Ayurvedic Herbal Bath Powder For Fairness & Glowing Skin (Babies & Adults) At Home

 

Ayurvedic herbal bath powders have been used in India from ancient times and it does more than just clean our skin. Usually bath powders also called body wash and face wash powders are made with ingredients that have anti bacterial and nourishing properties and keeps the skin blemish free. Sadly the use of bath powders is slowly diminishing and nowadays younger generation generally prefer only store bought soaps and body washes. I agree store bought body washes come attractively packaged and smell great but we should remember that they also come loaded with chemicals, artificial colors and fragrances. Homemade bath powders also smell great if you add ingredients like kasturi turmeric and rose petal powder. Once you get to know the benefits of herbal bath powders, you will start using them regularly: 1. Cleans The Skin Well: Homemade bath powders cleans the skin well just equally well like store bought soaps. Soap foams so we think it cleans well but bath powders cleans the skin well too if not better. 2. Lightens Scars: Ingredients in bath powders like turmeric, sandalwood powder lightens scars really well if used regularly. 3. Removes Unwanted Facial Hair: Regular use of homemade bath powders weakens facial hair and helps remove it if used regularly. But the time it takes to remove facial hair will vary from person to person. 4. Prevents Skin Infections: Since most of the ingredients used in homemade bath powders contain anti bacterial properties, they go a long way in preventing all skin infections. 5. Make Your Skin Glow: Bath powders acts as a mild exfoliant and removes dead skin giving a nice glow to our skin. I have already given the recipe for a herbal bath powder using rose petals but you have to sundry the ingredients and then grind them which many found difficult to do. I wanted to share an instant version of homemade herbal ayurvedic bath powder using pure herbal powders that you can make under a minute! The ingredients used in this bath powder are gram flour, green gram flour, wild turmeric powder, rose petal powder and sandalwood powder. This bath powder is very fragrant and regular use will make your skin glow and will keep it blemish free. This herbal bath powder can be used for both adults and babies.

 

10 Top Skin Benefits Of Oatmeal Bath For Babies, Eczema, Dogs, Itching, Rash, Hives & Sunburn

 

Oatmeal baths are very very soothing and is perfect for treating any kind of inflammation. Even natural ingredients can irritate when you use it on inflamed or sunburned skin. But oatmeal baths are very relaxing and if you add the appropriate herbs, it does wonders to inflamed skin. The best thing I like about oatmeal bath is it can be used for treating various skin diseases from a common rash to eczema. Since it is very gentle it can be used for treating diaper rash in children too. If you have a severe skin infection that makes your skin itch uncontrollably, try a oatmeal bath. It can be done for the specific parts too, for eg, if you have an infection in the legs, fill a small tub with water and add the oatmeal blend and immerse your legs in it. If appropriate herbs are added to it will help fight off the infection along with easing the inflammation and itching. I have given a general recipe for oatmeal bath below with step by step pictures but for treating a specific problem, try adding appropriate herbs to the bath as suggested. These are the wonderful benefits and uses of oatmeal bath: 1. Oatmeal Bath For Eczema: The itching caused by eczema especially during the winter season can be really worse. Try an oatmeal bath daily during winter season using ground oatmeal, baking soda and few drops of pure neem oil. This bath can be used even for young children who are suffering from eczema. 2. Oatmeal Bath For Sunburn: For sunburn a soothing oatmeal bath is the best. Try an oatmeal bath made with oatmeal, baking soda and dried lavender buds and few drops of lavender essential oil. 3. Oatmeal Bath For Itchy Skin: So many things can cause skin itching and especially if you are an outdoor person you will experience it a lot often. If the itching gets severe, try a soothing oatmeal bath using pesticide free rose petals and rose essential oil like given below in the recipe. 4. Oatmeal Bath For Chicken Pox: I have had chicken pox when I was younger and the constant itching was unbearable. Try an oatmeal bath using oatmeal, baking soda and fresh neem leaves. 5. Oatmeal Bath For Diaper Rash: If the child has a diaper rash, try not to use disposable diapers for a few days and switch over to cotton diapers. Also try a warm oatmeal hip bath till they feel better. Add only oatmeal and baking soda for the bath. 6. Oatmeal Bath For Hives: Hives is an allergic skin reaction and most of the time the causes are unknown. Oatmeal bath can be used for easing the burning and itching sensation during hives. 7. Oatmeal Bath For Dry Skin: Oatmeal will help treat dry skin very effectively. I would suggest adding a blend of oatmeal, full fat milk powder and few drops of any unrefined oil. 8. Oatmeal Bath For Rashes: Oatmeal bath can be used for treating all kinds of rashes. You can also tie a bag of whole oatmeal to the tap and use the water for the bath. 9. Oatmeal Bath For Shingles: Oatmeal bath will benefit people who are suffering from shingles too. 10. Oatmeal Bath For Dogs: Not only for us humans but oatmeal bath can help our pets too. If your dog suffers from constant itching, you can try a simple oatmeal bath mixed with few drops of tea tree oil. If he is a puppy, it will be easier to get him into a small tub and give him the bath. For bigger dogs, work the blend into the skin coat, wait for 10 to 15 minutes and then give a bath.

