A hot bath is a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy a little bit of luxury at the end of a long day, but the benefits go beyond relieving tensions and can be a vital part of your self-care routine during difficult times or health problems. With the right additions to your bathwater, you can treat skin complaints, low mood, headaches, and absorb beneficial nutrients.
Making your own bath salts is fun and easy to do at home. The ingredients aren’t difficult to come by making it the perfect activity to look after your well-being and relieve some stress during the lockdown. All you’ll need is a large mixing bowl, your chosen ingredients, and a jar to store your bath salt in for the future.
Bath Salt Recipe:
The recipe below is the base of your bath salt, but it can be customised to create different fragrances or to treat specific ailments. Each ingredient brings its own benefits for both body and mind.
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- ¼ cup sea salt
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 8-10 drops of essential oil
Depending on the size of your bathtub or how much water you like, you’ll need to use between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of your chosen salt blend per bath. We would recommend soaking in this restorative bath for at least 20 minutes to properly absorb the benefits and give your body time to relax.
Benefits of Epsom Salt:
Epsom salt is a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that is important for reducing inflammation, pain, and swelling in the body. As a bath, Epsom salt is the perfect tonic for sore muscles after working out and can help support recovery after injuries. Magnesium taken as a supplement supports the absorption of other vital nutrients such as calcium, potassium and vitamin D. Adding Epsom Salt to your bath can aid the body in absorbing the healing waters.
As well as relaxing the body and reducing tension, Epsom salt can draw out toxins and impurities, aiding the healing process. It opens the pores and ionises the body, acting as a supplement to your own natural detoxing process. Impurities and toxins are released through a combination of sweating and ionic attraction to leave you feeling refreshed.
Benefits of Dead Sea Salt:
The Dead Sea is a lake in the Middle East, it is the deepest and most saline lake on Earth and the water has been used for centuries to treat a huge range of conditions. Adding Dead Sea Salt to your bath has a wealth of benefits from supporting your body’s natural metabolic functions, normalising fluid retention, and improving blood circulation. It is also wonderful for the skin, as it can help with the signs of aging, reducing inflammation, healing and cleansing wounds, and increasing skin hydration and elasticity.
There is more to Dead Sea Salt than sodium, it contains many other minerals and nutrients such as Potassium, Bromide, Magnesium, Calcium, Iodine, and Sulphur. Bromide and Magnesium both support muscle recovery and will reduce stiffness and pain. Iodine is strongly linked to the thyroid gland as studies have shown it can correct its function and protect it from damage to support the body’s metabolic exchanges. Sulphur is a powerful detoxifier as it works closely with the liver to remove toxins from the body. They are an amazing and rejuvenating combination that works harmoniously with the other ingredients in your bath salt.
Benefits of Baking Soda:
Baking Soda is alkaline, adding it to your bath will help to alkalise the body and the skin which will aid in releasing harmful toxins into the water. It is also a great exfoliator, helping to unclog pores and release dead skin cells which will leave behind softer and smoother skin.
When used to treat skin complaints such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis, it is very soothing helping to reduce inflammation, itching, and redness. It will also help to improve the appearance of the skin by lightening dark patches and treating scars. As it is a very good deodoriser you can also use your bath salt as a foot soak to help give you fresh, soft, and healthy feet.
Benefits of Essential Oils:
Adding essential oils to your bath salt will fill the room with a beautiful aroma and make your soak feel more pampering, while also bringing amazing health benefits for your mind and body. Choosing different combinations is an easy and creative way to customise your bath salt.
For calming the mind and body we would recommend:
Lavender - Well-known for its ability to relax the body and mind, helping to aid sleep and relieve muscle tension. It can also help to ease headaches, particularly tension headaches and migraines. Pairs well with Peppermint or Rosemary.
Cedarwood – It is wonderful for treating low mood and insomnia as the scent encourages the body to release serotonin. As a restorative essential oil, it is very calming and has mildly sedative effects encouraging sleep and relaxation. Pairs well with Lavender or Bergamot.
Patchouli - Both grounding and balancing, this essential oil is a wonderful tonic for the soul. It is also regenerative as it encourages cell renewal and healing. Pairs well with both calming Lavender or uplifting Wild Orange.
For skin and healing we would recommend:
Chamomile – Very gentle and calming, particularly on sensitive skin. When used for various skin complaints, such as allergies, acne, and eczema, it can help to reduce redness and promote healing as it is both an anti-inflammatory and a disinfectant. Pairs well with Lavender or Clary Sage.
Bergamot – As well as promoting relaxation of the mind, Bergamot is also skin purifying as it is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and an analgesic meaning it can help with pain associated with skin complaints such as cystic acne. Pairs well with Chamomile or Rose.
Geranium – A clarifying essential oil that can clean skin and improve elasticity. It can also be used to treat scars and stretch marks, improving the appearance of the skin. Pairs well with Lavender or Frankincense.
For rejuvenating and energising we would recommend:
Wild Orange – A very uplifting oil that can help to relieve low mood and low energy levels. It is also healing for the skin, particularly oily or dull-looking skin. Pairs well with Chamomile or Geranium.
Ylang Ylang – It is known to be balancing for emotions, relieving pressure and tension. Its sweet and floral aroma lifts spirits and can be used to treat low mood, stress, and frustrations. Pairs well with Wild Orange or Patchouli.
Optional extras:
If you’re looking for something extra, whether to pump up the pampering or to provide more healing benefits, there are a few optional additions you can put in your bath salts.
Adding oats or oatmeal is a great way to maximise the moisturising and healing benefits of your bath salt. Oatmeal baths have long been used to treat skin irritations and to reduce itching and redness from conditions such as eczema.
Flower petals such as rose, calendula, or lavender feel very decadent and will turn up your pampering session to spa level, but adding these to your bath salt can also bring skin healing benefits. Rose is great for aging or tired skin, calendula is soothing for irritations and calming for your mind, while lavender is anti-inflammatory and can help insomnia.
Tea is another fun thing to add to your bath salts, in particular green tea which is an antioxidant. It will turn the water into interesting greenish-brown colour but can be a great way to up your energy levels and help to tighten and improve the appearance of the skin as it is a good source of caffeine.
The most important thing is to have fun with your bath salt and to be as creative as you like. Bringing together these nutrient-rich and healing ingredients then letting yourself soak it up in a hot bath is just the kind of care and pampering your body needs right now as it fights the winter weather and the stresses of lockdown.
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Next time you have some time, create your own bath, depending on your mood, sit back, take it easy and relax.
Hope you have a wonderful evening.
Much Love and light always
Natasha
