SALT SCRUB IS SOOOO EASY (& relatively cheap) TO MAKE!!  The one I’m making today is a detoxyfing salt scrub that’s perfect for autumn & winter.  Balsam fir, juniper berry, and lemon give this scrub a wonderfully clean and woodsy aroma.  But this scrub isn’t just a pretty smell.  Let’s go over the benefits of each essential oil:

• Balsam Fir has anti-inflammatory properties, provides immune & respiratory support, and acts as a decongestant & analgesic.
• Juniper Berry is an antiseptic & antioxidant, reduces fluid retention, relieves chronic skin conditions, and relieves feelings of being worried or overwhelmed.
• Lemon is a powerhouse of benefits!  It has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties; improves skin luster; aids digestion; helps lower high blood pressure; detoxifies; and combats stress and frustration.

Salt scrubs are intended for occasional use (no more than twice a week, and I use it much less actually) on the hands and body.  It’s too abrasive for use on your face, even with the finest grind of salt you can get.  Using it too much is likely to do the opposite of what you want it to do – cause an inflammatory process and/or callouses.

The oil you use is important, but don’t be afraid to try different ones.  The only limitations I would put on oil selection is to not use highly processed kitchen-grade oils like corn, peanut, soy, canola, sunflower, etc.  Cold pressed oils are fine.  I’m using avocado oil in this recipe.  It’s a great oil to use because it has no scent and absorbs into the skin really well.  When I use the scrub, I don’t even wash with soap afterwards – just rinse off the salt with water, dry a little bit, and rub the oil in.  You’ll love how soft and smooth your skin feels!   So here we go with it:

SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOMEMADE SALT SCRUB

Supplies: whatever size container you want to store your scrub in (glass is best; otherwise use hard (PET) plastic); enough salt to fill your container (I prefer natural sea salt or himalayan pink salt over plain iodized salt); your choice of oil; essential oils (30 drops total per cup of salt).

1. Fill your container with salt.  This allows you to have the exact amount you need without waste.  Then pour it into a measuring cup so you’ll know how much you have so that your other ingredients will be the right proportion.  I just happened to have some dried juniper berries that I ground up in my coffee grinder and added to my salt.  You certainly don’t have to do this, but the juniper berries smell AMAZING!  I also dumped my salt & berry mixture into a small food processor to make it a little bit less coarse.  This step isn’t necessary, either, but I’m apparently a wimp because coarse salt scrub scratches my skin & hurts afterwards. 

    

    

2. Pour the salt into a bowl, then add in ½ that amount of your oil.  As you can see, I have about 5 oz. of salt, so I added 2.5 oz. of avocado oil.  Stir it up!
3.  Next, add your essential oils.  I generally use 30 drops of essential oils per 1 cup of salt.  Since I’m making only a small jar this time, and only 5 oz. of salt, I’ll need about 18 drops of essential oil.  You can, of course, use any blend you choose but I’d keep it to no more than 4 or 5 different ones.  Or, it’s perfectly acceptable to use a single oil or a blend you purchased.  I love the “immune support” blend that I purchased from Rocky Mountain Oils.  For this recipe, I used 8 drops of lemon, 4 drops of juniper berry, and 6 drops of balsam fir.  Stir well, spoon the mixture into your jar, and you’re DONE.  I told you this was easy!!