Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 May 1901 — RULES FOR THE BATH. [ARTICLE]

RULES FOR THE BATH.

Suggestions to Those Who Are SnSoring from Poor Circulation. An invigorating tonic bath is prepared by soaking several slices of lemon or limes in the bath water for an hour, then adding a handful of bran. Bath bags of oatmeal and orris, or of shaved soap and almond flour, are also pleasant additions to the bath. The bath is one of the best agencies in preventing old age, so far as appearance goes. The people who bathe themselves properly are few in number. The great unwashed are not found among the poverty-stricken, but in every class in life. The person who talks about his “plunge” that he takes daily, is not the person who has a proper bath any more than is he who takes a “sponge.” The cold plunge and the cold sponge are tonics, and good for those with whom they agree. For the morning sponge warm salt water is delightful and very invigorating. The water is easily and cheaply prepared by dissolving a cupful of rock salt in a pint of warm water, then adding it to the bath water. After the sponge rub briskly with a Turkish towel. Roughness of the skin and chapping in winter are often caused by the skin being Imperfectly dried. For persons suffering from poor circulation bran baths are recommended, and as they require only a tub of warm water, a peck of bran, and a rough towel or so, surely they are within the reach of everyone. The bran costs only a few cents, and should be emptied into the warm water. The surface of the body must be well rubbed with the mixture, and after the bath one will be found to be not only beautifully cleansed, but warmed and Invigorated. Oatmeal may be used instead of the bran, but of course is more expensive, although with some skins, especially delicate ones, it agrees much better. It must not be forgotten, however, that the cold plunge or the morning sponge is not enough to keep the skin in good condition. They bring the blood to the surface, but do not keep the outer layer of the skin, sweat-glands and the oil follicles healthy.—Philadelphia Telegraph.