Bath Time

In your spare time buy some epsom salts and essential oils. Add several drops of your favorite oils to a cup of Epsom Salts and let air dry for a few hours. Store in an air tight container. Add 2-3 tablespoons of salts to your bath water, take a dip and relax. Enjoy the wonderful aroma and healing benefits. Every oil has it's own healing qualities and Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfite) helps draw toxins out of your body, calms your nerves, relaxes muscles, and is excellent for your skin.

Steamy Facial

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil on the stove. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, 1 green tea or chamomile tea bag, or herbs such as rosemary or mint leaves tied into a small cheesecloth pouch. Experiment until you find your favorite blend. Add a washcloth or hand towel to the water. Reduce heat, simmer for at least 5 minutes. Begin by carefully breathing in some of the soothing steam straight from the pot, be careful, steam burns can be painful. Breath deeply for several minutes, allowing steam to penetrate your pores. With tongs remove your wash cloth and carefully hold it in your hand just until cooled enough to apply to your face, wring out excess water. By now you should have found your comfy chair, kick back with the cloth on your face, eyes closed and relax. When cool you may repeat or apply your favorite facial lotion or cream. (For sensitive skin always do a small patch test to insure tolerance). Eucalyptus and peppermint oil are especially soothing during cold season. Tea tree oil is very good for acne (use care not to get into eyes). Couple this with my Relaxing Foot Soak from January and a warm tottie and you will be so relaxed they may have to wheel you to your bed.

Wash Your Citrus

Have you ever really thought about what's on your fruit? I always thought I washed my fruit thoroughly, but I really never thought to much about citrus. Several studies have shown that when you cut an orange, lemon or lime anything sitting on the outside of the fruit is transferred to the inside, edible part. Dirt, debris, pesticides and bacteria can all be present on that lemon your about to squeeze into your healthy glass of water. With all the salmonella, and E. coli scares recently I think I'll start washing them now before cutting. A small amount of dish soap in your water will help to kill the germs. All fruits and veggies, including melons should be washed and rinsed for at least 20 seconds before preparing.

Purify Your Skin!

Drinking plenty of water is vital to keep your skin from becoming dull and dry. Water consumption is important to all parts of our body, the skin just happens to be one of the most noticeable. Consuming between 8 and 10 glasses a day for women and even slightly more for men can greatly improve the appearance of dryness, skin color, and in some cases even acne. Soon your whole body will be thanking you (including your hair and nails) , and you will begin to feel the many benefits that purifying your system with water can bring.

Aromatic Bliss

Do your self a favor and invest in a few essential oils. There is a wide array of scents and blends for different purposes. Take a potpourri burner and fill it with water. Then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the water and light the candle underneath (some burners are electric). Whether you are suffering from a cold, headache, or you just need to relax, the aromatic quality can help to sooth your soul, nerves and nostrils.
Lavender oil is known for its calming qualities, eucalyptus when inhaled, helps clear respiratory passages, while rosemary helps to stimulate the mind and memory. There are many books along with info available on the internet explaining the wonders and resources available to introduce the power of aromatherapy into your life. You can also email me at jettrout@gmail.com for more info.

The Water Pitcher

Do you ever have trouble meeting your daily nutritional needs for drinking water. We intend to keep filling up the cup, but we get busy and forget. Here's a trick that helps me. Fill a large pitcher with the amount of water you want to consume for the entire day. Add ice cubes. Keep the pitcher in a spot where you can see it all the time. Add ice cubes as necessary. When your pitcher is empty you know that you have consumed enough. The standard intake is usually around 6-8, 8 oz glasses a day. This practice is good for whole body, including your skin which is the bodies largest organ and needs plenty of hydration.

Relaxing Foot Soak

Relaxing foot soak (this is not just for the ladies)
Fill a large pan with very warm water. Large enough for your feet (a dishpan works great). Add some of your favorite bubble bath or body wash and a few drops of tea tree oil (found at most health food stores). Sit back in your comfy chair with your favorite beverage and slowly dip in your toes and then your feet. Ahhhhhh. Let your mind wander. This is an excellent way to relax after a long day. The tea tree oil is healing for abrasions, dry cracked skin, and fungus. The warmth of the water on your feet is healing to your muscles, nerves, and soul. Soon you will be smiling and cooing like a baby. When the water is cool, dry your feet with a soft towel and apply your favorite lotion. Believe me you will sleep well tonight.

Cold Season Relief

Cold Season Relief
Fill a large heavy pan with water and place on the stove. Heat to a slow rolling boil. Add some old-fashioned vapor-rub or eucalyptus to the water. Let the water simmer. Take in the wonderful soothing aroma. Not only are you creating a healing environment for your stuffy nose and sore throat, you are adding humidity to the air with clean fresh water. Your skin and hair will love it too! Every now and then stop at the stove and take a deep breath directly in the steam, it will help clear your sinuses and sooth your red nose. Keep an eye on the water level and add more ingredients as necessary.

While you’re in the kitchen, make your self some chicken soup, and as always, drink plenty of water. Soon you will be healed!