Glycerine Soap

Hi shellycheval!

Thanks for sharing your experience! Good to know!

One question: What kind of vinegar is best for hair? Apple vinegar or vinegar essence, or is vinegar essence too strong? Or maybe it doesn't matter?

In this thread chachazoom has recommended the same two substances for cleaning.

So, would I be right in concluding that using apple vinegar for hair and vinegar essence for cleaning would be best??
 
I suppose in my case, having short hair helps when it comes to washing and keeping it clean.

The other "benefit" I've noticed is that I now get less white hair!!. Prior to the point before I stopped using shampoo entirely, I was getting white hair all over. Now however it's a lot less. :cool2:
 
It's so refreshing to hear about others who have also rejected the Clean!Clean!Clean! propaganda with which the advertising industry has hypnotized western society. All my life people have remarked on how healthy-looking my hair is, and are always shocked when I tell them it's because I only wash my hair once a week, and never use "hair products" or blow dryers.

When I was young and healthy, I used to teach fitness classes on the side, six classes a week. I used to sweat ALOT in my classes, almost the minute I started moving, but because my body was so healthy and efficient my sweat NEVER smelled. Everyone I knew used to shower after class, but I would simply towel off, get dressed, and go out for the evening, fresh as a daisy. I rarely showered more than once a week, washed my face every morning with nothing more than water, and was constantly told what a beautiful complexion I had (I rarely wore make-up, of course).

Today I am not so young and healthy, and suffer from a chronic inflammatory condition known as Reiter's Syndrome, and have to take certain drugs to stay physically functional. Over the years I have noticed a correlation between the drugs and body odor, and had to start using antiperspirants for the sake of "others". But I still avoid showering and washing my hair more than once a week, out of necessity now because my skin becomes inflammed for a certain period afterwards. I of course use a "non-soap" cleanser to reduce any irritation, I just shudder at the thought of using commercial "soap".

In the last couple of years I have been growing/collecting my own herbs/wildflowers to make herbal tinctures and teas. In my readings I discovered that a very common wildflower called "Soapwort" or "Bouncing Bet" (Saponaria Officinalis) has a natural soap-like substance in its roots and sap, and can be used to make an herbal hair and skin cleaner. I intend to try making and using some this year, and will let ya'll know how it turns out....


How to Make Soapwort Shampoo:
http://www.easyhomemaderecipes.com/soapwort-shampoo.html
 
This is a really interesting thread!
I have noticed that the healthier I get the less body odor I have, I already knew how bad deodorants where. I've been trying to avoid chemical laden cleaning products for few years now too.
I feel inspired to try just rinsing my hair with water now and avoid shampoo all together, that and the magnesium and it may even help my receding hair line! :lol:

One question however (which pepperfritz has touched on), what are you using (those that just rinse with water or use little for shampoo) to clean your body with in the shower, or did I miss the point here (because part of me is shouting very loudly 'water just won't clean you!')???

On the subject of body odor however, the below article pretty much covers 90% of the main topics in the diet section. Detox/mineral deficiency/fungal infection.....

Funny how many products are designed to just cover over these things....if not worsen them.

_http://www.health911.com/remedies/rem_bodyo.htm

Body Odor
Causes

Conventional wisdom suggests that perspiration is the cause of body odor. However, perspiration by itself is basically odorless, but it is the bacteria and odors coming from other sources that are the real culprits. Anaerobic bacteria, which flourish when your body doesn't have enough oxygen, may well be the cause of your body odor. As the body's metabolism goes to work, it gives off odors which is the body's way of ridding itself of waste products. Any imbalances in metabolism will result in stronger odors. We suggest you visit our Bad Breath, Foot Odor and Sweaty Hands sections for in-depth discussions of some of the causes and remedies.

Since we are talking about waste products you must consider toxins as a possible cause of body odor. In today's world we are bombarded with toxins in our homes, food, and air that accumulate in the body when the organs of elimination cannot dispose of them. The liver and intestines may be clogged up, causing odors to emanate from the body, so we suggest a thorough detoxification program by cleansing the liver, kidneys and colon. At some point in the future we will have a complete section on this very important process.

