There is nothing quite like relaxing in the bath after a tough day. By adding certain essential oils or salts, you can enhance your experience even further.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is hydrated magnesium sulfate in crystal form. It has been used for hundreds of years to help alleviate or even cure many conditions.
Benefits of Epsom Salt
Adding Epsom salt to your bath can help you address a lot of issues. People use it to relieve pain as well as muscle cramps. It is great for those suffering from arthritis, headaches, and even skin conditions. You can also use it to help you relax and ease your stress.
Epsom salt can remove toxins from the body. Your skin is very porous and can absorb minerals. In response, your body will trigger reverse osmosis and remove the salt. The harmful toxins are removed along with the salt, leaving you feeling healthier mentally and physically. Read more about the benefits of epsom salt in your warm bath here.
How to Use Epsom Salt in the Bath
In order to use Epsom salt properly in your bath, you will need roughly 2 cups of it. You will want to pour it directly to warm, running water. The running water will help dissolve the salts. For light aches or to detox, you will want to soak for a minimum of 12 minutes. If you are trying to treat a skin condition or arthritis, you will want to stay in the bath for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Lavender Oil
The oil from lavender flowers has many benefits beyond smelling great. It has been popular since ancient times.
Benefits of Lavender Oil
The benefits of lavender are similar to those of Epsom salt. Adding lavender oil to your bath is a great way to unwind. It is great to add to your bath when you are feeling sore.
How to Use Lavender Oil in the Bath
You will want to add between 6 to 8 drops of lavender oil into your running bath water. Many find it useful to add the drops to a cup of Epsom salt or milk to help disperse the oil. It is also helpful to dim the lights or play soothing music to get the most out of your relaxing bath.
What are the Benefits of an Epsom Salt and Lavender Oil Bath?
For an even more relaxing experience, you can take a bath with both Epsom salts and lavender essential oil. This will amplify the pain and stress-relieving abilities of the two of them. For the ultimate in bliss, try combining 2 cups Epsom salt, 1 cup baking soda, and 20 drops of lavender essential oil.
You will want the bath water as hot as you can tolerate it. Keep in mind it will cool as you soak. It is a good idea to have a bottle of water on hand to keep you from getting dehydrated. You should sit in the bath for a minimum of 15 minutes to enjoy all of the benefits.
Other Relaxing Essential Oils
In order to have some variety in life, here are some other essential oils that can help you unwind at the end of the day:
- Jasmine: Reduces tension and stress. Also used as an anti-depressant
- Bergamot: Can reduce stress and lessen anxiety.
- Marjoram: Good for stress, anxiety, and can help fight fatigue.
- Rose: Helps with depression, anxiety, and digestive problems.
- Peppermint: Can make you more mentally alert while energizing you.
- Chamomile: Induces calm feelings, lifts mood and fights depression.
Also read: Essential Oils for a Relaxing Bath