If there is anything better than a soothing, warm bath, it is an upgraded bath infused with intention and a ritualistic touch. We are, of course, referring to spiritual baths, and this article details how to draw one for yourself and how they benefit you. Plus, we provide five recipes to get you started on the right foot.

What Is A Spiritual Bath?

A spiritual bath, or ritual bath as some people call it, is the idea of coupling a hot bath with intention. By submerging the body into the water and your intent, you can get more out of your relaxing experience. This practice dates back to the days of Ancient Egypt, Greece, Israel, and India. Even modern-day baptisms use this practice that has taken place throughout human history.

The great thing about spiritual baths is that you can do them on your own. It doesn’t have to be a large demonstration; on the contrary, it can be a beautiful, solitary experience. In addition to the ingredients you add to the water, you can incorporate soul-nourishing or spiritual tools that you enjoy. Do your best to avoid any chemical products, including shampoo, conditioner, shower gels, or bubbly soaps. Instead, opt for Epsom salt, essential oils, herbs, and other natural ingredients. A saltwater soak is also a powerful way to cleanse the body’s energy.

The Purpose Of Spiritual Baths

A spiritual bath is a bath that refreshes the body and soul. It is easy to look at it like this: you feel one way before a bath and another way once you step out of it. That “cleansed” feeling goes beyond the feeling of a clean body. You often feel renewed and relaxed after a bath, so incorporating intention and a spiritual element can enhance the total experience.

What is the “purpose” of a spiritual bath, then? If anything, your intention determines the bath’s purpose. Generally speaking, the purpose is to allow yourself the time and space to be mindful and present in your body. During your bath, you can allow the internal and energetic healing that comes from that space to work with you. Cleansing is healing and inspiring, which is potentially why spiritual baths can have a grounding effect. 

How To Create A Spiritual Bath

Anybody can add ingredients to a bath and soak in it for a given amount of time. To create the perfect spiritual bath, we suggest you use the following instructions:

• Declutter your space and clean the bathtub before you draw the bath. The energy of the tub should be pure and fresh. 
• Fill the tub with water at your desired temperature. You can bring candles into the bathroom and light them around the tub. 
• Add two handfuls of bath salts, either Epsom or Himalayan. You can also use homemade bath salt infusions. 
• If you want essential oils, drop a few drops into the bath, but make sure you don’t add them freely. Too many drops can irritate the skin.
• While you soak in the bath, aim to gather your thoughts and think positively. You can recite a mantra or intention, or repeat positive affirmations in a meditative state. A gratitude practice is also excellent during a spiritual bath. 

5 Spiritual Bath Teas

Spiritual bath teas involve ingredients that complete your intentions and affirmations. Each combination gives a different spiritual cleanse, making each bath unique. Here are some combinations to enhance your baths. 

Beauty Cleanse

Ground oats work to soothe skin, providing relief from irritation and inflammation. Their saponins can also absorb dirt and oil, which helps clean your pores. Add one or two cups of ground oats to your bath with optional orange essential oil. Massage the oats into your skin to rid yourself of dirt and negative energy. During this bath, use the affirmation, “I am beautiful in mind, body, and spirit.”

Abundance Bath

Smudge your tub with white sage and add some bay leaves, chamomile, and about one cup of Himalayan salt to the tub. Bring your citrine and place it on your tub, visualizing the things you want to attract more of into your life. During this bath, consider the affirmation, “I am a magnet for everything I desire.”

The Full Moon Bath

Wind down for the evening and make this bath the focal point of your night. Grab a pen and paper and write out a list of things you want to let go of, from beliefs to build-up stress. Take that list, rip it up, and throw it in the trash. Pour in a few drops of lavender essential oil and eucalyptus essential oil and about a cup or so of Epsom salt. Place your favorite crystals around the tub to purify the energy. You don’t need an affirmation for this bath because the goal of it should be to release everything and begin anew. 

