Herbal Soaks Brianna Hart, May 24, 2024May 24, 2024 In a world of cold plunges, I think too many people have forgotten just how wonderful a hot bath can be. What used to be known as a luxury is now something that many prefer to skip altogether, opting for a quick shower. I get it, I’m a big fan of taking a quick shower- especially when I don’t have to wash my hair and I can be in and out in 10 minutes. However, I also love to linger in a hot bath, too. After visiting with a natural doctor, she even recommended more baths and that I add some epsom salts to my soak as well. After taking her advice, I see why! My body just feels less achy and more relaxed after a long soak. I decided to step up her advice and add some additional herbs, thus creating my herbal bath soaks to share with all of you.Benefits of BathsFirst of all, let’s get this out of the way. I think that cold plunges have their place. I’ve always wanted to be someone that does them. However, I also know how detrimental they can be to someone with fragile hormones and, as we’ve discussed with our history of miscarriages, I fall into that category. My hormones are too delicate for me to be able to jump in cold water and not worry that it will have the opposite effect.Baths, on the other hand, are safe for everyone. In fact, they are great for struggling hormones as they can help lower cortisol. I know cortisol is the buzzword these days but it’s because we’re so full of it from all the stress! Baths are known to help lower stress and cortisol levels that can help lead to better sleep and even weight loss. The heat from a bath can even help lower inflammation, easing those achy joints and also helping to relieve some menstrual cramps. If you’re struggling with seasonal allergies or that pesky winter cold, baths can help clear your sinuses. As if those aren’t enough benefits, let’s add some herbs and see how it really adds up!Herbal Bath Soak IngredientsEach soak has a combination of epsom salt, pink himalayan salt, and an herb. I’ll cover each of them in detail below because in addition to the benefits of a normal bath, each ingredient has a special purpose too. They are all organic and chosen with very careful consideration to make sure that they are as effective as possible for you, too. Epsom SaltThe powerhouse of the herbal soaks, epsom salt has many wonderful properties. First of all, it’s heavily composed of magnesium which helps relax muscles and sooth achy joints. Magnesium is also known to help with sleep, which epsom salt does. Another reason to add epsom salt to your bath is because the hot water will open up your pores and allow the salt in to help flush out toxins and excess oils. The salt can also help remove dead skin cells which help with exfoliation. Himalayan SaltEveryday we encounter toxins that threaten to overload our system if we don’t take action. One way to combat those toxins is the himalayan salt in herbal soaks. The salt is full of minerals that help draw those toxins out. This includes toxins in your body if you are sick. As with the epsom salt, it can help to remove dead skin cells and thus further exfoliate your skin. ChamomileIf you are looking for more sleep you’ll want to pick chamomile herbal soaks. Chamomile is well known for its power to help us relax and calm our nervous system. In fact, it’s actually a mild sedative. Pair it with the relaxing properties of hot water and epsom salt, and you’re in for some serious rest. Chamomile also helps flush out toxins and waste from your body’s tissues which they say can aid in weight loss. PeppermintThe one thing we love to use peppermint for around here is clearing our sinuses. If you are struggling with allergies or a cold, peppermint can be a helpful go to for you! Breathe it in with that hot steam and allow it to work its magic. The menthol in peppermint can help to awaken dull or dead brain cells, which will help boost function and thus help aid memory loss and stress relief. CalendulaProbably the lesser known herb of our herbal soaks, calendula can be very beneficial. This herb is known as a powerful antioxidant and anti-spasmodic. It’s super great for those struggling with menstrual cramps. Add in the benefit of the hot water and this is the perfect solution for when mother nature’s red wave decides to make her appearance. It can also be used for skin issues ranging from diaper rash, eczema/psoriasis, acne, and dry/chapping skin. Drop into a hot bath and ease those skin issues. Lavender This is another popular herb that is well known for helping people relax but, more so, can help with anxiety. If you can’t shut your brain off, grab some lavender herbal soaks. It can also help moisturize your skin so when we add in the salts, it’s a great one for helping you clear up your skin. The relaxing properties of this one can also help with achy and sore muscles, as well as menstrual cramps. In Summary: Herbal SoaksEven if you can’t grab some herbal soaks, get yourself in a bath. There are so many healthy properties and benefits of taking a long soak. Use as needed though because some people can get dry and irritated skin from too many baths. I feel like the benefits of a hot bath with herbal soaks far outweigh the benefits of a cold plunge with the added benefit that they’re actually enjoyable. I guess if cold plunging is your thing, I’m happy for you. However, if you are looking for a way to help your body there are other ways. Head on over to the shop and grab your herbal soak as an individual or as a multi-pack today!Share Homestead bathherbalherbsremedies