Who knew taking a bath could be so good for your body and overall wellbeing? Considering the skin is our largest organ, transdermal absorption is a very effective way of replenishing the minerals our body may be lacking and is truly a renewing and therapeutic experience for mind & body.
Today we’re breaking down the top minerals and herbs you should be bathing with to revitalize your body.
Salts
1. Epsom Salt
The wonders of Epsom salt have been well known for hundreds of years having beneficial properties that can soothe the mind, body and soul. Some of the countless health benefits include relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, soothing back pain and aching limbs, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating cold and congestion, and drawing toxins from the body.
2. Himalayan Pink Salt
A salt that is free of environment pollutants with no additives. Naturally rich in 84 nourishing and skin-replenishing minerals, bathing with Himalayan Pink Salt not only provides essential minerals and trace elements, but may also:
- Balance electrolytes
- Support nutrient absorption
- Help eliminate toxins
- Balance the body’s pH
- Regulate body water levels
- Reduce cramps
- Normalise blood pressure
- Increase circulation and conductivity
- Increase energy so you feel and look younger
- It can also assist with relief from arthritis, skin rashes, psoriasis, herpes, flu and fever symptoms.
3. Celtic Sea Salt
This Salt is naturally dried by the sun and wind then collected by farmers using long wooden tools, as a result it’s Hand Harvested with no additives. BFA Certified Coarse grey sea salt comes from seawater from the North West of France and like the Pink Himalayan Salt contains 84 mineral elements. These same 84 mineral elements are found in our bodies. Many illnesses and poor health conditions have been traced to a deficiency of minerals, more often than not a lack of the minerals found in sea salt.
Herbs
1. Rosemary Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
- Anti Spasmodic
- Antiseptic
- Choleretic
- Diuretic
- Carminative
- Sedative
- Aromatic
- Anti Depressive
It has astringent, antioxidant and cleansing properties. Stimulates circulation, improves mental clarity, soothes sore muscles and relieves congestion. Rosemary is associated with Aphrodite and appears in many ancient images of her and was used to ward off evil spirits and nightmares.
2. Calendula Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis
- Anti inflammatory
- Astringent
- Antispasmodic
- Vulnerary
- Anti Fungal
- Local Tissue healer
Also known as common Marigold, (Calendula officinalis), Calendula is wonderfully healing for all skin types, possessing anti-inflammatory, calming, wound healing, antioxidant, antiseptic, and freshening properties. It is a common ingredient in salves and natural deodorants.
3. Alfalfa Botanical Name: Medicago sativa
- Tonic
- Diuretic
- Rich in Chlorophyll
Alfalfa helps flush out excess water and as such increases urination and helps relieve bloating and water retention. It is useful in the treatment of urinary tract infections, kidney and bladder infections and helps to flush out toxins. Studies suggest alfalfa may trigger destruction of carcinogens built up in the liver during the digestive process, aids the body in absorbing nutrients from other foods and reduces fat production, making it useful for dieters.
4. Ginger Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale
- Anti emetic
- Carminative
- Stimulant
- Diaphoretic
- Anti spasmodic
- Anti inflammatory
Ginger is a warm, stimulating plant that triggers the immune system and a circulation stimulate therefore is an integral part of the detoxification process. Most commonly known as a spicy, pungent food, ginger is very warming and is one of the best-known remedies for nausea. It’s also a digestive aid, and helps promote circulation, therefore helping to soothe pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints.
Essential Oils
1. Geranium:
- Astringent
- Hemostatic
- Tonic.
Although the entire plant is effective, the rhizome contains the highest concentration of tannin and healing properties. The essential oil from the geranium plant is used in cosmetics not only for its fresh, clean fragrance, but also for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, deodorizing, and cleansing properties. Geraniums are said to promote love, protection, health, and fertility.
2. Sandalwood:
- Antiseptic
- Antispasmodic
- Astringent
- Carminative
- Sedative and tonic.
The essential oil is distilled from the inner wood of the tree, has relaxing, soothing, disinfectant, antiseptic, insect repellent, healing, and uplifting properties. Sandalwood Oil soothes the skin, relieves it from inflammation and irritation, cures infections and keeps you feeling fresh and cool and as a result is wonderful for dry, aging, damaged, and irritated skin.
3. Patchouli
- Antidepressant
- Antiseptic
- Aphrodisiac
- Sedative and tonic
Patchouli oil tones up the whole body. It optimizes metabolic functions like the decomposition of food and absorption of nutrients by toning up the liver, stomach and intestines, thereby helping you to grow stronger and healthier. Patchouli essential oil also takes care of proper excretion, regulates the endocrinal secretions of hormones and enzymes and also tones up the nervous system, thus making you more alert and active. Finally, it boosts the immune system, protecting you from a wide range of infections.
4. Lemon
- Anti-anemic
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-rheumatic
- Antiseptic
- Diaphoretic
- Tonic
The health benefits of lemons are due to its many nourishing elements like vitamin C, vitamin B, phosphorous, proteins, and carbohydrates. Lemon is a fruit that contains flavonoids, which are composites that contain antioxidant properties. Lemon has proved to be nature’s boon to everyone who uses it. It provides many valuable solutions to health-related problems, because it contains its own set of antiseptic and natural medications.
Iris Practice has formulated bath soaks that are holistic in nature and purpose, each product containing its own unique intention.