 

6 Top Benefits & Uses of Baking Soda Bath For Diaper Rash, Yeast Infection, UTI & Hives

 

Baking soda is such a versatile ingredient, it can be used for cleaning, baking, cooking and as a home remedy. Since I bake a lot, I always have baking soda at home and more than baking I end up using it for other purposes. One of the important uses of baking soda is it's amazing ability to treat skin infections. It can be used for treating diaper rash, UTI, babies, eczema, yeast infections, sunburn, psoriasis and skin itching. The best way to use baking soda for treating skin infections is by taking a bath using baking soda. This bath is also one of the best ways to relax and after a long day if you don't have the patience to make your bath salts just add baking soda from the kitchen shelf. Throw in a few herbs either dried or fresh and you have made a wonderful, cheap relaxing bath at home. Another wonderful thing about baking soda bath is you don't have to worry about cleaning the tub after the bath, it will leave it squeaky clean by itself. Many naturalists recommend detox baths because it draws out toxins from the body and greatly relaxes us. Baking soda bath tops that list as it is one of the cheapest and most effective detox baths. Making baking soda bath is simplicity itself, if you are pressed for time just mix only 1/4 cup baking soda into the water. But I would strongly advice adding your favorite essential oils and herbs. You can also add Epsom salt and rock salt along with baking soda in the bath if you have them at home. First start the bath with dry brushing your skin using an appropriate brush. After dry brushing immerse yourself in baking soda bath for 10 to 15 minutes. The water should neither be too hot or too cold. If it is too hot, it will make the person perspire more and some might experience dizziness. After the soak take a bath, preferably using a homemade bath powder. 

 

10 Top Health Benefits Of Epsom Salt Bath For Weight Loss, Detox, Pregnancy & Hemorrhoids

 

Using baths to treat illness has been done for centuries and they are very healing. I can never forget the bath that we had in the the freezing Himalayas. We were on our foot for days and were really exhausted, we didn't get proper south Indian food there and that made things really worse. We were all very tired and all my enthusiasm for seeing all the exotic places in the Himalayas was fading. I am a home bird and I was feeling very homesick too. My aunt kept on comforting me, she kept on repeating about the natural hot water springs in the Himalayas. But when we reached that place, I was already too bone tired to notice anything but then the white steam rising from that whole area was so mesmerizing and brought me back to life a little. There were separate baths for men and women and I can never forget the experience of immersing myself in the natural hot water bath in the freezing cold and immediately feeling so relaxed and so one with nature. I felt so very relaxed for the first time in that trip and to this day I cherish that experience. The simple act of a bath treating all my aches and pains was so new to me. This experience also convinced me of the benefits of healing baths and though we can't go to these exotic places for having healing baths often, we can make equally effective baths at home. Homemade Epsom salt bath is one of the healing and effective baths that can be made at home. Once you make the bath salts, you can use it whenever you want it. If you don't have a tub, you can also try out Epsom salt foot soak at home. Epsom salt baths have many benefits and treats all aches, pains, skin diseases and is also perfect for detoxing the body. Making your bath salts is also very cost effective and you can really play around with the ingredients and they also store well. Side effects of Epsom salt bath: There are rarely any side effects but it might be dehydrating, so hydrate yourself before and after the bath and people who are allergic to sulfate should practice caution when taking Epsom salt baths. 

