Table of Contents

• What is Epsom salt?
• Benefits of Epsom Salt
• How to Use Epsom Salt?
• Cosmetic Recipe Idea with Epsom Salt
• FAQ

In the quest for well-being and health, it is sometimes surprising to learn that the most effective remedies are hidden behind simple and natural products. And Epsom salt is one of them! This mineral, little known to the general public, has a multitude of benefits for the body.

In this article, we will explore the origins, uses, and advantages of this natural product.

What is Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, gets its name from the spa town of Epsom in England. Although used since antiquity, it was in the 17th century that Epsom salt became popular thanks to its thermal springs rich in magnesium sulfate. This mineral is said to relieve skin diseases and muscular pains.

Contrary to what its name might suggest, it is not really a true salt (like the one used in cooking). It is a mineral compound naturally present in seawater or in certain underground sources. It comes in the form of small, odorless white crystals that dissolve very well in water. Its chemical composition, based on magnesium and sulfur, makes it an ally for our health and well-being.

Benefits of Epsom Salt

Epsom salt has numerous health and well-being benefits. With just one product, you have various uses:

• Relieves muscle pain: Thanks to its relaxing properties, Epsom salt helps relieve muscle pain, cramps, and soreness. Adding Epsom salt to a warm bath helps relax the muscles and promotes recovery after exertion.
• Relieves stress: The magnesium present in the salt is absorbed by the skin, helping to relax muscles and soothe tension. It helps you to feel more relaxed.
• Aids sleep: Taking a bath with Epsom salt promotes deeper and more restful sleep (thanks to magnesium).
• For foot or nail fungus: Epsom salt serves as a carrier for diluting essential oils.
• Restores flexibility and vigor to hair: Epsom salt helps remove hair product residues, excess sebum, and many accumulated impurities. It allows your hair to breathe better and promotes growth.

How to Use Epsom Salt?

Here are some examples of using Epsom salt:

• For a relaxing bath: Add 3 to 4 handfuls of Epsom salt to your bathwater. Relax for 20 minutes, then rinse off with clean water after your bath.
• For a foot bath: Add 2 handfuls of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water. Soak your feet for about ten minutes, then rinse your feet.
• For body exfoliation: Every 10 days, after showering, massage your still damp skin in circular motions. Massage until you no longer feel grains under your fingers. Rinse with clear water and dry. Apply a body moisturizer.
• To treat foot or nail fungus: Add 10 drops of Tea Tree essential oil to 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt and pour into a basin of warm water. Soak your feet for 20 minutes.
• For healthy, revitalized hair: Add a small amount of Epsom salt to your usual shampoo and massage your scalp for a few minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

⚠️ Epsom salt is also used to relieve occasional constipation. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using it orally.

Cosmetic Recipe Idea with Epsom Salt

Here's a very easy recipe for a Epsom salt body scrub:

For a 200 g jar of scrub:

• 100 g of organic coconut oil
• 100 g of Epsom salt
• 10 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)

This 200 g jar of scrub will cost you less than €4!

Mix the coconut oil (solid) and Epsom salt until you get a homogeneous mixture, then add the lavender essential oil.

Your body scrub is ready to be used! You will benefit from the exfoliating effect of Epsom salt, the nourishing and moisturizing effect of coconut oil, and the soothing effect of lavender.

You can use this scrub either during your shower or bath:

• After showering, scrub your body with this mixture then rinse off with warm water.
• During your bath, use this scrub all over your body. Additionally, you will benefit from the action of Epsom salt in your bath water. Rinse off with clear water after your bath.

Is Epsom salt the same as sea salt?

No, these two products have different compositions. Sea salt contains sodium chloride while Epsom salt is composed of magnesium sulfate.

Are there any contraindications to using Epsom salt?

There is no danger per se in using Epsom salt. It is suitable for many skin types, but be cautious with sensitive skin or skin suffering from eczema or psoriasis. Consult your doctor before use. Ingesting this mineral also requires the advice of your general practitioner due to its strong laxative properties.

How should Epsom salt be stored?

It is best to leave it in its original container (tightly closed) and store it in a cool, dry place, away from moisture.

Contents

• Why switch to a zero waste bathroom?
• Solid cosmetics
• Cosmetics to reconstitute
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Why switch to a zero waste bathroom?

