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Below the recipe, you can find a breakdown of the benefits of each ingredient. With the dry air from cold winds outside and heat indoors, I find this is the perfect blend right now to soothe aching joints and muscles, calm dry skin issues and generally promote an uplifted mentality. With the relaxing bath salt, and delicious scent, I’m going to call it a TKO. If it’s You vs Winter, get ready to be a winner. Enjoy!
- Dead Sea Salt has many benefits for the skin and can be used to treat various skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and general dryness but can also be used to address aches and pains from arthritis and muscle soreness/stiffness, post-workout, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. As per the name, this salt is harvested from the Dead Sea in Israel and has been known and used for its miraculous healing properties for thousands of years. With regular use, you should notice a significant decrease in any redness, dryness and arthritic symptoms. You can also substitute epsom salt in your bath, as magnesium is the key to reducing inflammation from arthritic symptoms. However, it is the solar ultraviolet radiation in the dead sea which offers key benefits in treating skin conditions. So dead sea salt is my choice for bath salt, due to the added skin benefits. Dead sea salt has no known safety concerns however, it should not be ingested. I also caution against using too much, as using more than the guided amount (about 2-4T is enough) can be toxic. Per clinical studies, a 20-minute bath, daily for three weeks showed significant improvement in symptoms of skin conditions.
- Virgin Coconut Oil has increased in popularity in the last few years as a healthier alternative for cooking oil. But its benefits as a topical treatment for skin is also widely acknowledged by dermatologists. Raw, virgin coconut oil, which has not been bleached or refined, in particular, proves a perfect candidate as a skin moisturizer. Research shows that regular topical use of coconut oil results in increased skin hydration, producing higher surface lipid levels on the skin, that closely resemble oils produced naturally in skin. In other research, coconut oil has been shown to have excellent anti-bacterial properties, actually increasing bacterial resistance- a great benefit for current times! Due to the combination of skin barrier repair and antibacterial properties, this is my go-to carrier oil for essential oil recipes. I have been using coconut oil for my skin for about ten years and can attest to its benefits personally- greater moisturization that is longer lasting, less itching, eczema completely cured and decreased acne breakouts. Studies also show that the risk of allergic reaction to this oil is low. Everyone’s skin is different so you may prefer another carrier oil such as Sweet Almond or Jojoba. My skin has a clear preference for coconut oil. If you find that your skin feels “too oily” when using coconut oil as a moisturizer, it may just be that you need to rub it in better. I find that it absorbs readily but does require to be rubbed in more vigorously than your average lotion. When used in the bath, as in this recipe, I also recommend using a washcloth to gently rub down your skin towards the end of the bath, this helps exfoliate dead skin cells and wipes off excess oil. You can also do a quick rinse off after your bath and begin rubbing in the oils prior to exiting the shower. Toweling off will also dry up some oil, so patting the skin down rather than rubbing skin with the towel will help prevent too much oil being absorbed and increase the benefits of your soak.
- Rose Hip Oil comes in as a close second place with skin health experts in terms of benefits. Another ancient wonder-remedy whose praises have been sung for centuries, like its friend, coconut. Made from the seeds of rose hips, this oil is chock full of vitamin A, C, E and F, antioxidants and fatty acids that make it an ideal moisturizer for body and face. Vitamin F is associated with cellular membrane and tissue regeneration, so this oil may help address not only issues with dryness but also may reduce fine lines, scars, redness and dark spots. Research concludes that the vitamin C in rose hips can actually stimulate collagen production and restore elasticity and combat free radicals that cause skin damage, making it a natural anti-aging remedy that can compete with Botox for effectiveness, while being totally safe and natural. I can personally attest to the benefits of this lovely oil for reducing acne scars and stretch marks and also preventing breakouts, while being very light and absorbent, as a moisturizer. While I add this oil to my bath blends, I also like to take a few drops and rub it on my clean face for about a minute during bath time.
- Tangerine Essential Oil is shown to promote healthy skin and relieve pain, along with just smelling deliciously exhilarating! This aroma is known to promote relaxation and reduce nervous tension. Vitamin C in citrus oils have a brightening quality that give skin a healthy glow and also boost collagen production, addressing the effects of aging, similarly to rose hip oil. But for me, the main benefit of tangerine essential oil is that it improves mentality and calms anxiety. When used in the bath before bed, it may improve sleep and generally improve overall mental wellbeing. Its pain-relieving properties, combined with its mood boosting properties make is an ideal oil to use for relieving PMS symptoms like cramps but is also another great oil for arthritis and muscle pain relief. I can’t get enough of this fragrant citrus oil and I love how the pleasant aroma lingers on the skin after the bath.
- Vitamin E Oil is actually a combination of fat-soluble vitamins that contain antioxidant effects. In addition to moisturizing dry skin, some research has shown vitamin E promotes wound healing and has similar benefits to rose hip oil for combatting wrinkles, stretch marks and other signs of aging and also promotes nail health. No matter what aromatic essential oil blend I am using in my baths and skin care recipes, Vitamin E is always on the list.
- Patchouli Oil is also known for its many skin benefits such as treating skin conditions, dryness, acne and cracked skin. While patchouli may help tone and tighten skin, it can also help address dandruff and oily scalp. So go ahead and slide all the way into this bath- your scalp will also be happier! The anti-inflammatory properties in this oil will also help address scarring and aid in wound healing. But it may be most widely known to promote feelings of positivity and intimacy. I find the fragrant combination of the patchouli with the tangerine to have a dreamy quality- relaxing, uplifting and warming.
- Cypress Essential Oil is clinically shown to reduce fluid retention, so it is an excellent candidate to use on the skin if there is any issue with swelling or edema. Cypress oil comes from the evergreen tree of the same name and is powerful in its ability to fight infection, aid in breathing and relieve anxiety. This oil may speed the healing of wounds and prevent infection while also treating muscle cramps, spasms and injuries. As a diuretic, cypress can help flush toxins, which in turn helps reduce swelling and prevent acne flare ups. It can also aid in relieving the symptoms of respiratory conditions. Combined with the tangerine and patchouli oils, you may find all your winter woes addressed with this one blend. All while smelling heavenly! After a foot injury, I bathed with the cypress oil daily for weeks and it made a huge impact on my recovery. I found I had less pain, decreased swelling and faster healing time. This oil has really helped with my Mom’s edema.
- Tea Tree Essential Oil is a well-known skin oil for treating all kinds of skin conditions and promote overall skin health. Perhaps most well-known for its ability to conquer acne issues, modern research backs up why so many have used this oil for centuries. Tea tree is a safe, natural and gentle alternative to many pricey acne fixes that may irritate the skin. It has also been shown to help treat cold sores and other bacterial infections, promote wound healing and soothe dry skin due to the terpenes in the oil which have antimicrobial properties. I find the addition of a couple drops of this oil sets off the other scents in this blend just perfectly as well.
All ingredients are considered safe and effective for most people, however if you have any concerns, please discuss with your health care provider.
Flourishing Vine 