New Moon Cleanse

Grab your Epsom salt, lavender essential oil, and maqui berry powder for this cleansing bath. Stir the ingredients and your bathwater will turn a dark blue hue. Place your amethyst and clear quartz crystals around the tub, along with a few of your favorite candles. Enter the bath setting new intentions for the coming week. Repeat the affirmation, “I have the power to create my reality.”

Lavender Love Cleanse

This bath helps you harness self-love and energy to reinvigorate yourself. Use rose petals, lavender essential oil, and about one cup of Epsom salt for this bath. Bring rose quartz crystals and place them around the tub. During this bath, you can use the affirmation, “I love myself unconditionally.”

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If you frequent the grocery store, you have probably noticed and increase in the amount of vegan food products. People who are lactose intolerant, or those who prefer dairy-free food options, greatly appreciate the increase in vegan food substitutes. That said, many of these products contain a lot of processed ingredients and excess sodium. Unfortunately, that is not great news for your health, which is why we always encourage people to make their own homemade versions, for example, this vegan cream cheese.

Cashew cream cheese is the perfect spread for bread, crackers, bagels, and more. It also makes for a great dip and you can incorporate it into all sorts of no-bake appetizers or desserts, such as cheesecake or cream cheese truffles. Not only is this cream cheese dairy-free, but it is also gluten-free, grain-free, paleo, and easy to prepare. You only need a blender and three simple ingredients: cashews, coconut oil, and lemon juice. Sea salt, nutritional yeast, and onion powder are listed as optional ingredients on the ingredient list. You can easily flavor your cream cheese with one, two, or all of those ingredients!

This recipe requires you to soak the cashews in boiling water for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps to soften the cashews, allowing them to blend smoothly. Let’s face it: nobody wants a grainy or nutty cream cheese. Soaking the cashews helps make this spread the creamiest vegan cream cheese ever! Although you can use a high-speed blender, a food processor will yield a creamier consistency. Let us know how you like it in the comments below.

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We always like to say that people who do not like salads just haven’t found the right dressing yet. A great dressing is something that you can enjoy on salads, bowls, tacos, entrees, or even as a dip. You love it so much that you want to drench everything in it! That’s how we feel about this garlic sunflower seed dressing, which is 100% raw vegan and gluten-free. It looks like ranch, but tastes way better and offers more nutrients.

If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seeds can be great alternatives to cashews, which you commonly see in raw vegan creations. That is especially true when making raw cheeses, dressings, sauces, and more. Not only are sunflower seeds fairly inexpensive, but they also exhibit an impressive nutritional profile. In fact, sunflower seeds are high in protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, which work to protect your cells from damaging free radicals. Sunflower seeds also contain magnesium, potassium, fiber, and oleic and linoleic acids. Some studies even found that they may aid in efforts to lower blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels!

The reason that you soak sunflower seeds prior to blending them is to yield a smoother consistency. Soaked sunflower seeds blend more easily, which is great if you don’t have the most high-speed blender. You can also make this dressing in the food processor if you prefer that method, or you simply don’t trust your blender. We hope you enjoy this dressing as much as we do!

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Hard calluses on your feet can be quite uncomfortable. If they bother you, what can you do to get rid of them? These thick layers of skin form because the skin aims to protect itself from friction or pressure. Calluses typically look like raised, hard bumps of skin that are flaky, dry, or even waxy. 

If you play instruments, you can easily develop calluses on your fingertips. You can develop calluses on your hands if you do a lot of manual labor or if you lift weights. Calluses on your feet, especially your heels, result from wearing tight shoes, avoiding socks, or walking barefoot. The hardened skin actually protects that area from further damage, friction, or pressure, according to foot and ankle surgeons. 

You may go your entire life without experiencing a painful callus. In fact, you should ignore them if they don’t bother you. If they start to hurt, or you simply don’t like how they make your feet look, the following tips can help you remove them. 

