DIY Mustard Bath Soak

Looking to soothe your tired achy muscles? Clear your sniffles? Sweat out some toxins?

This bath soak may be just what you need. 

Mustard baths are a traditional remedy in England-- used for the treatment of colds, stress, fatigued and achy muscles, fever and congestion. Mustard has been known to stimulate the sweat glands, opening the pores and helping the body rid itself of toxins. When this happens, circulation is improved, congestion is relieved and pain is eased.

In Ayurvedic Medicine, according to Dr. Singha, "Mustard Baths have been traditionally used for detoxification and purification. In many parts of the world mustard is well-known for its therapeutic value when used in a bath, helping to increase circulation, oxygenation and the elimination of toxins. The outward application contributes to general well-being by activating the largest organ of elimination in the body: THE SKIN and helping to reduce the toxic load stored in tissues throughout the body".

In addition to the benefit of mustard powder is the use of essential oils. Essential oils of wintergreen (helps to  eliminate pain in the muscles and joints) or peppermint, eucalyptus (effective for treating respiratory problems including nasal congestion and the common cold/cough), and rosemary (known to stimulate blood circulation, and effective at relieving pain).

 Warming Mustard Bath (from Ashley English of Small Measure) 

Ingredients to make 4 baths:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup mustard powder 
• 6 drops wintergreen or peppermint essential oil
• 6 drops rosemary essential oil
• 6 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Note: This recipe is intended for adults. If you're giving your child a mustard bath, use the same amounts of baking soda and mustard powder and replace the essential oils with 8 drops of kid-safe Sniffle Stopper.

Place all of the ingredients in a storage jar and whisk together. We love using Kilner clip-top or Weck canning jars to store mustard bath. Add 4 Tablespoons to a running bath and swish around to disperse the powder. Pressed for time? Use the mustard bath for a foot soak instead. For this, use 1-2 Tablespoons.

*Warning: Mustard baths are definitely an early-to-bed potion! Avoid taking one before you host a big dinner party...

Have you ever taken a mustard bath? What are your favorite rejuvenating baths?