With the cold weather drawing close, it won't be long before sickness comes too. Though there are many medicines that can keep some of the most unfriendly symptoms at bay, some of the side effects can end up being worse than the symptoms. When cold and flu season has you down, don't hesitate to get cozy in a warm bath this season!
A warm bath can do wonders for easing cold and flu symptoms. The steam from your bath alone can help clear up your congestion and reduces coughing. This allows you to take a break from some of the most miserable symptoms of feeling sick so you can breath easy again. That aside, taking a warm bath has also been known to ease headaches and increase circulation.
While your average bath can benefit you greatly, there are several ways to add more to your bath time experience. This includes creating a bath that can really benefit you during your most miserable sick days. Here are just a few additions you can make to get the most out of your bath.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil is wonderful for clearing up your sinuses during cold, flu, and allergy season. Just mix about 5 or so drops of eucalyptus oil into the bath and enjoy. The smell alone will clear things up before you even hop into the bath tub. That aside, eucalyptus has also proven to be a great way to cleanse your body of toxins and harmful microorganisms.
If you would prefer not to use oil in your bath, you can easily find candles with eucalyptus oil instead or can place a couple drops into your diffuser. These both can work just as well as the oil bath and can be used in any area of the house to benefit you throughout the day.
Mint oil
Thought there are different types of mint, all of them contain the same effect and benefits. Mint is especially great at soothing headaches and nausea. The scent of mint has also been known to be good for clearing up congestion of the nose, throat, bronchi, and lungs. This not only gives you relief from the symptoms of the common cold, but is also beneficial to those with asthma as well. Simply add 5 or so drops of mint oil into your bath and enjoy!
If you prefer not to use mint oil, there are plenty of mint flavored or other mint scented items that can greatly benefit you. For example, mint tea is both delicious and gives you many of the same benefits as using mint oil in your bath. Plus nothing soothes a sore throat like some hot tea.
Epsom salt
Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, has a long list of benefits. Epsom salt is made up of high levels of magnesium, something our own bodies naturally make and need. However, many people often to not have enough magnesium in their bodies which has lead to high rates of arthritis, stroke, and other serious health conditions.
With the many serious side effects of being magnesium deficient, it is no wonder that Epsom salt baths work great for a cold and flu as well. Epsom salt is great for sore muscles and body aches that often comes with the flu. That aside, Epsom salt has been proven to help detoxify and cleanse the body. Simply mix a small handful of the bath salt into your bath and soak up the benefits.
