Wanna sweat out some toxins? Soothe your tired yoga stretched muscles? Clear your sniffles?
Mustard, one of the oldest and most widely used spices is your go-to zest. 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 mustard powder is the use of essential oils. The essential oils of wintergreen or peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary are used for their therapeutic benefits to help reduce nerve pain, assist breathing and provide general antiseptic properties. We're excited to have recently added essential oils to the MightyNest site!
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
Place all of the ingredients in a storage jar and whisk together. I love using the weck canning jars in either the mold jars or the tulip style jars. I used the 1/5 liter mold jars because I like making smaller batches of this mustard bath and this storage jar works well. Add 4 Tablespoons to a running bath and swish around to disperse the powder. For a foot soak, 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?