Soak in Spring: DIY Soaking Tonic

The end is near for this cold, snowy, record-breaking winter and our bodies can sense the warmer weather that’s ahead. It is time to turn the winter wheel and ignite the springtime fires of health. Enter the hot water soak. Not a bath, but a soak, where herbs and oils join forces with heat to increase circulation, improve digestion, and encourage energy which boosts self-esteem and brings back the playfulness associated with spring.

Basting in a hot water soak is a powerful tonic to kick off the process of spring renewal. There are ingestible teas and tonics that serve the same purpose, and while it appears that the hot water soak has lost its place in the remedy deck it’s time to bring it back! An external immersion soak is a powerful tool and when engaged with an internal tonic, like a dandelion and nettle tea, you create an optimum environment for the body to rebalance.

Here is my favorite recipe for Springtime Soaking Tonic. This bathing experience will warm the blood, increasing the flow of energy for digestion and circulation, which in turn helps move out the old, and make room for the new: new energy for cells and processes that hydrate and nourish our bodies, preparing us for the active months ahead.

Take time with this soak. Settle in, “let go” and release into the tonifying effect of the water. Do not rush, do not multi-task, just soak and let go of all undigested material – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Prepare the following (feel free to adjust to your scent preference):

Add to ½ cup organic Sunflower Oil and blend gently with wooden spoon:

• 5 drops of Orange essential oil
• 3 drops of Rose essential oil
• 1 drops of Clove essential oil
• 1 drop of Cinnamon essential oil
• drizzle of warm raw honey
• a few calendula petals or rose petals if you have them

I like to place the blended oil in a beautiful glass cup or vessel that allows me to pour it directly onto my body rather than pouring into the water first. (this also allows for those that prefer a shower) Gently apply the oil to arms, rub onto the belly, lengthen the legs and apply in long strokes to nurture your strength with touch as well as with the oil preparation. Reconnecting to the body is deepened with touch. The oils will do their “thing,” so just trust them to impart the heat, while you thaw the mind and ignite the glow of health.