 

3 Top Benefits of Ginger Detox Bath + Recipe

 

There are few natural treatments that really work in relaxing our bodies. Like for instance take the traditional Indian oil bath, I can confidently say that it is one of the best treatments to relax because we have been using it for years with good results. Like oil bath, ginger bath also refreshes a person, especially it works great for people who are anxious and tired and find it difficult to get good sleep. This ginger bath will make you refreshed and will greatly relax you and you will be surprised at how well you sleep on that day. Especially after a bout of flu or cold we are often left drained and lethargic. Though we start our regular work as we are not sick anymore, the tiredness and lethargy continues. This is the best time to do a ginger bath as it is the best detox treatment and relaxes the body completely. One thing you have to keep in mind when you are doing a ginger bath is that you will sweat a lot, in fact sweat profusely. So keep yourself hydrated before and after taking this ginger bath and I would strongly suggest wearing cotton clothes after the bath. That night you will get a very good night sleep and the next day you will feel very refreshed and much better. These are some of the benefits of ginger bath:1. Detox: We hear the word detox a lot and we always associate it to expensive spa treatments but in reality simple treatments like this ginger bath will give you the best detox. Try to do this bath when you are relaxed and not pressed for time. 2. For Cold, Flu | Fever & Sinus: This is the best treatment for chest congestion due to cold. If you are suffering from blocked nose, headache and sinus then ginger bath will be very beneficial. This bath can be used for children too, but reduce the amount of the ginger mixture and don't make them soak too long in the bath, especially if using it for the first time. 3. For Arthritis & Sore Muscles: Since ginger has got anti inflammatory properties, it is very very good for sore muscles and people who  are suffering from arthritis will find that it helps ease the pain. Even people who are suffering from sore muscles after working out will find that this bath makes them feel and rest better, thus helping in faster recovery for the next workout. This bath also helps hemorrhoids. There are few thing that we have to remember when we are doing this bath: This bath makes you sweat so keep yourself hydrated and wear cotton clothes after the bath. Try to do this bath close to bed time so you can get a good nights sleep. If you don't want to use this blend for bath, you can also try this for a foot bath. 

 

Nalangu Maavu Recipe | Ubtan For Babies | Natural Homemade Bath Powder For Babies

 

We call herbal bath powder for kids nalangu maavu in Tamil. This custom of making nalangu maavu has been followed for many years. When I was pregnant, me and my grandmother had fun time collecting and making the bath powder at home. When I was pregnant I was not very good in identifying the herbs like I am now, so the whole herb collecting was done by a long time worker of us. He has been with us from the time I was born and he does not know to read and write but he has an amazing knowledge of local herbs. We make the bath powder slightly different from what is sold in the shops, we make it with lot of herbs. The powder made this way is a very effective antiseptic and prevents the child from falling ill often and it completely prevents skin diseases. This bath powder is also very very aromatic and after bathing with this powder, the children will be smelling of this powder all day long. There is no set measurements for the recipe, even if you add more of one herb it will not harm the skin. I have given all the herbs that we use for making the bath powder, try to choose at least 2 to 3 varieties of the herbs from this list. The herbs are appakovay leaves (kedrostis foetidissima), karpooravalli (plectranthus amboinicus), avarai leaves (lablab leaves), avarampoo (tanner's cassia), marjoram, marikolunthu (artemisia pallens), thiruneetru pachai (ocimum basilicum) and arugampul (bermuda grass). The dry ingredients are wild turmeric or kasthuri manjal, white turmeric or poolan kilangu, karboga arisi |babchi (psoralea corylifolia) and ordinary turmeric. You can find the information about all these herbs in the blog except thiruneetru pachai, marikolunthu and karboga arisi, I will try updating more information about them in the blog soon. I have given the measurements for the dry ingredients and you can get all the dry ingredients in ayurvedic shops. Dry them under hot sun separately and dry the herbs separately till crisp and powder everything together. For boys we don't add turmeric as it helps shed the body hair, replace the regular turmeric and wild turmeric in the recipe with green gram dhal for boy babies. As you can see from the ingredients, each and every herb in the ingredients list are powerful antiseptics. They heals and protect the skin from infections due to dust and pollution. I made a huge batch of this powder and I was using only this powder for my son till he was 2 to 3 years old. This powder does not strip the skin of natural oils and is very gentle on the skin.

