At any rate, many of my older posts are geared toward education. Since I have loved learning about herbs and their uses, and by extension, essential oils, sharing that information is exciting and important to me. I don't want to loose that aspect of this blog, so I will continue to write an educational post once in a while. While this may not be each week, if there is something in particular that you would like to know more about, please let me know.
For this week, since I am sitting in a freezer and we are expecting up to six inches more snow today/tonight, I want to revisit the therapeutic value of taking a bath. A bath can revive, awaken, soothe, calm, and/or cure, depending what temperature it is and what you put into it.
A morning bath should be tonic in nature; stimulating the body, eliminating toxins, and relieving the body of physical tiredness. To accomplish this, they should be approximately 97 to 98 degrees F. Of course, this is why I rarely take a morning bath! LOL!
An evening bath can be uber relaxing, getting the body ready for sleep. It can also soothe tired, achy joints and muscles. For a relaxing, getting ready for bed bath, the temperature should be between body temperature (98.6 degrees F.) and 102 degrees F., depending upon personal preference. For a joint and muscle soothing bath, the water temperature should be between 104 and 107 degrees, depending upon your preference. If you are taking a bath after intense physical exercise or after a long, stressful day, you should use the joint and muscle soothing temperatures.
To augment the bathing experience and to help ensure reaching the desired goals/effects, adding an herbal tea or an essential oil (individual or a blend) to the water is a good idea. For a special treat, such as a home spa day, you can even try "thalassotherapy". Thalassotherapy is a water, aka bath, treatment that utilizes seawater, seaweed, algae and/or mud to revitalize the body. These treatments can nourish, detoxify, cleanse, rejuvenate, energize, and improve circulation.
Yes, you CAN do a thalassotherapy treatment at home, quite easily, if you have a good recipe. Of course I happen to have a recipe that takes just minutes of prep time and will offer you a great way to relax in the tub. Additionally, the seaweed (in this recipe) is rich in iodine and protein which are directly absorbed by the skins' pores. This means that they will affect the body on a cellular level, and, in the process, help to detoxify, stimulate, revive and remineralize the body as a whole. Additionally, the gel used in this recipe will help to regenerate and soothe dry, damaged skin, complimenting the effects of the seaweed.
All you need is 1/2 cup of dried seaweed powder (available at many soap and beauty supply shops) and 1/4 cup aloe gel (also available at many soap and beauty supply shops, Brambleberry.com, or in your local pharmacy *just make sure to get plain gel, no additives*). Pour the gel and the seaweed powder into your bath as it runs, then soak and relax for 20 minutes. Pat dry and moisturize when you are finished. This type of treatment can be draining, so be cautious to no overexert immediately after your bath.
*For herbal bathing recipes see this old post
Finally, with any and all baths it is recommended that you drink plenty of water or herbal tea after the bath in order to replenish bodily fluids. You should also moisturize the skin while it is still warm and moist, as this will allow the lotion to soak into the skin. Better absorption equals better product utilization, which equals softer, smoother skin and better protection.
**Disclaimer**
Any information I provide on oils, fragrances, herbs and/or butters is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition, nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. The information may not be complete, or entirely accurate. You should seek professional medical advice for any condition or ailment.
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