Nearly Natural Nicole

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Epsom Salt Bath Benefits

I grew up with a container of Epsom salts next to my bathtub. My dad has a PhD in chemistry and worked for the EPA for over 30 years. He's always done some things that seem a little weird to me and one of those things was bathing in Epsom salt. It was always around so it seemed normal to take a salt bath, especially for sore muscles.

It was only as an adult I started buying it for my own bathroom and wondering what the science was behind it. How does it help sore muscles? Does it really flush toxins?

Epsom salt was named for a bitter saline spring at Epsom in Surrey, England. It is not actually salt but a naturally occurring mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. It has long been known as a natural remedy for many health conditions.

Magnesium and sulfate are readily absorbed through the skin and so soaking in an Epsom salt bath gives your body the benefits of these minerals.

Magnesium regulates the activity of over 325 enzymes in the body. It reduces inflammation, helps muscle and nerve function and helps prevent artery hardening. Most Americans are magnesium deficient but an Epsom salt bath is a great way to absorb magnesium. Studies indicate that the magnesium absorbed during bathing may raise serotonin levels (the chemical in the brain that creates a feeling of well being), and may also offset excess levels of adrenalin caused by everyday stress.

Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins and help ease migraine headaches. The sulfates in Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells and help the body eliminate harmful substances to ease muscle pain.

Adding minerals to your bath causes reverse osmosis which actually pulls salt out of the body and harmful toxins too.

A study done at the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham in 2004 measured the magnesium levels of volunteers before and after taking baths in Epsom salt. Researchers concluded that prolonged soaking in an Epsom salt bath is a safe and easy way to increase sulfate and magnesium levels. According to the study it's best to bathe in 2 cups of Epsom salt dissolved in about 15 gallons of water for 12 minutes, 2-3 times a week.

After finding so many positive effects associated with soaking in Epsom salts I'm going to make it a more regular part of my routine.

Is this something you've tried before or am I the only one that grew up using Epsom salts?

This post is part of: Small Footprint Friday, Simple Lives Thursday, Clever Chicks, Natural Living Mondays, Homestead Barn Hop, Mama Moment Monday, Backyard Farming Connection, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, We Are That Family,Earning-My-Cape, Healthy 2Day Wednesday, Wildcrafting Wednesday

Monday, October 8, 2012

Menu Plan 10/8- 10/14

Autumn is here and it's beautiful! And cold. The leaves are everywhere and my kids are having a great time raking piles and jumping in them. My oldest loves mazes so every fall he makes a maze out of the leaves and when he's done we attempt to navigate it.

My three year old Luke has become a determined tree climber with no fear of heights. He's picked a small tree in the back yard and calls it "Lukey's Tree." He takes advantage of my mommy distraction moments and climbs up high before I can stop him. So far he's showing such amazing toddler climbing talents that Joe and I are both awed and appalled.

Last week I tried four new crockpot recipes that were ok but NOT loved by all. I think we all universally hated the Lentil Soup but the other recipes were ok. Joe loved the Crockpot Chicken Tacos while I did not. I'm not trying anything new this week but I want to get back to testing more slow cooking recipes next week.

Menu Plan 10/8- 10/14
Monday: Dinner out at Moretti's (kids eat free;)

Tuesday: Baked salmon, quinoa, steamed broccoli

Wednesday: Pasta with homemade marinara sauce, french bread

Thursday: Crockpot chicken, potatoes & carrots

Friday: Orange chicken, steamed green beans, brown rice

Saturday: Homemade Pizza

Sunday: Ravioli with marinara sauce

Snacks: Healthy Pumpkin Muffins, smoothies

You can find more menus at Menu Plan Monday at I'm An Organizing Junkie.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Natural Vapor Rub For Coughs and Colds

Cold season is nearly upon us and since school began my kids are bringing home germs along with their homework. We've already experienced our first cold as a family from a virus the preschooler brought home. My little guy was up in the night from all the coughing. Coughs have their place in healing but we never like to see our children suffer.

