By adding these everyday household items to your bathtub, you can transform it from a bath of boring bubbles into a spa-like sanctuary overflowing with soothing benefits.
The citrus properties in oranges have made it a popular ingredient in many soaks and scrubs. Orange extract acts as a natural astringent and can purify and brighten skin. Slice a naval orange evenly, place into the tub and add a few teaspoons of lavender oil. The acid from the fruit will act as an exfoliant and help slough off dead skin.
Due to its alpha-hydroxy properties, people have been using milk as a means to cleanse the skin for years. (Cleopatra was known for her milk baths.) "The lactic acid in milk helps to mildly exfoliate the skin, reducing blotchiness as well as clogged pores," says Alexis Wolfer, Founder of TheBeautyBean.com. To try this at home, fill up the tub and stir in 1 1/2 quarts of warm whole milk (make sure you heat it on the stove first). You might find the smell of this concoction leaves much to be desired, so feel free to add in a few drops of eucalyptus or lavender oil. Just be sure to thoroughly clean up the bath afterward.
Basil and Rosemary
It may sound like you're garnishing a meal, but these herbs are great for treating muscle aches and pains. "The essential oils in basil have antioxidant, antiviral and antimicrobial properties, while rosemary is known to help increase mental clarity and enhance memory," says Wolfer. If you're ready for a soak, crush up 1/2 cup of both rosemary and basil, place into a cheesecloth or herb bag and toss it into the bath. Wolfer suggests letting it sit for at least five minutes before getting in.