Tension & Anxiety – Lavender, mint leaves, and orange slicesNothing is quite as satisfying than to soak in a hot bath. It’s a way of giving yourself some much needed down time after an overworked day at the office or a detox for your body. There is a way to double down on the benefits said soothing bath, and this is by adding combinations of different ingredients to help with your wellness and vitality.
Add these to your soak to help ease any ailment
Flu: Ginger + Epsom salts
If you’re battling headaches or need to fight a bout of flu, ginger (add ½ a cup of fresh grated or 1 teaspoon of powdered) is just the ingredient you’ll need. It helps you sweat out aches and toxins and clears up chest and nasal congestion. It’s important to drink water before, during, and after the bath to replenish your fluid intake. Or, use peppermint & eucalyptus as an alternative for a proper detox.
Insomnia: Chamomile + Lavender
Usually, chamomile is associated with a smoothing mug of tea, but the same logic applies to a bath. Lavender and chamomile are both well known for their soothing, sleep-inducing properties. Place 1 cup epsom salts, 2 tbs of chamomile flowers tied in a muslin cloth or 4 chamomile tea bags, along with 3 sprigs of lavender into the bottom of the bath and fill with water. Once it has infused, fill the bath to your desired temperature.
Muscle aches: Epsom Salts + Hot Water
For the not so young athletes amongst us! The magnesium in the salt works to relieve painful muscle spasms and cramping while you soak. In addition, the heat promotes better blood flow and circulation to the area, helping the body to eliminate any lactic acid waste buildup. Try it, you won’t be sorry!
PMS: Lavender
Lavender can ease headaches, acting also as a mild analgesic for cramps.
Skin irritations & hives: Cucumber + Oatmeal
To soothe skin and help restore its moisture, puree 1 large cucumber in a blender (or finely chop it) and strain through cheesecloth into a tub of cool or warm water, depending on your preference. Add 2 cups of epsom salt and 3 to 4 peppermint tea bags if you like. This can also be used to ease sunburn in the Summer.
High blood pressure: Cinnamon & vanilla
Vanilla aids sleep and cinnamon reduces blood pressure.
Tension & Anxiety – Lavender, mint leaves, and orange slices
Lavender is a relaxing aroma that may help reduce stress and insomnia.
Itchy or irritated skin: Oatmeal
If you’re suffering from itchy or irritated skin, oatmeal is very soothing to add to your bath.
Eczema: Coconut Oil
Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil—which has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungal properties—into running water to moisturize and soften.
Acne: Bicarb
A natural exfoliant can help fight acne.
There may be nothing more satisfying than sinking into a tub at the end of a long, stressful day. The therapeutic ritual of washing away your worries combined with some relaxing alone time is a winning combination. Rather than buying expensive bath packs, gather yourself a few staple ingredients—such as epsom salt (or pretty pink Himalayan salt) and essential oils to make your own magical soak.
Date Published: 24 August 2022