Every year, millions of plastic bottles are thrown away in our bathrooms. According to the Planetoscope website , for shower gels alone, nearly 511,000 bottles are sold every day ! If we add to this the many other bottles of cosmetic products (shampoo, toothpaste, hand wash, etc.) it makes you dizzy!

Of course, switching to zero waste mode in your bathroom is not always easy to do: we have our habits, we don't necessarily like change and above all, we don't want to complicate our lives by choosing the ecological alternative that will suit us best.

That’s good, we have the solution! We take stock, for you, of the advantages and disadvantages of different ecological solutions in order to see more clearly!

Solid cosmetics

What is solid cosmetics?

As its name suggests, a solid cosmetic is a cosmetic that does not contain water, hence its solid form. These cosmetics are therefore more concentrated in active products. They are also more natural, as they contain fewer preservatives, but are also more environmentally friendly. Shampoos, deodorants, toothpaste, etc... all hygiene products are now available in solid versions.

Why adopt them? The positive points :

Ecological:

The big advantage of solid cosmetics is the ecological footprint which is reduced. is Superfluous packaging eliminated and this significantly reduces the amount of plastic waste thrown away. This makes it a more environmentally friendly choice.

Economic :

They generally last longer than their liquid equivalents: they do not empty as easily and we therefore use much less. They are therefore more economical in the long term than their bottled counterpart.

Practical :

Their compact format makes them ideal for traveling, they take up less space and there is no risk of your shampoo bottle spilling in your suitcase.

Effective :

Being more concentrated and with simpler compositions (without preservatives or synthetic ingredients), solid cosmetics will have better effectiveness for the skin and hair . And since they contain less water, there is less risk of bacteria developing. In addition, all the solid cosmetics that you will find on our site are certified ORGANIC and made up of more than 90% ingredients of natural origin.

The small negative points:

Habits: We know it well, the transition to solid cosmetics disrupts our habits a little. The transition can sometimes be confusing: the change in texture of liquid products can confuse some people. Application to the skin is also slightly different and may be more difficult to apply to the skin. Especially since its absence of packaging for the storage of solid cosmetics requires greater attention if we want to guarantee their longevity.

Conclusion

However, once you have passed the milestone, the skin or hair finds itself less damaged, the bathroom less cluttered by the numerous bottles thus replaced and what's more, it's economical: welcome to your new zero waste bathroom.

Cosmetics to reconstitute

What is a reconstituted cosmetic?

Cosmetics to be reconstituted are made from dry powders, concentrates or granules which are diluted in water. Refills are often packaged in recyclable paper packaging and you only use one bottle that you reuse (this can be made from recycled plastic or glass).

Why adopt them? The positive points :

Easy to use :

The big advantage of these cosmetics is that it does not change your habits, you always use a liquid product. But in this case, no plastic thrown away , because we keep the bottle which we fill again and again with cleaning between each refill. And just like traditional products found in supermarkets, there are a multitude of different scents.

Easy storage:

Packaged in small bags, the cosmetics to be reconstituted are easily transported and are also easy to store . They don't take up much space in your bathroom cabinets.

Ecological:

It's also an eco-friendly solution, because you only buy one bottle and reuse it with each refill. You only have a small recyclable bag as waste. You therefore considerably reduce the amount of plastic thrown away.

The small negative points:

The disadvantage of these products compared to conventional products is that there is a rest time once the product is reconstituted (from 30 minutes to 24 hours depending on the product). This is why it is good to get ahead of time to refill your shower gel, shampoo or deodorant.

Certain cosmetics will also foam less than traditional products, because they do not contain foaming agents (surfactant) in order to have a product that is as ecological as possible and healthier for the skin. Indeed, these foaming agents are optional, their mission is to trap dirt to facilitate its elimination: foam does not wash and it is not because a product foams a lot that it will wash more effectively.

Conclusion

Despite a waiting time once the water is added, cosmetics to be reconstituted are the solution closest to the use that we know of conventional cosmetics, this can be a first step of choice in the world of zero waste without disrupting his habits.

Choosing between solid or reconstituted cosmetics

Well, it remains above all a very personal choice depending on each person's preferences. Both of these options offer environmental benefits and are also better for your health than traditional products.

