HERBALCONSULTS

This section will provide in depth instruction on spa type treatments that are possible to do in your home at an affordable price. Even if you are not inclined to make all of the “recipes” here you can study the elements provided and compare with products available at department stores or specialty shops. I have listed a few commonly available supplies needed below. Also, you may want to pick a particular area to work on like face, or body; so I have broken the information down into distinct parts that are easily put together into a seamless whole.

OILS:

Essential oils are natural substances that are extracted from herbs, flowers, and trees; usually through the process of steam distillation. These oils can soothe, rejuvanate, heal, or relieve pain, thereby affecting the body’s physical, psychological and emotional levels. The use of these oils in this manner is commonly referred to as aromatherapy. These oils can be inhaled, or applied to the skin diluted in a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond. Putting these oils directly on the skin is not advisable without consulting a professional (only lavender oil is safe to use straight). Always avoid the eyes. The oils can be inhaled in the following ways: place a few drops on a tissue and hold near your face, or add 8-10 drops to a bowl of almost boiling water and cover your head with a towel and stand over the bowl. For massage add 20 drops of essential oils per ounce of sweet almond, jojoba, or apricot kernel oil. For a bath add 12 drops of oil to a half ounce of coconut oil and mix well into the water. For pain add 8 drops to a bowl of almost boiling water put a towel or piece of sheet into the bowl, wring out excess water and apply to the effected area then wrap with a dry towel to insulate it. For air freshener add 20 drops oil to 1/2 ounce alcohol the put into a spray bottle with 3 ounces of water. Remember that quality counts with essential oils so buy a top quality oil. Only use these oils internally under the care of a specialist. My short list of essential oils to start with in order of importance:

Lavender – soothing muscle relaxant , skin conditioner, astringent; this oil is helpful under almost any circumstance, especially cuts, bruises, pimples. This is also the only oil that is absolutely safe to use directly undiluted on the skin.

Tea tree – antiseptic, anti viral, dries the skin, helpful with acne, has menthol/camphor type scent

Bergamot – skin conditioner, antiseptic, anti viral, has a fresh citrus scent; the bergapten in some brands may cause photosensitivity!

Rosemary – antiseptic, muscle relaxant, promotes hair growth, stops headache

Juniper – skin detoxifier, astringent, soothing, helps to reduce muscle aches, has the smell of pine, gin, and citrus

Geranium – good for the skin, has a floral scent

Eucalyptus – antiseptic, insect repellant, helps respiratory congestion

Neroli – antisceptic, emollient; has a complex scent

Chamomile – excellent for the skin, very relaxing; has an apple/floral scent

Myrrh – stops pain, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory; mild scent; use with caution if pregnant

Ylang ylang – aphrodisiac, reduces stress and tension; has a floral, musk, woody scent

Jasmine – very expensive but the scent is wonderful; emollient, aphrodisiac, soothing

Sandalwood – antiseptic, soothing, emollient, skin conditioner; has a woody earthy scent; this is excellent for dry skin.


TOOLS:

Most of the tools needed should be found in the kitchen or bathroom. Try to avoid the use of reactive metals like silver, copper, aluminum, Teflon, or iron. Stainless steel, enamel, glass (pyrex, etc.) are preferable.

Juicer
Blender or food processor – this might work as a substitute for the juicer sometimes
Coffee grinder or spice mill
Wire whisk
Tongs
Double boiler
Large boiling pot
Assorted glass bowls
Wooden spoons and chopsticks
Vegetable peeler, knives, cutting board
Funnel
Assorted glass jars and bottles
Strainer, measuring cups and spoons
Loofah sponge or mitt
Natural bristle brush
Disposable rubber gloves
Several cotton or linen sheets
Assorted towels
Pillows and blankets
Plastic sheets or shower curtains
Muslin sacks

Additionally you might want to utilize: candles, music, books, space heater, robe, slippers, water, and juices.

