detox ritual : the tub
If you know me, you know that I spend the same amount of time in the bath as I do out of it (only half kidding). Baths have become such a form of detox and grounding for me. This started out with the craze of Lush Cosmetics and their tantalizing bath bombs, but have inevitably become a time where I am able to sit, sweat, breathe, ground down, completely alone, no to-do lists, and most importantly-- a break from technology. Becoming completely in love with finding all the healthiest ways to do all things, I have sought out some of the most articulately made products that have enhanced this ritual in so many ways.
But first, more about being technology free:
-Digital D E T O X-
A concept I read about that was coined by a company called Pursoma, that is known for their line of mud baths, is called Digital Detox. Basically, one of their mud baths requires you to turn your phone off completely and be intentional about being in the bath, being still, detoxing the mind and body. Allowing the body to soak, to sweat, to detox, physically AND mentally. This concept can be difficult to do in the beginning, but if you stick to it, allowing yourself to almost use your time in the bath as a meditation, I promise you, you will crave the act of giving yourself permission to leave the phone outside of the tub. This concept has become a MUST for me in this practice.
In this post I am going to be highlighting two of my current favorite companies and some of their products that I incorporate in my bath ritual. First up:
ERBAVIVA
This company is brilliant. Beginning with their “farm to bottle” philosophy which if you know me, THIS IS IMPORTANT. Once you really learn about the FDA and how little how pure something reeallly has to be--- when people use this seed to seal method (Young Living hello), you will know the difference. You will actually KNOW what is IN the product, not just what it's labeled as.
L.A. based, erbaviva means “living herbs” in Italian. “Personal care that organically connects you to nature”. It was created out of a passion for natural products that can be used even on baby skin. Skin that's so highly absorbent of whatever you put on it. Erbaviva began as a small business in artistic L.A. in the late 90’s and has grown into something so renowned and respected. With its own renewable energy facility now in Southern California, this company knows what it’s doing.
Erbaviva bath salts | breathe
Pure sea salt that’s been infused with eucalyptus, tea tree, cedar and spruce essential oils. I dissolve a little over ¼ cup in my bath water, the euc oil fills the air, creating a space to breathe fresh air; it's so rejuvenating.
Option 2: If you want to take it a step further you can mix a small amount of the salt with Erbaviva body oil OR coconut oil, and use as an incredibly refreshing body scrub. Massaging into skin gently in a circular motion.
This bath salt is the epitome of breathing deep, no artificial fragrances, no artificial dyes, vegan and organic. Known to enhance your mood while bringing forth a calming experience.
WHY SEA SALT BATHS: Sea salt mineral baths promote relaxation, reduction in stress levels, enhanced circulation, increased detoxification, improved skin integrity and decreased inflammation. Sea Salt allows the pores to open and prepares the skin to detox and absorb the benefits of the oil properties.
Erbaviva body oil | breathe
Containing the same oils as the bath salt, this product is SO dang good. To further the experience of the salt, add a small amount into the bath. You can also massage it directly into your skin as an incredible nourishing tool.
Or as mentioned above, mix some of the oil with the salt and use as a total body scrub. This body oil contains sweet almond oil which has amazing benefits for skin.
WHY SWEET ALMOND OIL: So far from tasting like anything “sweet” this oil is very light in consistency but penetrates deep into the skin, dislodging pores of dirt + debris and cleansing. Thanks to the high content of Vitamin A within the oil, it may reduce potential acne flare-ups. This is the number one recommended oil for infant massage as it is so gentle on the skin. It is also know to help cure bad sunburns, eczema and psoriasis.
Check out more of Erbaviva’s products here.
KENNA NICOLE
I was exposed to Kenna Nicole through a close friend of mine, and found out their products were sold at my local Plum Market, also that they are native to Michigan, my homeland. The closest to home that I can support, I am there. It means a lot to me. They, like Erbaviva, have a mission to create only from natural origins. “Kenna Nicole looks at the world of health and beauty as a world without compromise.” Hand in hand, taking care and indulging in quality ingredients, creating one of a kind products. This is important. I love that they even talk about how it doesn't matter how long it will take to perfect this, it’s their mission, it’s what they are willing to keep striving after.
TORCH ROLL-ON
I call this a “perfume” in the lightest sense possible because it smells so dang good but it's SO clean! No chemicals, no artificial things, just a perfectly concocted blend of 12 oils that brings me home to myself. Perfect to roll on the temples and down the neck before a detox bath. Something that smells so grounding, and warm. Named Torch as a symbol of something inviting, sophisticated but rustic, something that will illuminate you and your senses.
Roll on, close your eyes, breathe in really deep, open the mouth, e x h a l e, relax, ground down, be still.
The PATCHWOOD | Candle
A soothing blend of spruce, patchouli and cedar-wood, mixed with Michigan Harvested unrefined beeswax. The oils that are in this candle are so uniquely picked to invigorate whatever sense you need to while burning it. Whether you're looking to relax, to ground, to motivate; created to create whatever atmosphere you need.
A LITTLE ABOUT THE SCENT: (pulled from Kenna Nicole’s webpage)
“Patchouli is used all over the world as an aphrodisiac, anti-depressant, and natural insect repellent, as well as being a resource for reducing anxiety and stress. Cedarwood was traditionally used by Native Americans to enhance spiritual communication, but it is also used, along with Spruce, for its calming properties, promoting mental clarity and focus. Spruce is also known for its ability to clear blockages both respiratory and emotional.”
I highly recommend this as a bath time ritual candle. Creating a space that calming for you, soothing, bringing you back to YOU. For more on Kenna Nicole’s products visit their website here.
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No matter the chaos within life, the stress we allow ourselves to feel, to experience. This bath ritual can be a practice, a place of refuge for you to be still, to flush the mind, to let go of expectations. To release yourself from social feeds, from to-do lists, and at the same time ridding your body of the physical layer of toxins, released from the skin. A mental and physical shedding.
Because you’re worth it.
You need it. You will be better because of it.
Recharging what you will give out in your realtionships, within your work, in every area of your life.
Take good good care.
xo liv