Whether you opt for the compact practicality of solid cosmetics or for a more classic experience of cosmetics to be reconstituted, you are choosing more sustainable and more ecological consumption for our planet.

Here we will answer some preconceived ideas about solid cosmetics.

Solid cosmetics are more expensive:

Even though the product may seem more expensive to purchase, solid cosmetics have a longer shelf life than liquid products. In the long term, they are more economical. Be careful, however, to store them well so that they do not wear out too quickly. Use a soap dish so that they dry well between uses.

Solid cosmetics are less hygienic:

Solid products are naturally antibacterial, because they contain little or no water. No microbe can therefore survive!

Solid cosmetics are difficult to use:

Although their use is different from liquid products, they are very simple to use. It's just another way of doing things and another habit to adopt.

• For a solid shampoo : simply run it under water and rub it on the palms of the hands or directly on the hair to make it lather.
• For a solid deodorant : wet it slightly and rub it under the armpits.
• For toothpaste in a tablet : chew the tablet and use your wet toothbrush to lather it.

Solid cosmetics are not effective:

When we are not used to using solid products, we think that they are less effective than their liquid counterparts. However, they are just as effective! Our solid cosmetics are composed of natural ingredients (vegetable oils, essential oils, plants, etc.) which have very effective properties on the skin and hair. And on top of that, they respect the environment.

Solid cosmetics are not easy to transport:

Quite the contrary! For travel, solid cosmetics have a very suitable format and they do not take up much space. Plus, there’s no risk of them tipping over. Carry them in a soap case that fits perfectly even if your product gets wet.

Contents

• But why do mosquitoes bite us?
• How to keep mosquitoes away with essential oils?
• Other natural solutions
• How to relieve a mosquito bite?

Summer is here and the sun too, but this beautiful season can quickly be ruined by annoying little beasts: mosquitoes. They can not only prevent us from sleeping but also leave us with beautiful itchy skin. But fortunately, there are natural solutions to keep them away but also to soothe the itching due to bites.

But why do mosquitoes bite us?

You should know that it is only the females that bite us because they need our blood for their reproduction. They use it to lay their eggs and also the small mosquitoes to grow thanks to the proteins and nutrients contained in our blood (the male mosquitoes will, for their part, feed mainly on nectar and sweet substances present in plants).

And we are not all equal in the face of these bites! Some people get bitten more than others. But how do they choose their target? Female mosquitoes will be attracted to several things: the body heat we give off, the CO2 we release when breathing, and body odor. It is these 3 factors that will cause a mosquito to bite us rather than our neighbour. 

Also note that when it feeds, the mosquito will release saliva into our skin to prevent blood clotting.

How to keep mosquitoes away with essential oils?

Essential oils have amazing virtues and some of them will be very effective against mosquitoes. 3 molecules will give off a powerful and toxic scent for mosquitoes: citronellal, citronellol and geraniol. They are found, for example, in the essential oils of citronella and rose geranium. Diffuse essential oil for 30 minutes with  your diffuser or drop a few onto a  passive diffuser for slow, continuous diffusion. 

Lemongrass essential oil

Lemongrass  is certainly the most famous essential oil for repelling mosquitoes. Due to its high concentration of citronellal, it will have a repellent action against insects and particularly against mosquitoes. You can diffuse it using a diffuser or use it as a body repellent by applying it to the skin diluted in vegetable oil.

Lavender essential oil

Beyond its soothing scent,  this essential oil is also a good repellent for mosquitoes. It will also be effective in relieving their bites.

Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil

This is another essential oil that will be powerful against mosquitoes due to its high concentration of citronellal and citronellol. You can dilute it in a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil, and apply this mixture to the skin for effective protection.

Geranium Rosat essential oil

The combination of geraniol and citronellol present in Geranium Rosat essential oil gives it a repellent action against all types of insects.

Other natural solutions

Here are some other natural solutions to keep mosquitoes away:

• Citronella Candle : This really is a mosquito fanatic. Light a citronella candle in your garden or on your terrace, it will create an olfactory barrier that will repel mosquitoes.
• Repellent plants : and yes, the plants from which the anti-mosquito essential oils come will also have a repellent power against these insects. Install plants such as citronella (again and always), lavender, mint or even geranium on the sill of your windows to repel them.
• Mosquito nets : when it's hot, we like to sleep with the window open, but that's where mosquitoes take advantage to sneak into your room. Installing screens on your windows and doors will keep them out.
• Elimination of standing water : Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Be sure to remove all sources of standing water around your home such as waterlogged flower pots or clogged gutters.

