My new book, Mud Salt + Medicine has launched
I’m very happy to announce the launch of my new book ‘Mud, Salt + Medicine’ on March 2nd. I have been quietly researching the material for this publication for several years, especially the section dedicated to the various forms of aromatic bathing found within the different cultural traditions from around the world. Having been brought up with the sauna ritual due to my Finnish family background, I have always been drawn to experience other naturalistic forms of bathing, especially those which involve visiting wild hot springs in remote locations. The inspiration for writing this book therefore comes directly from experiencing the healing powers of nature and how to adapt these same principles to fit our busy, modern lifestyle by turning our own home into an aromatic sanctuary.
My new book covers five areas of aromatherapy applications
The book is divided into 5 initial sections entitled: Bathing, Body, Skincare, Fragrance and Medicine. Each section includes a wide selection of tried and tested recipes for making a range of aromatic elixirs at home, such as aromatic bath salts, skin serums, body scrubs, natural perfumes, room fresheners, hair conditioners and first aid balms. The final section of the book serves as a reference guide, outlining the main benefits of many natural materials such as the different types of clay, active charcoal, honey, salt, essential oils plus other botanical ingredients.
Using these natural materials as part of our daily routine is a direct way to reconnect with nature and an opportunity to feel renewed by the elements – to enjoy simplicity and to reconnect with ourselves. ‘Mud, Salt + Medicine’ is based on the fundamental principle of using only pure, botanical ingredients to create effective and environmentally friendly elemental healing recipes. In this book I share some of my personal experience and expertise in creating unique aromatic products for our family business for over thirty years. This book can be used both as an inspirational source for discovering new recipes and blending ideas or as a reference manual covering a wide range of aromatic oils and natural materials. Here, I focus on the formulation process itself and describe the various step-by-step processes by which essential oils can be used in combination with other plant materials
Here below is a short excerpt from the book about the numerous health benefits of thermal bathing and a recipe to try.
Early naturopaths believed that if we could simply restore our vital life-force, the body would naturally heal itself. Hippocrates therefore recommended a daily aromatic bath followed by a massage using aromatic oils as the way to both enhance and restore optimum health. However, the primary focus was on taking preventative measures against disease in the first place, so in many ways, naturopathy looked to the raw elements themselves for their revitalising and life-giving qualities. Based on these same principles, people from all parts of the world have utilized the therapeutic benefits of thermal springs and baths as part of an age-old tradition.
Gradually certain individuals realized that bathing in these mineral-rich hot springs was not only relaxing, but also offered a range of other health benefits. Hot water can hold more dissolved solids than cold water, including mud, clay and salt, as well as containing a range of minerals that have healing benefits. Whilst bathing in a hot spring, the body naturally absorbs trace amounts of the minerals found in the water via the pores of the skin, such as sulphur, calcium, magnesium and lithium. These trace minerals help provide healing effects to different organs and systems in the body, as well as acting as a natural remedy for a range of skin conditions. Over time, and based on the natural terrain of each location, different types of spa tradition developed right across the globe, each with their own rituals and therapeutic methods of treatment. Many of these are very ancient and have their origins in early systems of belief, where humanity and the natural world were perceived as being inter-related and inter-dependent.
Stress-Relief Crystal & Salt Soak
This relaxing bath blend creates a welcome release from any stress and mental agitation built up over the course of a busy day – it is profoundly soothing both on an emotional and physical level. Vetiver is known as the ‘oil of tranquillity’; lavender oil is the classic, sedative remedy which soothes both the senses and psyche; roman chamomile is a mild yet powerful relaxant oil: the ultimate stress-fix combination! Epsom Salts – which are in fact not a true salt but rather a pure mineral compound of magnesium sulfate crystals – helps lower blood pressure and normalize heart rhythms. The minerals in the crystals also work on the muscles and joints to ease away any stiffness or areas of tightness, such as in the neck and shoulders which is the region of the body where many of us often carry tension. Dead Sea Salt helps to promote an overall sense of physical and mental relaxation, which reduces stress and supports our whole nervous system. Our bodies also absorb minerals from the salts, which stimulate the immune system and strengthen it.
Ingredients
- 150gms Dead Sea Salt
- 100gms Epsom Salt
- 5 drops Lavender essential oil
- 3 drops Vetiver essential oil
- 2 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil
Directions:
- Fill a bath with hot water
- Add the Epsom & Dead Sea Salts and agitate the water to ensure they have dissolved
- Add the three essential oils and stir
- Soak in the warm water (35C) for up to 20 minutes
- Wrap your entire body in a towel and relax for 15 minutes after bathing to allow for the complete absorption of minerals and nutrients into the skin.
- Drink a large glass of water or herbal tea to rehydrate the entire body
Limited signed copies are available to purchase now here.