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5 Reasons To Take A Detox Bath

DETOX BATH FAUCET

Why A Detox Bath?

 

1. To remove toxins.

Everyone is toxic to some degree.  Toxins are in the air, in our water & in our genetically modified foods. They are in the products we put on our bodies & even in the clothes we wear.  There is no avoiding toxins in the world we live in. Even before you leave the house in the morning, you have been exposed to numerous toxins.  The chemicals in your shampoo and soaps, your moisturizer, your makeup, your toothpaste…even the water that comes out of your shower head.  If you ate fruit & yogurt for breakfast –though healthy–the fruit contains pesticides and the yogurt (unless organic) can have toxins in it.

Dr. Oz just did a show showing that toxins from plastics are in almost everyone of us in the form of phthalates.  Our foods that come wrapped in plastic or in plastic containers, especially if they are high fat, absorb phthalates and then get into our system.  The plastic bags we use in our kid’s lunches have phthalates in them.  It seems it is almost inescapable…and  phthalates are just one toxin that affects our bodies in negative ways.

Another toxin that most people are exposed to is PCB’s in the lining of food cans.  Did you know that there are also PCB’s  on receipts?  It is used to prevent the color on paper from running or bleeding. I don’t know about you, but I am not in the habit of washing my hands after touching receipts–who knew we needed to?  There are numerous chemicals in cleaners that we use, paint we use in our homes, fertilizers we use on our yards — the list goes on and on.  Toxins are unavoidable in the modern world.

One can educate themselves and take steps to avoid many toxins, but in reading the above you can see that it is impossible to avoid them  all together.

The liver is responsible for dealing with toxins once they get into our bodies.  It converts them which makes it possible to eliminate them via our digestive system. That which is not eliminated in this way is eliminated through our skin in the form of sweat.

I can’t tell you the number of times I read in health books that deal with cancer that if you have cancer, your liver is not functioning correctly.  Believe me, we want our livers to stay healthy and functioning, but often instead, they are taxed by an overload of toxins.

 

2. To give the body a nice dose of magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral for staying healthy is often overlooked and under utilized.  Although you can get magnesium through food – almonds, wheat germ, fish, green leafy vegetables – it is not easy to meet your daily needs through food alone.

Detox baths are made with epsom salts which is magnesium sulfate.  Magnesium sulfate helps draw out toxins, and has numerous benefits all on it own.

Magnesium is an essential mineral required for more that 300 biochemical reactions in the body including transmission of nerve impulses, regulation of body temperature, forming healthy bones & teeth, & energy production.  It helps absorb calcium  and keeps osteoporosis at bay.  It brings relief from symptoms of menopause and PMS & minimizes the risk of premature labor — which I experienced first hand when it was given to me intravenously when I went into premature labor with my oldest.

Magnesium helps with insomnia, migraines, kidney stones, gall stones, & in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.  It regulates blood pressure and helps in the treatment of diabetes.

Magnesium is also plays a very important role in mental health. It helps with panic attacks, stress, anxiety, and agitation. It reduces the severity of symptoms and helps reduce the rate of reoccurrence.  This reason alone moves magnesium to the top of my priority list!

Signs that one is deficient in magnesium include fatigue, headaches, insomnia, muscle pain, muscle cramps/spasms & problems with mental health.

Magnesium is absorbed through the skin, and my 2 favorite ways of getting it is through Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil spray and epsom salt baths!

 

3. It is a great way to spend some time taking care of yourself

I live in the midwest.  We have been experiencing the most amazing fall weather, but this week the temperature is supposed to drop and get quite cold.  One reason I am looking forward to the cold weather of winter is so that I can get back to my detox baths.  Due to some medication that I am on to prevent cancer recurrence, I have regular hot flashes.  They were pretty severe during the summer, and the last thing I wanted to do was get into a hot bath.  Now that the weather is cooler, I am excited to get back into the habit of detox baths.

There is something about locking yourself in a bathroom — especially if you are a Mom– and getting into a hot bath for a few minutes of quiet.  Detox baths require at least 20 minutes, and I cannot tell you how rewarding just a few minutes of stillness and quiet is!  I usually use my bluetooth Moxie, and either listen to a podcast or some calming music.

