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DIY Miracle Cleansing Grains

dried roses

After I started having my kiddos in 2010, I decided to think about de-chemicalizing a little.  It’s a solid idea for the good of the little punks, but also for the good of the family.  Admittedly, though, sometimes it’s hard to do right be ourselves when the idea of convenience rears its ugly head.  Now, don’t get me wrong.  I think one of the most important ways to sustain a lifestyle wherein chemicals play a smaller role is to keep it simple.  I typically avoid recipes for DIY body products if the ingredient count starts to climb upwards of, oh, about five.

Two of the first books in which I invested during The Great De-Chemicalizing were Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living by Annie Berthold-Bond and Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health.  Both books contain scores of easy, accessible natural recipes for home, body, and little ones (most contain very few ingredients).  The following is a natural, gentle recipe for cleansing grains from Ms. Gladstar’s book.  I love that I can use it more than once a day and that it, along with some witch hazel as a toner, and a lotion of my own concoction, makes for a fresh feeling and a nice glow.

The other thing I really like about this recipe is that I truly feel like it helps my skin age.  It’s really hard to find a cleanser that suits skin between the ages of 20 and 40 without a whole lotta chemicals involved.

Add whatever your heart desires to this basic recipe.  You might add some calendula or chamomile to soothe and tone.  You might mix the grains with honey or coconut oil (or avocado, just to gild the lily).  You could likely use it as a mask as well.  Feel free to add some essential oil for fragrance.  Myself, I like to add a little Vitamin E.

Miracle Cleansing Grains

2 cups white clay
1 cups finely ground oats
1/4 cup finely ground almonds
1/8 cup finely ground lavender
1/8 cup finely ground roses

Use a coffee grinder to make this recipe (don’t use the one that’s currently devoted to your coffee).  Combine the finely ground ingredients and keep in a cool, dry place.  Store your grains in any type of container with a lid.  To use: combine 1-2 teaspoons with water to form a paste.  Massage into your skin.  Rinse well and follow with preferred toner and moisturizer.

 

 

Written by Leah Gehlsen Morlan

lives and works in Iowa City, Iowa. She has a film degree from the University of Iowa, and her interests include: watching & writing about film, chasing her kids around, childbirth, healthy cooking & living, and DIY body & baby products. Find me on Google+.

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