I know baths are on every self-care list out there but that is for good reason. There is a hugely therapeutic element to taking a bath. In a society that encourages us to do, do, do all of the time, it can be hard to hang out in still water for 20 minutes or more. You can bring a calming music playlist, a book, or some toys with you into the bathtub. Yes, you read that right! There’s also no need to feel like a fish in a bowl of hot water. Add bath salts to the water, tea bags, flower petals, herbs, or essential oils.
When I take a bath, it is an opportunity to release tightness in my body and relax. It’s not an everyday thing but I try to honor those cravings when I feel them because it means my spirit is in need of a little TLC (or I’m just sore after a workout). If I don’t have time for a full on bath, I like to also just soak my feet in hot water. You can fill up a basin or sit on your bathroom counter top, if you’re lazy like me.
Our feet are a huge place of stored tension and energy so it’s important to tend to them. You can add a sprinkle of the mustard bath (recipe below) to your foot soak, too! A few minutes, or however long feels good to you, will work wonders for relieving stress and helping you feel revived.
I like to follow up both of these with a self-administered foot massage and lots of lotion!
Okay, let’s move on to the recipe. I bet half the people who clicked over here thought I was talking about squeezing French’s mustard all over myself but nooo. Save that for your hot dogs. For this bath soak, you’ll need dry mustard powder. You can find this in the spice section of most grocery stores or order online for a better price in bulk!
I pulled inspiration from Ayurveda but many cultures have traditionally used mustard baths as a way to heal from sickness by drawing toxins out of the body with the spices, salts, and hot water. It can also be used for body aches and pains. You’re going to sweat a lot but that’s where the healing takes place!
If you happen to be more of a buy than a DIY person, Dr. Singha’s makes the original mustard bath soak which you can find here.
DIY Mustard Bath Soak Recipe
- 1 cup Epsom salt*
- 1/2 cup sea salt
- 1/3 cup organic mustard seed powder
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 Tbsp. organic ginger root powder
- 1 tsp. organic cinnamon powder
- 20 drops of essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, and clove*
Instructions:
In a large jar, add everything from the Epsom salt to the essential oils. Tightly seal the lid and shake to combine all ingredients.
To Use:
As you fill your bathtub, add 1/3 – 1/2 cup of soak mix to the water. If soaking only your feet, opt for 1 heaped tbsp and add to very warm water.
Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll likely feel your body heat up but this is natural. This is how the toxins come out. If you experience discomfort, soak for less time. A longer soak is not recommended.
Afterwards, rinse yourself and the tub (to prevent stains) and be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
NOTE:
*If your Epsom salt is enhanced with essential oils already, you could skip the essential oils or reduce for your liking.
Adapted from Mountain Rose Herbs