 

4. It is incredibly relaxing & make for a great night’s sleep

I recommend taking your detox bath in the evening before bed.  They are incredibly relaxing and can make you feel quite sleepy, sometimes even weak.  The first time I took a detox bath it was shortly after finishing chemo and radiation, and I was full of toxins.  I got quite light-headed and nauseous after my bath & felt like I had the flu.  It passed once I drank water and rested for about 30 minutes and my body temperature came down.  I’ve read this is a normal response from someone who is quite toxic.  Every time I took a detox bath this reaction became less and less, until now I just feel very relaxed and good after a detox bath.  I tell you this so you are not surprised if you feel icky after your first detox bath.  It won’t last, and you will know that you are very much benefitting from the detox.

 

5. It helps soothe muscle and joint aches and pains.

The same cancer medication I talked about earlier has a side affect of joint pain.  I cannot tell you how relieving detox baths are to my aching joints.  It is drastic.  I step into the bath in pain and step out of the bath pain free.  It surprises me every time!  It has an anti-inflammatory effect that works very quickly!

 

Who Should Detoxify?

Really, anyone and everyone–unless pregnant or have high blood pressure or heart disease.  If you are in bad health, make sure you ask your doctor before taking a detox bath.

 

LOOFAH

How To Take A Detox Bath:

1. Fill tub with quite hot water.  Expect to sweat!

2. Grab a glass of filtered water to have close by.  Stay hydrated during and after the bath.  Light a few candles for ambience while the bath is filling up.

3. Add 2 cups of epsom salts to a standard bathtub full of water.

4. Add 1 cup of baking soda, which neutralizes chemicals like chlorine in the bath water.  It also helps the body absorb minerals and leaves the skin quite soft.

5. Add 5-10 drops of essential oils. This step is optional, but it sure makes the bath smell great!  I love lavender. I have also used tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil for extra detoxification and to wake up the senses and clear sinuses.

6. Switch all ingredients together in tub and soak for at least 20 minutes, working your way up to the ideal 40 minutes.

7. Expect to sweat!  You should start sweating within the first few minutes.  Remember to drink that water!

8. Get out of the tub slowly.  You might be light-headed so take it easy.

 

Detox Bath Recipe

1 bathtub full of hot water

2 cups epsom salts

1 cup baking soda

 

Optional Ingredients:

5-10 drops essential oils (optional) (lavender, tea tree, lemon or eucalyptus all works well)

1 Tablespoon ground ginger

 

Add all ingredients to the tub. Swish & soak for at least 20 minutes up to 40 minutes. Don’t forget to hydrate by drinking water!

Make It In Bulk

I love to mix up a big batch & store it in this large glass container.  I mix the salt & baking soda together-the above recipe x 5, and it sits on my bathroom floor looking all cute with a this 6 oz. silver scoop.  I then scoop about 3 scoops into the bath and then add my essential oils.  It is a great reminder to take my detox baths, & would make a great homemade Christmas gift.

 

Tips:

~If you want to extend the detox, wrap in a towel or fluffy robe and keep on sweating!

~Don’t let your hair touch the water–it would be too drying.

~This detox bath is great for colds and flu.  Eucalyptus is especially great for opening nasal passages.  Also good for colds and illness — add 1 tablespoon of ground ginger to the tub. Ginger increases heat levels and makes you sweat even more profusely.

~Don’t use harsh soaps or lotions after a detox bath.  The pores are wide open so treat them kindly.

~Before this bath, use a loofah or dry brush your skin to stimulate the lymphatic system. This will aid in the release of toxins.  Use long, sweeping motions toward the heart. I talk more about dry brushing here.

~Use coconut oil as a non-toxic after bath moisturizer.

 

………………..

Have you ever taken a detox bath?  What was your experience?

Are you a skeptic?  Maybe this article on Dr. Oz will help.

 

DISCLOSURE: Not intended for the treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice. Use of recommendations is at the choice and risk of the reader. New Nostalgia may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this website.

HEALTH/ Natural Products

Coconut Chia Lemon Face Mask

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

A guest post by Lisa of Miss Alchemist

Chia seeds aren’t only great for snacking, but they also make great beauty products.  Considering their beautifying power, it was only a matter of time until these little superfoods made their way into serums and eye creams.  Chia seeds have important antioxidants including Alpha Lipoic Acid, which minimizes fine lines and pore size, and phytonutrients which help reveal smoother, more radiant skin.  With all these great qualities, you should eat your chia seeds and put them on your face!  Lately I’ve been seeing beauty products now on the market that use chia seed oil due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.  These products can be expensive so you may want to go the d.i.y. route with my coconut-chia mask.  

