I’ve always loved soaking in the tub and enjoying the emotional and physical benefits of scrubs and bath salts. On occasion I have also enjoyed accompanying this ‘love me’ activity with a glass of chilled wine. It’s the perfect hot and steamy date with me!
The offset of the warm, soothing water against my body with the cool wine gliding across my palate is sensuous and relaxing. It is important to harmonize the aromas of bath scrubs or salts with those found in wine. Otherwise, one’s mind feels disconnected. This stops the ability to focus and relax. The juicy aromas of scrub or salts combined with aromas of wine may seem like snobbery at its finest, but it is actually a potent medicinal, emotional and spiritual activity and association.
Drinking a glass of wine while taking a bath has many health benefits. Wine, in general, when consumed in moderation (defined by the American Heart Association as one or two four-ounce glasses per day) has been shown in studies to promote longevity while reducing the risks of heart attacks , heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, cataracts, colon cancer, and mental decline. The alcohol in wine also has antibacterial power and can help prevent the common cold.
The art of smelling wine to distinguish its aromas requires determination and is meditative. Alcohol, in general, when consumed in moderation, has been shown to reduce stress.
Using quality bath scrubs and salts that contain essential oils is a form of aromatherapy and is also emotionally and spiritually beneficial. Inhaling different essential oils can help balance the body, mind, and spirit. Essential oils are not actually oils at all. They are the soul of the plants that are used to make them. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant constituents that possess powerful medicinal and cosmetic qualities. Different oils contain different medicinal and emotional attributes. The elements of heat, light, air and humidity activate the release of its aromatic smell.
As we use the bath scrub or salt, we inhale the essential oils, which stimulates the part of the brain connected to smell: our olfactory system. A signal is sent to the brain’s limbic system that controls our emotions and helps retrieve learned memories. This action causes chemicals in the brain such as serotonin to be released and makes us feel relaxed and calm. When the essential oils in scrubs are applied to the skin, they activate thermal receptors, destroy microbes and fungi, and can produce healing effects.
It is important that the scrubs or salts you buy are made from quality organic essential oils. Our bodies absorb everything we put on our skin. While there are many brands on the market, Arbonne produces bath scrubs and salts that use the highest quality ingredients (plant extracts and essential oils) that act as exfoliants, antioxidants, and conditioners. the skin, as well as calming the mind and spirit through its aromatics. The oils have a small molecular size, which means they are well absorbed by the skin.
So the next time you decide to take a dip, be sure to engage in the art of drinking and soaking.
Here are some Arbonne-inspired drink and soak pairings worth exploring:
Arbonne Awaken Sea Salt Scrub (Avocado, Coriander Seed, Rose Flower and Beera Seed essential oils) combined with an organic or biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc.
Arbonne FC5 Exfoliating Body Scrub (essential oils of grapefruit, sandalwood, mandarin orange, orange peel, bergamot, lime, ginger, lemon, orange) combined with organic and biodynamic Dry Riesling.
Arbonne Foaming Sea Salt Scrub (Essential Oils of Grape Seed, Orange Peel, Lavender, Grapefruit Peel Spearmint Leaves) combined with dry Gewurztraminer.
Arbonne Unwind Bath Salts (Odorata, Bergamot essential oils) blended with chilled organic or biodynamic Pinot Noir.