File Away With A Pumice Stone

The rough, abrasive texture of a pumice stone can help shave away hardened skin. Most people agree that it is the most effective at-home callus remover. There are electric callus removers that essentially shave off dead skin, but a pumice stone is incredibly effective. Continue reading for a guide on how to use a pumice stone:

• Soak the affected area in warm water for about 10 minutes to help soften the skin. This step will make the callus removal process much easier. 
• Using gentle, circular or sideways motions, rub the pumice stone on the callus until you remove the dead skin. Stop as soon as you reach a layer of skin that is soft and healthy. If you continue to file, you may end up irritating healthy skin.
• After filing away your callus, make sure to rinse and dry the area before applying a gentle moisturizer. This step will help keep your skin soft and supple. 

Use An Over-the-Counter Moisturizer Or Callus Dissolver

If you prefer a gentler approach to filing with a pumice stone, use daily moisturizers to help soften callused skin. This may take a lot longer, but applying a daily moisturizer with smoothing ingredients like salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea can help remove a callus over time. Urea creams can be great because they usually contain exfoliating ingredients, in addition to other moisturizing ingredients that soften irritated skin. 

Should You See A Podiatrist?

A podiatrist, foot doctor, can use a scalpel or surgical blade to trim away the callus if you have difficulty removing the skin at home. This usually is not necessary, but this will depend on the severity and thickness of your callus. Have a podiatrist tend to your calluses if you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow. A minor cut can become infected very quickly! A doctor can remove the callus without damaging healthy skin, which ultimately helps you avoid other complications. If you notice that your callus is red, inflamed, or pus-filled, see a podiatrist immediately because your callus may be infected. 

If you want to prevent calluses on your feet, there are things you can do once you remove your callus. You can wear a protective covering if you have a spot on your foot that is prone to friction. Felt pads, non-medicated corn pads, or even bandages can protect the area. Keep your toenails trimmed because long nails can push your toes up against your shoe, creating a potential callus over time. Lastly, wear comfortable shoes with socks, and consider getting shoes with a wide toe box so you can comfortably wiggle your toes. You may need custom orthotics from your podiatrist if shoes are an issue in general.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are up to one million cases of shingles in the United States every year. About one in three people in the United States will develop shingles at some point in their lifetime. Shingles refers to the reactivation of the dormant herpes varicella zoster virus (chickenpox) after childhood. Various illnesses, aging, trauma, and stress can all activate the virus. 

If you had chickenpox as a child, the shingles virus remains dormant in the body. It can reactivate later in life in the form of the shingles rash, which can occur on any part of the body, but it typically affects small sections. When the virus begins, you may notice pain and itching in the skin before the signature rash appears one or two days later. Typically, small, water-filled blisters accompany the rash. Those blisters eventually rupture, scar, and fade over a few weeks. That process, however, can be very uncomfortable and painful. Other potential symptoms of shingles can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Chills

If you think you have shingles, it’s best to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible, especially if it’s on your face or near the eyes. While there isn’t a cure for shingles, doctors often prescribe antiviral medication to help accelerate recovery and reduce the duration of symptoms. Although an antiviral treatment is very effective, the following home remedies may be able to reduce pain and discomfort. 

Oatmeal Or Baking Soda Baths

The best way to help reduce the pain and severity of shingles is to care for your skin safely as it heals. Soaking in an oatmeal or baking soda bath can soothe the skin if you have a shingles rash. These popular home remedies can help relieve itching, according to doctors. Look for colloidal (or ground) oatmeal or baking soda and add either of those ingredients to cool bath water. Both ingredients work to calm itching and are gentle on the skin. Grinding oat grain into a fine powder makes up colloidal oatmeal, which soothes the skin because it contains beneficial proteins, fats, minerals, and other nutrients. 

Cold Compresses

Applying a cool cloth or compress against the site of the rash may relieve itchiness and reduce inflammation. Lightly soak a natural cotton cloth or towel in cool water and wring it out before you put it on the sore area. Repeat this process as necessary. One thing to remember is that you do not want to expose the skin to extreme temperatures. Avoid the use of ice baths or very hot water. Hot water can increase blood flow and slow down the healing of sores, whereas ice increases skin sensitivity.

Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter, topical, pink lotion that is commonly used to treat mild itchiness, pain, and discomfort. This is a very important note: do not apply calamine lotion to active blisters. The reason for this is because you do not want to cause infection. Only apply calamine lotion once the skin forms scabs over the blisters. That may help soothe the discomfort you feel and reduce the urge to itch your skin, according to dermatologists. 

Modify Your Diet

A healthy diet is integral for helping the body’s systems and organs function optimally. It is best to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains in your diet to vary your nutritional intake. People with shingles should aim to eat more orange, red, and green foods because they contain carotenoids. This group of antioxidants includes zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene, and provitamin A, all of which work to enhance immune function. Try to eat more carrots, squash, pumpkin, watermelon, red bell pepper, grapefruit, tomatoes, kale, parsley, spinach, melon, lettuce, and other leafy greens. 

Vaseline

Covering the rash with a thin layer of Vaseline and then a large cotton bandage protects the skin from clothing and other irritants. Speaking of clothing, stick to loose, cotton clothes, especially when you’re on the mend, as that material eases the discomfort. By protecting your rash with Vaseline and a cotton bandage, you help keep others safe. Shingles is very contagious only while rash blisters appear. When using Vaseline, try to use a plain, unscented variety to avoid irritation.

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How many times have you found yourself laying in bed unable to fall asleep? Even if you’re tired, it’s as though your engine doesn’t want to shut off. You toss and turn your way through a night of minimal or poor sleep and wake up poorly rested. That leaves you searching the web for sleep solutions. While there is no one-size-fits all recommendation for better sleep, there are different strategies that can help you get the rest you need. 

People from around the world have developed unique sleep hacks that help them get a good night’s sleep. Some strategies in this article are backed by science, while others stem from anecdotal reports. If you want to have an easier time falling asleep and uninterrupted nights of sleep, read on to learn about sleep tips from South America, Finland, and beyond.

Jujube Fruit

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM),the jujube fruit is frequently used to help calm the mind and emotions. TCM practitioners use this fruit to encourage more restful sleep, in addition to a relaxed mood. Studies show that jujube fruit contains saponins and flavonoids, two chemical compounds that suppress feelings of stress while simultaneously promoting relaxation. Flavonoids and saponins work to lengthen sleep time, and studies show that flavonoids, in particular, boost the time spent in slow wave sleep (SWS). This state of sleep is the most restorative part of sleep, and it’s associated with better memory and learning. 

Hot Foot Soak

Allowing your feet to soak in hot water before bedtime is a popular relaxation technique in TCM. Not only does it help you wind down and soothe tired feet, but it also helps promote more restful sleep. Get a simple plastic bin or use a bathtub. Fill with enough hot water to go up to your ankles. You can add Epsom salt, fruit peels, flower petals, or essential oils to the water if you want. The warmth from the water helps to reduce the amount of vital energy in the mind, according to TCM. It is thought that the warmth draws the qi, energy, away from your head, signaling the brain that it’s time to relax and prepare for sleep.

Sauna Steam

This is a traditional Nordic tradition from Finland, and it involves enjoying a sauna in the evening. Sauna therapy is a regular practice for many people, especially for muscle relaxation and detoxing. The elevation in body temperature actually makes you sleepy, which is beneficial for a good night’s sleep. According to a 2018 review, saunas offer support for people with congestive heart failure, depression or anxiety, rheumatoid arthritis, and COPD. A 2019 survey found that 83.5% of participants reported sleep benefits for one to two nights after sauna therapy. Just make sure to drink plenty of water post schwitz because a sauna is dehydrating. 

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is widely used for its calming properties. The chamomile flower contains apigenin, a chemical compound that binds to receptors in the brain, whereby it triggers sleepiness and relaxation. According to health experts, that ability makes it an excellent choice for people who suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders. A 2017 study found that chamomile extract had sedative properties in hospitalized older adults. The extract was able to increase sleep quality and quantity. 

