What’s In Your Body Products…and what should be!

Tips on Staying Mellow: Part 3
Extending Healthy Living Beyond the Massage Center
An E-Series by Vanessa M. Hazzard-Tillman, CMT, Student Herbalist


Long before supermarkets and big cosmetic companies, nature has been providing all of your body care needs. Artisans and herbalists still keep in these traditions, meticulously crafting some of the world’s best soaps, lotions, and balms made with the freshest ingredients. So what is the difference between these products and typical products you find at the drugstore? A lot of the products found in major chain stores have preservatives in them so that they do not spoil quickly. They also contain artificial coloring and/or harsh detergents. Typically, the ingredients used in these products are of lower quality, and are therefore less expensive so the manufacturer turns a bigger profit.
Luckily there are some quality ingredients/products out there that will compliment your body’s chemistry and give you wonderful, healthy skin!

Aloe Vera:
Great moisturizer, easy to find in stores, also great to have in a first aid kit

Witch Hazel:
Awesome astringent, great for healing cuts as well

Epsom Salt:
The minerals in the salts are wonderful for healing muscle aches and pains

Vegetable oils (particularly Olive, Grapeseed, Sunflower, Coconut, Jojoba oil):
These oils (olive and jojoba) are closest to what your body naturally produces! They are nutrient rich and work great after a nice shower or as a hot oil treatment for your hair.

Essential oils:
Essentials oils are volatile oils extracted from plants. They are extremely concentrated, aromatic oils used to scent carrier oils (like the oils listed above). Their lovely scent also contains medicinal properties. Tea tree, for example, is a very effective antifungal oil and is common in natural cleaning products and hair care. In any aromatherapy product, look for those made with pure essential oils, not synthetic fragrant oils.

Shea Butter:
Shea butter works wonders on dry, cracked skin. It is popular with moms-to-be because it helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks (due to its ability to improve elasticity in the skin).
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E has natural preservative properties and is great for use on the face and on sensitive skin.

Mellow Massage Therapy Center is now carrying natural artisan bodycare by NirvanaLand Essentials! All products are hand-crafted by Mellow’s very own Certified Massage Therapist and Herbalist-In-Training, Vanessa Hazzard-Tillman.

This blog is intended for educational use only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or be a substitute for medical care. Please consult a physician before starting a new diet or holistic regimen.