Sore Muscles? Here’s What to Add to Your Bath

6 days ago

We get it—bathing can feel like a bit of a chore, especially when your muscles are sore and you're already tired. But trust us on this: if you can take a few minutes to sink into a warm bath, it's one of the best ways to soothe those achy muscles and give your body some much-needed relief. And if you happen to have the right bath products (ahem, like the ones we happen to sell here), it becomes even more of a game-changer.

When your muscles are in full-on protest, a heating pad might target one spot, but a hot bath? That heat wraps around your entire body, soothing every ache. It's like a full-body reset for your muscles. But to truly maximize your soak, the right bath essentials are key. Let’s dive into the top bath additives for ultimate muscle relief and relaxation.

What to Put in Your Bath for Sore Muscles

1. Epsom Salt

If you haven’t heard about Epsom salt by now, where have you been? Epsom salt is a mineral compound made of magnesium sulfate, and it’s been used for centuries to help relieve muscle aches and pains. In addition to soothing sore muscles, taking an Epsom salt bath can help reduce stress, improve sleep, detoxify the body, and promote better circulation.

For pain relief, when Epsom salt dissolves in warm water, it’s absorbed through your skin, releasing magnesium that helps ease muscle inflammation, relax tight muscles, and improve circulation. Whether you've just crushed a workout or your body’s feeling the effects of stress, Epsom salt helps draw out toxins and ease tension. Just add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt to your bath, then soak for a minimum of 20 minutes to let the magic work on your muscles.

2. CBD Bath Bomb

If you want to take your bath from “meh” to “whoa,” add a CBD bath bomb. A CBD bath bomb is a specially formulated bath product that combines cannabidiol (CBD) with other ingredients, such as essential oils, baking soda, Epsom salt, and emollients, to create a relaxing and therapeutic soak. CBD is a compound derived from hemp and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for soothing sore muscles and reducing pain.

When dropped into warm bath water, the bath bomb fizzes and dissolves, releasing CBD into the water. This allows the CBD to be absorbed through the skin and interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps target pain relief in specific areas of discomfort. Whether it's tight muscles, sore joints, or tension, the CBD works locally to reduce inflammation and ease pain, providing targeted relief exactly where you need it most, along with a range of other awesome benefits.

Research has shown that the localized effects of CBD from skin absorption can be felt instantly because the heat from the bath accelerates absorption, allowing the CBD to take effect almost immediately, helping you unwind and enjoy a deeper, more relaxing soak.

*Medical Disclaimer: CBD has not yet been proven to reverse any health conditions and should not be used as medicinal diagnosis or treatment. The content of this post is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your doctor for questions.

Why settle for one hero when you can have two?

A CBD bath bomb made with Epsom salt combines the soothing powers of both ingredients, giving your muscles the ultimate TLC they deserve. The CBD targets pain and inflammation, helping to relax your muscles and reduce discomfort, while the Epsom salt works to improve circulation and ease tension.

Together, they create a dream team of bath ingredients, offering you full-body relaxation and relief in one luxurious soak. It’s the perfect combination if you're looking for maximum muscle relief and a stress-free, zen-like experience.

Enter Tub Therapy Soakshow CBD Bath Bombs—the perfect bath additive for sore muscles. Made with both CBD and Epsom salt, it’s a double-whammy of relief, $15 each with free shipping

Step-by-Step Guide to an Effective Pain-Relief Bath

Now that you’ve got your Epsom Salt or CBD Bath Bomb ready, let’s dive into how to make the most of your bath for an ultra-relaxing soak that delivers maximum pain relief—and it’s as easy as pie!

Step 1: Set the Scene with Warm Water (Not Hot Lava, Please!)

First thing’s first—temperature matters. You want the water to be warm enough to ease the pain but not so hot that it feels like you're cooking yourself alive. Aim for around 100°F to 104°F (37-40°C). If you’re using a thermometer, perfect. If not, just test the water with your hand—it should feel like a nice, cozy embrace. Too hot and you’ll sweat, too cool and it won’t be as effective.

Step 2: Add Epsom Salt or a CBD Bath Bomb

Simply add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt or drop in a CBD bath bomb, letting it dissolve into the warm water. Then, sit back and let the magic happen.

Step 3: Soak It All In

The sweet spot for a soothing soak is about 20-30 minutes. Any less, and you might not give your body enough time to fully benefit from the healing powers of the warm water, Epsom salt, and CBD. Any more, and you’ll start to feel pruney (and let’s be real, no one’s here for pruney skin). So, grab a good book or a calming playlist and let your muscles soak up all that relief. Bonus: You’re also hydrating your body just by being in water—double win!

Step 4: Post-Bath Bliss

Once your muscles have loosened and you're feeling relaxed, it’s time to step out of the bath and emerge like a new person. To keep the soothing vibes going, follow up with a nourishing CBD lotion to lock in moisture and extend that post-bath relief. After all, a hot soak can leave skin a little thirsty!

For extra targeted relief, you can also apply a CBD topical like our bestselling The Wingwoman CBD XFreeze Pain Relief Gel Roller 2500MG to any particularly achy spots. This powerhouse product delivers post-bath comfort and soothing relief right where you need it, helping your muscles feel even better after your soak.

Why Baths Are So Effective for Sore Muscles and Body Pain

So here’s a fun fact: submerging your whole body in warm water is enough to start easing muscle soreness—the warm water will do wonders on its own!

The heat causes blood vessels to expand, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the muscles, which helps relax tightness and ease stiffness. This increase in circulation also helps flush out metabolic waste, like lactic acid, which can build up in muscles after exercise and contribute to soreness. The soothing warmth also triggers the release of endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers—which help further reduce discomfort.

But hey, if you really want to kick things up a notch, adding Epsom salt or a CBD bath bomb can seriously upgrade your soak. Like we mentioned earlier, Epsom salt is packed with magnesium, which works wonders to relax muscles and reduce inflammation. And CBD? It’s got those anti-inflammatory superpowers that target pain and discomfort. So, while a warm bath alone does the job, these little extras give your muscles some extra love and make the relief even more effective.

Our verdict?

Let’s be real—taking a bath for sore muscles can feel like an Olympic event! The idea of prepping the bath when all you really want to do is curl up in bed and sleep off the pain is enough to make anyone hesitate. But trust us, once you take the plunge, a warm bath is a game-changer for relieving body pain and boosting your well-being—no pills required.

Whether it’s from a tough workout, a stressful day, or chronic pain, a soak with Epsom salt or a CBD bath bomb is a natural, effective way to find relief. Baths might be tough to motivate for, but we promise you’ll feel so much better afterward. Take it from us—when the muscles start throwing tantrums, a bath is the perfect fix!