Even though many of us will opt for a quick shower on most occasions, there’s no denying that a long, hot soak is still a much-loved indulgence for most. What’s more, with the potential healing properties of a hot bath, especially when teamed with some therapeutic salts, you might want to start opting for a hot bath over a shower more frequently.
Salt water bathing isn’t a new phase that people have started to go through. It’s a tried-and-tested practice that goes back hundreds and hundreds of years. Ancient civilizations would use natural salts for their healing properties, with them helping to soothe a whole host of ailments from insomnia to arthritis and poor circulation to muscular fatigue.
Many essential nutrients and minerals are contained in bath salts (when they’re used in the natural state), and these include sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium. When placed into a warm bath, these are absorbed straight into the pores, helping to benefit the body in a number of ways – and not just on the outside!
So, if you fancy having a go at trying one of these natural salt baths, here are just some of the salts you could have a go with:
Himalayan Pink Salt
With over 84 different elements and minerals contained within Himalayan Pink Salt, including potassium, iron, calcium and magnesium, you can see why this is an incredibly favored bath salt. Not only will these minerals help to cleanse your skin but they’ll also eliminate toxins and boost your circulation.
It helps to cleanse your skin by balancing its natural pH, which will result in smooth, soft skin. It boosts the body’s circulation by reducing muscle cramps and assisting your arteries’ elasticity. And as the minerals from the salt are absorbed into your pores, unwanted toxins are removed to leave you looking and feeling healthier.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt boasts many healing properties and some of these include relieving joint inflammation, removing toxins from the body and easing muscle strain. It contains sulfate and magnesium, which, when absorbed by the skin, help to provide these wonderful health benefits.
Serotonin production is boosted by magnesium, and as this is a chemical in the brain that helps to make us feel good and keep us calm, adding this into your bath is the perfect way to end your day. It’ll help you to unwind, relax and de-stress, especially when you add to the ambiance in your bathroom with candles, scented oils and relaxing music. You’ll also find that the electrolytes in your body are regulated after exercise, which helps to speed your recovery time and relieve any aches and pains you may have. Finally, as the salt helps to stimulate digestive enzymes, it’ll reduce bloating as it detoxifies from within.
Dead Sea Salt
Dead Sea Salt not only contains a very high percentage of salt (hence why people can float in the Dead Sea) but it also contains a whole host of other important minerals, such as Sulphur, potassium, bromide, zinc, iodine, calcium and magnesium. This makes it a highly therapeutic salt and people travel from all over the world to bathe in the Dead Sea to feel its benefits. That’s why the Dead Sea is a hive of activity for researchers as they try to understand what further healing properties this salt has.
Many have found the salt to help hydrate and soothe the skin, easing conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the salt’s minerals, it can also help people who suffer from arthritis.
Creating Your Own Salt Bath
The type of salt you need will depend on your own individual circumstances, including your health conditions, activity level and age. If you do have any medical conditions, you should consult with your doctor before you take one of these baths. However, with the natural properties of these salts, you can’t go too far wrong when you take a relaxing dip in one of these salt baths!
What’s more, there’s also a number of other ways you can feel the benefits of these salts. This includes creating your own scrub by using a natural oil (like oil or coconut oil) and mixing with some sea salt that’s finely powdered. This can then be used to exfoliate your skin in the bath or shower – allowing you to feel the benefits of the salt even if you’re having a quick wash in the shower!
Kai Ward started working in a health food store several years ago. Always interested in living a healthy lifestyle, this work has opened her eyes even more to the range of products available. She writes about living a green, eco-friendly lifestyle, her articles appearing on lifestyle, beauty and fitness blogs around the web.