There are some things a woman MUST have in her bathroom if she wants to make life just a little bit easier. Here is my list of the top 10 natural products that every woman must have in her bathroom:
1. Lavender or Frankincense essential oil
Lavender and Frankincense essential oil are my top two all-purpose essential oils for the body. I love adding a few drops of Lavender to my Epsom salt bath or adding a drop to some coconut oil to kick my moisturizer up a notch. A drop of Frankincense is wonderful as perfume and amazing for skin health! Just make sure you choose a reputable brand.
2. Non-GMO corn starch for DIY Dry Shampoo
You know those days where you just don't have quite enough reason to get your hair all pretty, but you still want to hide any grease that might blow your cover? That's where this easy DIY dry shampoo comes in! Just wash out an old spice container that has a cap for sprinkling and fill with non-GMO corn starch. Then keep the container on hand for all those days you just need to extend your last shampoo a day longer!
To use just sprinkle a little bit in your hands and rub together. Then massage into your roots and finish with a hair dryer if needed.
3. Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) or magnesium chloride
Epsom salts can feel like a miracle in a bag when you need a little help relaxing. A few cups added to warm bath can serve many purposes all-in-one! Not only is it incredibly relaxing, but it's also a great way to get a transdermal source of magnesium, and can help ease you into going to bed early. Simply add 1-4 cups of Epsom salt to a bath. If you're new to Epsom salt soaks, you might want to start off with a cup and increase by a little bit each bath. Since Epsom salt baths can make you a little on the drowsy side, they are best done before bed until you're familiar with your body's reaction.
I actually prefer using magnesium chloride flakes to make a magnesium spray over using Epsom salts, as it's a more absorbable form through the skin, but it tends to be a little pricier and more difficult to find.
I also love this magnesium lotion. It's my #1 product for my clients that we discover are magnesium deficient through my Hair Analysis testing services. Hair Analysis is my go-to cost-effective lab test for mineral deficiencies and excesses.
4. Baking soda
Baking soda is a must in ANY bathroom. From cleaning to soaking, to occasional teeth polishing, it's an inexpensive multi-purpose item that can save time and money.
5. UTI test strips
I'm going to take a wild guess that if you're a female then you're familiar with what a urinary tract infection (UTI) is, from either having one yourself or recalling a friend suffering in misery. That's why I LOVE these test strips that can help you detect one early in the comfort of your own home. They are especially helpful for anyone with painful bladder syndrome (also called interstitial cystitis or IC) that can actually mimic symptoms of a urinary tract infection without actually having one! This particular test looks for leukocytes (white blood cells) and nitrites in urine to indicate signs of infection. There are also some more advanced test trips, but they are a little harder to understand, so they are probably not the best choice your first time around.
6. Menstrual cup
Tampons and pads should be things from the past, since they carry health risks. If you haven't given the menstrual cup a try-- there is no greater time than the present :). Keep in mind that they do come in different sizes, usually one for pre-birth and one for post birth.
7. Face Oils
If you're connected to the internet, my guess is that you already know about coconut oil for use as a body moisturizer, makeup remover, and for oil pulling. But what about clean face oils like olive oil, Jojoba oil and my personal favorite Calendula oil for oil cleansing and facial moisturizing? Once you start using face oils, you may never go back to using a traditional moisturizer!
8. Shower cap
Washing your hair every day is a big no-no for hair health. If you prefer showering instead of taking a bath, a shower cap can come in handy!
9. Exfoliating gloves
These things are the best thing ever for achieving soft skin and they are so inexpensive. Not only can they help prevent ingrown hairs, but they are fabulous for exfoliating all parts of the body! I love using them every 1-2 weeks to help remove dead skins cells, but be careful not to exfoliate too often or you can irritate your skin!
10. Castile soap
This one product can have so many purposes. From making your own DIY hand soap, adding a tiny bit to the bath, or even using it to clean your tub, toilet, sink, and counter (with a little baking soda), it comes in super handy. It's also ultra-concentrated, so a little bit goes a LONG ways in your natural product arsenal.
If you're looking for MORE ways to create a non-toxic lifestyle, sign up for my FREE 30-day detox your home series below!
Are any of these natural products already a part of your bathroom? Please share in the comments!
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Rochelle Hatch
awesome!
I use baby powder for my hair, have for years and years for the last day or 2 before I have to shampoo again 🙂
lyndamae
baby powder is highly toxic, i would try something else if you want to live longer!