It is always best to start your spa experience with a shower to remove any lotions, perfumes and surface dirt from your body. Envision bathing in purifying, scented waters, then snuggly wrapping up in soft, warm linens. Visualize drifting away to serenity while you inhale the perfumes of calming and detoxifying splendors, discovering a renewed, revitalized, regenerated, and soothed self.

BODY SCRUBS

Exfoliation is an integral part of any spa treatment. Techniques vary but the purpose of exfoliation is manifold: first it rids the skin’s surface of any dirt or oil residue and removes the uppermost layer of dead skin cells, while effecting the secretion and production of the bodies natural oils. Second, it prepares the skin for subsequent treatments. Removal of the layer of dead cells enables the skin to more effectively absorb or react to products utilized in treatments that follow the exfoliation process. Third, exfoliation helps stimulate and circulate lymph fluid, which aid in the elimination of toxins, while also serving as a stimulating massage and improving blood circulation. The entire body should be scrubbed at least weekly, even if only for 5 minutes. First timers to exfoliation should begin gently. Some of the body treatments are perhaps a bit more time consuming than some of the facial or hair treatments, but are well worth the extra effort. The benefits gained here will be physical, mental, and spiritual. Exfoliation should be done in a circular motion, beginning with the feet and up the legs, then hands up the arms, next down the back and finally up the front to your heart. Be sure to clean all of your scrubbing tools after each use. It is usually best to rinse with tepid or cool water after the scrub to further activate circulation. You will find exfoliation to be revitalizing and energizing.


Revitalizing And Detoxifying Sea Salt Scrub

Ideal for normal to dry skin, this is good to do with a partner so you can focus on each others backs. Sea salt will exfoliate and the oils will revitalize and detoxify.

1/2 c. coarse sea salt
2 T rosemary essential oil
1 T Juniper essential oil
1 T Lavender essential oil
1 T apricot kernel oil for dry skin
body scrub tool

Simply dip the tool into the combined and mixed oils then into the salt and scrub. Pay attention to rough spots like the elbows, knees, or heels. Rinse, pat dry and continue with another treatment or moisturize if through.

Oatmeal, Almond and Avocado scrub

Oatmeal is rich in vitamin E, and is anti inflammatory, anti itch, and soothes the skin. Almonds are an emollient, and exfoliant. Avocado contains vitamins A, D, E, and other principles that possess collagen-building properties. Together this mixture is ideal for irritated, tired, normal to dry skin. The only caveat is that the mixture has the potential to clog drains, so the almond and oatmeal could be put into muslin cloth and then use that to rub on the avocado.

1/2 c. almonds ground in blender, food processor or grinder untol coarse.
1 c. dry oatmeal
1 ripe avocado

Mix ingredients together and rub over body, or use the muslin cloth method.

BODY WRAPS

This is the next natural step after a scrub, but may of course be done on its own. If doing it alone be sure to shower first. Heat retention is an important aspect of body wraps, so warm your tools, towels and sheets (a few minutes in the dryer works well here). Ideal water temperature is around 180 F. Be careful not to burn your hands! Try to warm the room you will be working in, a space heater will work fine. Feel free to drink hot herbal teas before the wrap (I like peppermint). After a wrap put on a warm bathrobe and relax for 20 minutes; or if it is warm and sunny out lay in the sun. Most importantly drink plenty of water after a wrap.

Chamomile, lavender relaxation wrap

This wrap is good for stress, anxiety and insomnia.

1 1/2 c. chamomile
1 1/2 c. lavender
1 c. hops
1 c. passion flower or lady’s slipper (or valerian, but I think it has an off smell)
1 plastic sheet or shower curtain
1 large pot
1 large cotton or linen sheet, cut into 12” strips
Blankets

First select an appropriate relaxation spot (bed, lounge chair or bathtub) and place a plastic sheet or shower curtain on it. Warm the room (if necessary use a space heater). Fill pot with water and bring to a boil, the add herbs, cover, and turn off heat. Let pot steep for 20 minutes. Strain tea or scoop out herbs, then place sheet strips into pot; let sit for 5 more minutes or so to cool a little (170 F). Place all of the supplies near your relaxation spot. Lay on the plastic sheet. Remove strips one by one, wringing out excess tea, and wrap body from feet up. Next cover with the blankets, and relax for 10-15 minutes. Remove strips and relax.


