Parenting
Treat Your Allergies with a Relaxing Herbal Bath
Itchy eyes, coughing, sneezing, mucus, and congestion are just a few of the uncomfortable symptoms of seasonal allergies. If you struggle with allergies, you know that winter is the only time when you get a break.
Otherwise, trees (in the spring), grass (in the summer), and ragweed (in the fall) are all waiting for you at the turn of each new season. While medication or a Neti pot can offer relief, you may want to modify your diet first. Foods that trigger Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) and should be avoided include melons, pitted fruits, veggies like celery and carrots, and spices like sunflower, cumin, parsley, mustard, and dill. Conversely, certain foods like onions, garlic, ginger, apples, and nuts can alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms.
When it comes to natural remedies, why not soak away your allergies in a hot herbal bath instead? Here are some soothing detox bath recipes:
Bentonite Clay Detox Bath
- ½ cup of Bentonite clay
- ½ cup of Epsom salt
- Lavender oil
Give Bentonite clay a try; it’s a volcanic clay that can remove toxins and metals from the body. Epsom salt reduces inflammation while promoting sleep and relaxation. Lavender oil reduces inflammation and calms your system.
Mix the clay with water, avoid using a metal spoon, and let the clay sit for a few minutes. Then, soak in the tub.
Ginger and Orange Blossom Sinus Bath
- 1/2 cup of fresh grated ginger
- 10 drops of orange blossoms
- 2 steeped chamomile tea bags
- 3 tablespoons of cinnamon (relieves sinus pressure)
If your allergies cause sinus issues, ginger can remedy runny noses that lead to nausea, reduce muscle pain, and increase blood circulation. Orange blossoms soothe sore throats, chamomile reduces inflammation, and cinnamon relieves sinus pressure. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl first, and pour them under running warm water. Soak for 15-20 minutes.
Peppermint and Epsom Salt Bath
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- 1 cup sea salt
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 peppermint tea bag
- 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 6 drops peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
A mixture of essential oils – peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree – can remedy sinus allergies. Peppermint relieves congestion, eucalyptus has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, and tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic. Sea salt boosts immunity while reducing inflammation, baking soda has antibacterial and anti-fungal compounds, and olive oil is packed with antioxidants. Mix everything first, pour it into your bathwater, and soak for 30 minutes.
Sinus Decongestant Bath
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
Citrus fruits are rich in antioxidants, which are crucial for a robust immune system. Apple cider vinegar contains potassium to thin mucus and acetic acid to reduce sinus flare-ups caused by bacteria. Turmeric powder removes free radicals, and ginger remedies congestion.
You can also pour essential oils in your diffuser while taking a quick shower to reduce congestion and get relief. Treat yourself to a relaxing herbal bath or a face mask from Dollar Tree!
