In these stressful times, we can all use a little help. Taking a bath is a perfect, albeit temporary, way to allow tension to melt off of your body and down the drain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many things people add to baths to achieve a state of momentary bliss like oils, bubbles, milk and salts. But I always go for the bath bombs. They\u2019re inexpensive, incorporate the benefits of many healing substances and you can make them yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But what are bath bombs good for? Do they have any other benefit aside from being a bath additive? Bath bombs have all the sensuousness of fizzing<\/a> bubbles along with moisturizing and detoxifying properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Almost all bath bombs contain three ingredients: Baking soda, citric acid and salt. These things have a long history of use, especially with women\u2019s at-home spa and beauty care rituals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When your fist-sized ball of happiness hits warm water, a marvelous explosion happens with copious amounts of fizz. A one-hour soak will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed encompassed in a sense of peace and relaxation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All components of a bath bomb work together to remove impurities from the surface of the skin. They can get down into the dermis and epidermis to detox and remove free radicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Baking soda assists with maintaining a vaginal pH balance and controlling candida infestation<\/a> associated with yeast infections. Decades-long wisdom proves that adding baking soda to your bath can help reduce inflammation, redness, rashes, psoriasis and eczema<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Citric acid is well-known for its wonderful detoxification and antioxidant properties<\/a>. It\u2019s a weak acid found in fruits, herbs and vegetables with endless anti-inflammatory benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The light exfoliating action of baking soda helps slough off dead skin cells, making skin supple which slows the aging process. There is evidence showing how using salt (like Epsom, dead sea or Himalayan Pink salts) in your bath can strengthen the skin barrier<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All bath bombs contain some type of plant starch. The two most common are either cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Both of these have mild exfoliating and skin-softening capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Citric acid protects cell regeneration, retaining skin\u2019s elasticity and youthful glow. Carrier oils (like coconut, olive, grape seed or argan) fortify activity provided by the citric acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Essential and fragrance oils can have an immense soothing effect. Not only can they make for a divine bathroom atmosphere, but also help sooth the cockles of your heart. Rose, lavender, lily, vanilla, chamomile, lilac and lily of the valley can have magical melting effects on depression, tension, anxiety, worry and heartbreak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Himalayan Pink salt can uplift the heart, instilling a sense of ease and peace. Likewise, citric acid has a deep healing effect on the heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most bath bombs do not use animal byproducts and are great for anyone with allergies to things like gluten, coconut and dairy. If you make them yourself, you\u2019ll ensure you won\u2019t contaminate your system or absorb something you don\u2019t want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Baking soda can ease constipation, neutralize germs and reduce urinary tract infections. Citric acid helps improve brain, digestion, kidney and liver functions in small doses. Both of these substances have alkalizing properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Epsom salts have a 400-year history in muscle relaxation<\/a>. In fact, studies prove how magnesium deficiencies link with frequent episodes of depression<\/a> and bouts of anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Essential and fragrance oils possess a myriad of health benefits. For colds and flu, elderberry, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree and rosemary clear the sinuses and open airways. Problems sleeping? Try using hemp, lemon balm, chamomile and lavender. Make sure your essential oils are pure and that fragrance oils are in the clear for skin care. Having the wrong types may cause problems and negate the bomb\u2019s other ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always consult your doctor or trusted health professional if you have any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Baking soda can promote perspiration (this can be good or bad depending). Replace Epsom salts<\/a> with Himalayan Pink salt if diabetes or digestive problems are an issue. Too much citric acid can be debilitating to your system, resulting in digestive disturbances, muscle cramps and dizziness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carrier oils are also an important factor regarding your skin. If you have dry skin, go for coconut or olive oil. If you have oily skin or prone to acne, choose grape seed or argan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Almost anyone can ease their stress with a bath bomb. When you\u2019re finished, you will feel more calm and peaceful. Purification and strength will come from the depths of your beautiful being to the outermost layers of skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ‘Citric Acid Effects on Brain and Liver Oxidative Stress in Lipopolysaccharide-Treated Mice’ by the Journal of Medicinal Food<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n ‘Magnesium in Man’ <\/a>Implications for Health and Disease’a physiological review by the American Physiological Society <\/p>\n\n\n\n ‘Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin<\/a>‘ by the National Center of Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Magnesium: A Mineral Essential for Health Yet Generally Underestimated or Even Ignored<\/a>‘ by the Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences ()<\/p>\n\n\n\n ‘Eczema and Bathing<\/a>‘ by the National Eczema Association ()<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Purification ; Detoxification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2. Softening ; Anti-Aging<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Heart ; Soul<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Vegan ; Allergen Friendly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. A Bevy of Benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some Warnings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n