 

Avarampoo Benefits: Face Wash Powder (Ubtan) For Glowing Skin

 

 

Avarampoo (Tamil Name) is a wonder flower that we all overlook to use in our daily lives. Avarampooo is  called Tanner's - Cassia in English, Tangedu in Telugu, and Taravar in Hindi. It's botanical name is Cassia  Auriculata. Avarampoo grows wildly everywhere and usually it is found plenty near the river beds. There is a small stream near our farm and I love to go for walks there and there are plenty of avarmpoo near the stream. It is very serene there, especially when the water is flowing. I love to look at the avarampoo flowers and usually they are in full bloom throughout the year. Avarampoo flowers are very cooling and both the leaves and flowers are used for home remedies, I have heard my grandma say that in her days, many people use to use avarampoo leaves for washing the hair. Since India  is a very hot country, herbs that cooled the body were treasured and used very often in day to day life. If you are living in a city where you can't find avarampoo, try visiting a village near by, I am sure you will find plenty of avarampoo there. Dry avarampoo very well and you can store and use it for a long time. Avarampoo is wonderful for using in external application and it treats many skin problems. It keeps the skin from infections and the best way to use it for external application is by including it in face wash powder. This face wash powder has been used by Indian women for years and this face wash powder prevents black spots, treats uneven skin tone and regular use keeps the skin blemish free. This face wash powder has got 6 amazing ingredients - avarampoo, bengal gram dal, urad dal, kasthuri manjal, vetiver and organic rose petals. Bengal gram dal and urad dal are amazing cleansers, vetiver is a natural coolant and prevents boils on the skin, avarampoo and kasthuri manjal prevents infections in the skin. This powder is also very very fragrant and is wonderful for all types of skin. This face wash powder like most recipes in this blog, needs plenty of sunlight for sun drying. If the ingredients are not sun dried properly, you will not be able to powder it finely. Grinding the mixture to a very smooth powder is very very important. Try to make it in small batches and use regularly to see good results. This powder can be safely used on young kids too. For boys and men, skip kasthuri manjal in the face wash powder. 

 

Mustard Bath Health Benefits: Home Remedy For Ringworm

 

This incident happened 2 years back, when I was collecting all the home remedies to record in the blog. My niece, who is living abroad got infected with ringworm and she was going to the doctor for the treatment. The problem was, she kept getting it back, once she stopped applying the medicines. She knew I was collecting all the home remedies and she mailed me the picture of the affected area and asked me for remedies. I knew mustard bath was an amazing home remedy for ringworm, I asked her to make a paste of the regular dark mustard and apply it all over the affected area and wait for a few minutes before having the shower. I also asked her to be patient with the treatment and what happened was amazing! Within a few days, the ringworm was completely gone and she has not gotten it again. To date, she keeps mentioning this incident and she has become a firm believer of homemade remedies. I feel, if we have faith and the patience to do the treatments and do it in a proper way, home remedies work really well. This mustard bath treatment is messy and has to be done in the bathroom before bath, as the mustard paste keeps dripping. It is also better, if the paste is made fresh everyday, till the treatment is done. Mustard paste might cause redness of the skin for some, but it is very rare, as we are just keeping the paste on the skin for a few minutes. But to be on the safer side, do a patch test on a small portion of the skin, before applying it all over the body. My niece does not have a sensitive skin and she did not have any problem using it. I prefer the black mustard seed paste for this remedy and even I was pleasantly surprised at how fast she got cured, as I was expecting that it will take more time. Mustard has anti fungal and antibacterial properties that makes it an ideal ingredient to use for skin infections, especially for treating ringworm.

 

DIY Recipe: How to Make Easy, Natural, Homemade Bath Salts With Epsom Salt & Baking Soda

 

Nothing makes me more happy than trying out new homemade products at home. The latest addition is this homemade bath salts. I really had great fun making it and I just loved the finished product. Homemade bath salts can be expensive when you buy it in the shops. You can make equally good homemade bath salts at home for a very cheap price. I wanted to try out citrus bath salts, but as usual my love for roses won and I ended up making rose petal bath salts. Bath salts apart from giving a smooth, soft skin has other benefits too. It is one of the best ways to relax. After a soak in these bath salts, we feel relaxed, uplifted and calm. Bath salts also detoxify our body, especially if made with good quality ingredients. Soaking in bath salts also help people who suffer from body pain/ Sore muscles. The best thing about homemade bath salts is that you can customize it to your liking. Epsom salt in the recipe is easily absorbed into the skin and greatly relaxes a tired body. Now it has been proven that weekly thrice soaking in Epsom salts keep our skin younger and supple. Try this recipe with your favorite dried flowers and essential oils. If using citrus essential oils, it will help in treating cold too. Baking soda in the recipe softens the water, rose petals and the rose essential oil treats dry skin and relaxes the body. To make this homemade bath salt, remove the petals from pesticide free roses and dry them in shade. Mix the measure out Epsom salt with baking soda well. Now add the liquid pink food color to it and mix it well till it is evenly mixed. Add the crushed rose petals and the rose essential oil to it and mix every thing together well. Your homemade bath salt is ready!

