Kitchen Cupboard Cosmetics & Medicines: Happy Skin Bathing Balls

Great for Eczema / Dermatitis / Psoriasis / Wind burn or just really dry and unhappy skin!

• 1 coffee mug of Porridge Oats
• 2 Tbsp Honey
• 5 Tbsp of walnut oil (found cheaply in most supermarkets)
• 1 Tbsp vegetable glycerin (found in the baking isle)
• 2 chamomile tea bags
• 1 pair of ladies tights, muslin cloth or a cotton sock.

Oats. Oat binds to the skin and produces a protective layer against irritants preventing further development of skin problems. It’s also a great emollient, hydrating the area. It protects the area against further inflammation and reduces inflammation also. It’s soothing and helps itching.

Honey. Natural antiseptic which also forms a breathable barrier on the skin to prevent bacteria entering a wound. Soothing and thought to promote skin healing (see previous honey recipe for more information)

Walnut Oil, – High in essential fatty acids which are used as building blocks by the skin to repair tissue damage. Highly moisturising and able to penetrate well into the skin itself, instead of sitting on top like many creams do.

Vegetable Glycerin. Natural emollient and helps to thicken the epidermis making it stronger and less prone to problems. Improves the barrier function of the skin, allowing it to retain more water and protect itself from irritants. Helps skin cells to mature properly.

Chamomile Tea. Chamomile is fantastic at treating upset skin. It is a natural anti-inflammatory, relieves both pain, itching and redness. It also soothes allergic reactions and is a natural anti-histamine.

Method:

1. Snip open the chamomile tea bags and mix in with the oats.
2. Mix the oil, honey and glycerin thoroughly together.
3. Pour into the oats and shape the entire mixture into a ball.
4. Place the ball in your cloth, tights or sock.

For best results attach the ball to your hot tap when your run a bath (either tie the tights around the tap or use elastic bands or hold the cloth or sock in place.

Alternatively the ball can be used as a sponge directly onto the skin once damp in the shower / bath.

Recipe supplied by Lara Roberts, Clinic Practitioner.