Melissa
What's in baby powder? It says talc, fragrance.
sue
Talc is said to be a carcinogenic. It is a very fine texture and can easily get into the lungs when inhaled. Baby cornstarch might be a better option.
emy
and, fragrance is one of the worst things you can do to your body. check out 'skin deep' website for the toxicity of fragrance.
Sara
It's also greasy, so I don't know how it could help as a "dry shampoo." Just by rubbing a little bit of it in between your fingers leaves them feeling like you just cleaned the pan from cooking bacon in it that morning.., at least that's what I would compare it to, I don't eat bacon, but I know that after I've used baby powder, I have to use soap to get that feeling off my fingers/hands.
Lisa
Baby powder is toxic?? What about using or on babies???!!!
Suzie
Interesting. I, too, learned to use baby powder for dry shampoo as a girl many years ago. Don't feel bad, Rochelle, you aren't the only one! Will have to give the cornstarch a try.
Karen K
They have done retrospective studies on cancer survivors...baby powder is a risk factor
Rachel
For dark hair, cocoa powder (special dark for the darkest hair) works extremely well added to cornstarch. In a pinch, I've used straight carob powder in my brunette hair with great success. The next shower was quite pleasant; the warm water released a wonderful buttery caramel aroma!
mari
WOw,
Just got a Great idea from this... I can use cocao in an emergency to cammoflage my grey roots...
Linda
I'm not sure why you use coco powder before washing your hair¿ can you tell me why!
Colette
Linda, you don't use it before your shower, you use it as a dry shampoo with cornstarch. It helps to soak up excess oil in between shampoos.
I personally don't even use shampoo anymore. Phosphates strip the essential oils from your hair. No, I'm not a Wen Girl, honestly, who can afford it. I use conditioner. When you jump in the shower, get your hair wet, work a palm full of conditioner into your hair and leave it until you finish the rest of your shower routine. Add a little water and scrub just as if you're washing your hair and then rinse. The conditioner has enough cleaning properties in it to get the job done, without stripping your hair. It's awesome and just like Wen, your color last longer, too.
Tina
Wow, I'm going to try this!
Angelina
She didn't use it BEFORE she washed. Use it in the day(s) BEFORE you do. Ex: you wash your hair on a Monday, so there's no need to wash it on Tues. By Wed, hair is naturally building up oils. Not in the mood to wash your hair, but need to run a few errands,so....mix cocoa powder with cornstarch, sprinkle on roots & massage through hair to absorb those oils. Then that evening or when you decide, wash your hair. The got water & cocoa powder will smell great in the shower. So the process is used as a BETWEEN hair washes.
Terri
Love using coconut oil..after every shower, on whole body,face and hair. Does wonders for skin and hair. Also use it as a deodorant when I get chafed after shaving and can't use my salt crystal. Great for using to rinse your mouth to help kill bacteria..
Kali
I love the salt crystal deodorant!
Christina
Um, just for the record, washing your hair everyday is not, actually, always bad. If you've got a scalp condition like I do, it's absolutely necessary.
Just heads up.
Jayne
I have many of these in my bathroom & first aid cupboard.
My other absolute must have is tea tree oil. Perfect antibacterial & antiseptic for scratches & bites, brings out splinters, Excellent nit treatment ( my step children had chronic infestations until I banned the 'poison' their mother doused them with. Cleared them out in a week & we've only ever had to treat them twice again in 8 years, whereas they used to get them every season apparently)
Also I used to be plagued with UTI's & CI, they were, painful & exhausting.
Someone put me on to Cranberry juice a few years ago. I have a small daily glass with breakfast. Yes, I know it has a high sugar content, but I can't remember having one niggle down there since i started this routine. I drink water the rest of the day, so i figure a little excess sugar with breakfast is ok.
Oh it's also a cough suppressant. You only need a mouthful every hour or so. I had the 100 days cough 3 years ago & it took me several weeks before I noticed I didn't cough for a couple of hours after breakfast. Then I started barking again.
Angelina
Cranberry juice generally isn't enough. But I am glad it seems to be keeping them at bay for you! In the event, with our bodies tending to have a mind of their own.... If 1 does pop up...... Alka-Seltzer! Just plain ol' , regular plop plop fizz fizz! The baking soda in it neutralizes! Add some Azo & you're good to go. Definitely a quick fix that I swear by!
Sara
Is it the cranberry juice that's the cough suppressant? My mom has had a terrible cough for the past, well, almost a year now, and she's been to the doctor, had chest X-ray's, a myriad of tests done... They can't figure out what's causing it. But, she's not getting any better, and she's always so exhausted from not being able to get any sleep because she's up all night, every night, with this awful cough. I would love to be able to give her a new idea to try to help with this.