 

Indian Homemade Rose Petal Bath Powder /Sunni Pindi / Kuliyal Podi Recipe

If you have never used bath powders/ kuliyal podi/ sunni pindi before, then you might be wondering, why I am praising bath powders so much. I am so used to bath powders from very young age and trust me they smell, feel better than any store bought soaps. Many people find using powders to wash their skin very odd, but these home made bath powders clean the skin well and does not strip the skin of natural oils. The ingredients in homemade bath powders treats existing minor skin diseases and prevents the skin from further infections. Once you start using homemade bath powders, you will never be able to stop using them. This rose petal bath powder is very fragrant and should be made in peak summer. This bath powder has green gram dal, wild turmeric, white turmeric/ poolan kilangu and dried rose petals. Rose petals reduces wrinkles and prevents the skin from sun damage. Wild turmeric is called "kasturi manjal" in Tamil and it is very fragrant than normal turmeric. We use kasturi manjal for most of our skin preparations, as it reduces blemishes and pimples. Green gram dal is a very good natural body cleaner and it keeps our body cool. White turmeric (Zedoary)  is called " Poolan kilangu" in Tamil. It helps in healing any damage to the skin and prevents infections. To make this powder, first collect pesticide free roses, remove the petals and sun dry them till completely dry. Take the measured out green gram dal, white turmeric/ poolan kilangu, wild turmeric in a wide plate and sun dry it for a day. We usually use the dried varieties of  both the turmerics. Add the dried rose petals to the dried mixture and powder them finely in a mixer. Sieve the mixture and store it. To use, take the required amount of powder and mix it with water to make a paste. Scoop the mixture and rub it all over the body like soap and wash it off. You will find great difference in your skin texture if you use this bath powder regularly.  

 

Mustard Foot Bath - The Benefits + DIY Recipe

 

Mustard foot bath is the best answer for people who suffer from nasal congestion, body aches and pains. I always love remedies that involve common kitchen ingredients, as you don't have to go searching for ingredients when you are ill and in pain. This mustard bath is one such recipe that can be made in no time. If you have a foot bath, use that or even a wide tub will work beautifully. This mustard foot bath detoxifies the body naturally, helping a person come out of illness quickly. If you are feeling tired, sluggish or ill, then it is the best time to use this homemade foot bath. Both ginger and mustard increases the circulation and warms one up. Since it increases the body temperature, it also increases perspiration thus helping the patient to eliminate toxins effectively. I used the residue of ginger paste that was settled down, after I used it for my honey and ginger home remedy. But you can use freshly crushed ginger paste to make this remedy. After using this mustard foot bath, one feels relaxed and refreshed. If you had a hectic day or you were on your feet for long duration of time, then you will greatly benefit from this mustard foot bath. Try using it before bed time to get a good nights sleep. To make this mustard foot bath, first make the ginger infusion by mixing fresh ginger paste with hot water and set aside. Take mustard seeds and pound them in a mortar and pestle to a fine powder. Sprinkle the ground mustard powder in a tub, that you are going to soak your feet in. Add warm water to it and then add the ginger infusion to it and mix well. Check the temperature of the water before soaking your feet. Make sure that the water is in lukewarm temperature. If the person has cold or chest congestion, it is best to cover them with warm towels, while using the foot bath. Let your feet soak for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse your feet well with warm water and pat dry. People with toenail infections and even people who suffer from varicose veins will find this mustard foot bath helpful. 

 

Homemade Ubtan (Bath Powder) Recipe With Green Gram Powder

This homemade bath powder/ ubtan made with green gram powder/ flour is so gentle on the skin and many people in our family, including me use it, instead of soap. We call this "Pasi payaru maavu/ Pachai payaru maavu" in Tamil. I have been waiting to post this bath powder/ ubtan recipe for quite some time, but the climate did not cooperate, as you need  bright sunlight to make this powder. There is a reason this powder has been used as a bath powder for ages. This bath powder does not strip the skin of the natural oils and regular use prevents black heads and softens the skin. But this powder will spoil easily, if the green gram and vetiver is not sun dried till crisp. I prefer to make small batches of this powder. This bath powder cleanses well and it can be made into a paste with water and used as a face scrub too. During winter season, mix the green gram powder with milk or yogurt and use. To make this powder, sun dry green gram dal and vetiver in bright sunlight till they get very crisp. Powder it finely in a mixer. Vetiver is very aromatic, so use just little to make this powder. Both vetiver and green gram powder are very cooling. This powder is excellent for small babies as it does not have any chemicals. Keep the left over powder in an air tight box away from moisture.     

