Health

It’s bath time! How to run the perfect bath

May 21, 2015

It’s getting into the winter months which means it’s the perfect time for a bath. A bath is great for so many reasons, particularly enabling you to relax and soothe your muscles and weary bones. The key to a perfect bath is in the ambience, warmth of the water and the right fragrance and products.

Tips for the best bath ever

Make your lighting soft and low either with candles or by turning down the lights. Your phone or a radio/CD player are ideal (keep away from the water!) for creating the perfect surrounds for your relaxing winter bath. Spotify have some great playlists.
Ensure the water is hot enough to last – it sounds like a no brainer but if you want to have a long bath, you’ll need a lot of hot water but not so hold it scolds your skin.
The more bath salts, the better! Epsom salts are great for tired arms and legs.
Keep your curtain closed – after you step into your luxurious bath, partially or completely close the shower curtain or door. This not only seals in heat (so water takes longer to cool), but it keeps in all that crucial steam that will open and cleanse the pores in your skin.
Take a half an hour bath – lie back and stay there for at least 30 minutes so your bath salts or bombs soak in and the warmth of the water improves your circulation and lowers your blood pressure. Relax your mind and wash your cares away

Essential oils

Lavender: lowers heart rate and blood pressure for anti-anxiety; helps insomnia; soothes inflamed skin
Eucalyptus: decongestant; soothing for sore throat and cough; soothes muscle pain; rejuvenating and destresser
Jasmine: anti-depressant; relieves muscle spasm (including coughing); destresser.
Rose: anti-depressant; soothes coughing and muscle pain
Bergamot: anti-anxiety; relieves soreness
Patchouli: anti-anxiety; antidepressant; soothes skin; helps fluid retention

Use by mixing and matching your favourites and adding a couple of drops to a running bath. Essential oils are strong so you don’t need a lot to have a lovely strong scent.