Dietary imbalances, resulting in constipation or a deficiency of magnesium or zinc may be other causes of body odor. See our Constipation section for causes and remedies. Because of a person's body chemistry, some people who eat large quantities of meat or who are vegetarians have a very distinctive body odor which can be quite offensive. Some individuals cannot metabolize foods containing large amounts of choline, such as eggs, fish, liver and legumes. The result is a "fishy" smell. If you are one of these people, cut out these products and see if this is the cause of your odor. Certain foods and drinks, such as onions, garlic, curry, certain spicy foods, coffee and alcohol, are also prime causes. Fried and baked goods may contain rancid fats and oils that lead to body odor.

Sweat glands (apocrine glands) under the arms and in the groin secrete a substance that is the major non-food/drink related cause of body odor. This substance, which contains protein, carbohydrates, and lipids, often secreted by a surge in sex hormones caused by tense moments or emotional stress, is quickly attacked by bacteria, causing odor. Also, today children are starting puberty much earlier, and this change in hormones may lead to body odor in children younger than previously. Estrogen dominance, often caused by petrochemical products, may trigger the earlier puberty. Drinking sodas out of plastic bottles is one of the leading causes of estrogen dominance.

There may be underlying causes of excessive sweating, such as low blood sugar, liver disease, diabetes, parasites, metabolic dysfunction, menopause, or emotional stress (anger, fear, excitement). Excessive sweat may be on the forehead, palms, soles of the feet or the underarms. See our Sweaty Hands section for some suggestions to help with this problem.

Some other possible cause of body odor...

* Kidney disease
* Liver disease
* Fungal infections
* Refined sugar feeds bacteria and fungus on the skin
 
RedFox said:
One question however (which pepperfritz has touched on), what are you using (those that just rinse with water or use little for shampoo) to clean your body with in the shower, or did I miss the point here (because part of me is shouting very loudly 'water just won't clean you!')???

I use a product called Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash, which is soap free, dye free, frangrance-free, and hypoallergenic. I buy it at my local drug store.
Link: _http://www.aveeno.com/productDetail.do?prodid=3646
 
Hi PepperFritz

Thanks for the info, but looking at the ingredients I will give that one a miss. It looks quite a lot worse than just using ordinary glycerin soap (and that's from the ingredients I can pronounce) :(

_http://international.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=68509&catid=64337&aid=333181&aparam=sespider
(ingredients tab)

Water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Decyl Glucoside, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Glycol Stearate, Sodium Lauroampho PG Acetate Phosphate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat protein, PEG 20 Glycerides, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, PEG 150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG 120 Methyl Glucose Trioleate, Propylene Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, PEG 6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Quaternium 15, Coriandrum Sativum Extract, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract, Conmiphora Myhrrha Extract, SD Alcohol 39C, May Contain:, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid
 
One question: What kind of vinegar is best for hair? Apple vinegar or vinegar essence, or is vinegar essence too strong? Or maybe it doesn't matter?

In this thread chachazoom has recommended the same two substances for cleaning.

So, would I be right in concluding that using apple vinegar for hair and vinegar essence for cleaning would be best??

I do not have any experience with vinegar essences so I can't say for sure, but I suspect, yes, the stronger vinegar would be better for cleaning. Traditionally apple cider vinegar, the strength used for canning and food preservation, is recommended for hair.
shellycheval
 
Redfox said:
Thanks for the info, but looking at the ingredients I will give that one a miss. It looks quite a lot worse than just using ordinary glycerin soap (and that's from the ingredients I can pronounce

I agree with Redfox here, this product seems to have quite a few synthetic ingredients in it, especially compared to a bar of handmade soap which usually contains - olive oil, coconut oil, and maybe a few other oils such as jojoba oil, and an essential oil for scent and that's it. Although handmade soap is made with sodium hydroxide (lye) which is necessary for the saponification that turns the fats into soap, there is no lye left in the final product and the ingredients are natural and basic.
 
