EFFECTIVE, QUICK BATH SOAKS

Most of us lead hectic lives, for that reason or, just as a treat, set aside at least 1/2 hour each week for a therapeutic bath soak. You may wish to relax afterwards, be invigorated or simply pamper yourself. Here are my favourite recipes, go on.......treat yourself !!!

Ideal Bath Temperatures

Cool 65-75 degrees (F), 18-24 degrees (C)
Tepid 75-85 degrees (F), 24-30 (C)
85-95 degrees (F), 30-35 (C). Most beneficial

FEEDING & EXFOLIATING SKIN SOAK

6 tbsps Coarse Oatmeal
Muslin Cloth
12" length of string !!!

Pile the Oatmeal into the middle of the piece of Muslin cloth. Gather up the edges and tie together with the string in a knot. Hang around the taps as the water is running allowing the warm water to run through the Oatmeal. This releases the beautiful softening agents within. Soak for 15 minutes then use the muslin 'bag' to rub over the body. This acts as a natural exfoliation. Only use once as all of the beneficial properties will be infused into the water after one use. This will be of benefit to all skin types.

ITCHY/IRRITATED SKIN

5 Chamomile Tea Bags
12" length of string or cotton

Float 4 Chamomile Tea Bags in the bathwater as it is running, after tying them together loosely. 'Swish' the water around to infuse the Chamomile into the water. Whilst the water is filling the bath make yourself a cup of Chamomile tea using the 5th Tea bag and drink it within the peace and quiet of the bathroom !!! What a way to relax whilst soothing the skin and mind. This bath treatment is ideal for inflamed, itchy or sun burned skin.

INVIGORATING AND UPLIFTING

5 Peppermint Tea Bags
12" length of string

Tie together 4 of the Tea bags and float them in the bathwater as it is running. 'Swish' the water around to infuse the Tea bags. Make a cup of Peppermint Tea with the 5th bag and drink whilst laid in the bath !! Double the effect !! This is extremely invigorating and can 'set you up for the day' !!! It is also useful if you need to revive yourself after a long day at work or after a long day with children and you are going out for the evening.

CALMING/RELAXING

Bunch of dried Lavender(or) fresh from the garden.
Bunch of Rosemary, fresh or dried

String to tie together

Tie the herbs together, be they fresh or dry. If they are fresh then 'bruise' them by rolling the herbs in your hands until they ooze sap slightly. This enables their therapeutic properties to enter the water more quickly. Allow them to float in the water as it is running and leave them there throughout a 20 minute soak. Pure bliss !!!

Whilst soaking in any of the above 'recipes', allow the cares of the day to float away into the water from your body. When you pull out the plug to empty the bath.......watch those troubles disappear !

          MAIL