~Herbal Baths~

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~Herbal Baths~

Preparing a soothing herbal bath simply requires a garden or a trip to your local health-food store. A healthy alternative to chemically laden bath foams, salts and oils, herbal bath blends are both easy and inexpensive to make. Commercially sold items usually contain nothing more than artificial fragrances and preservatives, mineral oil and harsh detergents than can promote allergies, irritate your skin and even encourage vaginal infections. However, an all-natural herbal blend incorporated into a warm bath not only revives sagging spirits but also can help to heal a multitude of ailments, including minor wounds and bruises, fatigue, hemorrhoids, eczema, aching muscles and poor circulation. Herbs can be added directly to baths or placed in a bath bag (see Bath Bag).

Application

Keep your bathwater between 98.6°F and 110°F. If the water is too hot, your skin will perspire, and your body will be less likely to fully absorb the healing properties of the herbs. Add the bath blend once you’ve filled the tub with water; otherwise, the therapeutic steam will evaporate prematurely. To avoid dehydrating your skin, limit your bath to 20 minutes. Rose petals for a rosy glow The petals of the rose are not only soothing, but also contain a small amount of vitamin C; ascorbic acid is known to smooth and tone the skin. Adding rose petals to your bath will lightly moisturize dry, sensitive skin and encourage a healthy, rosy glow. Lavender for deep cleansing Lavender is derived from the Latin word lavare, which means, “to cleanse.” A fragrant additive in lotions, lavender is not only a relaxant but an antiseptic, as well. It can help to heal acne and other skin irritation, such as minor cuts, scrapes and burns. Chamomile for skin inflammation Both Roman and German chamomile are rich in antibacterial and analgesic volatile oils. Use either form of chamomile to relieve such skin inflammations as eczema and psoriasis. Rosemary for sore muscles The dried leaves of rosemary have an invigorating and warming effect on the body. Added to bathwater, they make an excellent remedy for aching joints, sore muscles and poor circulation. Lemon balm for relaxation A lemon-balm bath is a perfect way to end your day. Its tart, lemony scent helps revive spirits, lifting depression.

E X T R A T I P In the bath, exfoliate your skin with a coarse sea sponge or loofah to improve circulation and absorption of herbs healing properties.

Herbal Bath Blends

For dry or chapped skin1 cup dried rose petals1/2 cup dried lavender flowers For acne or eczema1 cup dried chamomile flowers1/2 cup dried lavender flowers For poor circulation1 cup dried rosemary leaves1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers For muscle aches and stiff joints1/2 cup dried lemon-balm leaves1/2 cup dried rosemary leaves1/4 cup dried chamomile flowers For colds and congestion1/2 cup dried thyme leaves1 cup dried sage leaves1/4 cup dried rosemary leaves 1. Place the blend in the center of a 12-inch by 24-inch cheesecloth, folded in half to make a 12-inch square piece. Tie the cloths ends together, using a rubber band to secure. Place the sachet in a 2-qt. pot (not aluminum or copper), and add 1 1/2 qt/ of boiling water. Cover, steep for 1/2 hour. 2. Add the infusion and the cheesecloth bag to the bathwater. Gently squeeze the sachet from time to time.

Tea-Bag Bath

If you do not have dried herbs on hand, you can use tea bags containing appropriate herbs, such as chamomile or peppermint. Pour 1 qt. of boiling water over 6 tea bags; steep and cover for 30 minutes. Add the tea and the tea bags to the bathwater.

Proper Storage

Store dried herbs in dark glass jars with airtight lids away from moisture, sunlight and heat in order to keep the fragrance and the essential oils from dissipating. Label the bottles with the name and date. Use the herbs within 1 year.