Original Date: 8/26/2019 Published Date: 7/26/2020
Bathing is one of the most ancient beauty and stress-relieving secrets. We see examples of bathing in the Bible and other ancient texts. Egyptians were some of the first known people to use a bathing practice widely. In fact, some scholars believe that Egyptians bathed up to four times a day! They were not playing about their cleanliness; in addition to being the first to soak in hot water, they also added spices, essential oils, and flower oils.
Can we talk a little about Cleopatra's baths of donkey's milk, honey, lavender, and rose petal? No wonder she was known for her radiant skin and youthful glow.
SIDE NOTE: Ummm...is anyone else thinking that this would be the perfect tea latte? (errr...subbing the donkey's milk) I recently had a friend, Cachet, introduce me to a bath of apple cider vinegar and baking soda. It's incredible. The vinegar balances the skin’s pH, which makes it excellent for my eczema. It's also good for sunburn, dandruff, and dry, itchy skin. Baking soda is also suitable for relieving itching and much more.
Just add a cup or two of vinegar and 1/4 cup of baking soda into your bath. Enjoy!
Another favorite additive for itchy skin is oatmeal. Make sure that you blend the oatmeal into an excellent powder and run under the water. The powder moisturizes and soothes inflammation caused by both skin conditions and bug bites.
Now, many wellness experts suggest that lukewarm baths are perfect for the hot months. Hot baths or showers are never recommended for dry skin or skin conditions because hot water can trigger skin reactions. On the other hand, they do not suggest a cold bath, which can use too much energy to regulate your body temperature.
The additions are based on your needs. Like my African ancestors, adding essential oils, (my favorites) lavender or eucalyptus takes an ordinary bath to praiseworthy. Another idea that comes straight from the Mother Land is adding charcoal to your bath. Specifically, the women of the Himba tribe take smoke baths. Interestingly enough, there isn't water involved in their smoke baths, but activated charcoal absorbs dirt and oil from the skin when added to water. It's best for oily skin.
My mom enjoys a workout recovery Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) bath, which provides relief from muscle pain. Bathing in Epsom salts is also said to reduce bloating, stress, and symptoms of arthritis. My mother-in-law enjoys a daily bubble bath after a long day at work as a way to relax and transition into a restful evening rhythm.
How you enjoy your bath is up to you, but I will highly suggest dim lighting, candles, and drinking water. If music is your thing, too, one of my favorite bathtime songs is The World Can Wait (Live).
Found this recipe for a "SOOTHING BATH TEA RECIPE (CALMS RASHES, BUG BITES, IRRITATIONS & MORE!)" on Rubies & Radishes. I'm going to try it. We will give updates on Instagram @shalompolepole and our weekly newsletter.
Pray, you're well. Enjoy a summer bath.
Shalom, Friends.
Shelby
Updated: You can find this video on our Video Channel. Warning: it's not great for water usage. But it's absolutely wonderful for stress. I've recently been doing it on nights that I feel cortisol (from toxic stress) building. Although I run the water with Epsom salt, lavender, and bubble bath, I wash off with a quick shower while the water is running.
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