Herbal Baths

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Water is an essential element for physical and emotional wellbeing and having a therapeutic bath can easily become part of our self care rituals. The sensuous comfort water provides connects us back to our bodies, and can restore our bodies and mind.

 

By adding herbs or essential oils as we run our bath we make plant’s properties more available to us. Submerging ourselves in botanical water allows the body’s largest organ, our skin, to absorb the beneficial properties of herbs while also engaging the olfactory system through the power of fragrance. This can relax tense muscles, boost the immune system, promote restful sleep and assisting the skin in natural detoxification. 

 

If you grow herbs in your garden or on your windowsill, you can add dried herbs to your bath. The warm water will extract their minerals and aromatics. Try lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, peppermint, or rosemary to make wonderful bath herbs. You could also try dried rose petals or calendula flowers.

 

Drape a drawstring muslin bag/sachet filled with the flower/herb blend over your taps and let the hot water run through it. Once the bath is full, throw the tied bag into the water and swish it around or squeeze it, for a stronger herbal infusion.

 

Alternatively you make a large pot of tea with any herbal blend you like and then add it while hot to the tub before soaking. To do this fill a pot with water, heating it until its almost boiling and then remove it from the heat. Add a handful of your herbal mixture into the pot and put then cover it for 20 minutes, so the natural essential oils can infuse the water and not evaporate. Strain the liquid so your plants don't clog your drain or stick to your skin, before adding it to your bathtub. 

Other ingredients which can be nice to include are: sea salt, Epsom salt, essential oils, coconut oil, or herbal oils. Dissolving a half-cup of salts into your bath water is another nice way to aid detoxification, soften skin, and relax muscles. Avoid using extremely hot water. 

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Botanicals have been used in baths for thousands of years. They can boost your mood, relax your body and calm your mind. Any combination of herbs that speaks to you is perfect for an herbal bath. There is no set recipe for your herbal bath tea mixture. You do not need to use loads of herbs. You want to use enough so that you can smell the herbs while relaxing in your bath for 15-20 minutes.  Do not use very hot water. 

 

Some Important Notes:

Despite the many advantages, a warm bath may not be recommended for everyone.​

• If you have a heart condition or any medical condition, consult with your doctor before beginning a new bathing routine

• If you are pregnant, please discuss baths with your doctor or midwife

• Keep some cool drinking water nearby

• Even a healthy person may begin to feel dizzy, or not well when taking a bath. If this happens, slowly get out, rest and drink some water as you may be dehydrated. If you do not feel better soon, please seek medical advice.

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