Beautifully Clean: Soak your troubles away

by Therese Bowen
Freshlife Personal Care Coach

“The cure for anything is salt water, sweat, tears, or the sea.” Isak Dinesen

Of all the creature comforts in life, nothing, in my opinion, surpasses the cathartic healing power of soaking in a bathtub filled with bath salts and essential oils. Whether it’s sore overworked muscles, achy joints, stress overload or heartache, a long soak in a hot bath will always make you feel a little better.

There are several components that make up a good bath salt and they each offer different benefits and healing properties. I will clarify those, so that you can choose the best combination for your particular needs.

Epsom salt is actually magnesium sulfate. This mineral compound is a muscle relaxant, so Epsom salt is best known for its ability to relieve sore muscles. However, Epsom salt also helps to draw toxins from the body and acts as a sedative and a regulator for the nervous system. Epsom salt reduces swelling, and can act as a natural emollient and gentle exfoliant for the skin. Since magnesium helps the mind and body relax, studies have shown that it can raise serotonin levels. If used at least 3 times a week, Epsom salt’s detoxification properties can actually elevate the body’s energy level.

Baking soda is another common additive for bath water. It neutralizes acids on the skin, soothing rashes and chronic problems like eczema and psoriasis. It can help counter the negative effects of radiation—be it x-rays, cancer treatments or sunburn. However, baking soda is most noted for its ability to drain toxins from the lymphatic system. Maximize the detoxification benefits of a massage by taking a baking soda bath to draw out toxins that may have been released from the muscles or lymph glands.

Sea salt differs from table salt in that it is unrefined and still contains many minerals that are beneficial to the skin and body. Be sure to look for one that is coarsely ground and not bleached. Because minerals in sea salt reflect the qualities of the sea or region where collected, certain types are considered better for bath salts. The most highly sought after types are Celtic Sea salt and Dead Sea salts.

Dead Sea salts are very different from regular sea salt. Sea salt is made up of over 90% sodium, whereas Dead Sea salt is only about 10% sodium and much higher in minerals such as magnesium, potassium, bromine and calcium. Dead Sea salt is not edible and very bitter due to the lower sodium and higher mineral content. These very same minerals are also naturally present in skin cells but are commonly depleted and result in severe dryness, wrinkles and dull looking skin. People from all over the world migrate to the Dead Sea to get relief from their skin conditions and body ailments. There are many spas and skin therapy centers located on the shore of the Dead Sea. Most of us cannot just drop out of our busy lives to make a trip to the Middle East but we can bring the benefits of the Dead Sea home. Masada Dead Sea bath salts have long been a staple item of the personal care department at Freshlife. These salts come in a variety of scents and in more specific formulas such as Detox M.D., Joint & Muscle, and Stress Relief.

You will be amazed at how good you will feel after you have given yourself permission to nurture yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself some or all of the above ingredients, brew some tea, turn your phone off, draw some bathwater and be healed and inspired.

Simple aromatherapy bath salts

To each cup of Epsom salt or baking soda, add drop measures below - mix well - store in dark glass - shake daily for several days - use a generous 1/2 cup per bath

Ease the breath
to fight cold/flu symptoms

10 cajeput
10 eucalyptus
10 lavender

Calm the mind
to relieve stress

10 nutmeg
10 tangerine
10 chamomile

Calm the body
to relieve muscle and joint aches and pains

10 cedarwood
10 basil
10 lavender

Lift the mood
to drive away the winter blues

10 rose geranium
10 bergamot
10 grapefruit