing Detox Baths

Posted on August 29, 2015August 8, 2016 by Johann Callaghan

A healing detox bath is one of the easiest healing therapies we can do to facilitate our body’s natural detoxification system.

In this modern age, we are exposed to more toxins than ever. Toxins are in the air we breathe, the food that we eat, beauty and household cleaning products, medications, the water we drink and stress.

How Detox Baths Work

A healing detox baths encourages the body to flush out toxins, while also strengthening our immune system. The reason to use water as hot as can be tolerated is typically used is because this initially draws toxins to the surface of the skin. Moist heat causes sweating with loss of water, salt and small amounts of urea, uric acid, phosphates, sulfates and lactic acid. When the body heats up, blood is drawn to the extremities. Then, as the water gradually cools down, the toxins are drawn into the water. Drink room temperature water during and after your bath to prevent dehydration and fatigue.

Epsom Salts Detox Baths

A detox bath made with epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. Epsom salt is a pure mineral compound of magnesium sulfate in crystal form. Magnesium and sulfur are both critical nutrients but surprisingly can be poorly absorbed from our food. Soaking in epsom salts overcomes this problem as these minerals both absorb readily via the skin.

Epsom salts are a smooth muscle relaxant, helps ease muscle pain, can help lower blood pressure and eliminates harmful substances from the body. It also improves nerve function by encouraging proper regulation of electrolytes.

[clear/]Baking Soda Detox Baths

This bath is beneficial for neutralising skin acidity and alkalises your body. This helps improve oxygen exchange at the cellular level. It also helps irritated or itchy skin and leaves the skin feeling soft and silky. It is also beneficial for those with digestive issues such as the inability to hold food in the stomach comfortably.

[clear/]Sea Salt and Baking Soda Detox Baths

This bath is therapeutic for any exposure to electromagnetic field radiation (EMF). EMF radiation is emitted from everyday household and office electrical appliances such as your TV, computer, microwave, mobile and cordless phones. Sea salt also gives an antiseptic and cleansing effect to the skin while also cleansing the auric field.

Dead Sea Salt Baths

Dead Sea Salts differs greatly from other sea salts in mineral content, being made up of sodium chloride, high in magnesium, sulfates, and potassium. Dead Sea bath salts aid in the treatment of common dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. They’re known to reduce pain and inflammation from arthritis and rheumatism.

Himalayan Salt Baths

Himalayan Salts comes from the salt mines in the Himalayan mountains. Millions of years ago, the crystallized sea salt beds deep in the mountains were covered by lava. This protected them from pollution and now these are the purest salt to be found on earth. They contain up to 84 valuable trace minerals, giving them a beautiful, natural pink coloring. Himalayan salts aid in electrolyte balance, circulation, aids in metabolism functioning, prevent muscle cramping, balancing the PH levels helping to reduce acid reflux, strengten bones and lower blood pressure.

[clear/] Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Detox Baths

This bath is a great overall detoxifier and for muscle aches and pains brought on by physical exertion. It is also the best detox bath choice for those with bad bacteria, fungal overgrowth and candida issues that affect the skin as it helps restore acid mantle protection to the skin.

An ACV bath draws excess uric acid out of the body. An ACV cleansing bath can provide welcome relief for those with joint problems, arthritis, gout, bursitis, or tendonitis.

Contraindications

If you are pregnant, suffer with high/low blood pressure, cardiac problems, vascular conditions, epileptic seizures consult with your healthcare practitioner before commencing any detox bath routine.

If you enjoyed this article and would like more information then please check out our Online Courses.

Which healing detox bath have you tried? Tell us about it below.

A Natural Skincare Regimen Made Simple

Posted on July 31, 2015July 31, 2015 by Johann Callaghan

A natural skincare regimen is really a very simple process involving cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating and moisturising.

Your skin care routine needs to be carefree and simple using only natural organic products. Why?

Some cleansing products contain harsh chemicals which remove excess oil leaving your skin feeling tight, dry or sore after cleansing. These toxic chemical ingredients increases free radical activity in the body and skin. Many cleansers have alcohol which further dries out skin. Alcohol helps ingredients like retinol and vitamin C penetrate into the skin more effectively, but it does that by breaking down the skin’s barrier, destroying the very substances that keep your skin healthy.

Using the LEAH Facial Cleanser, removes makeup and deeply cleanses whilst retaining skin’s moisture level. Apply the cleanser and gently massage it into your skin in upwards, circular motions. For best results, leave it for a minute or so to allow it to dissolve dirt and makeup, and to let it get deep into your pores. Remove with damp cotton pads or a soft face cloth until all the cleanser is removed.

Facial exfoliators (or face scrubs) are skin treatments that scrub away the surface layer of skin. Exfoliator is essential because it removes dead skin cells which can leave your complexion appearing dull, and can clog up pores. Exfoliation should only be done once a week and care should be taken on delicate skin. Apply a small amount of LEAH Facial Scrub with Bamboo to face and neck and massage in a gentle circular motion. Rinse off with warm water or soft damp facecloth.

Following is a toner suitable for your skin type, such as Rose Toner or Witch Hazel (for damaged and mature skin), to close the pores creating a clearer skin tone. Simply spritz on the face and blot off with tissue paper. After cleansing and toning, your skin will feel smoother and look radiant.

LEAH Hydrating Gel Mask is applied next to help draw out any remaining impurities whilst hydrating your skin. Face masks are skin treatments that nourish and treat the skin. Spread a thin coat of the mask evenly over the skin. Avoid the eye area. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water or remove with a soft damp facecloth.

After removing the mask, apply a final application of LEAH Calendula Face Cream. Apply it while your skin is still damp help seal in moisture. If you applied too much, simply use a tissue to gently blot away.

It is important to moisturise around the delicate eye area. LEAH Nourishing Eye Cream contains a high amount of active ingredients targeting anti-ageing. Apply a small amount around the out edge of the eye socket.

Tips

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Don’t pick at your pimples, or you may have permanent scars. Keep hairspray and gel away from your face as these can block your pores.
Eat plenty of nutritional fresh fruit and vegetables to help aid detoxification and supply the body with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.
Rest. The body can only repair and rebuild when it is a restful state.
Smoking, drinking, excessive exposure to the sun and drug taking contribute to premature ageing.
Get plenty of fresh air. Your cells need a good oxygen supply to work effectively.
Drink plenty of water, if you’re well hydrated, your skin will be too. Water primarily stimulates the circulation of blood, fluids, and the necessary elements inside our body. Additionally, it also controls and regulates the skin’s natural balance.

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