It’s a cold and windy day here in Portland, and all I can think of is how good it will feel to crawl into a nice hot bath later tonight with a cup of tea and a book. Pure heaven!
A good bathtub is an absolute necessity for me. When we were house-shopping, I paid closer attention to the set up of the bathroom than I did to the kitchen. Odd for someone whose life revolves so firmly around food…
Baths are soothing and healing on many levels:
They’re a great way to bring you into a nice relaxed state before bed. Most children have a bath as part of their bedtime ritual, and I think everyone should follow suit.
They ease mental and physical tension, soothing sore muscles and calming a busy mind. I often bring a book to read in the bath, and at least half the time I don’t even open it. I end up just sitting and staring at my toes or out the window. It’s one of the most effortless meditative experiences I know.
Done right, baths can support gentle detoxification, ease inflammation, and improve circulation. That’s a whole lot of health benefit right there!
They are a beautiful, nurturing way to give yourself a little extra love. Three cheers for self-care!
There’s no better time to take a nice hot bath than when you’re feeling under the weather. A bath is one of my front-line strategies during cold and flu season. And believe it or not, there are ways to really optimize your bath experience for maximum immune-boosting benefit.
Here’s my favorite recipe for a healing bath that supports the immune system – perfect for cold and flu season!
You’ll need:
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- 1 cup Baking soda
- Immune Support essential oil by Vibrant Blue Oils*
- Thymus essential oil by Vibrant Blue Oils*
(Guess what? Through December 31st, 2016, use the code EatNaked10 with your order of Vibrant Blue Oils and you’ll get 10% off your order! This is an exclusive offer for Eat Naked readers. Thanks Jodi!!)
Okay – back to the bath:
Draw yourself a bath as hot as you can take it. Add in the Epsom salt and baking soda. Instead of putting the oil in the bath, we’re going to do things a little differently.
Before getting in the tub, rub a couple of drops of Thymus over your Thymus gland (it’s in front of the heart). Get in the bath and soak for as long as you like, at least 15 minutes. I often go to a full hour.
When you get out of the tub, apply a drop of Immune Support straight to the bottom of your feet, and another drop diluted in some coconut oil over your throat. Put on some socks and crawl under the covers either for the night, or for at least 30 minutes. You’ll sweat out the cold.
That night, try to get as much sleep as possible. Remember: you only heal when you sleep! Also, make sure your hair is fully dry when you go to bed. Sleeping with a wet head of hair will increase the likelihood of you catching a chill and making things worse.
Whether you’re feeling sick or there’s something going around, this bath can be a part of your healing and prevention process.
Mmm, mm… I think I’ll go draw myself a bath right now!
*I have become a tremendous fan and avid user of the oils from Vibrant Blue Oils. Made by the amazing Jodi Cohen, these formulas are some of the highest quality, best smelling, and most effective oils I’ve ever used. You’ll be hearing more from me about these oils in the coming months.
Sounds amazing!