How to relieve a mosquito bite?

If despite everything, you got bitten, don't worry, there are also natural solutions to soothe bites. We all agree that the first thing that relieves us when we get bitten is scratching! 

Do you know why this bothers us?

As we indicated at the beginning of the article, the female mosquito will release saliva when she bites. Well, our immune system will react to this saliva and release histamine to block it. It is this release of histamine that will make the skin red and itchy. Scratching will certainly relieve us at the time but will also create small lesions and will thus spread the mosquito's saliva. And in the end, the button itches even more! 

It is therefore preferable to apply a soothing solution that will reduce the itching. Here are some examples of what you can put on your skin: 

Peppermint essential oil 

Thanks to its cooling effect, Peppermint essential oil can soothe itching and reduce inflammation. Dilute a few drops in carrier oil and apply gently to the affected area.

Roman Chamomile Hydrosol

Known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, Roman Chamomile hydrosol can help reduce redness and itching. Apply a few drops to the bite or add to your bath for overall relief. The advantage of the hydrosol is that it can be used by everyone, even the little ones.

Tea tree essential oil

Tea Tree essential oil  has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve itching caused by mosquito bites. Apply a drop of Tea Tree Oil directly to the bite and massage gently for quick relief.

Example of anti-mosquito synergy based on essential oils :

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 10 drops of true lavender essential oil
• 5 drops of rose geranium essential oil
• 5 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 30 ml jojoba vegetable oil

In a tinted glass bottle, mix the essential oils and add the jojoba oil. Close the bottle tightly and shake to mix the ingredients well. Let the synergy rest for a few hours before use. Apply a few drops of this synergy on the exposed parts of the skin before going out. 

This synergy combines the repellent properties of citronella, lavender, geranium and peppermint to ward off mosquitoes in a natural way. Carrier oil helps dilute essential oils and make them easier to apply to the skin. Be sure to perform a skin tolerance test before using this synergy to ensure that you do not have any allergic reactions to the essential oils.

Precautions for use:

In general, we do not recommend the use of essential oils for pregnant or breastfeeding women, epileptics, hypersensitive people or more generally those with health problems and for children under 3 months. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you have any questions.

Contents

• The impact on health and the environment
• A little history
• Washable pads and panty liners
• The menstrual cup
• Menstrual panties
• Access to periodic protection for all

The impact on health and the environment

Periodic pads and disposable tampons very often contain synthetic materials (plastics and synthetic polymers) but also chemicals such as dyes, perfumes or even bleaching agents. These different substances can cause irritation, allergies or infections in some women.

In addition, it generates large amounts of waste. According to ConsoGlobe , a woman uses between 10,000 and 15,000 menstrual products (pads, tampons, etc.) during her lifetime. Each year, more than 45 billion sanitary napkins are thrown away worldwide . You can imagine the amount of waste that can be avoided by buying washable protections!

A little history

Long before disposable sanitary pads were developed and marketed, women used all kinds of linens to absorb menstrual blood. They used pieces of reusable clothing made of cotton, wool or linen which they attached to their clothes with pins or belts. Archaeologists have even found sticks wrapped in linen or wool (ancestor of the tampon), used in ancient Egypt.

It was during the First World War that the protections became disposable and were produced in large quantities. In 1910, the American company Kimberly-Clark, specializing in the manufacture of paper, began to produce Cellucotton, a fiber more absorbent and less expensive than cotton, used to treat the wounded.

In 1920, the first "Kotex" disposable towel was marketed and was a huge commercial success. It becomes a revolutionary product: no need to wash your intimate protections. The tampon will make its appearance in the 1930s, popularized by Tampax.

Discussing menstruation in women and the use of menstrual protection has been a taboo subject for many years. The word "rule" is not pronounced on television until 1985 in an advertisement for the Tampax brand. And it will be necessary to wait until 2018 for a brand to use red blood (and no longer the color blue) in an advertisement for sanitary napkins.

Washable pads and panty liners

This is the protection that comes closest to what women did long ago. The washable sanitary napkin is the ecological alternative that will not upset your habits too much. But instead of using protections made of plastics and toxic products, you use a very soft protection made with 90% cotton and 10% polyester.

