This time of year, most people think of cookies, pumpkin pie, lights, Christmas trees, and even snow. But most people probably try not to think about diets until January (the month with the most new gym memberships). But instead of focusing on loosing weight after the holidays, you can keep your weight at bay and even loose weight now instead of gaining an extra 10 pounds this year so you can take it off next year. 

 

But what diets work and what don’t? Any diet under 1,200 calories is considered a starvation diet. These diets are never a good idea because all you loose is muscle and you will put the weight right back on. Adding muscle is much more efficient for your body to loose weight than loosing it. Muscle actually helps speed up your metabolism. Why do you think men have an easier time loosing weight than women?

 

What about a low carb diet? That can work for a short time. Many people loose weight by going on these types of diets. But, these diets are starter diets, meaning it’s good to use them to help you start loosing weight, but they are not good for your body in the long run. Your body needs nutrients that you are not getting on a low carb diet.

 

The best diets are lifestyle diets. This is a combination of eating fewer calories and exercising at least 3 or more times a week. On this diet, you may not loose as much weight in the beginning as the low carb diet, but you can end up loosing much more weight because this is a lifestyle change not just a quick fix. It’s a habit you need to develop for the rest of your life.

So how do you get started? Take your body weight and multiple it by 10. This is the number of calories your body needs to maintain your weight. So, how many calories should you be consuming if you want to loose weight? Multiple your goal weight by 10. That is the number of calories you should be consuming. But remember, never consume less than 1,200 calories. It doesn’t matter where these calories come from, try not to eat more than what you calculated. It is better to eat healthy because it will give your body more energy. Next comes exercise. I know, probably not what is on your mind, but all you have to do is burn 500 extra calories a week in exercise to loose weight. You can walk, do yoga, ride a bike, run, do weight-bearing exercises, and even housework or yard-work. 

 

What if you wanted to eat all that turkey and the trimmings, or the Christmas cookies? You can do that, but in moderation. Just remember that each cookie usually can contain 100 calories or more. And an average slice of pumpkin pie has around 240 calories. So you can have one of everything, but the next day cut back where you can. It’s o.k. to splurge once in a while; just don’t do it all the time.

Cellulite, that unsightly cottage cheese looking fat on the back of  your thighs. Did you know that anyone can get cellulite no matter how big or small you are? Cellulite is mostly hereditary and usually appears after puberty in girls because of the female hormones. Cellulite is not a build up of fat, rather it is the way  the fat is distributed. 

 

Some over-the-counter products can “iron-out” cellulite. You can also see a plastic surgeon that uses a similar technique. But massage can also help reduce the appearance of cellulite. When the affected area is being massaged, it stimulates blood flow to the area and heats it up. As the therapist continues the massage, they smooth out the warmed up cellulite. It works just like the “ironing-out” techniques. As with any treatment, it takes time to completely reduce the appearance of cellulite. And nothing is ever a permanent fix. But it is a way to leave your muscles feeling relaxed and your cellulite smooth.

A study paid for by the National Institute of Mental Health found that the perscription medicine, Zoloft, along with three months of therapy dramatically helped children with anxiety disorders. Anxiety is the most common psychiatric illness in children. The study also found that therapy alone helped a lot as well. 

 

Since therapy alone works pretty well, I would not suggest even putting kids on Zoloft. Here’s why…the study indicated that only a “handful” of the more than 200 kids using Zoloft had suicide-related thoughts. Zoloft is mostly used to treat adult depression and anxiety, but sometimes what helps an adult can have the opposite affect on children. I was a child when I was put on Zoloft for anxiety disorder. For the three months I took it, I became very depressed. I didn’t even want to leave my house. I have never felt more depressed in my entire life than when I was on that medicine. My mother told my doctor how I was feeling and took me off the medication. A child doesn’t have to have suicide-related thoughts to be depressed. Unfortunately, this study does not mention how many children felt depressed after taking the medication. 

 

I believe in the long run, children can manage their anxiety much more affectively with therapy. For adults 25 and older, Zoloft may work. The only time I would ever give a child Zoloft or other anxiety medication would be in extreme cases where the child cannot function daily because their anxiety is so extreme. Most children do not fall into this category.

Ever wonder why your poop may not be brown all the time or why it may float instead of sink? I’m sure most people don’t give their poop much thought, but your bowels can say a lot about your health. For example, if you are eating a balanced diet, you should be having at least one bowel movement everyday. If not, you may be constipated. Constipation can be caused by numerous different illnesses and diseases, but the most common is not getting enough fiber in your diet.

