Mineral baths are made from beneficial inorganic substances gallantly provided by the Earth from its crust. Our cellular processes need these vital minerals. These minerals include: Magnesium, Iron, Sulfur, Calcium, Zinc, Sodium, Selenium. These minerals are essential parts of our body processes for good reasons. They are beneficial for our physical health and our equally-important psychological well-being.
Magnesium, for instance, is a mineral involved in almost 300 biochemical reactions inside our system. It lowers down blood pressure, regulates our blood flow, and boosts our immunity. It also fights depression. An adult body has 25 grams of Magnesium, of which 15 grams go straight to our skeletal system. The remaining 10 grams are for our body fluids, muscles, and soft tissues.
When it comes to elemental Iron, the recommended daily allowance depends on the gender and age. A male adult requires 8 milligrams while a female adult needs 18 milligrams of iron daily. We need Iron to support our immune system, gastrointestinal processes, and body temperature regulation. People with Iron deficiency often experience depression, anxiety, and a decrease in concentrations.
Hyponatremia or Sodium deficiency exacerbates restlessness, irritability, and confusion. Selenium deficiency can affect our mood. Seeing the importance of minerals in the human body, one can appreciate a mineral bath.
Why Take Mineral Baths?
Our bodies are deficient in minerals for several reasons; a main reason is the modern agricultural practice where the soil used is deficient in these minerals. While some people use supplements, a warm relaxing mineral bath is a great way to bring these minerals in to our bodies. This Trans-dermal Mineral Therapy, allows the skin to absorb the minerals instead of incorporating it into the diet or through supplements.
The Psychological Benefits of Mineral Baths
Mineral baths are helpful to settle the over-active mind, especially for those who experience restlessness, agitation and anxiety. Finishing the day with a warm mineral bath can lead to a more relaxed body and calm mind before bed. Soaking in mineral baths can lower your blood pressure, increase your blood circulation, and boosts your metabolism.
The History of Therapeutic Baths
It is likely that humans found therapeutic baths in hot springs, where the water is warm and minerals are abundant in the hard water and volcanic activity underground. Think of the Vikings in the Blue Lagoon of Iceland; would they not have enjoy a therapeutic bath when they could? Here is a video of the Icelandic Blue Lagoon on a winter’s day to inspire your next mineral bath:
During the 2nd Century B.C., Rome was the first to develop bathhouses. In 25 B.C., chief deputy, Agrippa, built the first-ever large bathhouse with facilities or what is known as a thermae. According to Harold Whetstone Johnston in The Private Life of the Romans, “To the Roman of early times, the bath has stood for health and decency only.”
“To the Roman of early times, the bath has stood for health and decency only”
Romans adore their baths and used it for socializing and relaxation. Soon after, the hot bath system got introduced to their intensifying needs of developing their public bathhouses. Pompeii had hot water piped into the bathhouses. However, chlorination was not industrialized yet, so the baths were grimy back then.
First, the Romans would sweat and relax at the tepidarium before they being anointed with oils and serviced by slaves who rubbed their skin clean. They would later to go to the laconicom for further sweating and cleaning. It was a fancy way of relaxation for privileged Romans.
Thermal Springs Destinations
Today, there are many natural thermal spas, where humans capitalized on the geothermal activity underground and the mineral constitution of the water for health and relaxation. To learn about the top world destination where you can find your calm in a natural mineral thermal bath read about it here. Allow this to inspire you as you create a mineral hot bath in your home. https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/wellness-and-renewal/articles/must-visit-geothermal-baths-around-the-world
Why a Mineral Hot Bath?
Heat causes the minerals to dissolve in the water. The skin will absorb these beneficial minerals in the right quantities to benefits your health and well-being.
When Magnesium, Iron, Chloride, Potassium, Zinc, and other minerals dissolve in water, you get their health benefits to your body. Hot springs are generally ranging from 37 degrees Celsius or more. Hence, the sweating caused by the steaming water supports opening up your pores, thus allowing easier absorption of these inorganic substances.
Heat also relaxes us and allows your pores to open, allowing our skin to absorb the qualities of minerals. The minerals in the water provide positive effects to the joints and muscles, this is why we feel so comfortable and relaxed in a bath.
How to Create Your Mineral Bath
Indulge with these Mineral Bath recipes in the comfort of your home and make your bathtub a calm and healing realm. These recipes include a number of different essential oils. To read more about essential oils, including those most recommended for their relaxing and calming effects check out this article: https://docalm.com/essential-oils-for-calm/
Eucalyptus Epsom Salt Bath
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of Epsom salt
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 6 drops of lemongrass oil
- 2 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil
- 2 drops of Rosemary essential oil
Directions:
- Mix Epsom salt and baking soda in a bowl.
- Add essential oils. It is recommended that you add the oil to the minerals, rather than the water in order to minimize irritation when oil meets the skin directly.
Therapeutic Bath Recipe
(Good for three baths)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of dried skim milk
- 1/3 cup of sea salt or Epsom salt
- 7-10 drops of essential oils
Directions:
- Combine the dried skim milk, sea salt, or Epsom salt in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle the essential oils over mixture.
- Stir well.
- Put it a container
Detox Mineral Bath
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of bentonite clay (or another clay substitute)
- 1 cup of pink Himalayan sea salt
- 1 cup of Epsom salt
- 1 cup of Magnesium bath crystals
- 1/3 cup of aluminum-free baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of dried ginger (this optional ingredient promotes sweating)
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (Lavender essential oil for relaxation or Wild Orange essential oil for energy)
Directions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.
- Stir well.
- Store in a glass container with a lid.
- Add 1 cup of this mixture to your hot bath and soak for 10-30 minutes.
Your Bathroom a Healing Sanctuary
Your bath time is an opportunity to sooth, relax and heal. You can make the most of this self-care with healing music, candles, soft cotton towels, cleaning cloths and natural brushes. You may use natural oils and creams to nourish and lock in the hydration of the bath. Make this time with yourself luxurious and nurturing, to reconnect with your body and remind yourself that you are safe, calm and deserving of care and nurturing.
