First, let me start off by saying mud baths are so underrated. With all of the matcha, coconut oil, and avocado skin treatments in the world, mud baths seem to fall to the wayside and get buried. Thanks to a lovely mother-daughter company called Jane Inc., the idea of a mud bath (in the comfort of my own home) has been unearthed - and now I'm hooked.

Mud Bath History Lesson

The origin of mud baths date all the way back to the mid-1300s and have long been a remedy to release toxins in the body. Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and since it's so porous it easily absorbs these toxins - think chemicals, heavy metals, colors, fragrances, carcinogens, and other irritants and allergens. Now, our bodies can handle a lot, but overtime it wears you down and can lead to diseases you do not want to contract.

Detox... or not?

That's where the idea of detoxes come in. There are many ways to 'detox', and some are real and some are phony. For one, I don't believe in juice cleanses. I just don't, and you bet I'll write a follow up on this topic later. HOWEVER, if you feel good doing it, then more power to ya. Everyone's body requires different things. I whole-heartedly believe in the detoxifying powers of bentonite clay, because I've had a very personal experience with it. Read my ancient 2014 post on "That Time I Paid $8 for a Jar of Indian Dirt".

HEATLH & SKINCARE BENEFITS

There are different kinds of mud baths you can purchase, but all in all, the base ingredient is usually Calcium Bentonite Clay. I love Jane Inc.'s Mud Bath mixture, because it includes so much more than just clay - it's a blend of sea salt, clay, charcoal and cedar essential oil, which all have healing properties of their own.

To explain the 'HOW' in the detoxifying process:

• Toxins are positively charged, and clay particles are negatively charged. So, in the name of science, toxins are attracted to the clay molecules and are literally pulled inside the clay. Charcoal acts similarly. Very cool.

Additional benefits:

• Reduces Inflammation

• Softens the Skin

• Improves Circulation

• Relieves Muscles & Joint Pain

• Reduces Eczema, Acne, and Rashes

How To Use a Mud Bath

Start a warm-hot bath, and add 1-2 scoops of the mixture into the bath water. Give it a minute to dissolve. If you're like me and generally dislike baths, you might need a good book to relax you for 15 minutes. I'm currently reading Radical Self Love by Gala Darling.

After using this product for the last few weeks, I've actually started to look forward to my 15 minutes of "me" time in the tub. I tend to get antsy, but I'm learning to chill out. For more tips on a home-spa night, read my 'How To: Guide to a Slayin' Friday Night In'.

+ MUD BATH GIVEAWAY +

Since I really love this product and the company that makes it, I want to give you the chance to try it for yourself! Jane Inc. is graciously giving away ONE free mud bath (2lbs, $25 value), just like mine photographed above.

To Enter:

1. Head to Instagram and follow @JaneIncProducts & @OmAndTheCity

2. Like & Comment on the Mud Bath Photo

3. Answer this: What's your favorite way to treat yourself?

   • This could be ANYTHING... ice cream, shopping, a mani/pedi! Anything that makes you happy - I want to hear it.

Winner will be announced Friday (must live in the USA).

Good luck & have an incredible week!

*Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Jane Inc. All thoughts and opinions are completely (and always will be) my own. Thank you for your continued support, and for allowing me to write authentic content that I strongly believe in ! x Jules