The Joy of Soap

Soothing Bath for Eczema

Your mind will answer most questions of you learn to relax and wait for the answer ~ William S. Burroughs

Many people ask me what I can offer or suggest to them for treating eczema. The Joy of Soap's mild all vegetable soaps do work well for many people, and there are other people who cannot tolerate essential oils or additives of any kind. For these people here is one suggestion to help with treating eczema as well as other irritated skin conditions. There are several types of eczema, and keeping the skin moisturized can help with symptom relief and healing.

This is a very simple homemade recipe that you can easily put together followed by a soothing warm bath.

Ingredients
1 tsp dried chamomile flowers (you can also use a bag of chamomile tea if this is what you have at home)
8 tbsp oats
Small cotton/muslin bag or square
String (if you do not have a small bag)

Combine the chamomile flowers and the oats in a bowl.
Place the contents of the bowl in the bag, or on the cotton square.
If you use a cotton square gather the ends together and tie with string.

Run a warm bath and soak the chamomile and oat filled bag in the water for a few minutes.
You can rub the bag directly on your skin if you wish although you should avoid rubbing the bag directly on any irritated skin.
Squeeze the bag and leave in the water.
Soak in the bath for at least 10 minutes.

Simple, right?
Please share your ideas and homemade treatment methods for soothing eczema and irritated skin.

Pamper your skin   Indulge your senses

   
 

Homemade Lemongrass Insect Repellent

In heaven you won't hear the mosquitoes ~Finnish proverb 

Similar to citronella oil as a natural insect repellent, fresh lemongrass also provides added antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to your homemade insect repellent.

Here is a quick and easy recipe for making your own insect repellent at home.

Ingredients
10-12 lemongrass stalks
Approx. 15 citronella leaves
4 tsp whole cloves
14oz sunflower oil (other oils you have on-hand will work OK too)

Wash the lemongrass and citronella leaves.
Lightly chop the lemongrass and citronella.
Place chopped items in a blender with the cloves and blend.
Pour the blended mix along with the sunflower oil into a heatproof bowl or a pan (a double boiler is what we're setting up next) and mix until all     ingredients are well blended.
Place the bowl or pan over a pan of boiling water and cover tightly.
Let boil for an hour, and then cool.

Strain the cooled mixture through a fine sieve or similar tool/material.
Pour the strained mixture into a pump spray bottle.   

To Use       
Shake well and spray liberally over all exposed skin areas.
Avoid the eyes.
Always reapply after washing.
If any irritation occurs wash off immediately and discontinue use.

This insect repellent will keep for about a year if stored in a cool and dry location.                                                           

Some people grow their own lemongrass from stalks purchased at the market, and if you can do this all the better for you. Maybe you can make some extra batches of the repellent and share with your friends and neighbors.

Other uses for lemongrass include herbal tea made from an infusion of the chopped herb soaked in boiling water and then strained. Used in this method lemongrass is good for helping reduce fevers, stomach cramps, and as a general digestive aid.

Although this recipe does not call for either lemongrass or citronella oils please note that neither oil should be used directly on the skin; they should always be diluted.

This is just one variation of a homemade insect repellent. Please feel free to share your own recipes.

Pamper your skin   Indulge your senses

   
 

Beauty Benefits of Kokum Butter

Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams. ~Ashley Smith

When I started to make my own body care products a few years ago I started to experiment with different ingredients in lotions and creams, and I really fell in love with Kokum Butter. You will find Kokum Butter in lotions, creams and body butters that advertise skin healing properties because Kokum Butter is composed of many compounds that help to regenerate skin cells.

Kokum Butter is rich in essential fatty acids, which aid in cell oxygenation and make nutrients more readily available for use by skin tissues, and also contains antioxidant vitamin E. And, yes, Kokum Butter is non-comedogenic (non pore-clogging) so it it helps with quick absorption. I find that the addition of Kokum Butter adds a more lush and silky texture to lotions and creams and makes my skin feel super smooth and soft for much of the day. Because Kokum Butter helps regenerate tired and worn skin cells and supports skin elasticity it is used in health and beauty products that advertise the ability to prevent dry skin and wrinkles. This is a great ingredient to look for if you have mature or dry skin.

The Kokum tree is a tropical evergreen fruit tree that provides culinary, industrial and medicinal uses especially in ayurvedic and eastern medicines. The trees are found in the forests of Goa in India. The dried outer skin is used as a culinary spice. The seeds, fruits, and extracted oils of and are used in curries and syrups. The bark and young leaves provide astringent benefits.

NOTE: We recommend that if you have persistent skin problems, such as eczema, please consult a physician before using Kokum Butter. Not recommended by those with nut allergies.

Enjoy and remember,

Pamper Your Skin

Indulge Your Senses

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