This mask is great since the chia seeds exfoliate and help moisturize, the coconut oil is hydrating, and the lemon juice works to remove age spots and tighten pores.  

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon solid  coconut oil,  (make sure its cold-pressed, virgin and organic)
  • 2 teaspoons chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Combine ingredients and let stand for 20 minutes or so for the chia seeds to plump up.  If coconut oil is melted you may want to stick in the fridge for a few minutes so that it is firm and will stay on your face.  Apply to your face with a  Fan Brush or pastry brush and let sit for 2-5 minutes.  Wet hands and in a circular motion rub chia seeds into skin before wiping off with a cold wash cloth.  If the coconut oil feel is too much for your skin, follow with a toner (like my triple threat toner), otherwise pat dry.  No moisturizer needed since the coconut oil provides plenty!  Have extra? Apply to the back of your hands — they’ll be silky smooth!

 

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Lisa-Alchemist-round-small

Meet Miss Alchemist

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After Lisa spent years advancing her finance career and prioritizing everything except her health, she decided to make a change.  Putting her curiosity for learning to a new area, Lisa now spends her free time researching and creating simple, healthy recipes and easy, natural d.i.y. beauty products.  Lisa lives in Los Angeles with her miniature schnauzer, Romeo.

 

Natural Products

A Pre-Shave Solution To Rid Those Bumps From Shaving

 

{A Repost From The Archives}

I used to have bumps and large pores & irritation on my legs, and I just thought I had sensitive skin and was stuck with it.

Well, I was half right.  My skin IS sensitive to all the irritants I was using from my shaving cream, soap, & those fun scented & colored body lotions, but I’m NOT stuck with it.

I’m so happy with the solution I have found.   I want to avoid parabens (they mimic estrogen in the body and my cancer was fed by estrogen) and all the different harsh chemicals that are beauty products.

Parabens are a group of compounds widely used as antimicrobial preservatives in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, including underarm deodorants. Parabens are absorbed through intact skin and from the gastrointestinal tract and blood.
Measurable concentrations of six different parabens have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors (Darbre, 2004). The particular parabens were found in relative concentrations that closely parallel their use in the synthesis of cosmetic products (Rastogi, 1995). Parabens have also been found in almost all urine samples examined from a demographically diverse sample of U.S. adults (Ye, 2006a).
Parabens are estrogen mimickers, with the potency of the agonistic response being related to the chemical structure (Darbre, 2008). They can bind to the cellular estrogen receptor (Routledge, 1998). They also increase the expression of many genes that are usually regulated by estradiol and cause human breast tumor cells (MCF-7 cells) to grow and proliferate in vitro (Byford, 2002; Pugazhendhi, 2007). Nevertheless, parabens as a class do not fully mimic estradiol in the changes in cellular gene expression nor are the effects of all parabens identical (Sadler, 2009).

 

I am also on a mission to simplify my beauty routine and the cost of beauty supplies.

My answer to ALL of these issues?  Coconut Oil.  

I love coconut oil so very much.  It is a unique oil, solid when cool and liquid when room temperature or warmer.  It does not need refrigerated.

It is

~anti-inflammatory
~anti-microbial
~anti-fungal

Caprylic Acid, Capric Acid and Lauric Acid are the essential saturated fatty acids that are powerful ingredients in coconut oil. I love having an organic, natural product with such great benefits to it.  It has the slight scent of coconut, but not overpowering at all.


 

I have been using coconut oil as a pre-shave oil this summer, in place of shaving cream or soap, and I can’t tell you how great my legs feel.  Gone are any bumps or irritation.  My pores are small and my skin has a healthy glow to it.  I just love it.  

I keep my jar of organic coconut oil in the shower, and not only use it as a pre-shaving lotion, but also as a quick after- shave oil and moisturizer.  At the end of my shower, when I turn off the water, I do a quick slather of coconut oil all over my whole body.   I find it is a bit too heavy for my face, so I skip the face, but I’ve heard people rave about it as a face moisturizer.  As I dry off, my legs are amazingly soft and smooth. My skin feels silky and has a great glow.   I love skipping the step of body lotion after a shower! Rumor has it that coconut oil has an spf of 4, so it gives some natural sun protection, too!


