Just as critical as water or air, salt is also essential to life. It plays a major role in the nutrient flow in and out of our cells and help keep the ph of our blood hovering at a delicate but perfect state for homeostasis. Salt has been responsible for preserving some of our most precious commodities throughout history (in particular food) as well as protecting some of our deepest wounds. Humans have carried this mineral around with them since the beginning of time, intuitively aware of the sacred, symbiotic relationship we share. In our modern world, we often look for remedies that are unique or scarce. We want the newest and greatest thing to offer us vibrant health and happiness. As a result, we have unwittingly obscured some of the most powerful tools at our disposal, discarding tradition for novelty. And I can’t think of a more undervalued tool than salt!
As we head into the final stretch of winter, I invite you to reap the benefits of this ancient healing medium that is readily available and affordable. Combining dried herbs with dead sea salts or epsom for a bath or foot soak can be incredibly nourishing and supportive, especially for postpartum mommas, essential works on their feet all day/night, topical infections, dry skin (including psoriasis) disorders affecting joints and muscles, migraines, dysmenorrhea, nervous system exhaustion and insomnia. As the largest organ in the body, our skin has the potential to absorb up to 70% of what it is steeped in, so get soaking!
Here are two of my favorite winter recipes:
FOR DRY SKIN
1 cup dried Calendula officinalis flowers
1/3 cup dried Plantago major leaves
1/3 cup dried Lavendula flowers
6-10 cups Epsom Salt
**Please note this recipe contains plants in the Asteraceae family. If you have a history of ragweed allergies, do not use this formula.
TO EASE SYMPTOMS OF COLD AND FLU
3-5 drops Lavender essential oil
3-5 drops Frankincense essential oil
1 cup dried Achillea millefolium flowers
1 cup dried Thyme leaves
6-10 cups Epsom Salt
**Please note this recipe contains plants in the Asteraceae family. If you have a history of ragweed allergies, do not use this formula.