On October 7th Dr. Larrow and I hosted our annual Spa Night in celebration of Naturopathic Medicine Week. We had a lovely turnout and everyone had a wonderful time trying out our completely natural (and even edible!) spa treatments. This was a night to pamper our patients and thank them for their support. Our patients enjoyed the spa treatments so much that I thought I would share the recipes with everyone who was unable to make it.
Thyme and Fennel Seed Cleanser
Ingredients:
2 springs fresh thyme, crushed (or 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme)
2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
1/2 cup boiling water
Juice of half a lemon
Directions:
Mix thyme and fennel seeds in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Add lemon juice and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain infusion and store liquid in a jar. Keep in the refrigerator.
- This cleanser smells wonderful and works well with all skin types
Bentonite Clay Mask
Ingredients:
1-2 tsp bentonite, green tea clay, or red Moroccan clay
A dash of water or cool green tea
Directions:
Mix clay and water until a creamy/mushy consistency is reached
Apply evenly to face or other desired area
Allow to dry for 10-15 minutes
Rinse with water
- This mask exfoliates very well and is wonderful for blemishes or even mosquito bites. Some people with very dry skin found it a tad too drying but most people loved it. This clay is also far less expensive than many pre-made clay masks and if you buy a bit of it in bulk it will last you quite a long time. I recommend using it twice per week.
Sweet Orange Wrinkle Banisher
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons hazelnut oil
1 teaspoon almond oil
8 drops sweet orange essential oil
Directions:
Combine oils and massage gently into the skin. Use morning and night after cleansing.
- Very quick and easy to make, and is very well absorbed and light. Don’t be afraid of oils, they will not clog your pores (contrary to popular belief).
Avocado Hand Rub
Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
3/4 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup almond oil
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup water
Directions:
Place avocado meat, oatmeal, almond oil and olive oil in blender and blend until smooth. At low speed, drizzle in water until paste has the consistency of thick pudding. You may not need all of the water. Rub and massage into hands in a circular motion. Rinse off with tepid water and pat dry. Use twice a week to maintain results.
- This recipe was by far the most labor intensive as it required the use of a blender and did take some time to fully blend the avocado and oatmeal to an acceptable consistency. However, it did feel lovely.
The majority of these recipes were taken from Secrets of the Spas by Catherine Bardey which I highly recommend. The remaining recipes were made up by myself and Dr. Larrow.