What Makes a Himalayan Salt Bath so Special?

A Himalayan Salt Bath is said to have many health and healing benefits.  Of course we love it because it’s pink(!) and it softens the water but read on to find out all the great ways it can help you!

Have you ever tried a Himalayan Salt Bath? 

We’ve been using the pink salt in our kitchen for awhile because we love the more mellow flavor, so it’s been a great addition to our spice cabinet.  I’ve always thought it just gives a pretty touch when you sprinkle it on certain foods. 

I mean it’s pink. 

And pink, well, in a house full of girls pink is a dominant color. We love to use it for cooking in our house instead of boring old table salt.

We love any product that can be used multiple ways and Himalayan Pink Salt certainly fits the bill.  You can use it in the kitchen, you can make a body scrub out of it and you can use it in the bath.

So read on for why we love taking a Himalayan Salt Bath.

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Benefits of a Himalayan Salt Bath

There are so many benefits to a pink salt bath. 

Many of these are related to the salt and minerals in the water and some of them are just related to relaxing. 

A bath can be part of a ritual that helps you unwind and relax, and we think taking a salt bath at the end of the day is the perfect ritual for winding down before bed.

Relaxation

We will start with the most obvious benefit, a bath is relaxing.

Are you a bath person? 

A nice, long soak can do so much for your body and mind. 

I mean, who doesn’t like to have a nice soak and enjoy a few calm moments. A bath is a great place to watch a show, read a book, drink a glass of wine! Lock the door and hide from your kids for a few minutes.

If you’re a mom you know it’s a great place to hide from your kids and you might even be able to unwind a bit.  You may need some noise cancelling headphones or a sitter to really enjoy your bath!  But you sure do deserve it.

Even on an evening when you’re too tired to move, a bath can help you unwind and relax.

Mineral baths have been used for hundreds of years as a therapeutic treatment.  And guess what has lots of minerals in it? 

A Himalayan salt bath!

There are so many health benefits related to relaxation and the bath is the perfect place to enjoy these!

A Salt Bath Can Relieve Inflammation

Soaking in salt baths can help relieve pain and inflammation. 

This is great news if you overdo it at your workout or in your weekend warrior duties.  A good soak will help those muscles loosen up and release tension.

There are studies that show that soaking in a salt solution can also help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and similar conditions. 

We don’t know if it’s the salt or the warm water, but we’ll take the effects!

Warm Water can Stimulate Circulation

Soaking in a bath can help stimulate your circulation. 

If you’re like me and always have cold hands, a nice bath helps get the blood moving in all your extremities. 

It allows your veins and arteries to open up and increases blood flow throughout your body. 

This is only a temporary fix but very beneficial for your body.

Use a Himalayan Salt Bath to Detoxify

Everyday we are exposed to hundreds of toxins. They’re in the air and environment, and they’re in the foods that we eat.  Studies have shown that soaking in a salt bath can help draw toxins out and help your skin protect itself.

For your sinuses, inhaling steam from salt water is a beneficial sinus treatment.  It can help with a clogged nose and sinus headache and also help relieve some allergy symptoms.

For your body, it can help combat bloat and water retention. 

If you’ve read that epsom salts help relieve bloating you should note that the pink salt is just as effective.  This is a top beauty secret endorsed by many celebrities and even Dr. Oz, who has numerous articles on the subject.

A Salt Bath can Soothe Your Skin

Himalayan salt contains calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, iodine, zinc, and many other trace minerals that are beneficial for your skin and your overall health.  Because the pink salt is so mineral rich, your skin may be able to absorb these minerals while you soak.

Salt water has been used throughout history for healing.  

It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help soothe many skin conditions.   A warm salt bath can help soothe many skin conditions including acne and eczema.

It can also soothe blisters and bug bites.  The next time your shoes leave you with a little blister, try the healing power of salt.  You can just mix up a nice foot soak to treat them, but why not go all in and have a nice soak?

A Pink Salt Bath for Better Sleep

The relaxing benefits of a salt bath can aid your sleep. 

It’s a perfect excuse to take a bath before bed, get nice and relaxed and them get into your cozy bed.

Raising your body temperature can help you ease into sleep since your body temp normally falls later in the day. 

Not to mention that since it helps ease aching muscles this can help you have a more comfortable night’s sleep.

How to Have a Himalayan Salt Bath

Now that you’ve read some of the great benefits of taking a salt bath, are you ready to try it? 

I think you’re going to love it!

If you haven’t tried Himalayan salt in the bath before you may want to start off with 1 cup of salt for the first time and then graduate up to a larger amount each time you bathe. 

You need to spend at least 10 minutes soaking to see any kind of benefits, but ultimately you should try to spend 30 minutes in your bath. 

I love having this as part of my nightly routine, it’s a great way to relax and unwind. 

Well, not every night, but it’s a treat and so cozy and relaxing.

You don’t want to make the water too hot, the ideal temperature is just warm. The more salt that you add, the more stable the temperature becomes in the water until it’s considered a brine. 

Nothing like a good old brine for your skin!

Be sure to add your salt while you’re adding the water to the tub so that it has time dissolve.  Of course the finer salt will dissolve quicker than the more coarse, but I like the medium for cooking so that’s what I use in the tub too.

Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your soak.  The detoxifying effects along with steam and heat will require you to hydrate.

Soaking for 10-20 minutes will help you achieve many of the benefits of the salt bath.  You don’t even have to rinse off, just pat yourself dry when you get out of the tub and slip into something comfortable to continue with the relaxing.

Adding Essential Oils

Many salt bath purists may tell you not to add essential oils to your bath.  I say it’s your bath so add them if you’d like. 

Essential oils can add a nice scent and have other beneficial properties.  You can also enjoy them in a diffuser while you relax in your bath and keep your salt bath pure. We recommend the PlantTherapy starter set as a great option for beginning your essential oils collection. 

Here’s a list of a few that may enhance your salt bath:

• Rosemary Essential Oil – helps to relieve tension, stress and fatigue
• Lavender Essential Oil – helps to soothe skin conditions
• Eucalyptus Oil – known as a respiratory decongestant, also helps relieve inflammation and improve circulation
• Tea Tree Oil – skin soothing
• Orange or Grapefruit Oil – helps with detoxification

After Your Salt Bath

You will want to take it easy after a bath. 

Let your body enjoy its relaxed state and be sure to drink plenty of fluids. 

I like to have a glass of water (or wine) while I’m in the tub and then drink a full glass of water after.  Hydrating helps your body flush out all those toxins.  Herbal tea is also a great drink for after your bath.

Be sure that you stand up slowly after a bath.  No need to make yourself light headed.  If you feel light headed or dizzy be sure to move slowly and drink plenty of water.

As always, if you have any medical issues you should check with your doctor! 

We are only sharing our experience with a salt bath, not medical advice. We share the fun things that we enjoy and think you will too!

Are you ready to try a Himalayan Salt Bath?  This is our favorite pink salt and you can find it here.

Don’t forget to save the pin below and let us know your favorite salt bath tips & tricks in the comments below! 

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