DIY: Holiday Bath Soak
I am a huge fan of the holidays- the sense of community, the tastes, and the scents. This holiday bath soak in particular is very heavy on the last of the three. Both great for your skin, and super festive it is chock full of ingredients you’ll have on hand during the winter holiday season. So, whether before the big day or post the hullabaloo, grab a few things from your kitchen and take a few minutes (or an hour like me!) to indulge in some self care.
As with all of my bath soak recipes– this holiday bath soak is super customizable to your preferences- each of the herbs I’ve popped in have my favorite holiday scents (with benefits to match!) but, if you don’t like the scent or feel of an herb, or just don’t have it on hand you can leave it out! However, If you do have everything on hand, the combination is incredible!
Holiday Bath Soak Ingredients
Fir Branches
Yep! I most definitely snipped off a bit of my Christmas tree, gave it a quick rinse, and popped it straight into my bath! Aside from smelling exactly like the holidays, fir needles are great for skin and overall health. Fir needles are great for stimulating the circulatory system by bringing blood up to the surface of the skin, that can help ease pains and aches. Fir also can be great for the respiratory system by helping to relive congestion. Last but not least, fir has antiseptic properties. It can help the reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin- bye body acne!
Orange
The acidity of citrus helps remove dead skin and bacteria, infuses your skin with a dose of antioxidants, and can be super detoxing! Orange (especially chocolate oranges!) remind me of stockings on Christmas morning!
Clove
Clove is one of my favorite ingredients in this holiday bath soak- the scent reminds me of the cookies and tea and it has a long list of benefits. Added to your bathwater, clove can help regulate oily skin with its astringent properties, and it is also an anti-fungal, antiseptic, antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasm), and analgesic (pain relief).
Star Anise
Aside from these little star-shaped beauties being Instagram gold, star anise is a wonderful antioxidant and can help promote better digestion.
Peppermint
You can use either peppermint leaves or peppermint essential oil (I was feeling lazy and the peppermint essential oil was easier to grab!) But you can use whichever you have on hand. Peppermint’s active ingredient is menthol, which is great for opening up your sinuses to relieve pressure, can calm down nausea, and relieve stress as well (perfect for those hectic holiday hosting duties!) Peppermint oil is actually proven to help with headaches (see this study!) so it is one of the first ingredients I grab when a headache is coming on!
Himalayan Sea Salt
Much like epsom salt (but ever so much prettier!) himalayan sea salt helps soothe skin and muscle ache with its high dose of magnesium- an anti-inflammatory mineral.
When it comes to this holiday bath soak, no specific recipe is needed! Draw a hot bath, toss in the ingredients you have on hand, turn down the lights, and relax! Put down the phone, and let yourself just be and let tension and your worries melt away!
I’d love to know, what common ailments would you like to see eased by a bath? Let me know in the comments below! Sending you healing vibes!
Some links are affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Contact your physician before starting any new therapeutic practices
Hello Kait,
I never tried the bath soak for the longest time since i have to get up super early go to my self employed business which is loading, unloading and driving all the time on the road.
I guess i should try your bath soak and see it for myself. This is very helpful for me since you already recommended the ingredients which are all natural and good for health and well being
I shall share this