manitoban said:
I agree with Redfox here, this product seems to have quite a few synthetic ingredients in it, especially compared to a bar of handmade soap which usually contains - olive oil, coconut oil, and maybe a few other oils such as jojoba oil, and an essential oil for scent and that's it. Although handmade soap is made with sodium hydroxide (lye) which is necessary for the saponification that turns the fats into soap, there is no lye left in the final product and the ingredients are natural and basic.

I wasn't necessarily recommending it, only telling RedFox what I use. Something in traditional soap -- even the natural soap bars you describe -- makes my skin react, and the Aveeno product is the only thing I've found so far that does not result in skin inflammation. But then, I have an unusual condition....
 
I found this excellent piece about soap and shampoo
from _http://www.searchlores.org/realicra/realicra.htm
Reversing Shampoo

by Makoli

06 September 1998
Courtesy of fravia's pages of reverse engineering

Well, a small pebble of reality cracking, yet NOTHING is insignificant in this world of ours where toothpastes that actually damage your teeth are advertised by "beautiful" smiling models with false teeth
Enjoy!
Reversing Shampoo

I didn't actually crack the shampoo scam, all I did was write this. But as with any other protected thing, at least somebody knows the truth all along.

The truth here is that shampoo's bad for your hair. It cleans out dirt, but also the oil that makes your hair shiny and strong. However shampoo's sold as something your hair really needs, and the truth is suppressed.

There are several common sorts of soapy things. They attract oils by electric charge, allowing the oil to be emulsified with the water. For some reason, these cleaners are themselves made from fats. Soap is made from animal or vegetable oil, and detergent is made from mineral oil. Detergents can be made more powerful. Shampoo is detergent, just like dishwashing detergent, bathroom cleaner, and engine block cleaner.

People used to use soap to wash their hair, as well as their dishes, clothes and bathrooms (and horses, before there were engines.) Soap was better suited to washing hair, because it didn't remove so much of the oils that are naturally in hair.
But the water supply slowly changed. It's now generally more alkaline, which people call hard water. When this started happening, soap didn't work so well. The chemicals which make water alkaline make soap stop lathering well, and form insoluble scum (eg. the ring in the bath.) So soap got less and less effective for all its cleaning uses. I guess the water was always pretty alkaline in some places, so soap was never an ideal cleaner. Around the beginning of the twentieth century, household detergents became available. Detergents have no problem with alkaline water, so they were really popular. They soon became cheaper than soap, too.
So that's why people stopped using soap for almost everything, and started using detergents. Detergents are excellent cleaners for most uses.

If you've tried using soap to wash your hair, you probably know how your hair goes all rough and tangly. This is worse if your water's harder (more alkaline.) I moved recently, and suddenly started having problems using soap in my hair. The problem is that hair reacts to acids and alkalis.

Each hair has little scales, like scales on a snake or shingles on a roof. Acid makes the scales lie down flat, which makes your hair shiny and smooth. (Ever heard that lemon juice is good for your hair?) Alkali makes the scales stand up, which makes your hair look dull and feel rough and tangly. Therefore hard water, which is common these days, makes it harder to wash your hair. If you use soap to wash your hair in hard water, then the combination of your hair's scales standing up and the soap forming scum makes your hair into a terrible mess. Then, since your hair's all tangled and rough, it's impossible to rinse out all the soap, which makes it look terrible.

Shampoo, being detergent, can rinse out of your hair fine even in alkaline water. That's its only good point. Its fundamental, but covered up, bad point is that it's very harsh, and damages your hair permanently. Conditioner was soon introduced as people noticed that shampoo sucked the oils out of their hair dry and left it all dry and brittle. Conditioner puts artificial oils in your hair, and they stay their just long enough so that you don't associate the damage to your hair with the shampoo that caused it.
You have to wash your hair every day, not because it always gets dirty so fast but because the oils from the conditioner don't last and have to be replenished. Conditioner wasn't used until shampoo came about.