The Hammock Habit

Have you ever enjoyed a sway in the hammock while on vacation? There’s something very soothing about it and the gentle swaying can lull you to sleep. For the natives of South and Central America, swaying in a hammock is a common bedtime routine. A 2011 study found that the rocking motion of hammocks may promote deeper sleep in adults. More modern studies on hammocks and sleep are related to infants, as the rocking motion helps them sleep more soundly. Research noted that a nap in a swaying bed shortens the time it takes to fall asleep. It also lengthens the second stage of sleep, the one before deep sleep. 

Shikibuton Tradition

A lot of life hacks have come out of Japan, with shikibuton being an important hack for better sleep. The shikibuton is a Japanese futon mattress that is used on the floor. Made from eco-friendly and natural materials like cotton and wool, it has demonstrated an ability to reduce back pain by supporting the spine. There are many shikibuton mattresses available, but make sure to opt for the ones that consist of natural materials.

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When you’re eating raw vegan, you need recipes that are: a) delicious, and b) filling. Eating a rib or two of celery is not going to fill you up, but enjoying this sunflower seed spread on cucumber slices will. The healthy fats and fiber from the sunflower seeds help you feel full, but make sure not to consume the entire dip. Why, do you ask? Well, eating the entire bowl of the sunflower seed dip will rack up some serious calories.

What makes this dip so flavorful? Aside from the long list of spices, this dip contains sun-dried tomatoes, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, green onion, jalapeño, and more. The tahini enhances the creaminess and adds a subtle nutty flavor. Now, if you are sensitive to spice, you can omit the jalapeño, but with all the other seasonings, herbs, and addition of maple syrup, you should be fine. This dip won’t cause you to breathe fire, but you’ll feel the kick. The refreshing cucumber slices also help tame the spice.

When it comes to blending the ingredients, we strongly encourage the use of a food processor. If you want to make the blending process easier, you can soak the sunflower seeds and sun-dried tomatoes in water (separately) for an hour or so before blending. Soaking will help soften these ingredients and ease the blending process. A good food processor can easily handle ingredients that you don’t soak, though. Finally, the spread should be a little chunky and not like a smooth sauce. Blend it to your desired consistency and then enjoy when ready!

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Do you find that you come home after a long day and your feet regularly feel dead? Whether it’s from standing all day, running for miles, or walking around the mall, sore feet that ache are no fun. You may resort to foot creams and give yourself a foot rub, but how much relief does that provide? It’s time to board the essential oils train because they may help you get back up and moving quickly. 

There are several ways to help relieve foot pain with essential oils. If you want to pamper your feet, you may want to make a soothing essential oil foot bath. You soak your feet in warm water, Epsom salt, and about 10-20 drops of your favorite healing essential oil. Soak your feet for about 20 minutes while you relax. Consider listening to an audiobook or podcast that puts you in your happy place. By the end of the 20 minutes, you should notice a sense of relief and reduction in swelling. 

If you don’t have the time to soak your feet in an essential oil foot bath, consider applying essential oils topically to your soles. The important thing to remember is to dilute the essential oils in a carrier oil of your choice. You may need to dilute differently, depending on which essential oil you use, as some are more potent than others. Generally, though, you mix three to four drops of an essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil and massage that mixture into your feet. The following essential oils should help soothe your feet if they ever feel achy or sore. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Commonly used in aromatherapy to calm the mind, lavender essential oil promotes feelings of relaxation. It may help relieve joint and muscle pain, in addition to calming some inflammatory skin conditions. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties are responsible for the pain-relieving properties, especially for tight muscles. Some research indicates that it works to ease pain by increasing circulation to the area where you apply it. 

Cypress Essential Oil

Cypress essential oil is made from the stems, young twigs, and needles of the cypress evergreen tree. The primary constituents of this essential oil are alpha-pinene and limonene, which work to stimulate blood flow. When you apply it topically on the skin, it provides the area with an energizing lift. Additionally, researchers identified that the antispasmodic properties in cypress essential oil may help alleviate muscle pulls and foot cramping. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

According to several studies, peppermint essential oil works to relieve pain in two ways. First, it provides a calming, cooling sensation that can be somewhat tingly. That works to provide quick relief, but it also exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can quickly reduce swelling after topical application. The antimicrobial properties in peppermint essential oil may alleviate pain associated with athlete’s foot. Plus, the minty aroma helps to keep your feet smelling fresh. 

