Healthy Bathing: Turn Chlorinated Water into Liquid Gold

A recipe for relaxation can be as easy as adding 1 tsp. (or one 1000 mg. tablet) of Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate Crystals) to your bathwater, which will neutralize the chlorine and chloramine. If you haven’t experienced dry, itchy skin or red eyes from soaking in a bath that uses chlorinated tap water, you still might want to consider: Chlorine’s been noted to potentially increase allergies and asthma, cancer, and fluid in the lungs, sometimes damaging breathing passages and soft tissue, and even reducing beneficial gut flora. Crazy, right? Well, not to obsess. I’m not going to worry about it. But I am going to start dropping Vitamin C’s into my bathwater on those long-soak nights…

A group of us are going to mix up various spa stuff for Christmas presents. I know I’D like the bath salts for Christmas! Below is a basic, easy recipe.

Bath Salts

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 c. Epsom Salts
  • 2 c. Baking Soda
  • 1 c. Sea Salt
  • 8 drops or so lavender essential oil (or other)
  • Vitamin C powder (to counteract the chlorine that’s in most of our water)

Mix all ingredients and package in jars.

Meanwhile, I got quite inspired by Wellness Mama’s article on baths (and on clay), so I’m also adding Bentonite clay to my baths! Her directions mention to shake well, 2 TBS. clay in a jar of water, then add to the bath 2-5 minutes after dissolving ascorbic acid into the bath water. This way, the vitamin C has dechlorinated the bath water, and the clay can work its magic.

Salt Bath, Baking Soda Too, LavenderI pulled out the Epsom salts after a darn dog bit my arm recently; a soak in this was recommended to help draw out any toxins. Well, my arm has healed nicely, but I’ve also realized that the Epsom salts might be handy on occasions besides emergencies. There are recipes for desserts and main dishes, but… how ’bout a recipe for relaxation, using various natural household ingredients?! Laurie at Empowered Sustenance recommends this little recipe: “2 cups of epsom salts, 1-2 cups of non-iodized salt and 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar OR baking soda (but not both).”

If you’re in a real detox kind of mood, up the baking soda to 1 c. (8 oz.). After a 30-minute soak, wrap up in a big towel and rest for fifteen minutes, as the toxins released can make one feel a bit weak.

I’ve added a few drops of favorite essential oils to my baths too; I get mine from Nature’s Gift, for a real treat. I love Marge at Nature’s Gift–she’s very down-to-earth and eager to help, and determined to offer optimum quality. I’m not subsidized by this company, in case you wondered. I just think they’re great! Several years back, I researched my options for aromatherapy-quality oils (not convinced that Young Living was offering the best price for the best quality), and determined I could get the best value for quality oils through Nature’s Gift. I’m still happy with all I’ve received from these folks!

If you’re ever feeling uptight in the late evening, consider that the magnesium sulfate in Epsom salts can relax muscles. (It can even help with constipation!) And regular salt helps keeps cells hydrated. Drink a glass of water before your bath too- that’s another healthy tip!

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