But the real cheat in shampoo is when it's sold as being especially good for your hair. Expensive shampoos are in a way better, but only because the conditioner that comes with them is better at covering up the damage done by the shampoo. The actual shampoo itself is pretty much the same as any cheap shampoo. The professional formula, which will nourish your hair and make it grow more healthy, with vitamins and natural nutrients, gentle seaweed extracts, jojoba oil. . . .

Remember that your hair's dead. That exposes half of shampoo advertising as lies. Remember that shampoo is just detergent. That shows that most of the remaining half is lies too. Remember that the oils your hair needs come naturally out of your scalp, as they've been doing for thousands of years before conditioner was invented. When you think about it, nothing that is claimed about shampoo and conditioner is true.

In a way, we really do need conditioner, as advertising implies. But the real reason why we need it is because our hair gets damaged by shampoo. This is just another case of using lies to help a bad product (shampoo) gain dominance over a good product (soap), then introducing another product (conditioner) to compensate for the bad product's faults, and then tricking people into accepting huge price increases once they forget the good product.

The only good thing about shampoo is that it doesn't work any worse in hard water.
Does that ever get mentioned in advertising? The rest is lies, to fool you into paying $10 for a $1 bottle of perfumed detergent.

What to do

Soap is good to wash your hair with. Forget all the dregs of misinformation spread by shampoo manufacturers, and forget that soap is "harsh". Remember that the problem with using soap is in the water, not the soap. You just need to solve the problem of the hard water, and soap is fine to use. I can recommend two ways.

If your water's not too hard, just substitute soap for shampoo, and use any old cheapish conditioner. The conditioner will make the scales on your hair lie down, and let the last of the soap get rinsed out. You might have to experiment with different soaps and conditioners. Maybe some conditioner which is pH balanced is best. Some "good ol" plain soap with no added water and perfume is probably best.

Otherwise, you can add some weak acid at some point in the washing process. Since you need just a tiny amount, even cheap vinegar will do, without leaving a smell. You could make a soap goo out of soap and water, and add a bit of lemon juice. You could have a jug of water with a teaspoonful of vinegar in it, to rinse your hair with after soaping. Or how about pouring it into a plastic squirty bottle, so you don't spill it.

Another good thing is oil of rosemary. It stimulates your scalp, to encourage the natural oils to flow. Actually I haven't worked out how to get it onto my scalp, since there's all that hair in the way, but I've heard it's possible.

So in summary, shampoo had a legitimate claim as an alternative for soap. But now it's not sold by that claim, it's sold by lies. Soap's better for your hair, and you can still use it if you compensate for hard water.

Makoli

For Australian residents I can recommend products from MooGoo
_http://moogoo.com.au/

cheers
 
shellycheval said:
I do not have any experience with vinegar essences so I can't say for sure, but I suspect, yes, the stronger vinegar would be better for cleaning. Traditionally apple cider vinegar, the strength used for canning and food preservation, is recommended for hair.
shellycheval

Thanks, shellycheval!
I didn't use shampoo today, just mineral soil and apple cider vinegar - it works just great! Scalp feels good, hair looks and feels real good, no oil or anything negative, on the contrary. :)
Thanks again for those tips!


OzRich,
thanks for digging up that article, it answers a whole lot!
 
I just started using glycerine soap as well. Comes with chamomille, vitamin E, lavender etc. It really does cut down on the post shower itch. I'm quite low maintenance and don't really like having to apply lotion so glycerine soap has been great.

I've also been using an organic deodorant with a dash of baking soda which does me well. I could always feel leftover scum in my armpits when using conventional deodorants.

Also, baking soda with a spray of magnesium oil works waaay better than any toothpaste I've ever used.

I may try the apple cider vinegar shampoo next. :rolleyes:
 
chachachick said:
I'm quite low maintenance and don't really like having to apply lotion ..

