Bath Salts vs. "Bath Salt" drugs

I have recently began adding some bath salts to my line of products to go along with my herbal bath teas, and I have inadvertently stumbled across a growing trend in the world of synthetic drugs: “bath salts.” Apparently, there is a new line of synthetic drugs termed “bath salts” that are being sold in local head shops, and are causing devastating effects to those to use them. So, I wanted to take a moment and clear up any confusion that you may have between real bath salts, and those used as drugs.

My rose bath salts!

First, I want to talk about my own bath salts. My bath salts are handmade by me in my home, and contain only mineral salts. Currently, my bath salts are comprised of Epsom salts (Magnesium Sulfate) and naturally occurring sea salts, and I am looking to add Dead Sea Salts and Himalayan Pink salts in the near future. My bath salts are usually colored and are scented with either synthetic fragrance oils or naturally derived essential oils.

Now, lets look at the synthetic drug that people are calling “bath salts.” The term "bath salts" given to the drug is very misleading... These synthetics are not sodium (salt) based, like my handmade bath salts, or traditional bath salts found in most shopping centers. In fact, instead of being composed of a variety of salt rocks, these synthetics come in powder form. The drug is comprised of three amphetamine-like substances: methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MPDV), mephedrone and pyrovalerone. These substances can be deadly, and persons who use these substances are usually quick to overdose. In fact, our local rehabilitation center has recently reported that over a quarter of their patients are there seeking treatment because of “bath salt” abuse. These synthetic drugs are not sold in regular stores, but can only be found in places like head shops and smoke shops. And while some states have already started taking measures against the synthetic drugs, they can still be bought locally here in Tennessee.

I hope that this little post has shed some light onto this bath salt vs. "bath salt" controversy! Just take a look at the bath salt ingredients label to learn more about what you are holding... If you have any more questions about my handmade (real!) bath salts, feel free to email me!

Why Handmade Soap?

I am sure that many of you who stumbled onto this blog must be thinking, Why should I use handmade soap? My commercial soap is just as good!

Well, I am here to tell you why!

Handmade soap is amazing! It is made using real oils, butters, and waxes, so you know that the stuff you are rubbing on your skin is natural! And when lye (sodium hydroxide) is added to these oils, a chemical reaction takes place that turns the oils into glycerine!

Wait, what? Your soaps have lye in them! I know what lye can do to someone! I've seen Fight Club!

Actually, once the chemical reaction takes place, and the soap has had ample time to cure, the lye is gone! All that is left is the byproduct, glycerine, which is a natural cleanser!

But, my soap from the store is working just fine.

Actually, did you know that most commercial "soaps" are actually not soap at all? If you look closely on most labels, your "soap" bars are actually called detergents or washes. These cleansers actually use synthetic chemicals to clean the body, rather than natural glycerine. In fact, most cleansers start off with glycerine, but the glycerine is removed! And most commercial cleansers contain paraffins and petrolium byproducts, which can be harmful to sensitive skin. In fact, doctors and midwives are now starting to sugest that pregnant women avoid cleansers with chemicals in them, like paraffins and propylene glycol.

So, now what?

Well, look into handmade soap! Always make sure to check the labels for products that might be irritants or cause allergic reactions. For instance, I have some soaps that are made with sweet almond oil. Folks allergic to almonds may need to steer clear! Handmade soaps can also contain colorants, both natural (like cocoa powder or parsley) or synthetic (such as micas or dyes). Scents can range from fragrance oils (synthetic) to essential oils (plant derived). (Caution: always check out a fragrance oil before using it! Certian ones can cause bodily complications! For instance, citrus EOs are known to make the skin more sensitive to the sun's rays, and rosemary EO is supposed to be avoided by folks with blood pressure problems!)
And many folks with various skin conditions, from mild sensitivities, to eczema and psoriasis have found that handmade soaps made with natural ingredients have helped ease their symptoms!

For more information on the benefits of handmade soap:
My Health and Fitness.com