Ashley
Have they checked her for asthma?
This is often overlooked by doctors for some reason.
Lucy 8a
Pineapple juice works wonders for my cough!
Lisa
Sara, is your mother on blood pressure medicine? There are some meds that can cause a cough. I was on Avapro and had a continuous cough. Switched medicine and the cough went away. Just a thought.
Dorett Browne
If your mom is on high bp meds that may be the cause!
Barb
Have they checked her ears, sometimes a hair or small foreign body or irritation in the ear canal can cause a a chronic cough.
Karen K
Pure cranberry juice is best.....it is what they tested
Jenny
Hi, just so you know cranberry juice works best right before sleep (or before you brush your teeth) . The purpose of drinking this to create an hostile environment for bacteria to proliferate, it causes the blather to be just enough acidic to prevent the proliferation. Also, the cranberry juice isn't a cure for an on-going problem but more a prevention. If you drink it in the morning it's just gonna be flush away by all the other liquids you take after that and when you go to the bathroom. If you take it before sleeping, it's gonna have the time to simmer in the bladder.
Hope this helps! Sorry for the bad English.
Lisa
I wish I had known about the menstrual cup years ago! Sadly I don't even have a daughter to pass the information on to- but if you haven't tried one, it's life changing.
Jill
I keep hearing so many great things online about the menstrual cup, but I tried it once and I couldn't even insert it now matter how many times I tried. It was soooo frustrating! Then my sister tried it and she got it in but could not get it out - she tried for hours and even asked me to take her to the ER because she was panicking (she eventually got it out). A friend of mine had the same experience with it as my sister and ever since they shared their stories with me I've been way too terrified to ever try it again. So many people claim it's the best ever, but I've only had negative experiences. Is there a trick to it that we're missing??
CarrieO
Try the. Store version of cup "Instead" .if you want to try before buying a menustraul cup. Removal is similar to a diaphragm. I wish I had known sooner about these products.
Gail
Where do you get them and would it help if incontinent of urine.
Liz
Ummm...Gail - Don't you know your own body? Urine and menstrual blood come out of two different "holes" so no, a menstrual cup would NOT help incontinence.
Tina
what is a menstrual cup?
Angelina
I swear by using Alka-Seltzer for UTI's!!!!! A few doses & some Azo too. At the 1st sign of any symptoms....... Knock it out with some plop plop fizz fizz! The baking soda in it neutralizes & quickly eased pain & discomfort. It's my go to swear by!
Cynthia Schuster
I am so glad you posted this info b/c it works for me too. And one day I had a moment of inspiration! I thought, maybe I should try it as a douche. I have a simple bag I bought at Walgreens, put some warm water and baking soda in it and douched and what do ya know?!? No more UTI. It works for me every time. It's fast and effective. At the first sign of trouble (burning when urinating) I prepare a douche and the pain is just gone! I mean right now, gone! It's got to be a God thing! 🙂
Victoria
I am a dental assistant and have learned from being in school and in the dental profession that baking soda is a no go to use as a home remedy for teeth cleaning/whitening. It's abrasive and eventually can cause enamel damage! Some tooth paste contains baking soda in small amounts but it's even wise to steer clear of those too!
Lucy 8a
Doctors generally tend to disapprove of coconut oil, too ... It's disruptive to their recurring income.
Lucy 8a
I stay away from All commercial toothpastes.
Dianna Prescott
Love this comment!! This is sooooo true!!
Gabbyfyer
So true. Dr.s are greedy must make drug co. Richer.and kill people with the side affects. They don't tell anyone about.
BARBARA STEELE
Thats weird! My orthodontist says its LESS abrasive than tooth paste and she actually recommends it.
Brandy
Thanks, great tips! I just ordered my gloves 🙂
Cheryl
I have many of these items, not necessarily in the bath room. I use a lot if essential oils for different things but I would add to the list, tea tree essential oil. It's absolutely amazing. I have used it to get rid of a boil as well as prevent viruses. They have so many amazing uses that go far beyond smell. Epsom salts also have many great benefits as it is also a detox. Add a few drops of essential oil such a the frankincense with the epsom salts to the bath and it's great for sore muscles. I make a wonderful sugar salt (Epsom salt) scrub by combining the two together with olive oil and essential oils. This eliminates the need for exfoliating gloves because the scrub cleans, exfoliates and moisturizes. Coconut oil is a wonderful makeup remover and moisturizer, but I also do oil pulling after I brush my teeth and I avoid fluoride like the plague.