Marjoram Essential Oil

Like cypress essential oil, marjoram essential oil exhibits antispasmodic properties, making it great for your sore, tired foot muscles. Marjoram belongs to the mint family and is related to basil, thyme, oregano, and sage. It is a great essential oil that you can apply after exercise to accelerate muscle recovery. The analgesic properties in the essential oil may also help alleviate mild pain. Lastly, marjoram is similar to lavender in that it helps promote a sense of calm and relaxation, relieving stress and allowing the body to release tension. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is commonly used to help promote decongestion and relieve stress. It also works to promote relaxation, which is why it is infused into steam rooms. Similar to peppermint essential oil, eucalyptus has a cooling effect that may help alleviate muscle pain. The anti-inflammatory properties may also relieve the pain of tired feet. Because it is an analgesic, eucalyptus may help numb the area after topical application, providing you with some much-need relief.

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When you think of lavender, the image of purple flowers swaying in a gentle breeze comes to mind. The scent is calming and woodsy, and you commonly find lavender in essential oil form. While many manufacturers and beauty companies utilize the flowers, the leaves of the plant are very useful. The leaves have not been studied as extensively as the flowers, which is why they are not widely used. 

What Is Lavender?

This flowering plant belongs to the mint family and you can easily identify it based on the aromatic purple blossoms. Researchers believe that it is native to the Mediterranean and the Middle East, dating as far back as 2,500 years. Ancient civilizations used lavender to freshen up and almost as a perfume, lightly scenting personal items like clothes and hair. Today, scientists understand that lavender exhibits many therapeutic and medicinal health benefits. Many people use the essential oil to help promote restful sleep, while others incorporate it into beauty products. Learn how you can start using lavender leaves in your DIY applications below. 

Bath Soak

Who doesn’t love a relaxing bath? To make a bath soak using lavender leaves, you’ll need a handful of lavender leaves and a fresh green herb of your choice. Thyme, mint, violet needles, or sage are excellent options. Add the lavender leaves and the herb of your choice, ensuring you use the same amounts of each, to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add in about one cup of Epsom salt and blend thoroughly. Spread the blended mixture onto wax paper and allow it to dry. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and a touch of baking soda, which will help soften the water during your soak. Store in a glass jar and use when ready. 

Infused Vinegar

In order to make lavender-infused vinegar, which can be a great DIY cleaner or hair rinse. You need to fill a jar about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way with fresh lavender leaves, but you can also use dry lavender leaves. If making a cleaner, pour distilled white vinegar into the jar until full, stir gently, screw on the lid, and allow it to infuse for three to four weeks. Then you can strain the liquid and use it to clean. If making a hair rinse, pour apple cider vinegar into the jar until full, stir gently, screw on the lid, and allow it to infuse for three to four weeks. Strain after the infusion process and use the hair rinse after shampooing. Make sure to dilute up to 1/2 of the rinse with water. 

Infused Oil

One of the easiest things to do with lavender leaves is to make lavender-infused oil. Similar to the infused vinegar, fill a canning jar about 1/3 to 3/4 of the way with dried lavender leaves. Fill the jar with your favorite carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, olive oil, rice bran oil, or sunflower oil. Stir a few Tims to release the bubbles and then place the jar in a small saucepan filled with a few inches of water. Place the saucepan over low heat for a few hours. Make sure that the water doesn’t evaporate out. Remove from the heat and strain the oil. Store the oil in a glass jar and use as you please. 

Cooking

If you want to add a pleasant aroma to your dishes, you can season them with a small amount of finely diced lavender leaves. Make sure not to overuse them in food because they can ruin a dish, as they are quite powerful. You may experience a soapy taste if you use too many lavender leaves in your food. Always start with a small amount and add more according to taste.

