This year I made myself a promise that I was going to take time for myself. Whether it is five minute or maybe an hour to do something that relaxes me or de-stresses me. Today I am sharing with you one of those things which is taking bubble baths. I also wanted to share my three essential products that make my bath time extra special.

∴ A bit of History

The Onsen is the Japanese bathing ritual based on soaking in scalding bath water and sweating to achieve good health and relaxation.

Spiritual pursuits of purity, hygiene and ritual purification were an important part of Japanese culture and bathing was done communally without regard for division of the sexes.

What about Turkey? The Turkish bath is also called a Hammam.

It is an Arabic word meaning ‘spreader of warmth’ and represents in the East a very long and rich culture of bathing of the Romans, Ottomans, Persians and Arabs.

Nowadays, you can find a few hammam spa across Paris as well.

Hungary is the country that pops into my mind when I think bathing traditions. A traditional thermal bath dating back to the 16th century.

Nowadays, it is with no surprise that Hungary is the largest medicinal bath in all Europe! A stop in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a fabulous experience and an amazing week trip away.

∴ A Salt Bath

A salt bath is among the oldest baths out there, and has been used for many years to help people relax and unwind. Yes, a more leisurely soak with bathing ingredients carefully chosen will support internal cleansing, overall health and even to remedy specific ailments or injuries.

∴ My Bath Essentials 

  1. Epsom Salt. High in magnesium, it has beneficial properties that can soothe the body, mind and soul. It is a must-have!

The Epsom Salt Industry Council lists the non-exhaustives benefitits found in the Epsom Salt:

• Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
• Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
• Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
• Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
• Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.

 2. Sea Salt. According to OrganicFact.com, the mineral content in Dead Sea salt have long been appreciated for their rejuvenating effects on the skin. Bathing in a Dead Sea salt solution helps in keeping the skin moisturized and revitalized.

3. Ground Ginger. Ginger, as we all know, has a peculiar fragrance and is a strong spice offering several beauty benefits. It is packed with antioxidants and is antiseptic in nature, which makes it extremely useful to resolve problems like signs of anti-ageing, acne, skin burns, but also… dandruff! 

 4. Apple Cider Vinegar

 5. Baking Soda. Baking soda isn’t only for baking. Combined with water, it contains strong healing properties that help soothe the skin.

And, the OiB suggestion, some a few drops of lavender essential oil. (You know that I am a big fan of lavender essential oil. In my previous article, I mentioned its benefits to help falling asleep like a baby!) You can also use other essential oil made to ease the relaxation process: 

• Lavender – Calming
• Grapefruit – Uplifting
• Peppermint – Fatigue
• Cedarwood – Depression
• Chamomile & Rosemary – Headache

Thank you for stopping by, feel free to comment below 😉

Amanda

Saturday