 

What about floating poop? Why does it float? It floats because the stool contains a lot of fat and oils, specifically saturated fats. It’s o.k. to have floaters once in a while, but your poop should sink most of the time. Try eating foods with less fat and cut back in oil use if your stools float too much. This is especially important if you have elevated or high levels of cholesterol or have a heart condition. Saturated fat is never good for anyone. Saturated fat is mostly found in animal products.

 

Your poop’s color can be important, especially if it is black or while. Black stools can be caused by internal bleeding. You should see your doctor immediately if you have black stools. If you have white stools regularly, you should also see your doctor. White stools may indicate a problem with your liver or biliary tract. White is a sign that you are not producing bile, a digestive juice secreted by the liver. Green stools happen most frequently with most being caused by certain medicines, vitamins, or certain types of food. Bile mixes with your stools to help absorb fats. During its transition to the intestines, the stools will usually change from green to yellow to brown. Green stools occur when the food passes through the intestines faster than normal and does not get a chance to change color. If you have green stools frequently and have stomach discomfort or pain near the intestines, you may have a digestive condition your doctor will need to treat.

Kanye West’s mother died of plastic surgery complications because she had an existing condition that another plastic surgeon was afraid would lead to a heart attack. Mrs. West should never have gone through her surgery. Her death could have been prevented if she had been completely honest with her doctor. 

 

Many people, nearly half of all women, lie to their doctors. The most common things they lie about are drinking, smoking, drugs, drinking water, exercising, and sex partners. We may assume that these things don’t matter when it comes to our health, but sometimes it can mean the difference between life and death, especially if you are going into surgery. The show, The Dr.s, lists five things that people lie to their doctors about that can have serious affects to our health.

 

5. Not flossing everyday.

This doesn’t seem like a big deal, but the bacteria between your teeth can not only give you cavities but can also travel to your heart as plaque build-up and lead to a heart attack. Also, a dentist can always tell if you floss or not. Ever wonder how to get rid of bad breath…use a tongue scrapper to get rid of bacteria on your tongue. Brushing and mouth wash will not get rid of bacteria completely.

 

4. Not being honest about medications you are taking.

Many people may do this as a mistake because you forget all the medications you are taking. You should tell your doctor all the over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking along with any supplements or vitamins. Even specialists need to know what medications you are taking, such as genealogists and surgeons. OTC medications can have deadly affects when combined with certain prescription medications. Before you see the doctor, make a list of all medications you have taken in the last 30 days or any meds you taking regularly.

 

3. Wearing sunscreen.

Lying to your doctor about not wearing sunscreen may seem trivial, but if they prescribe specific medication that makes your skin more sensitive to light, it could cause a severe sunburn. Many times the prescription bottle will say that it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun or light, and at that point make sure you do use sunscreen anytime you go outside.

 

2. Smoking.

Doctors need to know if you have been smoking because surgical procedures and some medications can have a negative or deadly affect when you combine cigarette usage. Birth control, for example, can cause stroke or heart attack if you use it, smoke and are 35 years or older. In fact, you should not be taking birth control pills if you are 35 or older and smoke. Doctors can tell if you have been smoking because they can smell it on your clothes and body. They can also tell by listening to your lungs. 

 

1. Drinking alcohol.

Most people lie about how much alcohol they drink and how often they drink to their doctors. In fact, when you write down how much alcohol you use, doctors will many times double or triple that amount. Doctors are not there to judge and need to know how much alcohol you consume because medication or even street drugs can kill you if you use the wrong combination. It is not a doctor’s job to judge or turn you over to the police if you are doing street drugs or anything else illegal. Their primary concern is your health. Even if you have done drugs in the past, doctors need to know. Your life is not worth risking just because you want to appear good and wholesome to your doctor. Doctors see all kinds of things daily, and I’m sure nothing will surprise them.

Solid Bubble Bath

1/3 cup cream of tarter
1 cup baking soda
1 cup sodium laurel sulfoacetate (SLS)
1/3 cup glycerin liquid
Few drops water-based soap colorant or food color
Any fragrance or essential oil
A mold

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and add the colorant and fragrance a few drops at a time until the desired shade and scent are achieved. Mix in the glycerin liquid a little at a time until the mixture holds together in your hand. Transfer to your mold and press firmly into the mold. Unmold after about an hour and check for firmness. If the mixture crumbles, return it to the bowl and add more glycerin, then remold.
If it holds together when unmolded, cut into chunks or slices and continue to let dry on wax paper. This may take overnight or longer to harden. Wrap in cellophane, tissue paper, or store in a container. Use within a month or two. Makes 18oz.
To use: Drop into running bath water.