The towels that you will find on our site are made with ORGANIC cotton and GOTS certified ORGANIC polyester. In addition, the manufacturer has carried out absorbency tests and these tests have shown that they absorb up to 2 times more than disposable towels on a similar flow . In addition, they are equipped with pressure which allows them a good maintenance.

You will need 2 to 3 towels during the day, then you can put them in the washing machine with the rest of your laundry (no need to make a specific machine). If you want, you can use a  washing pouch to wash them. 

Discover our washable pads & panty liners

The menstrual cup

The menstrual cup, also called menstrual cup or menstrual cup, will rather replace the sanitary tampon, because it is inserted into the vagina. It comes in the form of a funnel with rounded edges and terminated by a small stem. It is made from medical silicone (used in surgery) which can therefore remain inside the human body. Menstrual cups are latex-free, phthalate-free, and bleach-free, making them much healthier for the body than tampons . In addition, they wash very easily when you take the shower for example.

If it is well positioned, you will not feel the cup at all and you will have total freedom of movement during your sports activities for example.

Menstrual cups have a lifespan of 10 years! This allows you to save a lot of money: a cup from you only costs 2€ per year!

We put you a summary in image of Lamazuna on the use of the cup and its many advantages.

Discover our menstrual cups

Menstrual panties

Period panties are a newer alternative to the other two washable pads. With these panties, you no longer need to wear pads or cups, you only wear panties as usual. They are comfortable and discreet and offer reliable protection against leaks. 

They can be worn for several hours and then washed by hand or in the washing machine. You don't create any more waste!

Access to periodic protection for all

Faced with the menstrual precariousness that affects many young women, Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne announced, during an interview on the program C à vous, the reimbursement by social security of reusable periodic protection for women aged 25. and less in the 2024 budget. In addition, the Government will help local authorities and establishments to install sanitary protection dispensers. 

Some mutuals already reimburse these periodic protections , your health contract must bear the mention "reimbursement of periodic protections". Ask your adviser.

Local initiatives also exist to fight against this menstrual precariousness. It is a good idea to find out from your town hall or region to find out if a system for reimbursing periodic protection has been put in place.

How long can I keep my cup?

It is advisable to keep it between 6 to 8 hours maximum. But if you can empty it every 4 to 6 hours, it reduces the risk of bacterial infections. So you can sleep with a menstrual cup but if you are more of a late riser, prefer menstrual panties.

Which cup size to choose?

The smaller size is rather recommended for light flows or for young girls. The larger size will be suitable for heavy flows or women who have given birth vaginally.

Can I use a cup if I'm a virgin?

Yes of course. The menstrual cup does not pierce the hymen but rather prefers the smaller size. We advise you to relax well to put it on, and you can also help yourself with a water-based lubricant to facilitate insertion.

I wear an IUD, is it compatible with the cup?

Yes, this is not a problem, but some precautions should be taken:

• always leave space between the cervix and the cup.
• Be careful not to pull on the IUD strings when removing the cup.
• pinch the cup well to remove it to avoid the suction cup effect.

I must admit that at first glance, I said to myself "it's still weird to bite into a little green pastille to brush your teeth".

But I thought the concept was really great. No more tubes of toothpaste (that we never emptied until the end), packaging that is more than 94% recyclable and the convenience of taking with you only the necessary quantity of tablets when you go on holiday. weekend.

Life-size test

Well that's what I did when I left for a 4 day weekend. I took with me, in a small box that I had at home, the sufficient number of lozenges.

So, to brush my teeth, nothing could be simpler. I bit into the pastille to reduce it to very small pieces, I put water on my toothbrush and I started to rub ...

A lather that begins to form as if I were brushing my teeth with a classic toothpaste tube. There is a bit of grain left when brushing but it doesn't bother and they don't get into the teeth, so everything is fine!

Final verdict

From the first use of this chewable toothpaste, I was won over! My teeth were clean and it did not leave any marks or any particular film on the teeth. The nettle and mint flavor is very pleasant on the palate (not too strong).

I tested with my travel toothbrush and my electric toothbrush at home: well the result is the same.

I 100% recommend this solid toothpaste.

It's up to you to test now and above all, don't be worried about biting into this little lozenge :).