7 Natural Remedies for External Cleansing

In a world increasingly filled with synthetic chemicals and artificial substances, many individuals are searching for natural remedies for external cleansing. These remedies not only promote physical well-being but also enhance mental and spiritual health. This article explores seven effective natural remedies that can help cleanse the body externally, fostering a sense of rejuvenation and vitality.

1. Herbal Baths

Herbal baths have been used for centuries in various cultures as a means of relaxation and purification. By utilizing herbs known for their cleansing properties, you can create a rejuvenating experience for both your skin and spirit.

How to Prepare:

• Choose Your Herbs: Popular choices include chamomile for its calming effects, lavender for relaxation, and sage for purification.
• Preparation: Boil your chosen herbs in water to extract their beneficial properties. Strain the liquid and pour it into a warm bath.
• Enjoy the Soak: Immerse yourself in the herbal-infused water for at least 20 minutes. This practice not only cleanses the skin but also helps relieve stress and anxiety.

Benefits:

Herbal baths can soothe irritated skin, assist in detoxification through sweating, and provide an aromatherapeutic experience that calms the mind.

2. Clay Masks

Clay has been used since ancient times for its detoxifying abilities. A clay mask can absorb excess oil, remove impurities, and provide essential minerals to the skin.

How to Apply:

• Select Your Clay: Bentonite clay is highly absorbent and is excellent for oily skin. Kaolin clay is milder and suitable for sensitive skin.
• Mixing: Combine the clay powder with water or apple cider vinegar until you achieve a smooth paste.
• Application: Apply the mask evenly over your face or any other area in need of cleansing. Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes or until it dries completely.
• Rinse: Remove the mask with lukewarm water, massaging gently as you rinse to exfoliate.

Benefits:

Clay masks draw out toxins from the skin, unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and leave your skin feeling fresh and revitalized.

3. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that promotes oral health while also contributing to detoxification. This method involves swishing oil in your mouth to remove toxins and bacteria.

How to Practice:

• Choose Your Oil: Coconut oil is popular due to its antibacterial properties, but sesame oil is another traditional option.
• Swish: Take one tablespoon of oil and swish it around your mouth for about 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to swallow it, as it contains toxins extracted from your mouth.
• Spit It Out: Spit the oil into a trash can (not the sink) to avoid clogging pipes.
• Rinse: Follow up by rinsing your mouth with warm water and brushing your teeth.

Benefits:

Oil pulling can help reduce plaque, whiten teeth, freshen breath, and support overall oral hygiene while promoting general wellness through detoxification.

4. Epsom Salt Scrubs

Epsom salt scrubs are a fantastic way to exfoliate the skin while providing additional benefits through magnesium absorption. Epsom salt, made up of magnesium sulfate, can help soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation.

How to Make an Epsom Salt Scrub:

• Ingredients: Combine one cup of Epsom salt with half a cup of coconut oil or olive oil. You may add essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus for added fragrance and benefits.
• Mix Together: Stir until well combined into a paste.
• Application: In the shower or bath, gently rub the scrub onto damp skin in circular motions. Focus on rough areas like elbows and knees.
• Rinse Off: Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Benefits:

Using an Epsom salt scrub enhances circulation, exfoliates dead skin cells, alleviates muscle tension, and promotes relaxation—perfect after a long day.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is revered for its myriad of health benefits, including its ability to cleanse and restore balance to the body externally.

How to Use:

• Hair Rinse: Mix one part ACV with two parts water. After shampooing, pour this mixture over your hair as a final rinse. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing with cool water.

• Skin Toner: For facial care, dilute ACV with an equal amount of water. Applying this toner can help remove excess oil and tighten pores.

Benefits:

An ACV rinse cleanses hair by removing product buildup, enhances shine, balances scalp pH levels, reduces dandruff, improves skin texture, and serves as an antibacterial agent on acne-prone skin.

6. Citrus Body Scrub

Citrus fruits like lemon and orange are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that help brighten the skin while providing exfoliation.

How to Make a Citrus Scrub:

• Ingredients:
• Two cups of sugar (brown or white)
• One cup of citrus juice (lemon or orange)
• Half a cup of olive oil or coconut oil

• Optional: Zest from citrus fruits

• Mixing: Combine all ingredients in a bowl until you obtain a paste-like consistency.

• Use: Apply this scrub on damp skin during your shower or bath in circular motions before rinsing off.

Benefits:

Citrus body scrubs invigorate the senses while exfoliating dead skin cells. The natural acids found in citrus fruits can lighten dark spots over time and refresh tired skin.

7. Detoxifying Smoothies

While primarily internal cleansing tends to be more recognized through diet changes, external cleansing can also be supported by what you consume. Detoxifying smoothies loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients enhance skin health from within.

Ingredients Suggestions:

• Spinach or kale (rich in chlorophyll)
• Cucumber (hydrating)
• Lemon (rich in vitamin C)
• Ginger (anti-inflammatory)
• Berries (antioxidants)

Recipe:

Blend together one cup of spinach/kale with half a cucumber, juice from one lemon, a small piece of ginger, and a handful of berries with enough water to reach your desired consistency.

Benefits:

Consuming detox smoothies nourishes your body’s cells while facilitating detoxification processes that improve skin clarity and overall external appearance.

Conclusion

Natural remedies offer extensive benefits for external cleansing that go beyond just physical appearance; they nurture mental calmness and emotional balance as well. Incorporating practices like herbal baths, clay masks, oil pulling, Epsom salt scrubs, apple cider vinegar rinses, citrus scrubs, and detoxifying smoothies into your self-care routine can significantly enhance your overall well-being. Embracing these natural methods not only supports bodily health but cultivates a deeper connection between mind, body, and spirit—fostering an enduring sense of holistic wellness.