DIY Mustard Bath

Try this mustard bath recipe to help alleviate symptoms of colds, fatigued and achy muscles, fever, congestion and stress. Soak it all away!

Much to my dismay, the flu that started with my son is now making its way through the house. It’s not very often that any of us get sick, so when we do, it’s a real drag. On a normal day, I take many precautions to keep my immune system going strong. Getting fresh air, drinking my morning power smoothie, doing some sort of exercise and stretching, drinking plenty of water, as well as taking time to de-stress are all tremendous helpers. Sometimes, though, there’s just no stopping it!

Over time, I’ve discovered the best way to approach colds and flu is to get plenty of rest. I’m not one who’s very good at it for long, but sometimes the body and soul need a little downtime and good old sleep. Agree?

DIY Mustard Bath Recipe in Jar

I also find hot baths often work wonders for the aches and pains that usually come with the flu. Fortunately, my husband’s aunt introduced me to mustard baths (a traditional remedy in England) not too long ago. They seem to work wonders for all kinds of ailments, including the treatment of colds, fatigued and achy muscles, fever, congestion and stress. Of course, everyone experiences different results.

Mustard has been known to stimulate the sweat glands, opening the pores and helping the body rid itself of toxins. As a result, circulation may improve, and both congestion and pain may be eased. In addition, essential oils including eucalyptus, wintergreen, and rosemary are used for their therapeutic benefits to help reduce pain, assist breathing, increase circulation and provide general antiseptic properties. If that isn’t enough, chamomile is used as a mild sedative, with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Put these all together, and one may reap some benefits.

DIY Mustard Bath

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups magnesium sulfate (epsom salts)
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • ¼ cup mustard powder
  • 2 chamomile tea bags or 2 tablespoons of loose tea
  • 6-8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  • 2-4 drops wintergreen essential oil (optional)
  • 6-8 drops rosemary essential oil

The full list of ingredient measurements and instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Instructions:

Place all of the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well until all lumps are gone.

Mustard Bath Soak Ingredients in White Bowl


Add essential oils, mix well and transfer to an airtight jar or canister.

Essential Oils for DIY Mustard Bath Soak

How Do You Take a Mustard Bath?

*Important Safety Note: DO NOT use this mustard bath mixture for children. Also, ensure you do not have an allergy to any of the ingredients before trying the bath. Keep out of eyes. Check with your doctor first if you have high blood pressure or any other medical conditions.

Add a few generous scoops of the mustard bath salts (about ¼ cup) to a hot running bath and soak for at least 15-20 minutes, breathing in deeply. Rinse your body with a little fresh water and pat dry. Be sure to rinse out the tub!

As an option, place a few scoops of the mustard bath soak into a disposable tea filter and secure with a clip or kitchen string. This will keep your body and tub free from debris. Or, steep the mustard bath for 5-10 minutes in a glass measuring cup and filter before pouring into the tub.

Sometimes I just soak my feet, which seems to help too.

I like to follow up with warm PJ’s and a hot cup of flu buster tea. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water.

Mustard Bath Recipe

Mustard Bath Ingredients
This DIY mustard bath may help to alleviate symptoms of colds, fatigued and achy muscles, fever, congestion and stress!
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups magnesium sulfate (epsom salts) epsom salts
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • ¼ cup mustard powder
  • 2 chamomile tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose tea)
  • 6-8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  • 6-8 drops rosemary essential oil
  • 2-4 drops wintergreen essential oil (optional)

Instructions

  • Place all of the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well until all lumps are gone.
  • Add essential oils, mix well and transfer to an airtight jar or canister.
  • Add a few generous scoops of the mixture (about 1/4 cup) to a hot running bath and soak for at least 15-20 minutes, breathing in deeply. Rinse your body with a little fresh water and pat dry. Be sure to rinse out the tub!
  • As an option, place a few scoops of the mustard bath mixture into a disposable tea filter and secure with a clip or kitchen string. This will keep your body and tub free from debris.

Notes

**Important Safety Note: DO NOT use this mustard bath mixture for children. Also, ensure you don’t have an allergy to any of the ingredients before trying the bath. Keep out of eyes. Check with your doctor first if you have high blood pressure or any other medical conditions.

Have you ever taken a mustard bath? What are your secret remedies for helping get through a cold or flu?

One other thing before you head off… If you’re looking for more useful and pretty ideas in your life, make sure you’re on the email list! You can subscribe here.

Sending you wishes for health and happiness!

Shauna at Satori Design for Living Blog - Home Decor, DIY, Vintage Finds, Recipes

4 Comments

  1. I am feeling a little run down as well!  The hubs had a quick 24 hour stomach flu last week, but I think I just have a really bad head cold!  I hate feeling sick, because I never sit down!  This bath sounds amazing… I will have to try it!

  2. Your post couldn’t have come at a better time.  I’m have a cold and will try this recipe to help myself feel better.  Thanks Shauna!

  3. This is great Shauna, especially when your kiddos get sick which is never pleasant.
    ~Mandy

    1. Hi Mandy,
      I used it for my teenage son and it really helped, but I wouldn’t recommend it for younger kids because of the essential oils and mustard. An epsom salt bath may help though.
      Shauna

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