The Bathtub: Therapy in your Home

Powdered Kelp

I've talked a lot about how much I love the bathtub.  Check out posts here, here and here for a refresher.  Don't just take it from me; my teacher, world-renowned master herbalist Rosemary Gladstar has the following to say about "Therapy in a Tub":

Beauty begins in the bath.  A centuries-old ritual, herbal bathing is not only a soothing cosmetic affair it also has important therapeutic applications...It's unfortunate that the bath has been replaced with the shower, another of those quick conveniences of modern times.  Though certainly a quick way to freshen oneself, showers are no replacement for a long, luxurious soak.  I've heard people reflect that they don't like the idea of soaking in their dirty bath water.  Heavens, rinse off first if you're so dirty!  But don't forgo the pleasures of a bath.

Herbal baths can be extremely therapeutic.  The addition of specific herbs, essential oils, sea salts, or oats can be used to treat skin disorders, headaches, stress, anxiety, and congestion.  There have been several well-known herbalists whose preferred method of treatment was via the bath.  When bathing, the pores of the skin are open and receptive to the healing properties of the herbs.

Bathing in herbs is like immersing one's body in a giant cup of tea.  All the pores are open and skin, our largest organ of absorption and elimination, absorbs the healing essences of the herbs allowing you to emerge renewed and refreshed.

The SkIndulgence shop offers a variety of bath additives including salts, herbal blends, and oatmeal combinations.  I've formulated these products to assist in relaxation, sore muscles, and with anxiety.  In addition to these, I've previously posted several at-home recipes for preparing your own healing baths (links up at the top).

Talking about baths so much, I think I'm gonna jump in one right now!  Today I am going to add 1/2 cup of powdered kelp and 1/4 cup of aloe vera to the water for a perfect thalassotherapy (seawater) therapy treatment.  Seaweed is very rich in iodine and protein.  These nutrients are directly absorbed by the pores of the skin, affecting the body on a cellular level, and in the process will help detoxify, revive, remineralize and stimulate my body as a whole.  Aloe compliments the effect of the seaweed in that the gel helps regenerate and soothe damaged and dry skin.

If you try this seaweed bath yourself (please do, it's incredible), it is best to not overexert yourself immediately afterwards as seaweed baths can be draining.

Enjoy!

P.S. You can purchase kelp seaweed powder at most health food stores.  If you wish to purchase online, I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs.  The same for aloe vera gel - make sure to get pure aloe vera gel (no alcohol or other additives) from your health food store, or find it at Mountain Rose Herbs.