Bath soaks are composed of ingredients such as magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt), sea salts, minerals, dried flowers and herbs and often have essential oils mixed into them for added aromatherapy.
Bath teas (aka tub teas) are exactly what they sound like; tea sachets filled with herbs, flowers, Epsom salt and other natural ingredients that are added to warm bath water.
Bath salts are water-soluble, pulverized minerals that are added to water to be used for bathing. They are said to improve cleaning, enhance the enjoyment of bathing, and serve as a vehicle for cosmetic agents. Bath salts have been developed which mimic the properties of natural mineral baths or hot springs.
They are added to bath water as an easy and inexpensive way to help relieve stress, physical aches and pains. But its potential health benefits will vary based on the ingredients you use.
Common Ingredients for a Bath Salts, Soaks and Teas
Epsom Salts or Magnesium Flakes are a great option for relaxation. They help reduce inflammation and ease stress. They are also particularly great for soothing tired and aching muscles.
Dead Sea Salt is good for helping sooth and heal problematic skin. Containing a mix of magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium, this salt helps to hydrate and encourage natural skin healing which makes it ideal for anyone who suffers from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Himalayan Salt is a powerful detoxifier as this ionic salt helps extract the toxins from your skin and tissues. It penetrates your skin, leaving you feeling refreshed and nourished.
Milk can make your skin feel softer and smoother because fats in the milk cling to the skin. It leaves it feeling silky smooth without an oily residue.
Rose Petals the antibacterial properties in rose petals make them excellent for soothing irritated skin and reducing redness. They also help to maintain moisture in the skin.
Lavender Is excellent for relieving stress, aching muscles and promoting relaxation.
Dandelion flowers can help soothe irritated skin caused by dry winter weather and can even help to calm an eczema flareup.
Oatmeal, rather if its Old fashioned rolled oats, whole oats, or quinoa. They make a great all-natural skin-softening addition to the bath.
Health benefits
Most of us use bath salts as a way to enhance a relaxing soak in the tub, but bath salts are believed to provide several health benefits for people with:
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Stiff, aching joints
- Arthritis
- Circulation problems
- Helps with headaches
- Helps with anxiety and stress
- Combat skin conditions, such as eczema
- Relieves dry and itchy skin
- Detoxes skin
- Heals wounds and sores
- Delays skin cell aging
- Promotes skin cell rejuvenation
- Help balances skin tone
- Soothes skin
- Minimizes inflammation
- Helps to repair sun-damaged skin
- Naturally treats body acne
Though we personally do not claim our products does any of these. We simply claim our products to be served as bathing enjoyment.
Beginner Recipes
Bath Soak Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Epsom Salt
- 1 Cup Pink Himalayan Salt
- 1 Cup Dried Flowers of Choice (I love using Rose petals and lavender buds, but we also add many other herbs as well)
- 50 Drops of essential oils of choice
How to Make:
- Put Epsom Salt and Pink Himalayan Salt into a mixing bowl
- Measure out dried flowers and add them into the mixing bowl one handful at a time, crushing up the flowers in your hand as you add them
- Add in essential oils and mix all of the ingredients together
- Once fully blended, scoop the mixture into a container of choice, with a lid. Or pour into your warm bath to enjoy right away.
- Once completed with your bath apply your favorite body butter to seal in the moisture
Basic Bath Tea
- 1 oz. dried herbs (Herbs of your choosing)
- 1 quart boiling water
Directions
- Bring the water to a boil and pour it over the dried herbs.
- Cover, and let steep for at least 20 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a tea strainer, cheesecloth, or an old, clean shirt.
- Add the tea directly to a full, warm bath. For additional relaxation, add 2 cups of Epsom salts directly to the bath.
Note: If your bath tea includes roots, you may want to simmer the herbs and water on the stove for 20 minutes rather than just pouring hot water over the herbs and letting them steep.
Basic Bath Salts
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- 1 cups coarse sea salt (we love using pink Himalayan sea salt)
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 20 drops essential oils of your choice
- optional: 2-3 tablespoons dried flowers/herbs
- optional: 2 tablespoons almond oil or coconut oil if you like oil in your bath salts (We use sunflower and hemp. Coconut on occasions)
Directions
- Mix all ingredients in a large glass bowl using clean hands or a clean spatula.
- Store in glass containers until use; mason jars work great (but be sure to punch a few holes in the lid to prevent air pressure from building up. We had one explode before!). Or, store in plastic bags or containers that allow some airflow.
- Store in a cool, dry place up to 6 months (around 3 months if you used oil).
Note: Enjoy about 1/2 cup to 1 full cup in each hot bath for a wonderful and relaxing bath.