REMINERALIZING SEAWEED WRAP

Seaweed wraps are exceptionally beneficial as a quick way to remineralize the body and replenish it with nutrients lost on a daily basis – such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iodine, protein, vitamins, amino acids, and more. The molecular formation of the human blood cell and that of seawater is similar, thereby enabling nutrients from the seawater to easily filter through the pores of the skin and enter into the blood stream as well. Seaweed is also a potent detoxifier. Kelp is the most used type of seaweed for this purpose. Fresh seaweed is the best to use, but the powder is most readily available and should be mixed with enough water to make a mayonnaise like paste.

8 oz. Powdered seaweed
water to make a paste
plastic sheet
blankets

I start by filling a tub with hot water to heat the tub and the room, let sit with the door closed for 15 minutes or so. Drain the tub, lay down a blanket and the plastic sheet. Lie down and begin to cover your body with the seaweed paste. Then wrap the remainder of the plastic sheet and blanket around you, then cover with an additional blanket. Relax for 20 minutes. Unwrap and rinse off with warm water. Dry off and moisturize.


LEMONGRASS DETOXIFICATION WRAP

Lemongrass’ tonic, invigorating, and antiseptic properties combined with its pleasant citrus scent make it the perfect chief herb for this formula.
1 c. fresh lemongrass
1 3-4” piece fresh ginger root (grated)
1/2 c. yarrow flowers
1 large pot for boiling
1 cotton or linen sheet cut into 12” strips
1 plastic sheet or shower curtain liner
2 blankets

Warm the room and prepare the blankets like with the seaweed wrap. Fill pot with water and bring to a boil. Put herbs in pot, cover, and remove from heat. Let steep for 20 minutes, then strain or scoop out the herbs. Next put the sheet strips into the pot and let sit for 5 minutes. Wrap the strips around you cover with the sheets and blankets. Rest for 15 minutes, remove sheets and wrap, then shower.


AROMATIC HERBAL BATHS


Herbal baths are detoxifying, aromatic, and intensely relaxing, both spiritually and physically. The ceremony of bathing in herbs is a daily ritual in many cultures. The combination of herbs used depends on the effect desired: to soothe the skin, promote sleep, stimulate circulation, relieve muscle aches and pains or simply to unwind after a busy day. The best way to brew an herbal bath is to put the herbs into a muslin cloth sack and place them in the tub as it fills.
The best time to bathe is when the stomach is empty. I almost always add salts to the bath water as it will facilitate better skin health, detoxification, muscle relaxation, and absorption of the herbs. I use 1/2 to 2 pounds, depending on the size of the tub and the condition of the bather, (psoriasis, and eczema require even more. Always drink plenty of water after a bath and moisturize. Morning baths are more tonic, and will serve to relieve fatigues, stimulate the body, and eliminate toxins. The temperature range is form 96-99 F. Evening baths are meant to be relaxing, relieve stress, and prepare for sleep. The temperature range for these baths is from 99-103 F. A muscle or joint soothing bath after a workout or stressful day ranges from 104 – 109 F.

Skin soothing comfrey bath

1/2 c. comfrey root or leaves or both
1/4 c. linden
1/4 c. yarrow
1/4 c. oatmeal


Revitalizing lemon/ginger bath

2 T minced ginger root
1/3 c. grated lemon peel
1/4 c. oatmeal
20 drops essential oil of spruce, pine, or 1/2 c. needles


MUSCLE ACHE BATH

1/4 c. juniper berries slightly crushed
1/4 c. thyme
1/4 c. lavender flowers
10 drops essential oil of wintergreen
10 drops essential oil of lavender

ORANGE TONIC BATH

1/4 c. grated orange peel
2 T dried parsley
10 drops essential oil of neroli
1 c. dried milk powder

ROSEMARY EUCALYPTUS BATH

This bath can be used for mental fatigue, headaches, or the first stage of the common cold.