Anti-Itch Bug Bite Sticks

Filled with lavender, anti-itch bug bite sticks are great for relieving the itchiness and inflammation from bug bites. If you venture into the outdoors, take these with you. You can even lather some on your skin prior to walking in nature to help ward off peak insects. You’ll need a handful of ingredients, which you can find by clicking here. 

Making Tea

Making tea with lavender is a great way to promote more restful sleep. Similar to chamomile, lavender has a calming effect on the mind, helping to quiet it before bed. Steep lavender leaves in hot water, sweeten with raw honey or agave nectar, and sip to help you relax. It’s beneficial to drink this tea about an hour or so before bed to help calm your nerves and mind. 

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A vacation, especially if it is longer than a week, is the perfect time to recharge your batteries. It’s a chance to gain a new perspective on life, become more worldly, see some of the world’s wonders, or simply relax and enjoy the culture. While eating your way across Italy sounds dreamy to you, your plants may think otherwise.

During the pandemic, a lot of people bought plants to help occupy time. Now, those indoor or outdoor plants are thriving and you want to keep them that way. Sadly, a vacation can ruin your plants if you don’t prepare properly. That’s why we did a little digging (no pun intended) to find out some expert plant care tips for when you leave town. Go enjoy your vacation, but make sure that your plants stay alive while you’re away. Read on to learn about some expert out-of-town plant care tips. 

Tweak Light And Temperature

The more sunlight your plants get, the more thirsty they become over time. Plants utilize the most water during transpiration, a process of exhalation of water vapor through the stomata. The rate of transpiration will depend on how much sunlight the plant receives. That means that the more natural light the plant gets, the more water it will need. If you are out of town for a while and leave your plants in a sunny area, they may look wilted or dead when you return home. To help your plants from wilting while you’re away, place them in the middle of the room so they are far from the heat and light from the windows. When you return, you can move them back to their usual spots. While you’re away, don’t leave an air-conditioning or heating system blasting near your plants. These systems can deplete your indoor humidity and kill the plants. Lastly, give your indoor plants a good dusting, remove all dead leaves and blooms from the soil, and keep the soil moist. 

Maintain Moisture

If you are going to be out of town for longer than a week, there are a few techniques to keep your plants hydrated. One thing to determine is how frequently you water your plants in a week’s time. You want to avoid overwatering your plants before you depart, and you want to keep the time of year in mind. Is it hot, cold, humid, or dry? Consider the following tips to help your plants maintain moisture:

• The Lava Rock Trick: Add lava rocks on top of the soil to help your plants hold moisture while you’re gone. Only put the rocks on the soil after you give your plants a good soaking. If you don’t have lava rocks, you can use mulch, wood chips, or damp newspaper to help keep the soil moist. 
• Create A Makeshift Greenhouse: This sounds more complex than it actually is. Water your plants thoroughly and then cover with a clear plastic bag just below the lip of the planter. This essentially establishes a mini greenhouse, but make sure to cut a couple slits in the plastic to allow for air circulation. You can use sticks to hold the bag up and away from foliage.
• Line A Shallow Tray With Rocks And Water: Place some small rocks in a shallow tray and pour water in to fill up the tray. Set your planter on top of the rocks, so that the base of the planter sits just above idle water. The rocks should help elevate it just above the water. This works to increase humidity and moisture levels in the soil without overwatering. 

Determine The Maintenance Level Of Your Plants

Are your plants high-maintenance or low-maintenance? Once you figure out how much attention your plants need, you can figure out how to keep them alive while out of town. It’s perfectly fine to neglect succulents, pothos, and yucca for a little while. Maiden hair fern, gardenias, or red maranta prayer plants require a lot more love. If your plants are low-maintenance, you can give them a good watering before you go; just make sure the roots don’t sit in water. If your plants are high-maintenance and you’re going to be away for over a week, you may need to call a friend. This friend may need to become your plant sitter. Some plants require daily misting and regular pruning. Consider leaving plants with a relative or friend to make it easy on them.

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