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Soothing Bath Salts

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Why Use Bath Salts?

When contemplating an evening home alone after a stressful day at work, many of us turn to a hot bath and a good book. Twenty minutes in the scented water soothes the soul. Thirty minutes and we feel the tension evaporating. An hour in the tub and we are rejuvenated, ready to take the world on again.

But why do we feel better? Is it the hot water or is there something in the bath salts working its magic? Is it simply a mind game we play with ourselves or do we truly feel better?

Calm by Dan Magus Poster Print

What are Bath Salts?

Bath Salts are water-soluble salts such as magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) that are usually added to the bath water for a variety of reasons. Some are used to improve the water's cleaning ability while others are purported to have healing and mood elevating properties. Generally speaking they mimic the properties of mineral baths and hot springs.

Salt increases the specific gravity of the water making the bather more buoyant. The body feels lighter as if floating on the water rather than sitting in the water.

Magnesium Sulfate

Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is the most well known bath salt. The magnesium sulfate reduces the absorbion of the the water by the skin. The wrinkled prune look from the prolonged exposure to the water is not as pronounced.

Absorbed into the skin, magnesium sulfate will help reduce inflammation and tenderness.

Village Naturals Therapy Aches & Pains Mineral Bath Soak

Village Naturals Therapy Aches & Pains Mineral Bath Soak 20 oz

Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 02/18/2012)

Village Naturals Therapy Aches & Pains Mineral Bath Soak

Therapeutic formula is enriched with vitamins, skin softening ingredients and aromatherapy vapors to help you feel better.

Contains Eucalyptus to soothe and revitalize, chamomile to calm and relax, and rosehips to comfort and renew.

LATHER Natural Sea Wool Sponge

Unlike synthetic sponges, these all-natural sponges do not harbor bacteria

LATHER Natural Sea Wool Sponge 1 oz.

Amazon Price: $12.00 (as of 02/18/2012)

Exfoliation

Some bath salts contain phosphates which help soften calluses and aids in exfoliation.

The Loofah is a natural bath sponge made from the fibrous interior of the loofah plant. It is great for stimulating circulation and removing dead skin.

Nens Loofah Sponge 8in.

Amazon Price: $1.39 (as of 02/18/2012)

Aromatherapy

Chamomile --- to soothe
Passion flower --- to calm
Lavender --- to relax and restore

Juniper --- for balance
Orange --- to rejuvenate
Menthol --- for comfort

Village Naturals Therapy Stress & Tension Mineral Bath Soak

Village Naturals Therapy Stress & Tension Mineral Bath Soak

This therapeutic formula is enriched with vitamins, skin softening ingredients and aromatherapy vapors to help you feel better.

It contains juniper to balance ad restore, orange to renew and rejuvenate, and menthol to comfort and relax.

Village Naturals Cold & Sinus Mineral Bath Soak

Village Naturals Therapy Allergy & Congestion Mineral Bath Soak 20 oz

Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 02/18/2012)

Soothe and comfort your body by soaking in a warm bath. Our therapeutic formula is enriched with vitamins, skin softening ingredients and aromatherapy vapors to help you feel better. Relax with ingredients that have been extracted from natural sources. This product contains echinacea to help suppress cold symptoms, ginseng to ease fatigue, and tea tree to stimulate the immune system.

Village Naturals Therapy Restless Nights Mineral Bath Soak

Village Naturals Therapy Restless Nights Mineral Bath Soak

This therapeutic formula is enriched with vitamins, skin softening ingredients and aromatherapy vapors to help you feel better.

It contains lavender to relax and restore, passion flower to calm and comfort, and chamomile to ease and soothe.

Let the water and the salt work their magic. Take a bath!

Bath or Shower?

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BethAmbard Jan 16, 2011 @ 2:36 pm | delete

Beautiful lens, Lizzy. I've rolled to mine on sexifying your life at any age, thanks!

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AndyPo Jan 11, 2010 @ 8:37 pm | delete

I usually take a shower. It's so much quicker, but a bath is more relaxing.

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azpoppy Nov 30, 2009 @ 12:36 am | delete

Oh, I love baths. And, the bathtub where I live is horrible. *cry* The first thing I do when I am in a hotel is to run the bath and dump in some bath salts. I love the animated images you used here too!