BATH LUXURY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 643, 20 April 1929, Page 22

BATH LUXURY

There is nothing like a warm tub for combating a chill, soothing jaded nerves, overcoming sleeplessness, dissipating over-tiredness of brain or muscle and easing stiff limbs. So pleasant and beneficial a rite is worth a little extra trouble to increase its delights. If the water is of the “hard” variety, add a spoonful of borax or ammonia. Bran, barley meal or oatmeal greatly improves the water, and all are particularly favourable for the skin. A handful of meal tied up in a muslin bag and placed in the bath while the water runs in is the best method of introducing it. The water would become unpleasantly thick if the paste -were not confined in the bag. Before the Dance Most of us use bath salts, but a change from the ordinary is often agreeable. A little eau de cologne added to the hot water is fragrantly exhilarating if one is taking a j dip before dressing for dinner or a dance. Pine, too, is a fine thing when feeling a little anxious for invigoration. Lavender water or indeed a few drops of any essence of perfume give a more strongly scented bath than ordinary bath salts. Try squeezing a lemon into the water. The fragrance is very fresh, and the diffused juice has a cleansing effect on the skin. The delicious aromatic quality of herbs in hot water should suggest their use in the bath if one is tired of more cloying sweetness. Lavender flowers, mint, thyme, or sage leaves may be tied up in muslin and steeped in boiling water for a little while until their characteristic aroma is infused into it. The liquid may then be added to the bath water.

One should lie relaxed in the warm perfumed water, an indiarubber air cushion under the head against the end of the bath, and gain the full benefit of the few minutes’ ease and rest. Have voluminous warm towels ready, and rub down vigorously after stepping out.

A tepid shower is a good thing to follow' a hot tub, especially if one intends to go out of doors or into a much cooler atmosphere soon after.