Easing Into Gardening Season: How I Use Essential Oils and Epsom Salts for Muscle Care

Hello fellow gardening enthusiasts! With the gardening season just around the corner, we're all excited to get back to our gardens. But as we start to wake our gardens from their winter hibernation, it's important to remember not to overdo it. Gardening is a great workout, lifting, raking, and mowing, which can challenge muscles we haven't used much recently. Let's talk about how to keep those gardening aches at bay so you can enjoy planting and pruning pain-free!

When you're out there in your garden, you're likely giving a good workout to several important muscle groups: The key muscles used in gardening involve all major muscle groups: legs, buttocks, arms, shoulders, neck, back, and abdomen. Tasks that engage these muscles help strengthen and burn calories.

The Joy of a Warm Bath After Gardening

There's nothing quite like sinking into a warm bath after a day in the garden. Not only does the warm water soothe your soul, but it also helps relax those tired muscles. The heat improves circulation, easing muscle stiffness and reducing pain.

Boosting Your Bath with Epsom Salts and Essential Oils

To make your post-gardening bath even more effective, I love adding a mix of Epsom salts and essential oils. Here’s why:

Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulfate): These wonderful crystals help to soothe sore muscles and reduce inflammation.

Essential Oils: They add an aromatic dimension to your bath, enhancing the relaxation experience and providing additional muscle relief.

My Go-To Essential Oil Bath Blend

Here’s a blend I swear by after a long day of gardening:

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)**: It’s perfect for calming the mind and easing muscle tension.

Black Spruce (Picea mariana): Great for reducing muscle soreness and fatigue.

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): It helps with inflammation and encourages a good night’s sleep.

Essential Oil Blend:

• 6 drops of Lavender
• 4 drops of Black Spruce
• 2 drops of Roman Chamomile
• 1/2 cup of Epsom salts
• 1 tablespoon of an unscented, Absolute Aromas paraben-free dispersant

How to Use:

Blend the ingredients in a glass bowl or beaker and then add to your bath water and soak for at least 20 minutes. It’s a wonderful way to end a day in the garden and ensure a restful night’s sleep.  

Please keep in mind that this personal remedy is based on my experience and research in aromatherapy. It is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have persistent or severe muscle pain, please consult a healthcare professional.

Gardening is a joy and a labor of love, so don't let muscle aches keep you from enjoying your passion. A warm, aromatic bath can do wonders for your body and spirit. Take care of your garden, and don’t forget to take care of yourself too!

Happy gardening...