1/4 c. rosemary
1/4 c. eucalyptus
1/4 c. peppermint
1/4 c. sage or basil
5 drops each of rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils

APHRODISIAC OIL BATH

6 drops ylang ylang essential oil
4 drops neroli essential oil
2 drops bergamot essential oil
4 drops rose or jasmine essential oil (optional)
2 T honey
2 oz fresh cream


CYPRESS BATH

This bath is effective for alleviating oily skin and reducing blemishes.

8 drops tea tree essential oil
6 drops cypress essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil
SANDALWOOD DRY SKIN BATH

10 drops essential oil of sandalwood
2 T sweet almond oil
1 T sesame oil

GERANIUM BATH FOR NORMAL SKIN

3 T olive oil
10 drops essential oil of geranium


SEAWEED BATH

2 c. bath salts
1/2 cup seaweed powder
1/3 c. aloe gel

MOISTURIZING

Apply moisturizer after every bath or shower, it is best applied while the skin is still warm and moist. Stay away from mineral (petroleum) based oils or oils that contain animal fat. These oils are not absorbed by the skin and will form a greasy layer on its surface. Rich oils like olive and sesame are best for dry skin. Jojoba and grapeseed are lighter and better for normal to oily skin. Aloe gel is best suited for oily skin.

COCOABUTTER FOR DRY SKIN

2 T beeswax
2 t distilled water
1/2 c. cocoabutter
3 T sesame oil
2 T coconut oil
1 T olive oil
20 drops essential oils of your choice
3000 IU vitamin E

Melt the beeswax over low heat mixed with the water. Add in cocoabutter, mix in the rest of the ingredients. Pour into a glass jar, this mixture will thicken as it cools. It will keep for one year.

ROSE OIL FOR NORMAL TO OILY SKIN

2 T beeswax
1/4 c. distilled water
1/4 c. almond or apricot oil
1/4 c. rosewater
5 drops galbanum essential oil
5 drops rose essential oil
3000 IU vitamin E

Melt the beeswax on low heat, with the water. When it is melted pour into a blender and on low speed add the rest of the ingredients. It will have a creamy texture, put it into a glass jar, and use sparingly.

There are 5 basic steps to face care or facials:
1. Cleanse: to rid the skin of dirt, oils, and makeup.
2. Steam: to open the pours, increase circulation, and deep clean.
3. Mask or peel: To further deep clean, and nourish.
4. Tone: to tighten the pores and prepare for moisturizer
5. Moisturize: to replenish with fluid and protect
When treating your face don’t forget your neck. Always clean before steaming. Be sure to check the temperature of the steam! Try to use dark colored towels as some of the treatments will stain. If you have long hair pull it back. Always use some sunblock when outside. Pay special attention to above the upper lip and below the eyes when moisturizing as these areas tend to be dry. Start by washing your face with a good quality facial cleanser like: La Prarie purifying gel, decleor, or murad.

STEAM

ROSEPETAL STEAM FOR NORMAL SKIN
1 c. fresh rose petals (chemical free)
1 gallon almost boiling water

Put petals in a bowl, add water and cover head with towel and lean over bowl. Keep face 10 – 12” from bowl and steam for 10 -15 minutes.

LAVENDER BERGAMOT STEAM FOR OILY OR BLEMISHED SKIN

10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops bergamot essential oil
1 gallon almost boiling water

Follow directions given above


MASK

SEAWEED DETOXIFYING AND REMINERALIZING MASK

4 T kelp powder
1/2 c. aloe gel
3 T distilled water

Combine kelp powder and aloe in a small bowl, slowly add water until a thick paste is formed. Apply to face with fingers, gently rubbing it in. Relax for 15 minutes, rinse with tepid water and pat dry.

AVOCADO REJUVANATING MASK

1/2 c. heavy cream
1 carrot, cooked and mashed
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and mashed
3 T honey

Mix well in a bowl, apply to face and neck. Relax for 15 minutes.