Fwiw, there's an additional way you can ensure to never have to use lotion again: dry skin brushing.
Just like our scalp and hair can be brought back to their natural functioning, so can (of course) the skin.
All you have to do is brush your skin regularly - there are also special (=softer) brushes for the face.

Brushing your skin has other advantages, too. Here's an article:


from:_http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com/HealingTechniques/Dry_Brushing_Technique.htm

The Dry Brushing Technique

Did You Know?



The skin is the largest most important eliminative organ in the body and is responsible for one quarter of the body’s detoxification each day?

The skin eliminates over one pound of waste acids each day in the average adult, most of it through the sweat glands?

That the skin is known also as our third kidney?

That the skin receives one third of all the blood circulated in the body?

That the skin is the last to receive nutrients in the body, yet the first to show signs of imbalance or deficiency?



Detoxification is performed by a number of organs, glands, and transportation systems, including the skin, gut, kidneys, liver, lungs, lymphatic system, and mucous membranes. The dry brushing technique deals with detoxification of the skin.



Dry brushing is a way to stimulate all the above organs of detoxification because it provides a gentle internal massage.

Dry Brushing was recommended by the Finnish Dr., Paavo Airola for his patients 30 years ago and is still popular in European spas and many cancer treatment centers today. The Russians, Turks and Scandinavians have used this treatment for centuries. Dry brushing is promoted as a preventative for dry skin and a way to exfoliate the skin, thus stimulating skin renewal that is super soft to the touch, but there are many other benefits as well:



Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing Explained:



1. Removes cellulite

2. Cleanses the lymphatic system

3. Removes dead skin layers

4. Strengthens the immune system

5. Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands

6. Tightens the skin preventing premature aging

7. Tones the muscles

8. Stimulates circulation

9. Improves the function of the nervous system

10. Helps digestion

11. AND it’s easy, inexpensive and invigorating!



1. Dry brushing removes cellulite-- Cellulite is a non-scientific term defined as toxic deposits of subcutaneous fat material and fibrous tissue that are not able to be eliminated and which cause a dimpling effect on the overlying skin. These deposits most commonly occur on the thighs and hips of women. Cellulite can affect men and women of any body weight or size. What causes the toxins? Well, some think that we store the breakdown product of cells as toxins in this subcutaneous tissue. Others think that toxic emotions can be stored in the subcutaneous tissue which then builds up as cellulite.



Your best bets for getting rid of cellulite are dry brushing, connective tissue massage, working though the emotional issues that are causing the toxins to stagnate, eating foods that feed the skin, an alkaline diet program and a consistent/persistent exercise routine. These techniques will break down the unwelcome toxic body deposits and send them scurrying out your body through the elimination channels we discussed above. And your health will be SO much better for it!



Foods that feed the skin include foods that are rich in lecithin, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants such as eggs, organ meats, a balance of Omega-3-6-9 oils like Udo’s Choice, fresh dark green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, berries of all kinds, and dark chocolate (in condiment amounts—like an ounce a day!)



2. Dry brushing cleans the lymphatic system. Lymph is considered part of our immune system and is made of white blood cells called lymphocytes and the interstitial fluid that bathe our cells, bringing our cells nutrients and removing their waste. All detoxification occurs first and foremost through the lymph. Our bodies contain far more lymph than blood, so you can see how important this might be. Paavo Airola maintains that dry brushing is an essential part of any intestinal cleansing and healing program.



Dry brushing literally moves the lymph containing large proteins and particulate matter that cannot be transported in any other way back into circulatory system. If these proteins stayed in our systems outside the blood vessels, it would attract other fluid. Pretty soon we’d get swollen ankles, limbs and eventually we’d be leaking fluid out our skin (not a pretty sight.) This is called lymphedema and is why most health programs include some type of exercise and body work.



