How to Make a Honey Bath for Relaxation and Better Sleep

Honey baths have been around since ancient times thanks to their many health benefits. Not to mention soaking in one feels incredibly relaxing. And as it turns out, they're surprisingly easy to prepare too.

Preparing a honey bath requires honey along with lavender and chamomile essential oils. Mixing these natural ingredients together in warm water will create a soothing feeling and alluring aroma. Additionally, taking honey baths is an excellent way for you to replenish dry or damaged skin.

Curious to try one for yourself? We'll take you through all the steps right here.

6 steps to make a honey bath

One thing you need for a honey bath is, as you might expect, honey. However, you'll also need two types of essential oils: lavender and chamomile.

Here's how to prepare the honey bath:

1. Pour 5 tablespoons of honey into a small mixing bowl.
2. Add 4 drops of both essential oils into the honey. Mix the solution using a spoon or mixer.
3. Fill up your tub with warm water. However, don't make the water boiling hot. Otherwise, the effects of the honey and oils may get neutralized.
4. Slowly pour the mixture in as the tub fills. If necessary, swirl the water to help the oils and honey spread.
5. Enjoy soaking in the bath for 10 to 20 minutes. Consider playing some music or lighting some candles to help you unwind.
6. Quickly rinse off after soaking. This is an optional step in case you don't want the aroma of essential oils on you.

As relaxing as it might feel, try not to soak for longer than 20 minutes. Past that point, your skin may lose its natural oils and thus dry out quicker.

Other ingredients you can add to honey baths

The most common ingredients for these tranquil baths are honey and essential oils. But that doesn't mean you can't get creative and add other things!

Below is a list of other soothing ingredients to add a little something extra to your honey bath:

• Milk: Honey and milk baths have been a part of skin care since ancient times. In fact, some historians believe that Queen Cleopatra enjoyed these baths to preserve her beauty.
• Red wine: The resveratrol in red wine helps reduce skin inflammation and wrinkles. As a result, adding a bottle into your honey bath can do wonders.
• Flower petals: It doesn't get much more relaxing than a warm bath surrounded by flower petals. Lavender and chamomile petals, in particular, are known for their soothing effect.
• Vanilla: The sweet aroma of vanilla can help you unwind and enjoy your soak. So consider adding a tablespoon to your next honey bath.

Also, you should pour the above ingredients directly into the bath. Do not mix them with the honey beforehand unless you're following a recipe.

What are the benefits of honey baths?

Believe it or not, honey baths aren't only great for helping you sleep—they can also provide numerous skin and health benefits.

Here are some reasons why you should hop in a honey bath:

• Moisturization: Honey is excellent at moisturizing even the driest skin. Part of the reason why is that it gently coats your pores, maintaining a healthy pH.
• Better sleep: Few things will help you unwind more than a warm, relaxing bath. And this fact is even more true when you add in aromatic oils and soothing honey.
• Luster: Honey baths not only moisturize your skin but also revitalize it. After taking one, you may notice your skin looks more vibrant and smooth.
• Inflammation: Essential oils and honey are both known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Mental health: Taking some time to relax and unwind is beneficial for your mental health. And to that end, there's nothing better than a tranquil, fragrant honey bath.

While the benefits of honey baths are numerous, you should only soak two or three times weekly. Otherwise, your skin may start to dry out more.

An alternative honey bath for relaxation

You may want a relaxing honey bath, but not the scent of essential oils. Thankfully, milk is a great substitute that's just as capable of rejuvenating your skin—particularly if you suffer from psoriasis or eczema.

Here is how to prepare a milk and honey bath:

1. Pour one cup of whole milk and 5 tablespoons of honey into a jar.
2. Close the jar and shake until well mixed. Use a spoon or mixer if necessary to scoop honey off the sides.
3. Fill up your tub with warm water. Ensure that it's not boiling.
4. Slowly pour in the mixture as your tub fills. Swirl the water with your hand to help the milk and honey spread.
5. Enjoy a soothing soak for 10 to 20 minutes.
6. Rinse off quickly afterward. Otherwise, you may have a lingering milky fragrance.

Can you shower with honey?

As it turns out, the benefits of bathing with honey aren't limited to the tub—you can also use it to revitalize your skin in the shower!

To take a honey shower, make the same mixture you did for the honey bath. But this time, pour it onto your loofah and use it as a scrub.

Believe it or not, using a loofah in the shower can be even more beneficial than soaking in a bath. After all, the scrubbing motion helps exfoliate your body. As a result, the honey and essential oils reach deeper into your skin, further rejuvenating it.

You may even notice your skin feels more smooth and moisturized than it does after honey baths.