Time to toss those expired bubble baths and grungy sponges. Instead, stock up on natural bath ingredients to enhance your soak.
Oatmeal
If you had an oatmeal bath as a child to soothe chicken pox, you’ve experienced oatmeal’s well-documented ability to relieve itchy, inflamed skin. Pick up colloidal oatmeal (very finely ground oats not intended for eating) at a health food store, or make colloidal oatmeal by grinding plain, uncooked oats.
How to use: Add a handful to bathwater and soak for five to 10 minutes.
Epsom salts
Naturally occurring compounds of the minerals magnesium and sulfate, Epsom salts are readily found at health food stores and have many health and household uses. Thought to help relieve tired, sore muscles and inflammation, an Epsom salt bath is a dreamy way to end the day.
How to use: Add 2 cups to bathwater and soak for 10 minutes.
Green tea
Green tea is well known for its antioxidant properties. But along with drinking this much-loved beverage, many people swear by adding green tea to their baths.
How to use: Add about six green tea bags to bathwater. Let them steep for 15 to 20 minutes, then remove them.
Honey
Adding honey to bathwater results in a luxuriously fragrant, skin-softening soak. Honey helps skin retain moisture, and it also boasts antibacterial properties.
How to use: Pick up natural honey from your local health food store and add 1/4 cup to bathwater.
Bath oils
Bath oils help leave skin silky soft. Choose one with natural plant or nut oils like jojoba, almond, flax, or coconut oil.
How to use: Follow the directions on the bottle—you’ll typically add a few drops to bathwater.
