Treat Yourself (or Your Partner) to a Luxurious, Non-Toxic Self-Care Gift This Valentine’s Day

Valentine's Day is traditionally a time to celebrate our love for others, but this year, why not make it about showing yourself a little love? If you’re a burnt-out mom, someone dealing with chronic illness, or simply exhausted from life’s demands, self-care may seem like a luxury you can't afford. But the truth is, taking time for self-care—especially in a way that is non-toxic and nurturing—can be restorative for your body and mind.

This Valentine's Day, I invite you to create a peaceful, healing ritual for yourself. When we talk about self-care, it's essential that it not only rejuvenates us without adding to the toxic load that many products introduce into our lives. Here are some simple and sustainable ways to create a non-toxic self-care experience.

Why Non-Toxic Self-Care?

Our bodies are constantly exposed to environmental toxins, from the food we eat to the products we use. Chronic illness, fatigue, and burnout can often be worsened by our exposure to toxic chemicals in personal care items, cleaning products, and even our daily routines and increase our body’s inflammation. By shifting to non-toxic alternatives, you give your body a break and help it restore balance.

This Valentine's Day, pamper yourself with a gentle and healing self-care routine that won’t overwhelm your senses with chemicals.

How to Create Your Non-Toxic Self-Care Experience

1. Epsom Salt + Essential Oil Bath

Epsom salt can ease your muscle tension, inflammation and help you relax. For an extra self-care boost, add in drops of essential oils, like lavender or eucalyptus, to create a spa-like atmosphere and zen yourself out. 

How to use: Add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath, then drop 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil like the ones from Mountain Rose Herbs. Let yourself soak for at least 20 minutes, allowing the magnesium from the Epsom salt to absorb and ease any tension in your body.

Note: Epsom salt should not be mixed with soap - especially if you use castile soap like me - so wait for the salt to drain before using soap. (It’s not dangerous, just messy.)

2. Organic Flowers

Treat yourself to some organic flowers - they are soothing for your mind and body. Studies show that simply looking at flowers can help the body and mind recover from stress.  Organic flowers are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. This means they’re free from potentially harmful residues that could affect your health, especially if you're using them for aromatherapy, making flower-based products, or simply keeping them in your home.

Local sources of Organic Flowers in Santa Barbara are some of my favorite vendors at the Saturday Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market: McGrath Family Farms and Consecha Farming.

---

3. Toxin-Free Candles

Relax in the glow of toxin-free candles. Conventional candles release toxic chemicals when burned, such as formaldehyde and benzene, which can aggravate symptoms in those with chronic illness. Toxin-free candles are made with natural wax (beeswax), lead-free cotton wicks and pure essential oils. You can find toxin-free candle from these sellers: Pure Plant Home and Fontana Candle Company. For more info, read my Non-toxic Candle blog post here.

---

4. Chocolate Indulgence

Organic Cocoa Date Ball

Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants that promote heart health and boost serotonin levels, making it a great mood enhancer and indulgence. To avoid the inflammation caused by sugar, satisfy your chocolate fix with this delicious Cocoa Date Ball Recipe instead!

---

Make This Valentine's Day About You

Self-care is not selfish—it's a necessary investment in your health and well-being. This Valentine’s Day, give yourself the gift of non-toxic self-care. Whether you're soaking in a luxurious bath, enjoying the simple beauty of organic flowers, savoring some organic chocolate, or relaxing by the glow of toxin-free candles, you deserve to feel nurtured and loved.

Take a deep breath, let go of the stress, and remember that you’re worth every moment of care you give yourself.