Bubble Bath

Castile soap should be grated or flaked.

 

Sweet Dreams Bubble Bath:

6 drops of lavender oil
3 drops of patchouli oil
1 quart of distilled water
1 bar of castile soap (4oz. bar)
4 ounces liquid glycerin

Mix the water, soap, and glycerin together and stir. Add essential oils to the mixture.

 

Cold Season Bubble Bath:

6 drops eucalyptus oil
3 drops spearmint oil
3 drops peppermint oil
1 quart distilled water
1 bar castile soap (4oz. bar)
4 ounces liquid glycerin

Mix water, soap, and glycerin together and stir. Add essential oils to the mixture.

 

Pure Sunshine Bubble Bath:

6 drops orange oil
4 drops grapefruit oil
3 drops lemon oil
1 quart distilled water
1 bar castile soap (4oz. bar)
4 ounces liquid glycerin

Mix water, soap, and glycerin together and stir. Add essential oils to the mixture.

 

Love Potion Bubble Bath:

6 drops jasmine oil
3 drops rose oil
3 drops vanilla oil
6 drops ylang ylang oil
1 quart distilled water
1 bar castile soap (4oz. bar)
4 ounces liquid glycerin

Mix water, soap, and glycerin together and stir. Add essential oils to the mixture.

 

Lilac Bubble Bath:

1 quart distilled water
1 bar castile soap (4oz. bar)
3 ounces liquid glycerin
5 drops lilac fragrant oil

Mix water, soap, and glycerin together and stir. Add essential oils to the mixture.

 

Lavender Bubble Bath:

1 quart distilled water
1 bar castile soap (4oz. bar)
3 ounces liquid glycerin
3 drops lavender fragrant or essential oil

Mix water, soap, and glycerin together and stir. Add essential oils to the mixture.

 

Violet Bubble Bath:

1 quart distilled water
1 bar castile soap (4oz. bar)
2 ounces coconut oil
2 ounces liquid glycerin
4 drops violet fragrant oil

Mix water, soap, and glycerin together and stir. Add essential oils to the mixture.

 

Cherry Bubble Bath:

1/2 cup unscented shampoo
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
15 drops cheery fragrance oil

Pour shampoo into a bowl and add water. Stir until well mixed. Add salt and stir until mixture thickens. Add cherry fragrance and place in a decorative bottle. Can also be used as a body wash.

 

Velvet Apple Bubble Bath:

5 drops green apple fragrance
1 quart distilled water
1 bar castile soap (4oz. bar)
1 1/2 ounces liquid glycerin
5 drops green food coloring (optional)

Mix water, soap, and glycerin together and stir. Add essential oils to the mixture.

 

Tropical Dream Bubble Bath:

3 drops rose fragrant or essential oil
2 drops jasmine fragrant or essential oil
1 ounce liquid glycerin
1 ounce coconut oil
1 bar castile soap (4oz. bar)
1 quart distilled water

Mix water, soap, and glycerin together and stir. Add essential oils to the mixture.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica): Anticoagulant, nervous fatigue, insomnia, sedative anti-anxiety.

 

Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum): Estrogen-like action, antispasmodic of the nerves and muscles, modifications and reflexes, augments digestive secretions, cardiovascular tonic, decongestant of the pulmonary, antispasmodic, lumbar paralysis.

 

Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, decongestant of the veins, pulmonary prostate, anti-infectious, antiviral, antibacterial, particularly associated with pneumonia; antispasmodic, and muscle relaxant.

 

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis): Antispasmodic, expectorant, regulator of the nerves, arthritis, Candida, anticatarrhal, anti-infectious, bacteria, staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumonia, antifungal, equilibriant of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, anticoagulant.

 

Bergamot (Citrus aurantium ssp. bergamia): Anti-inflammatory, claming, nervous depression, insomnia, rheumatism, hormonal.

 

Birch (Betula alleghaniensis): Anti-infammatory, antispasmodic, rheumatism, muscular tendonitis, cramps, arthritis, liver insufficiency in children.

 

Canadian Flea Bane (Conyza Canadensis): Stimulant of liver and pancreas, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, hormone-like action.

 

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica): Arthritis, regeneration, arterial sclerosis, cellulite, lymphatics, fluid retention, hair regeneration, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.

