The use of water for its curative powers is called hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy dates back to ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt. Cleopatra was said to have maintained her beautiful skin by taking milk baths every day, and there may actually be some science behind the effectiveness of this practice.
Photo courtesy of thedailygreen.com
According to The Mayo Clinic, “Heat therapy increases blood circulation, which can aid healing of damaged tissues. Heat also allows tissues to stretch more easily, resulting in less stiffness, greater flexibility and less pain. To use heat therapy, take a warm bath…”
In addition to just taking a good old-fashioned soak in the tub, there are many easy-to-find ingredients you can add to increase the benefits of your bath and make it more fun!
-Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfate) (1-2 Cups per bath)
These miracle salts are said to have many benefits and uses and are inexpensive and easy to procure. Soaking in an Epsom Salt bath can soothe sore muscles, draw toxins from the body, regulate your nervous system, reduce swelling, and soften skin.
-Apple Cider Vinegar- (1 cup per bath)
A vinegar bath is good for sore muscles, and itchy dry skin. Vinegar is particularly good for dry skin because dry skin is often a sign of alkalinity. Vinegar restores natural pH balance to the skin.
-Baking Soda-(1/2 small box per bath)
Bathing in Baking Soda neutralizes skin irritations such as sunburn, windburn, poison ivy and athlete’s foot. It also eases muscle tension, softens the skin, and it deodorizes too!
-Milk-(2-4 cups per bath)
While milk baths are helpful for hydrating dry skin, the real magic of milk baths comes from Lactic Acid which is a gentle natural exfoliant.
-Oatmeal- (also called colloidal baths) (1/3 cup finely ground oats)
Oatmeal must be finely ground to be used in the bath. A blender or coffee grinder will work for this. Colloidal baths serve to reduce inflammation, and soothe and protect the skin.
-Oils-(2-3 tablespoons per bath)
Adding oils to your bath can have powerful moisturizing effects. The most commonly used bath oils are sweet almond oil, sesame oil, avocado oil and olive oil. Most vegetable and nut oils can be used for bathing.
-Green Tea-(8-10 tea bags per bath)
What a wonder Green Tea is! Soaking in it provides almost as many benefits as drinking it. For starters, it’s a powerful source of antioxidants which help to prevent cell damage. It also soothes skin, draws toxins from pores, neutralizes sunburn, reduces inflammation, relieves athlete’s foot, and can even help prevent bedsores and skin disease.
Bath Cautions:
Very hot baths can be harmful for people with certain health conditions including pregnancy and may actually dry the skin. Bath water should always feel comfortably warm, not hot. There are many health conditions and medications for which baths are contraindicated. Be aware that bath additives may cause allergic reactions and a patch test should always be performed before use. Please consult with your physician before taking a bath if you have any health concerns or are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications.