So, why don’t we die if we don’t do this dry brushing thing? Well, lymph vessels themselves have their own pumping mechanism sensing when the vessels have more fluid in them or in the interstitial fluids. Lymph only goes one way because of the many one-way valves on the insides of each lymph vessel. The body is a fascinating thing. It literally pumps the lymph along its path back to the heart. Removal of proteins from the interstitial spaces is an essential function. Without this happening, we would die within 24 hours. We can help speed this process up when we dry brush or massage toward the heart, contract our muscles and move our bodies (like when we walk or exercise.)

Increased lymph flow can also be caused by high blood pressure. This is why it is so important to attend to this malady and why the doctors get into a frenzy of prescribing so many different medications for it. (Currently there are over 140 medications for high blood pressure!)



3. Dry brushing removes dead skin layers. Dry skin brushing helps shed dead skin cells, which can help improve skin texture and cell renewal. Dry skin is a sign of detoxification. Therefore it’s good to keep the process going by removing the dead skin daily. If this does not occur, a “log jam” can happen where the person ends up with eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff.



4. Dry brushing strengthens the immune system. Dry skin brushing may reduce duration of infection and accelerate the clearing of toxins. It helps support the immune system during cancer and other chronic illness treatment. By stimulating the lymph vessels to drain toxic mucoid matter into organs of detoxification we can purify the entire system. After several days of dry brushing, sometimes you may notice a gelatinous mucoid material in your stools. This is a normal sign that the intestinal tract is renewing itself. Best of all, it feels invigorating!



5. Dry brushing stimulates the hormone and oil glands, thus helping all of the body systems perform at peak efficiency. The skin is your body's largest organ. When improperly maintained, the elimination duties of the skin are forced upon the kidneys. Chemical analysis of sweat shows that it has almost the same constituents as urine. If the skin becomes inactive, its pores choke with millions of dead cells, uric acid and other impurities which will remain in the body putting extra stress on the liver and kidneys. People with big hips and thighs usually have low-grade bladder infections. Another sign of this is that the body gives off a distinct sickening odor. When the bladder and kidney are really sick, the calves are often swollen as well and the feet stink. So, give your kidneys a break—keep your skin clean and rejuvenated. Bathe daily and do a dry brushing before the bath to help stimulate blood flow to the surface so that toxins can more easily escape.



6. Dry Brushing tightens the skin by increasing the flow of blood which, in turn moves toxins and lessens the appearance of cellulite. Our bodies make a new top layer of skin every 24 hours - skin brushing removes the old top layer, allowing the clean new layer to come to the surface, resulting in softer, smoother skin.



7. Dry Brushing tones the muscles. Dry skin brushing helps muscle tone by stimulating the nerve endings which causes the individual muscle fibers to activate and move. It also helps mobilize fat and helps to even distribution of fat deposits. This is a great technique for invalids who can’t exercise.



8. Dry brushing stimulates circulation. Our skin breathes! And yet, in most people, this vital route of detoxification is operating far below its capacity, because it is clogged with dead skin cells and the un-removed waste excreted through perspiration. Dry skin brushing increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic wastes. Increased blood flow begins entering the areas brushed and you will experience an increase in electromagnetic energy that permits you to feel energized and invigorated. By activating the circulation you can also prevent varicose veins.



9. Dry brushing improves the function of the nervous system--Dry skin brushing rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.



10. Helps digestion -- Dry skin brushing helps your skin to absorb nutrients by eliminating clogged pores. Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body health. When you brush, the pores of your skin open allowing your skin to absorb nutrients and eliminate toxins. Clogged pores are not just a cosmetic concern. Healthy, breathing skin contributes to overall body health.

What You Need To Do Dry Brushing:

To dry brush, use a soft natural fiber brush with a long handle, so that you are able to reach all areas of your body. One with a removable head with a strap for your hand is a good choice. Here’s a picture of

what you are looking for:


(Available from health food stores or your local Co-op.)