 

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Antiseptic, cystitis, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, fatigue, nervous depression, bronchitis, tuberculosis, pulmonary, hemorrhoids, parasites, sexual stimulant, anticoagulant, anti-infectious, degenerative nerves, sclerosis, rheumatoid, autoimmune viruses.

 

Cistus or Rockrose (Cistus ladaniferus): Immune-stimulating, cell-regenerating, antibacterial.

 

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiate): Antibacterial, anticatarrhal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, expectorant.

 

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxin, circulatory stimulant, diuretic, expectorant.

 

German or Blue Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, eczema, dermatitis, ulcers, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal duodenal ulcers, cystitis, hormone-like action, decongestant, digestive tonic, skin.

 

Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Anti-inflammatory, bronchitis, digestive tonic, stomach, aphrodisiac, rheumatism, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant, laxative, stimulant, warming.

 

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisii): Antidrepressent, antiseptic, astringent, disinfectant, diuretic, stimulant, digestive tonic.

 

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum): Antispasmodic, cholesterol, tissue regeneration, liver cleanser, biliary dilator, chelator, mucolytic, rhinitis, phlebitis, anesthesia, hemostat blood regulator, eases trauma.

 

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis): Antiviral, antibacterial, asthma, anticatarrhal, pneumonia, ovarian, trouble with puberty, cystitis, post infection, rhinopharyngitis, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory of the pulmonary tract, decongestant, anticatarrhal, mucolytic, infectious, anticatarrhal, expectorant, bilitic, anti-infectious, antistaphylococcus, streptococcus, E. coli, Candida, cystitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, osteitis.

 

Inula (Inula graveolens): Enlarged glands, regulator, mucolytic, rhinopharyngitis, bronchitis, anit-infectious, anticatarrhal, antitussive.

 

Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis): Antiseptic, expectorant, rhinitis, rheumatism, urinary tract, bladder, kidney, nerve degeneration.

 

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis): Arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, burns, skin, dermatitis, infectious dermatitis, acne, allergies, PMS, insomnia, cardiotonic, phlebitis, paraphlebitis, tachycardia, anticoagulant, fluid retention, solar plexus spasms.

 

Lemon (Citrus limon): Antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, Vitamin P-like action, increases micro circulation, calming of the nerves, respiratory infections, insufficient digestion, thrombosis, phlebitis.

 

Lemongrass (Cymbopogonflexuosus): Anti-inflammatory, cellulite, digestion, sedative, vascular dilator, ligaments.

 

Mandarin (Citrus reticulate): Antispasmodic, digestive tonic, antiseptic, antifungal, relaxing, sedative, hypertensive.

 

Marjoram (Origanum majornan): Anti-infectious, tachycardia, hypertension of the arteries, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, duodenal, colitis, antisexual, rheumatism, muscle inflammation, rhinitis, bronchitis.

 

Pepper (Piper nignim): Anticatarrhal, expectorant, stimulant to the digestive system, aphrodisiac, laryngitis, bronchitis, rheumatism.

 

Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Liver and pancreas deficiencies, indigestion, dyspepsia, vomiting, hepatitis, viral hepatitis, colitis, gastrointestinal imbalance, disturbances, cystitis, prostatitis, rhinitis, osteitis, laryngitis, circulatory problems with the vision virus of the nerves, fever, calming.

 

Pine (Pinus sylvestris): Decongestant of the lymphatics, uterus and ovaries, anti-infectious, antifungal, antiseptic, tonic of the nerves, nerve stimulant, hypertensive, cortisone-like action, antidiabetic, sclerosis, plaque, congestion of the ureter, bronchitis, asthma, arthritis, rheumatism, anti-infectious against inflammatory allergies.

 

Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica): Anti-infectious, antiviral, antibacterial, neurotonic, rhinopharyngitis, bronchitis, viral hepatitis, cholera, herpes, typhus, mononucleosis, insomnia, muscle fatigue, asthma, bronchial pulmonary, expectorant, mucolytic, antiseptic.

 

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): Anesthesia, anti-inflammatory, calming, parasites, skin, liver, decongestant, antibacterial, antifungal.

 

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rheumatism, muscle contractions, cardiotonic, general, decongestant, antibacterial, antifungal.

 

Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora): Antiviral, antibacterial, anti-infectious, bronchial pulmonary tract, mucolytic, oral infection, Candida vaginitis, depression.

 

Sage (Salvia officinalis): Expectorant, mucolytic, anti-infectious, antibacterial, antifiangal, Candida, antiviral, estrogen-like, regulates circulation, stimulant and tonic.

