If the prospect of jumping in a tub full of slimy seaweed isn't for you, don't despair. Many of us don't live near the ocean, or want to gather our own seaweed, and we want to clean up the mess afterwards even less.
The good news is that you can get the benefits of a seaweed bath, such as a reduction in puffiness, without the mess or hassle. Dried seaweed is available, and is a perfectly acceptable replacement for fresh seaweed.
A seaweed bath is a common feature at many exclusive spas. One of the chief reasons for its extreme popularity is that the seaweed bath helps to release excess body fluids from cells. This means less bloat, which is always a very good thing!
So. if you want to de-puff and detoxify your skin before a big event, a seaweed bath is just the thing for you. As well, a seaweed bath has been used traditionally to relieve of conditions like psoriasis, acne, help back and muscular pain; as well it is used to ease rheumatism and arthritis conditions. Of course this is not meant to be medical advice--consult your doctor for the appropriateness of this seaweed bath treatment to your particular condition.
Now if you really want to, and live near the sea, you certainly can collect your own kelp for use in a seaweed bath. Take it home and fill your tub with very hot water, until the seaweed turns very green, and the water turns brown. The water turning brown is a good thing, as it indicates that the minerals are being released from the seaweed. When the water has cooled enough to become comfortable, enter the bath and rub your skin with the kelp to maximize its many benefits. Your skin will become coated with a gel from the seaweed, and this is a good thing as it helps to draw out toxins from the skin. When the gel starts to come off the skin and return to the water, you will have gained the maximum benefits from the kelp.
Here's a simple recipe to get you started on your own seaweed bath:
Little Mermaid Seaweed Bath--From SpaLivingForHealth.com
1 cup dried seaweed powder--a 1:1 mix of Dulse flakes
1 tbsp. carrier oil, such as jojoba, almond or grapeseed oil
3 drops of Juniper or Cedarwood essential oil
3 drops of lemon essential oil
Add your seaweed to the water while it is still running; make it very hot. Let the seaweed steep in the hotwater until it it cool enough to enter. At this point, add the oils to the water. Make sure you have at least 20 minutes to devote to your bath for best effect. Drink lots of water after your bath to replenish fluid lost during the bath.
If you want a total relaxation experience as well, add 1 cup dried lavender tied up in cheesecloth to your bath and let it steep like a giant tea bag.
A final note of caution: This treatment is not advised for anyone suffering from high blood pressure. If you are unsure if this treatment would be safe for you, consult your physician before using.