Herbal Baths For Muscle Aches

It is recommended not to repeat the thermal bath daily as it would lose its relaxing properties. A good option is to do it 1 or 2 times a week, so we can obtain long-term benefits.

Nowadays, suffering from muscle aches and contractures has therefore become a very particular and common theme. This is because, normally, we do not pay attention to the postures we take on a daily basis, especially people who spend hours sitting in front of the computer for work or study reasons

Recent studies have shown that a fairly high percentage of people suffer from muscle aches due to the causes we mentioned earlier. To mention an example, we cite this research by El Universal, which shows that musculoskeletal diseases caused by poor posture and repetitive movements at work have increased significantly in a decade, from 168 cases to 3,722 cases in 2015, according to data of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) .

So, once this data is analyzed, it is normal that we begin to feel a bit of concern and therefore, we decide to start paying a little more attention. So how about the idea of ​​indulging in some herbal soaks for muscle aches? Perfect to relax and feel good!

Herbal baths, the spa in our home

On this subject, this study carried out in Colombia can be mentioned. Here the use of herbal baths was analyzed, specifically in pregnant women, and thus, it showed positive samples of its relaxation benefits at different stages of pregnancy. Now, let’s imagine what these herbs could do for us. Interesting right?

So immersing ourselves in hot or warm water with salts, herbs or foam is something so calming and beneficial that it should be as mandatory as a nap in the middle of the day; or like sleeping a couple more hours on the weekends. Herbal baths have many advantages, including:

• Improve blood circulation.
• Relieve upset stomachs.
• Reduce stress.
• Relieve menstrual cramps.
• Treat hemorrhoids.
• Eliminate muscle contractures.
• Reduce anxiety.
• Treat skin problems.
• Relax the body and mind.

Plants in general are a remedy for various ailments. Its benefits can be obtained through ointments, creams, baths and vapors.

Taking a shower is associated with personal hygiene and cleaning routine. However, a soaking bath is something different. Afterwards we shower, but once the “session” is over and we are completely relaxed.

Medicinal herbs are very good to calm all the senses and also to reduce muscle aches and pains. The benefits that we obtain will depend on the plants that we choose for that bathroom.

How do you prepare an herbal bath?

It is a very simple task, therefore, you can enjoy it whenever you want.

Necessary elements

A tub to submerge, hot water and a cup of herbs, flowers or plants.

How do we prepare the herbs?

They have to be wrapped in a cloth or gauze to prevent them from dispersing throughout the water, sticking to the skin, etc.

Bath process

• Fill the bathtub with water as hot as you can handle first.
• Then add the wrapped herbs.

• Leave about 10 minutes, until it gets warm.
• Some choose to brew a tea with their chosen herb and pour it into the water after straining it.

When to get in and out of the tub

It is necessary that the water is lukewarm, that it does not burn but neither that we freeze. Do not stay more than 30 minutes in the herbal bath. Repeat this practice 1 or 2 times a week.

You should know that bathing daily with this formula can not only dry out the skin, but also eliminate the relaxing environment that we need so much. Remember, 1 0 2 times a week is enough.

How many types of herbal baths are there?

Everything will depend on two aspects:

•  The herb used
•  The desired effect : calming, regenerative, energizing.

Not all plants have the same properties or uses. You can also make very interesting mixtures to treat more than one ailment or enhance the benefits of herbs! The most popular and effective options are:

Herbal chamomile baths

It is a relaxing plant par excellence, either in the form of tea or in an herbal bath. Among its benefits we find the following:

• Relieve the stress
• It helps to sleep
• Calm fussy babies
• Eliminate back pain caused by work overload

Eucalyptus herbal baths

You will surely know the characteristic and refreshing aroma of this tree. It is used to relieve nasal congestion and cough. An herbal bath with a handful of eucalyptus leaves and fruits can be perfect when we are sick.

It is also used to relieve the headache derived from a cervical contracture. It is also a great invigorator. To enhance the effect, add a few drops of natural lemon juice to the water.

Lavender herbal baths

A plant that is also very special due to its beautiful lilac color and its pleasant perfume. Ideal for relieving stress, relaxing muscles, body and mind.

To increase the properties of this bath you can add rose petals and a few drops of sage essential oil.

Rosemary herbal baths

It helps fight nasal congestion and is very useful in people who suffer from asthma, allergies and get sick very often. It is also an excellent idea for when we arrive tired from work and need to replenish energy.

Prepare a bath with 10 drops of essential oil of this plant, or add two cups of infusion with the dried leaves.

Fennel Herbal Baths

This plant can not only be consumed in salads, but it is also very pleasant for the bath, being stimulating and helping to detoxify the body. To enhance the effects, you can combine it with a handful of Epsom salts.

Calendula herbal baths

This orange flower is well known for its benefits on the skin. Soothes irritations, itching, dermatitis, eczema and even insect bites. It is perfect for those who have dry skin. It is also said to help relax muscle tension.

Herbal basil baths

An herb with a special flavor and aroma that cannot be missing in your kitchen … and not in your bathroom either! Of course, because it will help you feel renewed, being perfect to enjoy a bath after a tiring day at work.

Yamila Papa Painter

Yamila Papa Pintor is a journalist specialized in sports (Circle of Sports Journalists, 2006-2008). Between 2010 and 2011 he worked as a sports journalist at “Argentinos Pasión”. Since 2011 he has been writing articles on different topics: health, sports, travel, pets and cooking recipes, among them. In addition, she is a radio and television announcer, and a great enthusiast for natural life. She is a vegetarian and an active participant in a foundation in charge of planting trees in her home country, Argentina. In terms of languages, he is fluent in English and Portuguese, and has a basic level of Arabic. He recently completed his training with the course: “Introduction to Food and Health”  (Stanford University, 2019)