 

Sandalwood (Santalum album): Decongestant of the lymphatics and veins, cardiotonic, calming nervous system.

 

Spearmint (Mentha spicata): Anti-inflammatory, anticatarrhal, mucolytic, calming, reducing cholesterol, digestive tonic, inflammatory cystitis, respiratory, bronchitis.

 

Spruce (Picea mariana): Bronchitis, hormone-like, stimulant of the thyroid, cortisone-like action, anti-infectious, antispasmodic, prostate inflammation, rheumatism of the muscle, immune, depression, antifungal.

 

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare): Flu, fever, colds, pigmentation, antitumoral.

 

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus): Allergies, antispasmodic, antiviral, colitis, spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, antiallergenic.

 

Thyme (Thymus thymal, thymus vulgaris): Anti-infectious, antiviral, antibacterial, bronchitis, cervexitis, dermatitis, osteitis, rhinitis, rhinopharyngitis, stomach.

 

Valerian (Yaleriana officinalis): Tachycardia, sedative, tranquilizer, antidepressant.

 

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Anti-inflammatory for neuralgia, anticatarrhal, digestive agent, prostatitis, neuritis, ulcers, insufficient biliary function.

 

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata): Anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, tachycardia, arrhythmia, sexual tonic, equilibrate, antidiabetic.

Castile Soap:

7 oz. Castile soap, grated
1 tablespoon lanolin
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1 tablespoon pumice (optional)
1 tablespoon crushed lavender, rosemary, peppermint, etc. (optional)
12-15 drops of essential oil or fragrance oil (optional)

Melt grated soap with lanolin and oil in microwave or in double boiler on the stove-top, stirring occasionally. Mixture should be soft, like oatmeal. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. Let soap mixture cool while placing waxed paper on counter-top to put finished balls on. Oil hands so the soap doesn�t stick to them, and form into three equal sized balls. Place balls on waxed paper to finish cooling. When hardened, they are ready for use. You may also roll balls in some of the herbs for a great look to a nice gift.

 

Antiseptic Soap:

2 cups glycerin soap base
2 tablespoons tea tree essential oil or 1 tablespoon lavender essential oil (or both)

 

Calamine Soap (for poison ivy):

1 cup glycerin soap base
2 tablespoons calamine lotion
2 tablespoons liquid glycerin
1 tablespoon French white clay

 

Problem Skin Soap (1):

3 cups glycerin soap base
1/4 cup whole lavender flowers (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons lavender essential oil
1/2 teaspoon rosemary essential oil

 

Problem Skin Soap (2):

2 cups glycerin soap base
1 teaspoon juniper essential oil, or a combination of grapefruit, lemon, lime, and orange equal to 1 teaspoon.

 

Healing Soap (1):

1 cup glycerin soap base
1/8 cup aloe vera gel

 

Healing Soap (2):

2 cups glycerin soap base
2 tablespoons St. John’s wort oil

 

Oatmeal Soap:

1 cup glycerin soap base
1/2 cup crushed or powdered oatmeal
1 teaspoon almond oil (optional)

 

Colored Soap:

1 cup glycerin soap base
1-2 drops of liquid ordinary food coloring

 

Dry Skin Soap:

1 cup glycerin soap base
2 tablespoons avocado oil, cocoa butter, almond oil, or olive oil

 

Ageing Skin Soap:

2 cups glycerin soap base
2 tablespoons emu oil

 

Extra Gentle:

2 cups glycerin soap base
2 tablespoons evening primrose oil

 

Body Lotion Bars:

1.5 oz. Beeswax
1 oz. Cocoa Butter
1.5 oz. Shea Butter

Melt above ingredients and add:

2 oz. of any one or combination of
Sweet Almond
Apricot Kernel
Grapeseed
Jojoba oil

Stir the oil into the melted ingredients and mix well. Pour into small hand-sized molds. Remove from molds when the cooled bars are solidified.
Hint: after bars have cooled, place in freezer for about 10 minutes.

