The Holistic Gym Bag

In order to have a truly holistic approach to getting in shape at the gym, you'll need a gym bag that's in tip top shape as well. With these natural toiletry items and remedies, you will be ready to kick some butt.

Anti-fungal Spray

The first thing to consider is that gyms are notorious for spreading bacteria and other unhealthy micro-organisms. Beat pervasive locker room fungus with this anti-fungal spray. In a spritzing bottle, combine one-half cup (125 ml) of apple cider vinegar with one-half teaspoon (2 ml) of lavender essential oil. Shake well and spray onto your skin after showering. It will restore your skin's healthy acidity, prevent fungal growth and treat itching and inflammation.

Fresh Foot Powder

Sprinkle this powder on clean, dry feet prior to exercise to ease rubbing between the toes and socks and to absorb sweat.

1 cup (225 ml) corn starch 1/2 cup (110 g) powdered peppermint leaf 15 drops each peppermint, eucalyptus and cajeput essential oils 15 ml powdered benzoin gum

Combine corn starch and peppermint leaves in a large bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until well blended. Using a mortar and pestle, combine oil with a few tablespoons of powder mixture until the oil is absorbed. Sift this mixture together with the rest of the powder or shake them vigorously in a container with a tight-fitting lid. In an airtight container, store powder in a cool, dark place for three days until the oil permeates the powder. Use as desired.

Bang-up Remedies

The gym is hardly an injury-free zone. Arnica is an excellent homeopathic aid for athletes to keep on hand because it helps manage pain, reduces swelling and speeds the healing process. Use in cases of trauma, shock, dislocations, bruising, nosebleeds, and muscle or head injuries. Arnica gel, ointment or cream can also be applied externally to strains and sprains. Use a Calendula lotion or ointment for shallow cuts, scrapes, burns and blisters. Here are some other specific homeopathic remedies (take internally):

• • For black eyes, use Ledum.

• • For damage to the shins or kneecaps, use Ruta.

• • For tennis elbow and injuries caused by overexertion, use Rhus tox.

• • If the sprained or strained area is worse with any motion and better with pressure, use Bryonia.

• For deeper bruising and soreness, especially in the back or coccyx, use Bellis perennis.