Cleopatra was not only famous as the queen of ancient Egypt, but also as an incredibly beautiful and intelligent woman. In addition, Cleopatra was also known for her habit of taking milk baths, which were often mixed with honey or herbs. That's a wise move because milk is very good for the skin. Milk can both moisturize and exfoliate the skin, leaving it feeling silky soft and glowing healthy.
Ingredients
Basic Milk and Honey Bath
- 250-500 ml milk
- 175 grams of honey
Milk Bath with Dried Flowers
- 250 gr milk powder
- 4 grams of dried orange peel
- 1.5 g dried lavender flowers
- 1.5 gr dried rosemary
Milk Bath with Essential Oils
- 125 gr milk powder (goat or cow's milk)
- 45 gr baking soda
- 55 g sea salt or Epsom salt
- 55 gr crystal honey
- 40 grams of dry oatmeal, ground into powder
- 8 g dried lavender, ground into powder
- 10-20 drops of essential oil (optional)
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Milk and Honey
Step 1. Fill a large jar with 250-500 ml of milk
We recommend using high-fat milk because it has the ability to exfoliate and moisturize better than low-fat or non-fat milk.
Step 2. Add 175g of honey to provide extra moisture
In addition, honey is also antibacterial and very effective in reducing acne.
Step 3. Close the jar, then shake it so that all ingredients are well mixed
If necessary, open the jar and stir the milk and honey with a spoon. The honey should dissolve in the milk and not settle to the bottom of the jar.
Step 4. Cover the tub hole, then fill the tub with warm water
Make sure the water is not too hot so as not to spoil the benefits of honey.
Step 5. Pour the milk and honey mixture under running water
Once the tub is filled with the required amount of water, turn off the tap and stir the water with your hands so that the milk and honey mixture is evenly distributed.
Step 6. Get into the tub and soak for no more than 20 minutes
Do not use soap at this time. After you're done bathing, throw the bath water and rinse your body with soap and fresh water.
Method 2 of 3: Using Dried Flowers
Step 1. Fill a glass jar with powdered milk
Choose the type of high-fat milk because it will be more beneficial for the skin than the type of low-fat or nonfat milk. Do not add water at this stage.
Step 2. Add orange zest, lavender and dried rosemary
This component will make the bath water emit a fragrant and soothing aroma. You can also experiment with other types of flowers and herbs, such as dried rose petals and lilies.
Step 3. Close the jar, then shake to mix the ingredients
Keep whisking until all the ingredients are well mixed with the milk.
Step 4. Close the tub hole and start filling it with warm water
Make sure that the water is not too hot because it can cook the milk.
Step 5. Add 115g of the mixture to the bath water
Store the rest in a cool, dark place.
Step 6. Stir the bath water by hand to mix the milk
Make sure the bath water has an even color. Orange peels and dried flowers may float to the surface of the water.
Step 7. Get into the tub and soak for no more than 20 minutes
Do not use soap at this time. When you're done soaking, empty the tub and rinse your body with soap and fresh water.
Try using a strainer to collect the orange peel and dried flowers before emptying the tub. That way, you will avoid the risk of clogged pipes
Method 3 of 3: Using Essential Oils
Step 1. Fill a large glass jar with powdered milk, baking soda and salt
For salt, you can use past salt or Epsom salt. For milk, you can choose between goat's milk or cow's milk. Whatever milk you choose, try to use high-fat milk because it will provide more moisture to the skin than low-fat or nonfat milk.
Step 2. Add the honey crystals to the jar
You can also use honey powder instead. Dry honey will be easier to mix with powdered milk than liquid honey. In addition, you also do not need to store it in the refrigerator.
Step 3. Grind the oatmeal into a fine powder and add it to the jar
You can use a blender or coffee grinder. This will make it easier for you to enjoy your milk bath and will prevent clogged pipes.
Step 4. Grind the dried lavender into a fine powder and add it to the jar
You can use a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. If you don't like lavender, try another dried flower, such as chamomile, rose, or lily.
Step 5. Consider adding 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil for extra fragrance
If you are using more than one type of essential oil, mix them in separate bottles first. You're free to use any essential oil you like, but scents suitable for a milk and honey bath include: geranium, lavender, mandarin and ylang ylang.
Step 6. Close the jar, then shake it to mix all the ingredients
Keep whisking until all the ingredients are well mixed with the powdered milk.
Step 7. Cover the tub hole and fill it with water
Do not use water that is too hot because it will damage the benefits of honey.
Step 8. Add a few tablespoons to 115g of the mixture under running water
If there is any left, store in a cool and dry place. If necessary, use your hands to stir the water to allow the mixture to dissolve better.
Step 9. Get into the tub and soak for no more than 20 minutes
Do not use soap at this stage. When you're done bathing, empty the tub, and rinse your body with soap and clean water.
For maximum shower fragrance, consider closing the bathroom door so the scent doesn't sneak out
Tips
- Milk baths are great for dry and flaky skin. A milk bath can moisturize and exfoliate the skin and leave it feeling soft and smooth.
- High-fat milk is better for the skin than low-fat or nonfat milk.
- Try other types of milk, such as goat's milk, rice milk, soy, or coconut milk.
- Experiment with different types of powdered milk, such as goat's milk, curd, or coconut milk.
- Milk baths are considered safe for people suffering from lactose intolerance because milk is not swallowed.
- Consider letting the milk come to room temperature before adding it to the bath. Cold milk can make the bath water temperature drop drastically.
- After you're done bathing, use soap and water to clean your skin of any milk residue that can cause odor. Don't let the milk dry on your skin.
Warning
- Do not use water that is too hot because it will damage the benefits of honey.
- Do not soak more than 20 minutes so that the skin does not crack.
- If you have eczema, it's best to limit bath time to 10-15 minutes.