The power of morning rituals.
- jessikaherbalist
- Jul 16, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 15
Hot flannel face steam & herb and salt oral care

Morning rituals matter. They are how we choose to open the day — a moment to arrive fully, set the tone, and be present to ourselves and whatever the day brings. Whether it’s movement, breathwork, meditation, a swim, time in nature, a warm drink, nourishing breakfast, singing, or writing — a ritual is something that brings you joy, energy, wellness and connection.
In a world that often rushes us into school lunches, work demands, and long to-do lists, carving out space for morning rituals is a way to pause, ground, and honour your well-being. These moments support stress relief, presence, mindfulness, and help cultivate a positive, clear, and intentional mindset — and most importantly, they make room for joy.
Below are two simple but powerful rituals I practice daily. One refreshes the face and mind. The other helps cleanse and protect the body's first line of defense — the mouth and nasal passages.
Ritual 1- HOT FLANNEL FACE STEAM - SIMPLE AND GLORIOUS
WHY DO THIS?
Revives your face and mind from the sleepy state
Soothes, hydrates, and relaxes facial muscles
Clears sinus and throat congestion
Boosts surface circulation, leaving skin radiant
Brightens your outlook — quite literally!
HOW TO:
Prepare hot water in a basin or run a face washer/flannel under hot water. Use gloves if needed, and let it cool slightly — but it should be as hot as you can safely stand.
Enhance with aromatherapy: Add a drop of essential oil (lemon, pine, eucalyptus) or toss in fresh herbs like rosemary.
Soak and press the hot flannel into your face — covering eyes, cheeks, jaw, neck, and throat. Breathe deeply and enjoy. Feel your skin wake up and glow.
Repeat 2–3 times for a full sensory refresh.
Optional: Finish with a splash of cold water for extra invigoration. GOOD MORNING!

RITUAL 2: Salt & Herb Mouthwash/Throat Gargle
Why Gargle?
Prevents you from swallowing overnight bacteria with your first drink
Soothes sore throats and reduces inflammation
Supports oral hygiene naturally — no harsh chemicals
Clears and loosens mucus from throat and sinuses
Strengthens immune defense at the body's entry points by flushing out bacteria, virus and other microbes, keeping the mucous membranes in tact and the oral microbiome in balance. The mouth and nose are among the first lines of defense against unwanted microbes from entering the body.
Regular use has been shown (in my experience and with clients) to reduce susceptibility to colds and flu's. The daily irrigation with salt and herbs cleans the passages and kills unfriendly bacteria regularly. And if you feel a sore throat coming on, do it several times a day.
beneficial for regular mucous in the throat and sinuses, along with a steam inhalation.
Gentle on the oral microbiome — unlike commercial antiseptic mouthwashes
Even my dentist noticed the difference in the health of my gums and teeth!

HOW TO:
Make a salt rinse: Dissolve ½–1 tsp of good-quality salt in hot water, top up with cool water until warm.
Optional herbal infusion: Add cooled sage or thyme tea for extra antimicrobial power.
Time-saving tip: Make a batch of concentrated salt/herb mouthwash and store in a glass bottle. Or use a pre-made concentrate (like our in-house version).
Use 10ml of concentrate mixed with warm water.
Gargle deeply: For 20–30 seconds, lean back and gargle to flush the throat. Spit, and repeat 3 times.
Bonus: The rinse may flow through to the nose — gently blow each nostril afterward for sinus clearing.
Extra tip: Dip your floss or Pikster in the concentrate for a super fresh interdental clean.
Once done, drink your warm water with lemon and step into the day feeling fresh, clear, and bright.
Let Your Day Begin with Clarity and Care
Whether you continue into more self-care or jump straight into your day, these rituals help you start from a place of balance, presence, and vitality.
Enjoy.






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