My favourite winter bath soaks

There is nothing like a nice hot bath in the middle of winter. Sometimes you need it because you are exhausted from exercising, other times to help ward off illness and maybe you just want to relax and give your skin a treat. ATHLETE’S DREAM SOAK

2- 4 cups Epsom salts

Believe it or not, I have exercised to exhaustion on occasion, and with many women competing in marathons these days, I’m thinking there’s a real need out there for this soak. Epsom salts have a high magnesium content that helps clear out the lactic acid released during exercise. You must use at least two cups per bath, but four cups is preferable. Don’t add any oils to the bath as they will change the chemistry of the water. Make sure the water is hot, hop in and soak for at least 20 minutes. HELP, I’M GETTING A COLD! 5 drops lavender

essential oil

5 drops eucalyptus

essential oil

5 drops peppermint

essential oil

Run a bath and add the essential oils. I sometimes use more than this, but five drops of each is good to start. The peppermint will attach itself to your back and may tingle, but the sensation takes your mind off your cold for a minute. Even if you get a cold, keep having this soak daily as it works wonders. MILK BATH FOR QUIET NIGHTS ALONE

3 cups full-fat milk powder (there is no place for skim milk here!)

½ cup runny honey

10 drops lavender

essential oil

Using this soak results in wonderfully smooth, silky skin. The lactic acid in milk dissolves dead skin cells, the honey moisturises your skin and acts as an antibacterial agent, and the lavender oil relaxes you into a heavenly state.

Combine all the ingredients, toss the mixture into your hot bath as it is running, light a candle and soak away.