When you take a cold syrup to mask your cold symptoms it causes you to feel better and go about life without taking the time to slow down, listen to your body and rest. Letting mild illnesses run their course is the best method on the path to healing. I rarely use any cold medications as they give a false sense of wellness, do not provide healing and often end up prolonging the illness.

Why Make Your Own Vapor Rub?

It's simple, easy, natural and frugal. I love to keep things as natural as possible in my home. Last year I became interested in using essential oils around my home and as a more natural way to treat common
mild illnesses.

Most store bought vapor rubs contain petroleum products and other fake, unnatural ingredients. When you make it yourself you control what goes in and can use the best ingredients for your family.

Since I've wanted to incorporate more natural treatments using essential oils at home I discovered The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy at my library. I was inspired to start compiling my own basic care kit with a few essential oils and put them to use. For example I put a few drops of lemon oil in my homemade vinegar cleaner and a few drops of eucalyptus in the humidifier overnight.

What's In This Vapor Rub?

I use organic, unrefined coconut oil that I buy in bulk in a one gallon container. Coconut oil is a healthy saturated fat that has antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. There is evidence that it can kill cold and flu viruses. Beeswax is an all natural by product secreted by worker honeybees. It has a lovely honey scent and is moisturizing to skin.

I choose this blend of eucalyptus, rosemary and lemon essential oils from The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. Eucalyptus essential oil is a versatile oil that cools the body in the summer and protects it in the winter. It is antiinflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic and antiviral. It's best known for it's effectiveness against coughs and colds. Rosemary essential oil is an antiseptic oil that is a physical and mental stimulant. It treats all muscular conditions, headaches, coughs and flu. Lemon essential oil is an antiseptic and antibacterial oil. It is useful in oils blends for it's contribution to synergy.

You can experiment with other oil blends as well. Hyssop, peppermint and thyme are other oils that help relieve chest congestion. Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy, so check the safety of any oils you plan to use if pregnant.

Natural Vapor Rub
2 parts coconut oil
1 part beeswax
Lemon essential oil (about 5 drops per oz)
Eucalyptus essential oil (about 8 drops per oz)
Rosemary essential oil ( about 12 drops per oz)

Melt the oil and beeswax in a pan over very low heat, remove from heat and add the essential oils. Pour into a glass, metal tin or other container.

The salve will harden within 10-15 minutes. If it's too solid you can remelt and add more coconut oil. Conversely, if it's too soft you can remelt and add more beeswax.

To Use: Massage around the chest, neck and sinus area (forehead, nose and cheekbones) as needed. One odd way I like to use it is before bed I massage the salve into the bottoms of my feet, put on thick socks & let it soak in while I sleep. When I've done this I've had significant improvement in cold symptoms overnight. It's weird and I don't know how it works but a friend recommended it to me and now I do it to myself and kids when sick.

Where can you buy essential oils and beeswax? Your local health food store is a great place to start as they can answer your questions. You can also buy online from

Mountain Rose Herbs. A herbs, health and harmony c

I would recommend only using therapeutic grade essential oils.
I've found high quality, organic unrefined coconut oil at major grocery stores, Amazon and Azure Standard.
What are your favorite homemade remedies?
This post is part of: Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, Living Green Tuesdays, Women Living Well, Small Footprint Fridays, Simple Lives Thursday, Country Homemaker Hop, Monday Mania, Clever Chicks, Mama Moments Monday, Morris Tribe, Make Your Own Monday, Homestead Barn Hop, Natural Living Monday, Earning My Cape, Wildcrafting Wednesday, Healthy 2Day Wednesday, Backyard Farming Connection.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Weekly Menu Plan 10/1-10/7

Honey Walnut Granola

This is the week of the crockpot. Autumn is in the air and it's the perfect weather for slow cooking. I'm trying four new crockpot recipes that I'm really hoping my kids will be willing to eat.

The boys seem to be getting more picky and suspicious of my cooking. I don't know if they'll love or hate the new recipes this week.They know I sometimes sneak healthy things in and my oldest doesn't want anything to interfere with his sugar rush.