Having an herbal body wrap can be enjoyable and relaxing experience. Once the province of resort spas, you can now also do herbal body wraps at home. Proponents believe that body wraps improve the skin's texture and appearance by removing excess fluids and toxins. The herbs used in body wraps add purification and aromatherapy to other body wrap materials such as Dead Sea salt and natural clays to enhance the overall experience.
Claims
The claims made for the benefits of herbal body wraps include detoxification of the body through the skin, weight loss and soft, smooth skin--depending on the treatment type. There are herbal body wrap processes that assert that they reduce cellulite, firm the skin, and help the body produce more collagen and elastin. Some products and purveyors suggest that an herbal body wrap is a low-cost alternative to plastic surgery and liposuction.
Basic Process
The first step in preparation for an herbal body wrap is cleaning the skin, often using an exfoliation process, such as dry brushing, salt or sugar scrubs. After cleaning the body, herbal products such as Dead Sea salt, clays, essential oils or lotions are spread over the arms, legs and torso. Plastic sheets or elastic cloths wrap the body tightly and external cloth adds a warm cocoon. After about 20 to 40 minutes, the wrap is removed and the skin rinsed clean.
At a Spa
A day at the spa is a luxury for many. It usually includes a manicure, pedicure, massage, and can include waxing, facials, makeup and hair care--and an herbal body wrap. A spa treatment offers rejuvenation for the spirit and the body. The cost of a full spa day ranges from $150 to $600 or higher, depending on services and location, as of 2009, according to Bankrate.
At Home
If you want to save money and do not mind the preparation effort, you can give yourself an herbal body wrap at home. Because the wrapping is somewhat challenging, this may be easier to do with a friend. You follow the process outlined with cleansing, rubbing on the herbal materials, wrapping your body in plastic sheets or elastic and warm cloth. The purchased herbal materials usually require preparation, such as dissolving a salt in hot water and allowing it to cool or mixing clay powders with distilled water.
Expert Insight
Two writers for American Fitness Organization tried an at-home herbal wrap for losing inches. They commented, "After the allotted time, we removed the cloths as instructed, dried off and repeated our measurements. Needless to say, neither of us lost an inch." They concluded, "At $150 for five treatments, you're probably better off investing that money in a qualified massage therapist or certified personal trainer."
According to the Better Business Bureau, "Medical science has yet to devise a magic pill, potion, wrap or patch that ensures weight loss."
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