One of the few “self-care” rituals I participate in on a regular basis is the art of taking baths. I call it an art because done right it can be! They can be colorful, bubbly, warming, cooling, soothing, cold-fighting and definitely relaxing. Each one can be a different experience depending on what ingredients you put in including essential oils, powders, moisturizing oils, and even vinegar. This week I am going to bring you my latest favorite creation – a DIY Mustard Bath to relax achy muscles, fight colds + flu and soothe dry itchy skin.
*This post contains affiliate links which means I may make a small commission if you use one of my links but it won’t increase the price for you.
The History of Bathing
BUT FIRST – how about a little history lesson? What makes baths so wonderful and who started them? Well, people have been bathing to get clean since the beginning of time, but the Romans and Greeks made bathing fashionable. It was a place to socialize, eat and do business. They were so popular (and huge) that up to 6,000 bathers could fit into one of these baths at once. As pleasant as that sounds, I’m sure glad we take baths alone now.
The Turkish took a slightly different spin on theirs and made them ornate affairs, with tapestries and fixtures of gold and silver. They also reportedly liked them HOT. Shockingly – or not – diseases were widespread at these baths so the popularity of public baths cooled down.
Bathing, in general, fizzles out in the 16th century as dirt became a symbol of spiritual purity (this must have been before cleanliness is close to godliness!) and people also believed that dirt was protection against germs.
Thankfully, people are all about bathing again but in more sanitary, and private, ways. But while we may have come a long way in turning baths from public unsanitary affairs to private rituals, unfortunately, we haven’t made much progress making them chemical-free.
Companies have filled bath bombs and bubbles baths with chemicals such as harmful fragrances, agents that cause irritation and preservatives. That’s why I’m a huge fan of making my own bath products such as these super easy and fizzy bath bombs.
But lately, I’ve been getting into making my own bath powders because they are even quicker to whip up. So consider your history lesson finished because it’s time to get to the DIY.
DIY Mustard Bath
What makes it so great?
Well, it’s made with ingredients like mustard powder. Yes, mustard powder. Thankfully, it does not smell like mustard the condiment. When dissolved in a bath, mustard powder helps you sweat, creating a detox. It is particularly helpful for colds and cases of flu. It also has a warming component – perfect for sore or tired muscles.
Other ingredients include Epsom salts, my favorite ingredient to put in baths. Wow, where do I begin with Epsom salts? It is not a salt at all but magnesium and a quick Google search will tell you how much our body lacks magnesium. People who suffer from migraines can particularly gain from using Epsom salts in their baths as it combats headaches and migraines. Oh, and if you’re looking for another use for them, I love to throw Epsom salts in my shampoo for a deep clean.
The other powder is baking soda which has been known to help detox the body and soften skin. It can also relieve itchy dry skin, and treat foot odor. Taken internally, baking soda cancer, flu, and diabetes. So load up on that stuff!
The other ingredients I like to throw in our essential oils. Feel free to put in what you like best, but since the mustard is warming I like to add eucalyptus essential oil to create a cooling effect which is quite luxurious in contrast to the hot water and mustard. I might also throw in peppermint oil to clear the sinuses (which eucalyptus does as well) and lavender to promote relaxation and better sleep.
DIY Mustard Bath Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups Epsom salt
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup mustard powder
OPTIONAL:
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
Steps:
1.) Mix all the dry ingredients together. Add in essential oils
2.) Soak for 20-30 minutes. (I recommend you take this time to list off everything you are grateful for. It will perk you up even more.)
3.) Rinse off.
4.) Go to sleep! Or at least watch a good movie.
I hope you enjoy this DIY mustard bath as much as I do. And if your immunity needs an extra boost, try my homemade elderberry syrup recipe!
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Girl! This sounds absolutely amazing! I had no idea that mustard powder could do all of these things. I will be going out to get some and adding this to my nightly routine soon. I love epsom salts and essential oils already so this will be a perfect addition! Thank you for sharing.
Angel – Yessss you will love it, then!
