7 Benefits of a Hot Bath - Unlocking Surprising Healing Powers

Everyday we are simply busy, and finding solace in simple pleasures can be a game-changer. A popular self care tool is taking a hot bath. Not only do baths provide a momentary escape but there are also numerous medicinal benefits. Time for a Soak! A long, hot bath is not just about luxury but about unlocking surprising health advantages, Woohoo Bonus!

1. Mood Booster:

It's not just about the immediate pleasure of warm water; it's the combination of isolation, quiet, and comfort that diminishes feelings of depression and pessimism says Dr. John Harcup, chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee for the British Spa Foundation. Indulging in a warm bath not only provides relaxation but also has a calming effect on your blood vessels. The heat prompts them to dilate, facilitating smoother blood flow. This transient reduction in blood pressure mirrors the effects of exercise, potentially offering comparable cardiovascular benefits.

2. Better Sleep

Nothing like a good night's sleep, and how awful you feel when you didn't get it. A warm bath might be the remedy. While a colder core body temperature is recommended for inducing sleep, a warm bath before bedtime can achieve similar results. As our body temperature naturally drops at night, soaking in a warm bath raises it, triggering the production of melatonin—the sleep hormone. Exiting the bath then rapidly cools down the body, further promoting the release of melatonin and better preparing us for a restful night's sleep.

3. Hormone Balancing Party

An often overlooked advantage of indulging in a warm bath is its ability to harmonize hormonal levels. A soothing soak can help with elevated cortisol levels. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and restoration, can lower cortisol levels, allowing the body to achieve a better hormonal balance.

4. Muscle Pain Relief

Heat has the power to get our blood moving, benefiting circulation and helping sore or tight muscles relax. The addition of Epsom salts in warm baths has been proven to reduce inflammation in joints caused by arthritis or other muscular diseases. The anti-inflammatory properties of salt baths extend their positive effects to individuals suffering from metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes.

5. Heart Health and Caloric Burn

Regular warm baths might contribute to reducing blood pressure. By using heat to enhance blood flow and circulation, a hot bath essentially provides a mini-workout for the body, burning calories comparable to a brisk walk. 

6. Cold and Flu Symptom Relief

The steam from a hot bath works wonders for stuffy noses and persistent coughs. Congestion, caused by inflammation in nasal passages, is alleviated as steam gets the blood vessels in the face and nose moving, loosening mucus blockage. Additionally, a temperate bath can boost the immune system, aiding in the fight against viruses.

7. Soothing Irritated Skin

While scalding baths may irritate the skin, a warm bath coupled with essential oils like coconut, olive, lavender, or oatmeal can effectively hydrate and heal dry or irritated skin. Aromatherapy, when incorporated into bath time, proves to be an excellent regulator of mood and stress reduction.

8. Feeling More Awake After a Bath

The pursuit of quality sleep is a common challenge, and a warm bath might be the remedy. While a colder core body temperature is recommended for inducing sleep, a warm bath before bedtime can achieve similar results. As our body temperature naturally drops at night, soaking in a warm bath raises it, triggering the production of melatonin—the sleep hormone. Exiting the bath then rapidly cools down the body, further promoting the release of melatonin and better preparing us for a restful night's sleep.

How to Create the Ultimate Healing Bath

Drawing the perfect bath requires just a little attention to detail. The water temperature shouldn't exceed your body temperature by too much. While hot baths may feel great, a warm bath is better for your skin and immune system. Add our BATH SOAK to create an even more healthy soak time.  Epsom salt, known for its muscle benefits, can reduce inflammation and minimize the chances of infection. To prevent overheating, keep a part of your body, like your face, out of the water. Aim to soak for 10-15 minutes, focusing on breathing and relaxation.