Here Are 10 Healthy Things to Use in Your Bath

There’s nothing quite like sinking into a warm, soothing bath after a long day. Taking a bath can be more than just a way to cleanse your body—it can be a ritual for relaxation, stress relief, and even improved health. But did you know that your bath can be more than just a relaxing ritual? 

Adding a few natural, healthy ingredients can transform your bath into a rejuvenating experience that benefits your skin, mind, and overall well-being. If you’re looking to soothe sore muscles, hydrate dry skin, or simply unwind, this article will introduce you to some of the best healthy additions to your bath.

1. Epsom Salts

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is one of the most popular bath additives, known for its ability to relax muscles and soothe sore joints. It helps to replenish magnesium levels, which can aid in reducing stress and promoting better sleep. Simply dissolve one to two cups in warm water and soak for 20–30 minutes. Epsom salts offer a wide range of benefits:

Relax Muscles: Magnesium helps ease muscle tension and soreness, making it perfect after a workout or a long day on your feet.

Detoxify: Epsom salts can help draw out toxins from the body, leaving you feeling refreshed.

Softens Skin: They exfoliate gently, leaving your skin smooth and soft.

How to Use: Add 1-2 cups of Epsom salts to your bathwater and soak for 20 minutes.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural cleanser that helps to balance skin pH, reduce irritation, and detoxify the body. It can also help with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Add half a cup to your bath for a soothing effect. Baking soda can work wonders for your skin and overall health.

Soothes Skin: Baking soda can help relieve itching, irritation, and sunburn.

Balances pH: It helps restore your skin’s natural pH, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Detoxifying: Like Epsom salts, baking soda can help draw out impurities.

How to Use: Add ½ to 1 cup of baking soda to your bath and stir until dissolved.

3. Oats

Oats aren’t just a breakfast staple—they’re also a fantastic addition to your bath, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin. Oatmeal baths are excellent for soothing dry, itchy, or irritated skin. Colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oats) is best, as it dissolves easily in water and creates a gentle, moisturising bath.

Moisturises: Oats are packed with natural oils that hydrate and nourish the skin.

Calms Irritation: They’re known for their anti-inflammatory properties, making them great for eczema or psoriasis.

Exfoliates: Ground oats gently remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin soft and smooth.

How to Use: Place 1 cup of rolled oats in a muslin bag or sock and let it soak in your bath water. Alternatively, grind the oats into a fine powder and sprinkle directly into the water.

4. Essential Oils

Essential oils are a luxurious way to enhance your bath, offering both aromatic and therapeutic benefits.

Lavender: Promotes relaxation and helps reduce stress.

Eucalyptus: Clears sinuses and invigorates the senses.

Tea Tree: Has antibacterial properties, making it great for acne-prone skin.

Chamomile: Soothes irritated skin and calms the mind.

How to Use: Mix 5-10 drops of your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil (like coconut or almond oil) before adding it to your bath. This helps disperse the oil evenly and prevents skin irritation.

You can source quality essential oils online from health stores such as Life Powders. 

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar might sound like an unusual addition, but it’s a powerhouse for your skin and overall health.

Balances Skin: Its natural acidity helps restore your skin’s pH balance.

Softens Skin: It can leave your skin feeling silky smooth.

Detoxifies: Apple cider vinegar is known for its detoxifying properties.

How to Use: Add 1-2 cups of apple cider vinegar to your bath and soak for 20-30 minutes.

6. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a natural moisturiser that can turn your bath into a deeply hydrating experience.

Nourishes Skin: It’s rich in fatty acids that hydrate and soften the skin.

Protects Skin Barrier: Helps lock in moisture and repair the skin’s natural barrier.

Adds a Luxurious Feel: Leaves your skin feeling silky and pampered.

How to Use: Melt 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil and add it to your bathwater. Be careful, as it can make the tub slippery!

7. Herbal Teas or Fresh Herbs

Herbs like chamomile, rosemary, and mint can add a touch of nature to your bath, offering both visual appeal and therapeutic benefits.

Chamomile: Calms the skin and mind.

Rosemary: Invigorates and improves circulation.

Mint: Refreshes and cools the skin.

How to Use: Steep a handful of fresh herbs or a few tea bags in hot water, then add the infusion to your bath.

8. Sea Salt

Sea salt is another excellent addition to your bath, offering a range of benefits for your skin and body.

Exfoliates: Helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

Mineral-rich: Contains magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which nourish the skin.

Relaxes: Promotes relaxation and stress relief.

How to Use: Add 1-2 cups of sea salt to your bath and soak for 20 minutes.

9. Milk and Honey

For a truly indulgent bath, try milk and honey—a combination that’s been used for centuries for its skin-loving properties. Milk baths have been used for centuries to soften and hydrate the skin. The lactic acid in milk acts as a gentle exfoliant, while the fats and proteins nourish and smooth the skin. Opt for full-fat milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for the best results.

Hydrates: Milk’s lactic acid gently exfoliates and hydrates, while honey is a natural humectant that locks in moisture.

Soothes: Perfect for dry or sensitive skin.

Adds Luxury: Creates a creamy, spa-like experience.

How to Use: Mix 1-2 cups of whole milk with ½ cup of honey and add to your bathwater.

10. Green Tea

Green tea isn’t just a healthy drink—it’s also great for your skin. Green tea is packed with antioxidants, which can help to combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. Simply steep a few tea bags in hot water, then pour the infused water into your bath for a detoxifying and skin-soothing experience.

Antioxidant-Rich: Helps protect the skin from free radicals.

Soothes Inflammation: Calms irritated skin and reduces redness.

Detoxifies: Helps cleanse the skin and pores.

How to Use: Steep 4-5 green tea bags in hot water, then add the infusion to your bath.

Tips for the Perfect Healthy Bath

Water Temperature: Keep it warm, not hot, to avoid drying out your skin.

Timing: Soak for 15-30 minutes to reap the full benefits.

Hydrate: Drink a glass of water before and after your bath to stay hydrated.

Follow Up: Pat your skin dry and apply a moisturiser to lock in hydration.

Final Thoughts

Turning your bath into a healthy, soothing experience is easier than you might think. With simple, natural ingredients like Epsom salts, essential oils, oats, and more, you can create a spa-like retreat in the comfort of your own home. Whether you want to relax, detoxify, or pamper your skin, these additions will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised.

So, next time you draw a bath, why not try one of these healthy ingredients? Your mind, body, and skin will thank you!

Image by Alexandr Ivanov from Pixabay