5 Easy Steps To Make Homemade Bath Bombs Recipe

These homemade bath bombs are fun to make at home. Children will have lot of fun in their bath with it. When you are giving bath for young children at home, just add one of these in the bath water. The fizz it produces will absolutely delight them. The ingredients in this bath bombs are very mild on the skin. To make this at home, take citric acid, baking soda and mix them together. Add the grated zest of a lemon, yellow food coloring and few drops of citrus essential oil and mix them well. Now to bind all of it together, add rubbing alcohol/surgical spirit. Surgical spirit contains 70% pure ethanol and you can buy it in medical stores. Add the surgical spirit little by little till you can shape the mixture. Have fun shaping them, if you don't have the patience to shape them, just make them into balls. Please remember not to add water, as it will start fizzing right away! Dry them in the shade till it hardens and store them in an airtight container. Please be precise with the measurements and don't substitute surgical spirit, you won't get the desired fizz. The citrus smell from the fresh lemon peel and lemon essential oil will uplift your mood. Baking soda softens your skin, so have fun making it at home!

DIY: Rose Petal & Almond Bath Bag

When you are tired after a long day at the office, having a nice warm bath with these rose petal and almond bath bags will immediately relax and help you unwind. Just draw in a warm bath and drop these bags into the warm water. You can also tie these bags in the water sprout and fill the tub. These bath bags contain rose petals and ground almonds. Both ground almonds and rose petals nourish the skin. We don't get almond meal in India, so I have ground almonds and used. If you get almond meal use that. As for the rose petals, I am a big fan of paneer roses, so I have used them. You can use any variety that you like. I have dried the rose petals in shade, so they don't loose their color and the smell. Whatever variety of rose you are using, make sure to use roses that are not sprayed with pesticides. You can also make small bags of these when you have time and store it in the refrigerator. When you are tired, all you have to do is drop one of these bags into the water. Drop a few fresh rose petals in the bath for an at home spa feel!

Top 5 Skin Benefits & Uses of Milk Powder For Skin Whitening, Dry & Oily Skin

Any beauty treatment with milk powder will make us feel pampered. Milk powder has the following skin benefits:1. Milk powder for Skin Whitening: Milk powder is an ideal ingredient to use for skin because it brightens the skin tone very well. If you look at a persons skin after regular beauty treatment with milk powder, you will find it bright and fair.  2. Milk powder For Dry Skin: One best thing about milk powder is it can used for different types of skin. For dry skin, use full fat milk powder, full fat milk powder will treat dry skin very effectively. 3. Milk Powder For Oily Skin: For oily skin, try using fat free milk powder and you can easily combine it with ingredients like multani mitti and rose water to make a wonderful mask. The milk powder will nourish the skin without the oiliness from the fat content in it. 4. Milk powder for Face: Milk powder is one of the best ingredients for making face masks, as it nourishes the skin, I love love milk powder face masks. It makes my skin smooth and prevents dryness during winter season. 5. Milk Powder for Bath:I was trying to find a recipe for bath blend, especially for brides and this Cleopatra style bath recipe fit in the bill nicely. I was very happy with the result. Of the three or four recipes I tried, this is my favorite. After soaking in this luxurious orange bath, one feels pampered and relaxed. This bridal bath relaxes the bride and prepares them for the big day. Personally, more than what these recipes do to the skin, I enjoy what they do to the mind. Just light a few candles and you are all set for a home spa treatment minus the expenses. This homemade orange bath has just three ingredients - milk powder, fresh orange and lemon peels and your favorite essential oil. I enjoy recipes that are easy to prepare with few ingredients, but are very effective, this is one such recipe. I used whole milk powder and freshly grated lemon and orange peels. The freshly grated peels are the highlight of this recipe. So try using freshly grated peels. Try using this recipe at least three to four times before the marriage. This blend softens the skin and leaves it petal soft, just what you need for the marriage! Any citrus essential oil will go well with this recipe.