A loofah sponge or a rough towel can also be used. Most nylon and synthetic fiber brushes are too sharp and may damage skin although I found a softer bath brush with nylon bristles that seems to do the trick. The important thing is to find something that is just right for your skin. Once your skin becomes “seasoned,” you can switch to a coarser brush.



Tips and Tricks for Dry Brushing:



Always dry brush your dry and naked body before you shower or bathe because you will want to wash off the impurities from the skin as a result from the brushing action.



You can do the brushing head-to-toe or toe-to-head. It really doesn’t matter as long as the entire body is brushed. Long sweeping strokes starting from the bottom of your feet upwards, and from the hands towards the shoulders, and on the torso in an upward direction help drain the lymph back to your heart.



Note: Stroking away from your heart puts extra pressure on the valves within the veins and lymph vessels and can cause ruptured vessels and varicose veins.



Use light pressure in areas where the skin is thin and harder pressure on places like the soles of the feet.



Skin brushing should be performed once a day, preferably first thing in the morning. A thorough skin brushing takes about 15 minutes, but any time spent brushing prior to bathing will benefit the body. If you are feeling ill, increasing the treatments to twice a day is good. You can also dry brush areas of cellulite five to 10 minutes twice a day to achieve cellulite dissolving but the technique needs to be done consistently for a minimum of five months.



· Avoid sensitive areas and anywhere the skin is broken such as areas of skin rash, wounds, cuts, and infections. Also, never brush an area affected by poison oak or poison ivy.



· Finish up with your regular shower and ending with three hot and cold cycles. That means turning on the water as hot as you can take it for several seconds, then as cold as you can handle it, then hot, then cold for three cycles. End with either hot or cold. This will further invigorate the skin and stimulate blood circulation, bringing more blood to the outer layers of the skin.



· After getting out of the shower, dry off vigorously and massage your skin with pure plant oils such as olive, avocado, apricot, almond, sesame, coconut or cocoa butter. Add a little peanut and Castor oil to the mix if you have arthritis. Edgar Cayce says this works to take out some of the pain, and we’ve found that to be true over the years.



· Clean your skin brush using soap and water once a week. After rinsing, dry your skin brush in an open, sunny spot to prevent mildew.



Any well designed program will take about 30 days to see and experience the changes. Please be patient and keep up the program! For a thorough lymphatic cleansing, perform skin brushing daily for a minimum of three months.


How to Dry Brush (Easy, Fast Instructions):



Begin with your feet and brush vigorously in circular motions.

Continue brushing up your legs.

Proceed to your hands and arms.

Brush your entire back and abdomen area, shoulders and neck.

Use circular counter-clockwise strokes on the abdomen.

Lightly brush the breasts.

Brush upwards on the back and down from the neck. Better yet, have a friend, spouse or family member brush your back.


Need More Specific Instructions? Skip this section



Here are the verbose directions.

(You will do most steps 7-14 times. Hang in there—it’s not as complicated as it sounds and doesn’t take as long as it seems once you get the flow of it.)



Using your right hand, gently slide the brush along your right jaw line starting from your earlobe to the underside of your chin 7 times.

Place the brush at the hairline on your neck and gently pull around the right side of your neck to the Adam's apple 7 times.

Hold the brush with your right hand at the bottom of your neck (where it joins the top of your back) and bring it around your neck to the right and down along your right collar bone and end up between your collar bones 7 times.

Stroke your breastbone in a circular fashion to stimulate the thymus gland 7 times.

Carefully brush the breast in a circular motion 7 times.

Repeat the above steps for your left side holding the brush with your left hand.

To stimulate the pituitary gland, hold the brush on the back of your head near the base of your neck and rock the brush up and down, then side to side, both sides 14 times.

Hold the brush in your left armpit with your right hand and rotate it counter clockwise 7 times, then clockwise 7 times.

Repeat on your right armpit with your left hand.

Brush upward 7 times from your upper right thigh to your right armpit.

Repeat process on your left side. Women may need to hold their breast out of the way with their free hand.

