Homemade Body Scrub

I used to buy those pricey organic salt scrubs at the health food store until I learned how easy it is to make a homemade version.

You don't really need a recipe for this. All you do is fill your container (a used container from a store-bought salt scrub works great, but any plastic container with a lid will do) about 3/4 of the way to the top with salt, and then pour in your liquified coconut oil.

A course ground Himalayan or sea salt work well and this is the healthiest for your body, whether you are eating it or, as in this case, using it externally. Coconut oil will liquify on its own if it's warm out, but if it is cooler, you will place it in a pan of hot water.

Add some oil, mix, and see how you like the consistency. Some of the scrubs you buy in the store are more oily and some are less so- make it the way you prefer.

Once you have added your salt and your coconut oil, you can add whatever scent you like. Essential oils of lavender, lemongrass, and even some organic vanilla extract have all worked beautifully for me. Be judicious with the essential oils- they are very strong.

Keep your homemade body scrub in the shower and scoop some out whenever you feel like a natural exfoliation treatment. Once or twice a week is perfect. This is really nice on the arms, legs, and back; I would use it sparingly, if at all, on the face.

If you are the type who needs to know exact amounts before you'll try to make something, use 2 cups of oil for every 1 cup of salt and add 10 drops of essential oil per cup of salt.

An alternative to the salt scrub is to use sugar instead. Organic sugar or brown sugar works very well. You could also use safflower, grapeseed, almond, or apricot oil instead of coconut oil, if you prefer.