It's nice to know relief from life's challenges can come in the simplest of forms. In this case, a soak in a salt water bath.

For thousands of years and across countless societies bathing has been one way to replenish the body. Salt water bathing supplements the body with minerals and nutrients, encourages detoxification and nourishes the skin.

It can even help ease a troubled mind. 

Today, we replicate this ancient wellness ritual by adding bath salts to a tub of warm water. You can use store-bought bath salts but it’s easy to concoct your own.

You can start with the naturally occurring mineral compound, magnesium sulfate, also known as epson salt. When you dissolve a cup or two of epson salt in a warm bath water and slide beneath the water's surface to soak awhile, the magnesium gets absorbed through your skin, which helps relax your tired muscles. The sulfate also improves the absorption of nutrients and flushes out toxins.  

Your mind is also eased because magnesium helps produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical in the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. 

Epson salts are inexpensive and easy to find. Most all pharmacies carry it by the bag with enough for several baths.

If you can find it, add some pink Himalayan salt to the mix. It offers up to 84 trace minerals and adds a beautiful splash of colour.

Elevate the experience further by adding medicinal dried flower petals like calendula, chamomile or rose, along with a few drops of your favourite essential oil. You can usually find dried petals at bulk stores, health food stores and at many asian grocery stores.

Add a scoop or two of bath salts directly to the water, climb inside and soak with the petals floating about. You could also use a simple cotton drawstring bag or make bundles of bath salts with squares of cheese cloth tied with string. It does make for an easier clean up of your tub.

To make your own bath salts:

*Mix together equal parts epson salt, Himalayan salt and flower petals.

*Add one or two drops of essential for each cup of salt.

*Store in a jar with a lid.

*Add one or more scoops to your bath water (warm water for absorbing and hot for detoxing) or pour a scoop into a cloth bag and let it steep in the tub water.

*Sink beneath the surface and soak your troubles away.

*Consult with your physician before taking salt baths if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.