For those of us fortunate enough to have a bath tub this is the season to be making the most of it. We suggest treating yourself with a few extra ingredients to make your next soak as good as a rejuvenating spa treatment.
We have been experimenting with range of ingredients from the kitchen and garden to make our bath time a luxurious treat. Rather than offering you a set recipe we thought we would list a handful of ingredients that have worked well for us and encourage you to make your own concoction.
We suggest starting with a base of Magnesium Sulfate better know as Epsom Salts – perhaps 1/2 – 1 cup
Epsom salts dissolved in warm water are easily absorbed through the skin and immediately go to work. The magnesium ions separate out and begin to relieve stress by promoting the production of serotonin and reducing the effects of adrenaline. Magnesium also plays a critical role in the production of energy in cells, helping us to feel invigorated without causing feelings of restlessness or anxiety.
The following ingredients can be completely customised, based on your preferences. For more information about their healing qualities check out our post Healing Herbs for Skin
Lavender – an all round healing herb easily added to your recipe with a few drops of essential oil or a handful of freshly picked lavender buds from your (or your neighbours) garden.
Rosemary – most commonly used as a delicious herb for cooking, Rosemary works wonders on the body too! Add a couple of sprigs fresh from the bush or a couple of tablespoons of dried herb, the essential oil is not easy to come by, but well worth it if you see it on your travels.
Calendula – a delightfully vibrant flower growing in many peoples gardens Calendula petals, buds and leaves can all be used in the bath.
Sage – a common culinary herb, picking the leaves whilst the plant is in flower will yield the most potent quality. However you can use the leaves fresh or dried at any time of the year.
Geranium – an easy flower to grow from cuttings, it produces a sweet sharp scent and a luscious oiliness. The leaves are used for distilling essential oil and can be easily infused in water.