The Therapeutic Value of a Hot Bath

Everyone knows a hot bath is good for you, but for more good reasons than you may know.

There are several such benefits, in fact – too many to squeeze into a blog. But these are the benefits most appreciated and most often mentioned by regular home bathers.

Bye-bye anxiety

Research has shown that soaking in a tub is more effective at relieving anxiety than taking a prescription drug. Still, and for your own sake, consult with your doctor before abandoning any of your meds.

Stop that itch

Adding a couple of tablespoons of olive or coconut oil to your bath water can help relieve the itchy and flaky skin caused by psoriasis. The oil acts as a moisturizer, helping remove scales and making your skin less prone to infection. The trick, however, is to get out of the tub after no more than 10 minutes to prevent your skin from drying out. Once you’ve dried yourself off, apply the moisturizing cream your doctor has recommended.

A whole new way to enjoy oatmeal

No, we’re not recommending turning your tub into a giant cereal bowl. But yes, the avenanthramides in oats is a key compound for calming inflamed, itchy skin. To harness its power, place whole oats in a clean, dry sock. Seal the open end with a rubber band, and then drop the sock into a warm or hot bath. Soak yourself for 15 to 20 minutes.

Lights out 

Slipping between cool sheets helps trigger a drop in your body temperature, and that shift tells your body to produce melatonin, a natural sleep inducer. To sleep more soundly, take a warm bath just before bedtime. That will serve to temporarily raise your body temperature. Once it cools off between the sheets, you’ll sleep like a baby.

Fight that cold

A hot bath can soothe stuffy nasal passages and erase body aches. Plus, relaxation releases painkilling endorphins in the brain. You’ll feel better, and sleep better, too.

Good for your heart

Taking a regular warm bath can help reduce blood pressure. This is significant because reduced blood pressure can help prevent more serious heart conditions, like heart attack or stroke. By using heat to induce better blood flow and circulation, you’re giving your body a mini-workout.

What’s key to a regular routine of hot baths? A plentiful supply of hot water, of course. If your current water heater can’t keep up, it can be repaired or might even need to be replaced. Whatever might be wrong, contact the plumbing professionals at Messmer Mechanical for expert diagnosis and exactly the right solution.