An added benefit?  It is on my hands as I go to squeeze the water out of my hair, and I have found it acts as a great hair de-frizzer.  I can now air dry my curls and they are soft and amazing with no frizz!  There is very little oil on my hands, so this benefit does not take much coconut oil.  Bonus!

 
{See?  No bumps…and no photo editing, I promise!}
 
Between using coconut oil as a pre & post shave, occasionally using my Homemade Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub, and dry brushing before my shower, my skin is the softest and healthiest it has been in a years.


Try it and tell me what you think!

HEALTH/ Natural Products/ Sponsored

The Organically Clean Home

If you have been around New Nostalgia for very long, then you already know I am a huge fan of Clean Mama. She has changed my cleaning world with her homemaking advice and awesome printables, and now she is doing it again.   I am so excited to tell you that Rebecca Rapinchuk aka Clean Mama just released a book called The Organically Clean Home and you are going to love it!

When I got my copy in the mail and opened the package, I just beamed with pride at this beautiful book that Clean Mama wrote.  It really is a great book to look at, which made me happy because I love pretty books sitting around –especially if they motivate me to clean! I wouldn’t expect anything less from Clean Mama, as she has always done everything with such a clean, simple beauty.

This book really is the end all in homemade cleaning products.  It has 150 everyday organic cleaning products you can make yourself–all natural and chemical free!  It is meant to be a resource, not read from cover to cover, but I found myself doing just that.  I was amazed at all the different recipes from Lemon & Clove Hardwood Floor Cleaner to Peppermint Glass and Mirror Wipes.

http://amzn.to/1l7T4fb

I made the Citrus Carpet Freshener recipe, and oh MY it smelled so good in here after vacuuming.  I put the recipe in the above shaker jar, marked it with cute  washi tape, and now I look forward to vacuuming again.  Only Clean Mama can make THAT happen.  I am going to use the second jar with the pour-flap lid to make Lemon & Clove Nightly Sink scrub. The recipe is listed link below.

Photo: Clean Mama

I am going to make a cleaning caddy, just like the one in the picture above, which she writes about here.  I cannot wait to gather my supplies and start making all these wonderful recipes to use while spring cleaning.

Here are a couple ideas and cleaning recipes Clean Mama has shared from the book:

Get this book.  I can’t speak highly enough of it and I just know you all will love it as much as I do.  It is only $10 and it is worth every penny, and will pay for itself in no time with all the money you will save by making your own natural cleaning products. You can order it through Amazon, or it is at Barnes and Noble nationwide.

Have you ever made your own cleaning products?

Interested in Essential Oils for those homemade cleaning products?  I recommend doTERRA brand.

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This post contains affiliate links.
Beauty/ FAMILY/ HEALTH/ Marriage/ Natural Products

16 Easy Ways To Get Ready For A Hot Date

I have a hot date with my man tonight.  He asked me out via email this week which was pretty cute.

We are going out to dinner.  I am not sure where yet.  We have a few gift certificates to chose from thanks to my sweet Cali friend Karen and her hubs.  When I was sick and healing, they sent the most amazing love gift through the mail to our family.  It was a stack of gift cards, some to use as a family, some to use just for Todd and I.  It was an amazing gift and it has been so fun using them!

I have the afternoon free, and I thought it would be fun after a busy work week to just spend some time on me!  I want to look nice for my sweet husband, and I love a chance to get dolled up.  I am a licensed cosmetologist and have not worked in the field for over 13 years, but that doesn’t keep me from wanting to use my skills every once in awhile!

Here are some of the things I am planning on doing.  I got all of the ideas from my Beauty Tips & Inspiration Boards at Pinterest.  The first few have been shared here at New Nostalgia, and the rest of them are great ideas found on Pinterest.  All links lead you to the pin, then the link. Make sure to repin if you are interested, and if you love them, follow the board!

You don’t have to be a professional to do any of these things, and many of them I do on a regular basis–like the 2 ingredient lemon scrub.

So here is what I plan on doing this afternoon:

(1) I will wash my face using the oil cleansing method, but first I will use my (2) 2 ingredient lemon scrub.  While that is on I will get out my go-to coconut oil and put it to work by putting it in my dry hair.  This is my (3) favorite moisturizing hair treatment using coconut oil.

While that is in, I will get out my blue mouth guard, and (4) whiten teeth for cheap.  This works and it has been way too long since I have done it.  I am a coffee and tea drinker, so I need to keep up on this to keep my pearly whites.