Why am I just now reading about this?! I never would have thought! Since moving to Arizona from the east coast, I’ve dealt with sore muscles and dry skin like crazy! Definitely trying this out soon. Thank you!
I know – it was fairly new to me too!
I would never have thought to use mustard powder in the bath, can’t wait to give this a try!
haha different, right? And I promise it doesn’t smell like the condiment ;)
Oh I am so excited to try this and with the help of the history behind the bath I’m ready to try something new. Thank you!
Yay for new things!
The thought of the group bathing made me laugh!! I never would have thought of mustard but I do suffer from dry skin sometimes – think I will have to give it a go, thanks!
haha yah me too. And thankful we don’t do it anymore!
I love finding new natural remedies to try. Especially when I have them in my cabinets already. Thank you!
I never knew this about mustard! I do love me some Epsom salts though!! I’ll have to give this a try!
Epsom salts are the best!!
So crazy! I had never heard of this before! I’m definitely going to have to give this a try!
This is a great article, I had no idea you could use mustard powder in the bath, definitely giving this a try!
So easy with so many benefits!
Someday I look forward to soaking in a hot tub again…but since the only bathtub in the house is the one our three kids use, I’m not too keen on getting in there. Those kids can be gross! :-D But whenever we do get a tub again, I’ll definitely look back to this recipe for a fun and safe bath bomb recipe.
hahaha ohh gosh. Hopefully you get a clean one soon!!
It sounds amazing! Didn’t know mustard powder had this many benefits!
I have to try this! My family has been so sick this year, I need some home remedies like this! Thanks!
So creative. Mind blown! haha…
Thanks for this info!
I love baths lately! They help with my sore muscles and aches!
Especially with pregnancy, right??
Oh goodness! This sounds heavenly. I am combatting a cold/sinuses and allergies now so i’m looking for anything that will work! I never ever would have know about the benefits of a mustard bath! I’m pinning this so I can remember it and share it with one of my good friends who is into natural remedies, too!
Yes – and feel better!!
That honestly sounds divine! Would’ve perfect after my dance classes to relax my muscles! I already put baking soda in my bath to soften the water and avoid itchy and dry skin, so I think your powder is the next step :)
And thanks for the little history lesson, very interesting :D
Perrine
http://www.ola-banana.com
Yes! It is perfect for dancers.
Ok, well I’m definitely trying this soon! I’m always looking for a good remedy for sore muscles and this sounds amazing.
Molly // Miss Molly Moon
I never would have thought to add mustard powder of all things to my bath, but it makes so much sense now that I think about it! I’m definitely keen to give this a try – it would be wonderful after the gym, or even on days where I’m feeling a little sluggish. Adding eucalyptus oil sounds amazing, I’m definitely going to do so! :) x
YES! it is really the perfect thing to try after a good work out.
Haha, I was imagining somebody squirting a bottle of mustard into a bath from the title. This makes much more sense! This sounds amazing, thanks so much for sharing!!
Haha no I hate the condiment mustard!!
Very interesting and informative! I will definitely try a mustard bath!
I’ve never heard of using mustard powder for this before! This is great!!
I’ve never heard of a mustard bath before but I’m definitely going to try this! Thanks!
Thankyou for this post. Its very inspiring.
Wow! I have actually never done this kind of baths, but it’s awesome, gonna have to try it this weekend! thanks!
Mustard in a bath? That sound quite unconventional. Never heard of this combination before. It definitely sounds interesting. I wonder how the bathroom will smell with the mustard powder in the hot water,
There is no smell! Just the essential oils you put in :)
Sign me up for anything that combats cold and flu season!!! I never have time for that!
xo
Taylor
http://www.reeseshardwear.com
This is perfect for this time of year. Live all the natural and soothing ingredients! ❤️
Love baths and love your perspective on baths! 100% saving this post so I can DIY up my next bath.
Thanks!And thanks for sharing your great posts every week!
How much do you recommend putting into the bath?
You can throw the whole amount from this recipe in! I think it makes about two and a half cups.