Soak the Season In: The Benefits of Bath Salts & Soaks
- Serge and Veronika
- Jun 17, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 2
When winter settles in, our bodies start to crave warmth—deep, soothing, soul-melting warmth. And what better way to invite that in than with a warm bath? The colder months practically beg us to draw a hot bath, slip in slowly, and let the steam soften not just our skin, but our stress too.
Now, warm water on its own is relaxing, but why stop there? Let’s take your bath from “ahh” to aaahhhmazing with the help of mineral salts, essential oils, herbal teas, and nourishing bath soaks. These little additions can turn a simple soak into a full-body healing ritual.
Curious what bath salts and soaks actually do for you? Here's just a short list of the many potential benefits:
Benefits of Bath Salts and Soaks
Relieve stress and promote deeper, more restful sleep
Improve mental clarity and concentration
Support muscle and nerve function
Regulate over 325 enzymatic processes in the body
Help prevent hardening of arteries and reduce risk of blood clots
Enhance insulin effectiveness for better blood sugar balance
Reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles and cramps
Improve oxygen absorption and circulation
Support detoxification and flush toxins from the body
Aid nutrient absorption
Support formation of healthy joints, brain tissue, and mucin (protective lining) proteins
Alleviate or prevent migraine headaches
That’s a whole lot of goodness from something you toss into the tub!
Choosing the Right Bath Salt (Read That Label Closely!)
Not all bath salts are created equal. Don’t be swayed by glitter, bright colors, or strong perfumes—those are often signs of artificial additives. True healing soaks are simple, clean, and rooted in nature.
Look for ingredients like:
Natural Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)
Unrefined Sea Salt
Pink Himalayan Salt (rich in minerals)
Mineral Rock Salt
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate – soothing and detoxifying)
Pure, therapeutic-grade Essential Oils
Dried Herbs like lavender, calendula, rose, chamomile, eucalyptus, pine, or mint
Vegetable Glycerin (a natural humectant that draws moisture to the skin)
Ingredients to Avoid (Your Skin Will Thank You)
Be cautious of common additives that do more harm than good. When shopping for bath products, steer clear of:
Synthetic Colors – Natural salts range from white, off-white, soft pinks, or muted grays. If it’s neon green or sparkly blue, it’s likely synthetic.
Fragrance Oils – These are not the same as essential oils. Look for ingredients like “Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)” instead of “Lavender Fragrance.” If it says “fragrance,” put it back!
Unrecognizable Ingredients – If you can’t pronounce it, don’t soak in it. Bath soaks should be simple and clean.
Mineral Oil – Despite its name, it’s a synthetic byproduct of petroleum—not a nourishing addition. Avoid it.
DIY: Your Own Nourishing Bath Salt Blend
Making your own bath salts is easier than you think—and gives you total control over what you're soaking in. Plus, it’s fun to customize and makes a wonderful homemade gift!
Basic DIY Bath Salt Recipe:
1 cup Epsom salts
1 cup baking soda
40–50 drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, citrus, or chamomile are all lovely)
Optional Add-ins:
A handful of dried herbs
A tablespoon of pink Himalayan salt
A splash of vegetable glycerin for extra skin-softening
A few drops of natural food-grade color if gifting (be cautious—natural is key!)
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
Store in an airtight, non-metal container.
To use: add 4 tablespoons to a warm bath, swirl the water to dissolve, and soak for 20–30 minutes.
Take deep breaths, let go, and soak in the healing.
Final Thought:Non-toxic, nourishing self-care doesn't have to be boring—it can be luxurious, uplifting, and incredibly restorative. When you treat your body with care, it thanks you in return.
So light a safe, natural candle, run that warm bath, and turn your bathroom into a sanctuary. You deserve it.
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