Herbal Body Powders

lavender, calendula, chamomile, body powders

Working on this site has been such an amazing journey. There is always a memory that comes back to me that has something to do with whatever it is I'm working on. Take this post for example. Body Powders. 

In my grandmother's bathroom, she kept several containers filled with body powders. Most of them were from Avon. My favorite was the one that looked liked an ice cream cone. Do any of you remember that particular one? I loved opening up those containers and smelling all the different fragrances. Feeling how soft the powder was between my fingers. Amazed at how it disappeared into my skin. ( Hahaha Hey, I was only 8.) I wondered how in the world did they make this soft as silk powdery goodness. I loved it and I wanted to figure out how to make my own. And I did, years later.    

It's true what they say you know, about how to figure out what to do in one's life. ( That is if one is searching for a direction.) Look back to your childhood. The things that intrigued you, that sparked your curiosity, that kept coming back to you time and time again. Look there and you will find what your true passion/s are. Then all you need to do is figure out how to bring that passion into your present day life.   😊  

Okay, lets get back to the body powders. These are the ingredients I used for my recipe.


1 cup of arrowroot powder
1/2 cup kaolin clay
2 tablespoons finely ground fragrant dried herbs, ie; lavender, chamomile, roses, calendula
Container

About the ingredients

Arrowroot is a starchy powder that comes from the rhizomes of Marantha arundinacea. The rhizomes are dried then ground up into a very fine powder. It can be used as a substitute for corn starch in your cooking recipes. You can also use it to make a face powder by adding cocoa powder and a little cinnamon until you get the shade that matches your skin. Also, a little beet root powder mixed with the arrowroot will give you an all natural blush. How cool is that! There are many more uses for arrowroot. Be sure to do some research and see what else you can come up with.        

Kaolin can be found all around the world. Here in the United States it's mined in Georgia and South Carolina. The clay is used in facial masks, body powders, soaps, body scrubs and deodorants. It's a mild clay. Naturally absorbent and good for sensitive skin types.

lavender body powder

The dried herbs, be sure to ground them up into a very fine powder before adding to your other ingredients. I used the milling blade on my NutriBullet. You can also use a coffee bean grinder. If you don't have access to either of those, I would omit the dried herbs. If you don't grind them into a fine powder they will be very rough on your skin! You can always substitute an essential oil for the herbs. In that case, add a few drops on a cotton ball then place in the bottom of your container before adding the powder. The powder will absorb the fragrance from the essential oil. Once my dried herbs were sufficiently pulverized, I added the rest of my ingredients and used the milling blade until well incorporated. 

You can order powder shaker containers online or even recycle a powder container or use a container with a powder puff. This really is a good alternative if you're looking for a natural body powder. It feels silky smooth, blends in quickly and smells amazing.       

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is formed from volcanic ash that has weathered and aged for many years. When you purchase the clay it comes in a powdered form. After adding your liquid it forms into a soft clay. Bentonite has a negative electromagnetic charge, when applied to your skin works like a magnet pulling and absorbing the metals and toxins (which are a positive charge) from your body through your skin and into the clay. Also works as a gentle exfoliator, helping to unclog pores and speed up cell turnover for healthier skin.


There are several types of clay out there you can use for skin care. Each clay has it's own unique healing properties and is said to be suited for different skin types. With the bentonite clay, I've found some writings suggesting it works best for oily skin. Then again I've come across writings suggesting it works best for all skin types. From personal use, I find it a tad bit drying on my face, but not drying as a body mask. I suggest doing a small patch test first before applying to your entire face or body.

Uses for bentonite clay; applying a paste using water can be soothing for insect bites, minor cuts, insect bites, poison ivy, minor burns, eczema, psoriasis and itchy rashes. Leave on until paste dries then gently wash off.

As a face / body mask; I make a paste, you can use water, apple cider vinegar or rose water as your liquid. If you do use the vinegar be sure to dilute it with water before adding to your clay. Scoop out small amount of powder into a glass bowl. Add a SMALL amount of liquid at first, slowly mixing and adding more until desired consistency. The more you mix the creamer it will become. Scoop out small amount into palm of your hand with a wooden spoon. Apply to finger tips and gently massage into clean damp face. Leave on for 10-15 minutes or until clay dries. Use a warm damp cloth to gently remove mask from face. 

Be sure to drink plenty of water after you have rinsed the clay from your face/body and for the next couple of days, as this also helps rid your body of the toxins that are being released through the detox stage. Because Bentonite Clay has a negative electromagnetic charge, you should never use any metal bowls or utensils as the clay will absorb the metals and become less effective.