Rebalancing baths: 2 natural preparations to try

To help the skin to regain a balanced pH, improve circulation and combat all sorts of common ailments, add salts, oils and active ingredients, such as vinegar or vanilla to your bath. Here are two recipes for a moment of well-being and restoration, guaranteed!

If using aggressive deodorant soaps has upset the natural pH of your skin and your skin is too dry and irritated, the cider vinegar in this bath will restore the acid/alkaline balance to normal. It also soothes sunburn.

• 500 ml (2 cups) cider vinegar
• 50 g (1/2 cup) dried chamomile flowers
• 30 g (1/4 cup) dried comfrey root powder
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) of aloe juice

1. Heat vinegar and chamomile over medium heat in a non-aluminium pot.
2. When it begins to simmer, remove from the heat and cover.
3. Leave to stand for three hours or overnight.
4. Filter.
5. Add the powdered comfrey and aloe juice, mixing well.
6. Pour into a glass bottle with a plastic cap.
7. Keep cool and away from light.
8. Shake before use and pour 125 millilitres (1/2 cup) of liquid under running bath water.
9. Soak in the water for 10 to 15 minutes.

• Good to know: The chamomile essential oil contains a powerful antispasmodic that relieves muscle pain.

Warning: Oils make the tub slippery, take care when getting in and out.

• 4 vanilla beans
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) jojoba oil
• 125 ml (1/2 cup) olive oil
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) of macadamia oil
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) of avocado oil
• 15 drops of rose essential oil
• 5 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
• 5 drops of sandalwood essential oil
• 2 capsules of natural vitamin E 500 IU

1. Split the vanilla beans lengthwise and collect the seeds.
2. Cut the garlic into small pieces and place with the seeds in a pot or a glass bottle.
3. Add the oils, essential oils and the contents of the capsules.
4. Close tightly and leave to marinate in a cool place, away from light for a month.
5. Filter the oil in a fine sieve and then again in a coffee filter to remove any particles.
6. Pour the oil into a glass flask.
7. Pour 15 or 30 grams (one to two tablespoons) into the bath water and lather to diffuse the oil.
8. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes in the tub.

These two natural preparations are good for the health of your skin, as well as being easy to prepare. Taking a bath has never been so relaxing!