The Benefits of Bathing: How to Turn Your Tub Time Into a Health-Boosting Ritual

  • By Jennifer Mulder
  • 25 February 2019
  • 3 minute read
The Benefits of Bathing: How to Turn Your Tub Time Into a Health-Boosting Ritual

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“The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea.” – Isak Dinesen 

What’s nicer after a long, tiring day than soaking in a warm bath?

All throughout history, humans have appreciated the healing powers of water. From the Roman bath houses and the Japanese onsen to the hot springs in Iceland, people immerse themselves to feel fresh, relaxed and rejuvenated.

But being in water has actually has some important benefits from your health too. Taking a bath clears your skin and calms your nervous system. It also releases tension from your muscles and alleviates pain. What’s more, soaking in a warm bath can also help you sleep better. And those are just the perks of hot water: studies show that cold water reduces inflammation and boosts your circulation.

In the beautifully illustrated Bathe, Suzanne Duckett shows how you can turn your daily tub time into a soothing ritual that boosts your health, beautifies your skin and even fuels your creativity. After all, it’s the act of stepping into a bath that prompted  Archimedes to solve his problem and yell “Eureka!”

If you want to transform your next bath into a health-boosting ritual, check out these 5 bath recipes with all-natural ingredients.

1. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is a saline that breaks down into magnesium and sulfate in water. By absorbing those minerals through your skin, an Epsom salt bath is said to replenish your body after a workout. This age-old natural remedy has also been used to soothe sore muscles and ease pain.

Would you love a soak in an Epsom salt bath? Get all-natural Relief Salts or make your own DIY Calming Bath Salts from Nutrition Stripped: 

The Benefits of Bathing: DIY Calming Bath Salts from Nutrition Stripped | The Health Sessions
Source: Nutrition Stripped

2. Herbs & Flowers

Bathing in herb-scented water isn’t just an aromatic experience – it can have therapeutic benefits. Depending on the dried herbs you use, a herbal bath can release stress, soften your skin or stimulate your circulation.

Chamomile has been used for centuries to calm you down and promote a good night’s sleep, while eucalyptus can help clear congestion. Rosemary, lavender and roses are also popular ingredients for a relaxing bath.

Want to soak in a fragrant blend of herbs and flowers? Check out the Herbal Bath Milks from Will Frolic For Food:

The Benefits of Bathing: Herbal Bath Milk from Will Frolic for Food | The Health Sessions
Source: Will Frolic for Food

… Or make this cute Tub Tea from Home Baked Bliss 

The Benefits of Bathing: How to Make Tub Tea from Homebaked Bliss | The Health Sessions
Source: Home Baked Bliss

3. Essential Oils

Essential oils are highly-concentrated potions extracted from various plants. Each feel-good scent has their own health benefits. Citrus oil brightens dull skin and improves immunity, whereas peppermint oil is documented for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Learn more about which essential oils are right for you, including recipes for healing essential oil blends, in the Herbs & Essential Oils Super Bundle

In aromatherapy, essential oils can be inhaled or applied to the skin through massages or baths. If you want to safely use essential oils in your bath, hop over to Hello Glow to learn everything you need to know. Or you can make these aromatherapy bath bombs to soak away stress and boost your mood:

Benefits of Bathing: Aromatic Bath Bombs from Hello Glow | The Health Sessions
Source: Hello Glow

4. Oatmeal

You might not have guessed it, but oatmeal turns out to be a great skin care product. This everyday ingredient helps to moisturize, cleanse and gently exfoliate even sensitive skin. That makes oatmeal a great remedy to ease skin irritation caused by sunburn and bug bites.

For a nourishing bath, try these skin-soothing oatmeal baths from Hello Glow:

Benefits of Bathing: Skin-Soothing Oatmeal Baths from Hello Glow | The Health Sessions
Source: Hello Glow

For more relaxing bath recipes and exercises, check out the inspiring Bathe by Suzanne Duckett.

Do you ever add therapeutic ingredients to your baths? 
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