After I let the coconut oil sit in my hair awhile, before I get in the shower I will quickly (5) dry brush my skin–click through for why.  On my way into the shower I will grab my absolute favorite (6) coconut-lime sugar scrub, and use the shaving technique that I rave about in that post.  Before turning off the water and exiting the shower, I will use (7) coconut oil as a moisturizer.  I quick slather it on, then rinse it off.  It is so great to towel off and know my skin is already moisturized and there is no need for lotion.  Boom!  Big time- saver.

I will get out of the shower, comb and dry my hair, and (8) try this braided half-up half-down tutorial.  I want to (9) bobby pins that are brought to life with nail polish, for a bit of fun color and sparkle.  If the braided tutorial bombs, will fall back on my favorite (10) tutorial for a messy bun.

I’m going to (11) darken my eyebrows, I could not believe the before and after pics on the tutorial. I will use an eyebrow pencil, not dye.

I plan on wearing skinny jeans with heels, but if they are dirty–I’m so behind in laundry right now– I might try out this (12) tip for tucking non-skinny jeans into boots.  I have a pair of high heeled boots that I save for date nights.

I want to try and (13) tie my scarf like this, I have a grey sparkly, striped scarf that I think would work well. If I resort to the messy bun, I may ditch the neck (14) scarf and tie one around my bun like this.

I will (15) layer on my rings to pack a punch and (16) layer on bracelets for a bit of sparkle.  I have these in black & grey.

It sound like a lot, but I’m pretty good at getting ready fast, so it shouldn’t take too long.  Even if it does, we ladies need to spend some time for ourselves, and this is one way I like to do that!

What are your favorite ways to get ready for a date?
What are your favorite beauty tips?

DIY/Crafts/ HEALTH/ Natural Products

The Perfect Pain Relieving + Detox Bath

epsom salt & ginger

If there’s anything I’ve learned about you guys it’s that you love natural remedies for things. And I do too, so we are a match made in heaven! I recently received a box from The Homegrown Collective that came with fresh green tea leaves, fresh dried lavender and epsom salt. I was having one of those days where my pain flared up badly and I needed a way to calm that pain down. It was just what I needed! I added a few of my own remedies to the bath as well and it was heaven. 

Since I know you guys didn’t get this glorious box in the mail, I wanted to share with you how I did my bath so you could do one of your own at home as well! 

Here’s What You’ll Need:
– 3 Table Spoons Fresh Green Tea Leaves
– 1 Table Spoon Dried Lavender
– 1 Cup Epsom Salt
– 1 Table Spoon Grated Fresh Ginger
– 1 Table Spoon Pain Relieving oil from Lavender Anne’s 
– 1 muslim bag to hold dried leaves and lavender in

 Here’s What You Do:
 – Fill your tub with hot water- as hot as you can stand it. Place all ingredients in your hot water.
– Soak in your bath for AT LEAST 20 minutes.
– Bring a cup of cold water with you to the bath– you will feel very dehydrated if you don’t!

 This bath is perfect for those of you wanting to detox heavy toxins from your body as well as kick some of the pain you’ve been experiencing. It’s high in antioxidants as well as pain relieving substances such as epsom salt and ginger! I promise it won’t disappoint.

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Meghan Newsom
Meghan Newsom
Health & Gluten Free Contributor
 You can follow her here:
Beauty/ Natural Products/ POPULAR

Homemade Hair Reconstructor

Homemade Hair Reconstructor

I have seen a lot of ideas for homemade hair reconstructors and conditioners, but other than using Coconut Oil as my favorite hair moisturizer, I have never used home products to make homemade hair reconstructor…until now!

Thanks again to Pinterest, I couldn’t pass up the idea of making my own hair reconstructor.

 

Hair Reconstructor Before and After

The treatment made my natural curls more bouncy & took away frizz

 

Hair Reconstructor Vs. Hair Moisturizer

A hair reconstructor is different than a hair moisturizer.  A moisturizer adds moisture back into the hair.  It is great for dry hair.  A reconstructor is like a strengthener.  It helps heal damaged, weak hair.

There are several things that make hair need moisturizing treatments and reconstructing treatments.  Some hair is just naturally dry and weak, but most of the damage is from:

  • highlighting and coloring hair
  • not getting regular trims
  • outside elements like wind and sun
  • heat damage from hair dryers and curling/flattening irons
  • certain medications

My hair had damage from all of the above!

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