Visit England Tourism Superstar finalist 2022 Adam writes…
Outside in all weathers as a tour guide since 2004, I like to think I know a thing or two about battling the cold weather.
I usually share these tips in January… but we’ve had a pretty spectacular cold snap by London standards this month, so I’m sharing my winter weather tips early with you hardy punters who join me rain or sleet in the winter months.
In this post I’m sharing tips on how to unwind AFTER a winter walk.
And no, it’s not with a large dram! (At least not this time.)
Your limbs are achy and your skin is tight on your face. You’re tired and maybe even a bit sniffy, too. You need a muscle relaxing, skin-soothing detox soak. Here’s my simple version…
A Detox Soak
You will need…
A couple of big cups of Epsom Salts
A spoon of baking soda
A few drops of camphor oil (no more than 10 drops)
A few drops of cedarwood oil (no more than 10 drops)
You can get essential oils such as these at Neal’s Yard Remedies in Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden. Visit their website here: https://www.nealsyardremedies.com
Some grated fresh ginger*
(*You can use powdered ginger if you don’t have fresh, but it does tend to make much more of a gritty mess in the bath!)
Pour the Epsom Salts into the bath under the running tap, ditto the baking soda, then grate the fresh ginger into the water.
Just before getting into the bath, add the oils. Make the bath as hot as you can.
The Epsom Salts – magnesium sulphate – will draw out toxins and helps muscles and nerves function properly and the baking soda soothes windblown skin.
The camphor clears the head and the cedarwood, while also being a relaxant, soothes the aching joints.
Ooh, I’m getting all new-age-y and hippie-ish. But before I get too carried away, a couple of practicalities:
• Drink a big glass of water before – and during, if poss – bathing.
• This is not one for first thing in the morning, or for those about to operate heavy machinery. The effect is drowsy-making and nicely spacey. Plus, it shouldn’t be rushed – take half-an-hour to soak.
• You will need to shower-off afterward – this is a soak, not a wash and you will have bits of ginger in your hair!
No time for bath like this? Then a simple hot towel is the thing for you…
Take a clean flannel, soak it then wring it out to the extent that it is still quite moist but not sopping wet. Roll it like this…
… and pop it in the microwave for 30-40 seconds.
Tip: DON’T set the microwave to full power. And if you choose to use essential oils such as eucalyptus (which you would apply to the dry towel) then be VERY careful when pressing the towel around the eyes.
Any tips of your own for winter walkers? Drop me a line or come and tell me on one of my walking tours this winter.
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