Stacy
Very good and informative. I do use some of these not so regularly though, but I need to use them more often, thanks for your encouraging post.
Crystal
I would add that in my bathroom I use cornstarch as a powder on my thighs to get rid of chaffing, I spray a cotton ball with fragrance or an EO and place it in the bottom of my container...keeps me dry even on a hot summer day.
emy
don do eeeeeett!
read here about fragrance - at skin deep...
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702512/FRAGRANCE/#
and here's a brief from this page:
About FRAGRANCE: The word "fragrance" or "parfum" on the product label represents an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients used as fragrance dispersants such as diethyl phthalate. Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.
lisa
I think food grade diatomaceous earth makes a better dry shampoo - it basically is silica, which is good for your hair. You don't need much and it gives your hair texture.
Irena
Lisa, where can you buy food grade diatomaceous earth?
Thanks!
Rene
Try farm supply stores, or even health food stores. If you Google it, generally, suppliers will pop up on the right.
Kym
I already keep baking soda in my medicine cabinet for teeth scrubbing every couple of days. But, I recently leaned a trick or hack I've never, ever heard before. Ive heard of peroxide helping whiten teeth, I mean right on the bottle it says use is for gargling or rinsing teeth, but don't swallow. So my friend who has literally the whitest teeth I've ever EVER seen answered my question as to How she got them. Is it whitening from a dentist? No she says, I've never done that. My Mom had us as kids do this.
First they would premix peroxide and a favorite mouthwash so that it was accessible daily. Then she puts first toothpaste on her brush then sprinkles of baking soda AND SALT. Now it doesn't taste great but OMGOSH is it amazing! My friend said her Mom taught them this as kids in the 50's because it's the baking soda is for deep cleaning and the salt is a mild abrasive and it really gets gunk off the teeth. Then once done brushing rinse first with water then with premixed mouthwash /peroxide. She does this combo every other day and the off days she just does toothpaste and salt. She said if you do every day it'll hurt your gums. So I started with every two days myself and have worked up to every other day. My friend is in her 60's now and never had a cavity or professional whitening, yet has the WHITEST. Teeth I've ever seen. This is her trick and funny enough now that I'm in the regimen I can tell my teeth are visibly whiter, that even my dentist asked what I'm doing because he can tell something is different.
Sorry this is so long.
Suzie
Thanks for sharing! Will have to give it a try.
Anne
Natural toothpastes, without baking soda and fluoride are better for your teeth. Mine is made with benzonite clay, and it feels like I just came from the dentist. I also have thyroid problems, so fluoride is a big no-no. It binds to the thyroid binding globulin, instead of much needed T3. I love Simply Sooney powder in orange from Amazon.
CYNTHIA HOLBERT
Aww thanks! You are a sweetie!
Madellyn Sosa
i will try this. Is a lot of work but i think is worth it.
Diana
By the way, rye flour is amazing to use as dry shampoo. Although, it'd be suitable to have a hairbrush at hand to slightly comb out tiny particles left afterwards...
Cherie Clark
Oh my goodness ...you should never ever never keep anything like corn starch or baking soda in your bathroom! Huge mistake and a huge NO-NO...both absorb germs each time you flush, absorb moisture even if you can't see it. They both will absorb odor as well. This is a health risk. Even if you have been doing it for years you should stop! Epsom salt should be kept in a tightly sealed container. Any soap bars should not be left out and exposed to the germs- you should let them air dry in a room away from the toilet. Otherwise you are washing with germs. When you flush it can spray up to 10 feet away even though you can't see it.
If you are going to keep these things in your bathroom invest in good quality containers that are air tight. Glass is best . And never leave them open when not in use.
Pat
It's always a practice in my house to put the toilet seat down before flushing. That way you don't have to worry about the 10 foot after spray into the air.
Lucy 8a
My favorite exfoliants are coconut oil and either area salt or baking soda. AHHHHMazing!!! 💖
Victoria
I use non GMO cornstarch with a few drop of lavender oil and put it into an empty baby powder container to use well as powder for those hot sticky days.
Crystal
Wow, I have learned so much in reading all your comments, thank you for sharing your tips everyone. Also, I am 35 and have never even heard of a menstrual cup... definitely going to look into that!
Erika
Non GMO cornstarch? I hate when make up bloggers pretend to be scientists...
Tamarah
What is oil pulling?
Vicki Noble
Thank you for all these great ideas 😉
Linda
I have everything but number 9, I need to look into that.