Brush back and forth over your belly button and around your waistline 14 times (like passing a basketball behind your back).

Brush in a circular motion over your belly-button, counter-clockwise 7 times then clockwise 7 times.

Finish brushing the front of your body in any direction starting at the bottom and brushing all the way up 14 times. Very little pressure needs to be applied to the genitals and women's breasts because the skin is sensitive and will redden if irritated.

Brush up and down your spine from the base of your neck and down as far as you can 14 times.

Finish your upper back by stroking it around toward your sides.

Brush your spine from tailbone up as high as you can reach 14 times, holding the brush with two hands or with the detachable wooden handle.

Finish your lower back by stroking it around toward your sides.

Brush up from right ankle to right knee and work all the way around your leg, brushing up towards your heart.

Hold the brush in the right groin with both hands and rotate it 7 times counter-clockwise, then 7 times clockwise.

Repeat with the left groin.

Brush from right knee to right hip 7 times.

Work all the way around your leg continuing to brush upwards (towards the heart).

Brush up from right ankle to right knee and work all the way around your leg, brushing up towards your heart.

Brush around your right ankle 7 times.

Brush back and forth over the top of your right foot from toes to ankle.

Brush across your right toes on top and underneath 7 times.

Brush the bottom of your right foot heel to toe 7 times.

Now do the same with for the left foot, leg and thigh.

Brush upward from right elbow to your armpit and shoulder 7 times.

Brush from your right wrist to the elbow in the same manner 7 times.

Repeat steps on your left arm.

Lightly brush the webbing (or junction) between your left thumb and index or pointer finger on the palm side 14 times, then on the non-palm side 14 times.

Brush your left palm from wrist to fingertips and back 7 times.

Brush the back of your left hand the same way 7 times.

Brush each left hand finger individually back and forth 7 times on the areas that have not been brushed yet.

Repeat the steps for your right hand.



After brushing, take a hot shower with soap (about three minutes in duration), followed by a 10-20 second cold rinse. Repeat this procedure three times. If the hot/cold showers are too extreme, a warm shower can be used. Follow the shower with a rubdown with either a sponge or towel to remove dead skin.
 
PepperFritz said:
I wasn't necessarily recommending it, only telling RedFox what I use. Something in traditional soap -- even the natural soap bars you describe -- makes my skin react, and the Aveeno product is the only thing I've found so far that does not result in skin inflammation. But then, I have an unusual condition....

Ah, thanks for that Pepper I did wonder why you where using such a product. At least you've found something that works for you :)
My personal aim at the moment is to reduce the amount of toxins in my life (including detoxing) to help me deal with my chronic fatigue/lack of energy (all the threads in the health section have helped no end in that respect).
Even replacing something like fluoride toothpaste has an impact on my energy levels (I'm going to try chachachick suggestion for toothpaste).

I'll have to find out what works for me (energy wise) and report back (so far natural/standard glycerin or coaltar soap seem to be the best for me). But for me at least the general rule it seems is the less chemicals the better.
 
Thanks for posting this, Ozrich, this is a good article.

Another good thing is oil of rosemary. It stimulates your scalp, to encourage the natural oils to flow. Actually I haven't worked out how to get it onto my scalp, since there's all that hair in the way, but I've heard it's possible.

Rosemary essential oil is recommended for dry scalp, but it can be an ingredient in a natural bar of soap - a lot of natural bars do contain it. But I'm not sure if it would have the same effect in the bar itself as it would if it were directly applied to the scalp (diluted in a base oil).

Pepperfritz said:
Something in traditional soap -- even the natural soap bars you describe -- makes my skin react, and the Aveeno product is the only thing I've found so far that does not result in skin inflammation. But then, I have an unusual condition...

Sometimes people have reactions and allergies even to natural soap - if it's been made with animal fats, or cocoa butter or colored with a plant, any of these could be causing the reaction. Probably the most basic soap you could get is called castile soap and is made of olive oil only so there is a lot less chance of a reaction.
 
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