Sensual:

2 cups Spa Salt
2 cups Dead Sea Salt
5 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil (alone or in combination with others listed)
10 drops Lavender essential oil
5 drops Neroli essential oil

 

Relaxing:

1 cup Epsom Salt
1 cup Dead Sea Salt
1 cup Spa Salt
10 drops Lavender essential oil
20 drops Bergamot essential oil
20 drops Sweet Orange essential oil

 

Uplifting:

1 cup Epsom Salt
1 cup Dead Sea Salt
1 cup Spa Salt
20 drops Cedarwood essential oil
10 drops Lavendar essential oil
5 drops Patchouli essential oil

 

Sleepy-time:

1 cup Spa Salt
1 cup Dead Sea Salt
10 drops Sandalwood essential oil
10 drops Sweet Orange or Mandarin essential oil

 

Fizzing Bath Salts:

2 cups Sea Salt or Spa Salt or Epsom Salt
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup Citric Acid
20 drops any essential oil

 

Salt Scrub

Items Needed:
Course grind sea salt
Epson salt
Oil (may mix essential oils and herbs)

Mix equal amounts of the sea salt and Epson salt. Mix any type of oil or essential oil with the salt blend until just covered. Massage into skin and let set for 20-30 minutes. Wipe off with a towel.

 

Conditions that can be approved with a salt scrub:

• Chronic illness
• Sluggish circulation
• Low energy
• Dry flaky skin
• Mild skin conditions

 

 

Avoid a salt scrub if you have any of the following:

• Acute inflammatory skin conditions such as infections or acne
• Varicose veins
• Ulcers, abscesses or sores
• Severe eczema
• Acute illness
• Areas that have recently been shaved

 

 

Herbal formulas:

Detoxification Blend:
Juniper	Eucalyptus	Sage
Rosemary	Ginger	Black Pepper
Grapefruit	Clove
Relaxation Blend:
Lavender	Chamomile	Marjoram
Jasmine	Peppermint	Clary Sage
Reducing Blend:
Juniper	Grapefruit	Orange
Sage	Ginger	Pine Needle
Lavender	Peppermint
Anti-Depressive Blend:
Peppermint	Chamomile	Clary Sage
Orange	Rosemary	Geranium
Ylang Ylang	Lemon Grass

 

Ocean Blue:

1 cup Epsom salt
1 cup baking soap
4 drops blue food coloring
3 drops jasmine essential or fragrance oil
4 drops vanilla essential or fragrance oil
2 tablespoons liquid glycerin

Combine dry ingredients, mix well. Add color and scents one at a time. Keep stirring until mixed well. Break up any clumps. Keep mixing until you have a semi fine power. Add glycerin and mix well.

 

Desert Sands:

5 drops yellow food coloring
2 drops red food coloring
4 drops musk fragrant or essential oil
3 drops jasmine fragrant or essential oil
3 cups Epsom salt
1 cup baking soda
2 teaspoons liquid glycerin

Combine baking soda, Epsom salt, and glycerin until well blended, add scents stirring until there is no clumps just a fine powder. Divide the mixture evenly into 3 separate bowls. In the first bowl add 3 drops yellow food coloring, in the second add 3 drops red food coloring and in the third bowl add 2 drops yellow with 1 drop red food coloring. Stir each bowl until the color is well mixed. Allow the air to dry it for a few hours before placing in a bottle. Once dried, layer the colors red first, then organge, then yellow.

 

Northern Lights:

1 cup kosher salt
1 cup baking soda
3 drops Pine balsam essential or fragrance oil
2 drops cinnamon essential or fragrance oil
2 drops cassis essential or fragrance oil
2 tablespoons liquid glycerin

Mix ingredients together blending well. Break up any clumbs.

 

Milk Bath:

3 cups powdered milk
1/4 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup dried orris root
1/3 cup almond meal*
1 capsule vitamin E (break open into dry ingredients)
1/3 cup cornstarch

Combine ingredients making sure it’s completely mixed. Store it in a container. When you are ready to add it to your bath, scoop the desired amount of mixture and tie securely in a muslin bag or even a facecloth will do. Tie to the faucet allowing the warm water to run over the bad. Makes enough for a few baths.
*To make almond meal:

Using a blender, grind up blanched or slivered almonds to a powdered consistency.

Effleurage:

• Prepares tissue for deeper work
• Soothes and relaxes client
• Moves blood and lymph
• Good transition stroke
• Should be used following petrissage or friction stroke

 

 

Petrissage:

• Lifts tissue away from the bone “milking”
• Milks the tissue of metabolic wastes
• Draws new blood and oxygen into the tissue
• This stroke does not need to be done towards the heart

 

 

Friction:

• Heat producing compressive stroke
• Breaks down adhered scar tissue
• Rearranges muscles and collagen fibers
• Increases circulation to areas that have little to no blood supply (ligaments/tendons)

 

 

Percussion:

• Successive strikes
• Loosens mucus and phlegm in thoracic region
• Can be used to stimulate or relax