How to DIY a Healing Bath With Ingredients From Your Kitchen Cupboards
November has officially snuck up on us and, needless to say, it’s going to be an interesting month. Though some things are entirely out of our control, others (like actively practicing stress-relieving wellness) are not.
Maybe you’ve amped up your workout routines or are testing out a myriad of new sleep techniques. As the weather is getting colder, I personally have revisited an old friend: using baths as a way to practice self-care and wellness. Everything from pink himalayan salt to oatmeal can be added to your bath water for skin benefits and drawing out toxins, and many of these ingredients can be found in your kitchen cupboard. There’ll be no need to leave your home to create the perfect spa night, and in this day and age, isn’t that all a girl can really ask for?
Photo: @alwaysjudging
The Base
You’ll want to use a salt as the base for your bath. Epsom salts are traditionally used for soothing as the magnesium that the salt contains works wonders for relaxing tension in sore muscles.
If you don’t have Epsom salts, Himalayan Pink Salt acts as a powerful ionic detoxifier that draws toxins out of your body.
Photo: East of Earl
Sea salt will have a similar effect due to its mineral-rich nature (potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and zinc), and ability to stimulate circulation.
The Moisturizers
Coconut oil is not only the perfect carrier oil for essential oils (see below!) but the perfect skin hydrator. The melted oil floats at the top of your bath water - just make sure that you’re careful of any slip when getting out of the tub!
Oatmeal is another great way to soothe your skin and leave it silky smooth, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Grind up the oats to a fine powder and swirl into the bath, or tie it in a cheesecloth to ensure easy cleanup.
Coconut milk is filled with unsaturated fatty acids, and bonus, this vegan ingredient contains vitamins C, E, B6, iron and magnesium for the perfect hot soak to soothe dry skin.
The Purifiers
Baking soda works to reduce irritated, itchy skin. It’s alkaline, and will turn the water slightly alkaline, and is great for drawing out toxins.
Apple cider vinegar may not have the prettiest scent but it’ll dissipate in a tub full of hot water. ACV is anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory as well as packed with alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), a gentle exfoliant that’ll soften your skin and soothe bites or irritation.
You might know bentonite clay better as the Aztec Secret Indian Healing clay mask, but it has plenty of other uses. It’s one of the best ways to pull heavy metals and other toxins from your skin. You’ll want to be sure that it doesn’t clog your drain though, so use a drain catcher to filter out the clay once you’re finished!
Photo: aromatherapyanywhere.com
The Scents
Essential oils are the best way to turn your bath from steamy to spa. Chances are that you own a diffuser, and any of your favorite oils can be added to your bath, especially if you’re using coconut oil (see above) as a carrier oil. Lavender will soothe, while lemon, bergamot and spearmint will reinvigorate.
Tips to keep in mind:
Make sure you drink plenty of water before and after your bath. Soaking in a steamy tub of detoxifying ingredients for too long can leave you lightheaded when you step out, so keep a glass of cool water on hand.
Don’t forget to seal in all the moisture that your skin soaked up post-bath. My personal favorite way to do this is with coconut oil, which also works wonderfully for a shave that doesn’t require any water.