Let's start the traditional idea of preparing and fortifying the body now for Winter
Charlie loves the river as much as I do
Hello my darlin'
How are you?
Oh gosh I LOVE Summer! It still feels like being on holidays all season, just like when I was a kid! The absolute thrill of getting in the car with just my bathers on and my towel wrapped around my waist, heading down the road for a dip any day of the week. This is an absolute thrill I won't ever get hum drum about.
I feel so strong and well and healthy this time of year. Is it the post holiday rest, more time outside, more sun and movement, all the fresh and delicious Summer fruit and veg? Mmmm I wonder? Or all of the above? How do you feel this time of year?
Now my dear, I'm going to write to you about something you may find a little surprising.
Hear me out, as this is my tried and true practice for, at least, the last 15 years. And I didn't do it last year and oh we were the worse for it.
And, I'm thinking you and I might like to do this together?
February is the time to start to get our immune systems set for Winter. This is a traditional practice that can be found in herbal folk and Chinese medicine and European home remedies. Just like preserving Summer's harvest for Winter, it is really lovely to harness our bodies Summer vitality with a seasonal health rhythm
I know it seems crazy! I have also had conversations over the years, most memorably, with a fellow school mum of seven children and she also swears by the same late Summer prep for Winter. And yes, the years we miss this window of immune preparation, our Winter sickness descends so much sooner.
So over the next few newsletters I'm going to share what I'm starting to do and I'm thinking....shall we do this together?
Let's begin with sleep and magnesium,
Summer in a bowl
Sleep is the absolute starting point. The foundation for good decisions and practices.
Summer nights are not always the easiest time to get the best sleep. I'm also finding I'm generally restless and getting a bit achy. I'm definitely more active and loving it and I m getting this constant urge to make my magnesium spray once again. So I m listening!
If I did not know this recipe I would most probably be buying eye watering expensive magnesium sprays and creams, but luvy, it's crazy to me to buy these when it is SOOOOO easy to make.
Below are recipes for a magnesium spray and magnesium cream, All ingredients are at your fingertips at Fill Good. the spray bottle and jars you will need to find at home or buy online. I do want to get some of these in the shop at some stage soon, alas these recipes could not wait!
Magnesium Spray Recipe
Ingredients
1/2 cup Magnesium Chloride Flakes (not Epsom salt)
1/2 cup Distilled Water or Boiled Water
Optional: Add 1 teaspoon nourishing oil of choice such as MCT, jojoba, hemp and/or 10-20 drops of Essential Oil such as lavender
Method
Heat the Water: Bring the water to a boil.
Dissolve the Flakes: Place the magnesium flakes in a glass bowl or measuring cup, then pour the hot water over them
Stir: Stir until the flakes are completely dissolved.
Cool & Mix: Allow the mixture to cool completely. If using essential oils, add them now.
Bottle: Pour the mixture into a glass spray bottle for storage.
How to Use
Spray liberally on to clean dry skin and gently massage in. Use daily.
For the first 3 weeks, apply only to the soles of your feet.
After 3 weeks, you can begin applying to your stomach and other areas of your skin.
If you experience itching or tingling, this is very normal and can be a sign of magnesium deficiency. It's temporary and the sensation should fade within a few days. We recommend returning to use on your least sensitive areas (like feet) until the tingling subsides. You can also apply coconut oil (or similar) over the top of the spray to soothe and moisturise . You can also dilute the mixture with more water if it is uncomfortable.
Absorption: You can rub it in and leave it, or wash it off after 20-30 minutes.
Avoid: Do not spray on freshly shaved skin or open wounds.
Storage
Store at room temperature in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Tips
Why Distilled Water? Using distilled or boiled water helps extend the shelf life of the mixture.
Epsom Salt vs. Flakes: Magnesium Chloride flakes are more absorbable than Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulfate).
Whipped Magnesium Body Butter
This recipe creates a fluffy butter by whipping the oils after they have partially solidified.
INGREDIENTS
VEGAN
1/2 cup Shea Butter or cocoa butter or a combo of both
1/4 cup Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Magnesium Oil (made by dissolving 1/4 cup magnesium flakes in 1/2 cup hot water, cooled to room temperature)
Optional : 20 drops of essential oils of choice
TALLOW
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup magnesium flakes
1/2 cup tallow
2tbsp cacao or shea butter
2 tbs beeswax
10 to 20 drop of essential oils
METHOD
Melt Oils: In a double boiler, melt the shea butter and coconut oil together.
Cool: Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature until it becomes cloudy and starts to solidify slightly.
Combine: Add the magnesium oil and essential oils to the butter mixture.
Whip: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer (like a KitchenAid), whip the mixture until it becomes creamy and light.
Refrigerate: Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until it reaches a semi-solid state (you should be able to push your finger through it).
Final Whip: Whip again until it is fluffy and holds its shape.
Store: Transfer to a clean, airtight glass jar. Store in a cool place or the refrigerator if it's hot inside.
NOTES
Preventing Separation: Ensure both the oils and the magnesium water are close to room temperature before mixing. Using an immersion blender can also create a more stable, emulsified, and thick consistency.
Shelf Life: As this recipe contains water (via the magnesium oil) but no preservatives, it should be used within a few weeks, or stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Tingling: A tingling sensation is normal, especially for the first few applications or if you are magnesium deficient. Apply to soles of feet
Summer platters. Pasta topped with fresh rocket and crumbled fetta and crispy sweet and zingy salad
Magnesium is not just for sleep, it's for recovery too
My darling, magnesium can be taken orally with our magnesium capsules on our shelf in Fill Good, or you can have a bath with a mixture of our magnesium flakes(magnesium chloride) and epsom salts(magnesium sulfate) They are 2 kinds of magnesium our bodies love and why not have both in a bath. Or you can apply a magnesium spray or cream that you have whipped up yourself. If you can make a cup of tea, you can make a magnesium spray!
Rest and recovery with a body swimming in glorious magnesium is on offer here. Let's keep in touch and start this prep. It's just lovely to do and something you and I can do together. Let's harvest our bodies Summer strength.
'The body should move with the land's rhythm, not fight against it'
