In the past, pampering myself was not a priority when I was younger. Now, after beginning my herbal studies, I have learned of the wonderful benefits herbs have on wellness and skin care, so I am viewing pampering through another lens. Incorporating herbs into my life is a multi-level process. First, I tackled cooking with more healthy herbs and then I continue to experiment with herbal tea blends. Now, I am learning that our skin absorbs so many things in our environment, including beneficial herbal elements.
There are so many things that ails us where herbs can offer benefits. As you can imagine, there are many options for herbal treatment. One of the most direct ways to get the benefits of herbs is soaking in a warm bath infused with herbal bath salts so thus continues my herbal journey into the world of soaking salts. Of course, the star of the show is salt but welcomed additions include dried herbs.
I am pleased to introduce my first two bath salt products in the Ageless Apothecary’s Spa collection. Both recipes were researched and tested until it came out “right.” Enjoy the dead sea salt and herbal blends in your next bath or gift it to someone who loves to soak this Christmas.
100% Natural Dead Sea Salt- Both products contain the therapeutic benefits of the minerals in the Dead Sea. These salts help detoxify and replenish your skin while offering stress relief benefits.
The main reason most soak in a tub is to relieve aches and pains in their joints and muscles so naturally, my first concoction is a soothing soaking salt. This contains a blend of herbs known to offer relief to sore muscles and soothes away pain, not to mention the amazing aromatherapy scents and the way it makes your skin feel. Below are some of the star ingredients to this salt soak.
Calendula (Calendula officinale) – This garden flower, also known as marigold, moisturizes and nourishes your skin which leads to more suppleness. Topically, it soothes aching muscles and helps with muscle spasms. Your skin feels smooth and hydrated after a soak.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) – German chamomile is known for its soothing properties and anxiety relief. The properties in this herb have anti-inflammatory and assists with managing and soothing fibromyalgia flare ups.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Yarrow has been used for thousands of years throughout Europe and Asia and assists with symptomatic relief of general rheumatic pain and muscle and joint pains. Soaking in yarrow can also relieve skin disorders.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – The warming properties of Ginger Root is a key ingredient to sooth pain. Studies have found ginger root can reduce the production of chemical substances (that promote joint inflammation. Ginger also contains salicylates which transforms into salicylic acid which prevents your nerves from making certain prostaglandins and this eases pain and discomfort. (Versusarthritis.com)
Sometimes you just need to hydrate your skin and feel rejuvenated. Purify and Hydrate contains organic, pure botanical ingredients providing you with a relaxing soak.
Hibiscus Flower (Hibiscus sabdarifla) – This amazing botanical has so many benefits to rejuvenate the skin. It is rich in antioxidants, called anthocyanocides that protect against free radical damage and assists in supporting smooth skin. Great to use if you have sensitive skin. The Organic acids present in Hibiscus are citric, hydroxy citric, tartaric, malic, and ascorbic which help to purifies your skin by breaking down dead skin and increasing cell turnover. (Izquierdo-Vega, 2020)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Relax and be calm while your skin soaks up the herbal benefits of English Lavender, especially if you have sensitive skin. Lavender has a long history of medicinal use since the Medieval times by Physicians to treat epilepsy and migraines. Lavender has muscle relaxing properties and is beneficial in managing pain and tremors as well as possessing anticonvulsant, anti-depressive, anxiolytic, sedative, and calming properties. (Koulivand, 2013)
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata) – This aroma instantly makes you feel better and has been a home remedy for years. The therapeutic essential oil, Eucalyptus radianta, is in this bath salt soak. It is known for increasing blood circulation which have so many benefits to overall mood and health. An added benefit is it can benefit any skin disorder and will assist in sore muscles & joints.
Works cited
Complementary and alternative medicines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia." Versusarthritis.com, Arthritis Care and Arthritis Research UK., 2012, www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/ginger/.
Izquierdo-Vega, Jeannett A et al. “Organic Acids from Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)-A Brief Review of Its Pharmacological Effects.” Biomedicines vol. 8,5 100. 28 Apr. 2020, doi:10.3390/biomedicines8050100
Koulivand, Peir Hossein et al. “Lavender and the nervous system.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM vol. 2013 (2013): 681304. doi:10.1155/2013/681304