A body wrap is a delightful spa treatment that pulls toxins from your body, improves the appearance of your skin and may even help you lose inches. If this sounds good to you, don't grab your purse and rush to the nearest spa. You're better off heading to a health food store. Effective body wraps can be made from natural ingredients such as clay, salt, water and olive oil. You can even add your favorite essential oil or herbs for a pleasing scent and save the $100 or more a body wrap at a day spa would have cost you.
Step 1
Take a hot shower or bath to open your pores. Drink a glass of water.
Step 2
Put 2 cups water in a pot and bring to a boil. Stir in 1/4 cup of salt, preferably sea salt. Keep stirring until all of the salt has dissolved.
Step 3
Stir in 2 tbsp. olive oil. Add 1 cup green clay, sometimes called healing clay. Stir well until the mixture takes on the consistency of a paste.
Step 4
Mix in 2 tbsp. of the essential oil of your choice, such as lavender, sage, sandalwood, lemongrass, rosemary or something citrus-like if you prefer. You may also mix in herbs like ground basil or powder from alfalfa leaf, chamomile, rose petal or rose hip.
Step 5
Take the paste to your shower or bathtub and spread it evenly over your body. Wrap thin towels or sheets around yourself, then use plastic wrap to cover the towels. Salons typically use wrapping sheets made specifically for body wraps, which you can purchase if you prefer.
Step 6
Position yourself comfortably in the bathtub. Listen to music or watch a movie on a portable DVD player set up prior to the wrap. Remain for 45 to 60 minutes. Wrap a thermal blanket around yourself to stay warm if you need to.
Step 7
Unwrap yourself in the bathtub, put the sheets or towels aside to be washed later and rinse the paste off with warm water in the shower. Have another glass or two of water.
Tips and Warnings
- Eating healthfully after a body wrap will help preserve the detoxification benefits. Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, fried or processed foods and sugar.
Things You'll Need
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup green clay
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 cup sea salt
- Plastic wrap
- Thin towels or a sheet
- 2 tbsp. essential oil or herbs
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