EXFOLIATING AND MOISTENING PINEAPPLE MASK

1 1” slice of pineapple with the skin on cut into chunks
3 T olive oil

Blend until almost smooth, apply to face and leave on for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse face with warm water and pat dry.

FIRMING CLAY MASK

4 T French green clay powder in a mixing bowl

Add enough water or apple cider vinegar to make a thick paste, apply to face and let set for 15-25 minutes. The longer it sets the stronger the effect.

COOLING CUCUMBER PEEL

This is helpful for sunburn as well as for puffy, irritated skin.

1/2 small cucumber juiced
2 oz green tea, steeped and strained
2 oz chamomile tea, steeped and strained
1 packet unflavored gelatin
1 oz aloe gel

Over low heat, combine green and chamomile tea with the gelatin until dissolved. Remove from heat and pour into a glass bowl. Stir in the cucumber juice and aloe gel. Refrigerate for 25 – 30 minutes until it starts to thicken. Spread over face and allow to dry for 20 minutes. Peel off and rinse with warm water, pat dry.
HONEY MASK FOR MATURE SKIN

This will help reduce the visibility of wrinkles.

2 T honey
2 T almond oil
6 drops rose essential oil

Mix the ingredients together and apply to face for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water and pat dry.

GENTLE CHICK PEA EXFOLIATOR

The egg will tighten the complexion, and the banana will nourish it.

4 T chick pea flour
1 ripe banana
1 egg beaten

In a bowl mash banana to a paste with the chickpea powder. Stir in the egg, and apply to face. Rinse well with water and pat dry.

EXFOLIATING PAPAYA PEEL

1 packet unflavored gelatin
3 T distilled water
1 papaya, unpeeled, deseeded, and juiced (if it is a giant Mexican papaya only use 1/4)

Over low heat combine gelatin and water until dissolved, remove from heat and place in a bowl. Add the papaya juice, mix and refrigerate for 20 – 25 minutes, until gelatin starts to set. Apply to face and relax for 15 minutes. Attempt to peel off or gently wash with a warm cloth.


TONERS

I like to use Murads’ toners, but if you have the time here is a good one.

MINT TONER

1 c. peppermint tea steeped for 15 minutes and allowed to cool
1/4 c. witch hazel
1 T lemon juice

Mix the ingredients together and apply with a cotton ball after cleaning the face. Store in the refrigerator covered in a glass container.

CRANBERRY ACNE TONER

The cranberry is astringent and the savory antisceptic.

1T dried savory
1/2 c. boiling water
1/2 c. cranberries

Make a tea of the savory with the water by steeping for 15 minutes, strain and reserve liquid. Juice the cranberries and mix the two fluids together. Soak gauze or a washcloth in the liquid and apply to the face for 15 minutes. Avoid the eyes and rinse with warm water when through.

FACIAL MOISTURIZERS

Alpha hydroxy moisturizers are best used at night, during the day Elizabeth Arden offers a day cream with 15 SPF and Channel offers one as well.

NIGHT CREAM FOR DRY SKIN

1 egg
1/4 c. sesame oil
1/4 c. sunflower oil
1 T liquid lecithin
1 T lemon juice
1/2 c. coconut oil
3000 IU vitamin E

On low speed blend egg and sesame oil in a blender, slowly add sunflower oil, lecithin, and lemon juice with motor running, then add the coconut oil and blend until mixture is thick. Refrigerate for 1 hour, then blend again. This should be refrigerated covered in a glass jar and will keep for 2 months. Apply before bed.

CUCUMBER COLD CREAM FOR SENSATIVE SKIN

2 Small cucumbers peeled and halved
1 c. lanolin
1/4 c. almond oil
1/2 c. boiling water

Juice cucumber, slowly add boiling water to cucumber liquid and set aside to cool. Next, in a saucepan over low heat melt lanolin, then remove from heat, and while stirring add almond oil. Next, add cucumber juice to lanolin while stirring. Store in a glass jar in refrigerator.