I have always been drawn to bathing. There is just something soothing about having a nice, warm bath when you have Endometriosis… don’t you think?

One of my favorite ways of bathing is in hot springs! There is literally hot water coming out of the ground in some parts of New Zealand and people pool that water and you can go and sit in this beautifully warm water. The best part is that it doesn’t contain any chlorine!

This was when my family came to visit in 2011! Wow, my hair was so short then!

The one on the right must have been a particularly hot pool!

This is the Polynesian Spa (for those traveling through New Zealand)

One of the first things I look for whenever my husband and I choose a place to live, is whether the place has a bath. This becomes marginally more important when dealing with colder climates, like where we currently live in the South Island of New Zealand!

Unfortunately, we don’t always get to choose the quality of the water or even the design, so here are some of my favorite bath time tactics to maximise both enjoyment and healing properties:

How to Maximise Bath Time:

The Trouble with Chlorine & Chloramine

If you have ever been away on holiday or are staying in a place where you can’t put a shower or water filter in place, you will really notice the distinct smell of chlorine coming from the water. This is particularly bad with bathing as the water is super hot and the hotter it is, the more the chlorine leaches into the air and of course… through your skin.

It is not good stuff to be absorbing into your skin!

So, how do we have a nice hot bath without worrying about absorbing chlorine and chloramine in the process?

• A small amount of vitamin C will immediately and permanently neutralise both chlorine and chloramine. Get it as sodium ascorbate or ascorbic acid powder from health food stores.
  You only need literally a very small pinch… a little goes a very long way. Ascorbic acid is the same stuff you would use to make bath bombs!

Adding some healing benefits to your bath

Essential Oils

One of the best things you can add into your bath is essential oils. Go through your favorites and try different ones. Lavender is one of the easiest and safest to use but you can also use frankincense or lemon. You only need a couple of drops.

Epsom Salts

This is a super essential one for us women with Endometriosis. Epsom salts is a form of magnesium and magnesium does heaps of good things! The main thing it does is alleviate muscle pain and tension. Say good-bye to bloating and inflammation! Also fabulous if you have been on the computer for too many hours or have tight shoulders. I just love it and it is super cheap! I put in about 1 cup per bath and swish it around so it dissolves.

Apple Cider Vinegar

I love this one and it is especially fun when you combine it with bicarbonate of soda—easy bubbles! Apple cider will help alkalize your body, which will also reduce swelling, abdominal bloating and digestive issues. It also has a fabulous side benefit and reduces candida, thrush and any nasties going on inside! Add about 1 cup to a full bath of water.

Baking Soda/Bicarbonate of Soda (food grade and aluminium free) 

You can find this in the baking section of most supermarkets. It softens skin and deep cleanses the body all at the same time.

Make a Teabag for your bath

You can buy teabags which you can fill yourself or just use an old sock or pantyhose. Fill them with your favorite herbs to help you relax and heal. My favorites include chamomile, yarrow and hibiscus flower.

Are you a bath fan like me? What do you like to put in your bath? Share some of your secrets in the comments below…