Herbs, or combinations of them, have been used for centuries. At one time, in fact, they were the only form of medicine and the only material available to create scents. Depending on their special properties, they were used to soothe or tone muscles, to ease a tired mind, or to just make people feel beautiful. Bathing in a tub of water juiced with herbs can be an almost mystical experience. There are hundreds of herbs and probably thousands of combinations that can be made of them, so this is just a small taste of what the possibilities may be.
There are two methods for using the herbal baths you prepare. One is to mix the dried herbs and then tie them up in a square cloth about 5×5 inches. The bag is then hung over the hot water faucet, where the water will pass through it. The bag can also be dropped directly into the tub along with your body, and stay there during your bath (Herbs floating free can clog up the drain so be sure to keep them captive). If you want to make up bags of herbs to give away, use different colored fabrics to act as a key to the contents. A red striped fabric can indicate a spicy mixture. Yellow can be used for a calming chamomile brew.
The second method of using herbal teas is to simmer the herbs for five minutes, steep them for 10 minutes, and then pour the mixture directly into the tub through a strainer. This method is much more satisfactory than the first. The “tea” is stronger and does a better job, plus the fact the fragrance created by simmering the tea is a beautiful bonus. You can also add a complimentary dropper full of essential oil to a quart of material if you want.
Mint Cooler:
Mix equal parts of peppermint leaves, pine needles, and alfalfa mint leaves. Complimentary oil is one dropper of rosemary or bergamot to a quart of dry material.
Sweet Bath:
A partially wholesome, partially sensuous combination for people who want a little of both worlds.
* 1/2-cup sweet woodruff
* 1/2-cup sweet cicely
* 1/2-cup angelica leaves
* 1/2-cup hyssop leaves
* 1/2-cup patchouli leaves
Complimentary oil is one dropper of bergamot or four drops of patchouli oil.
Bath in Bay:
This mixture is for those tired and strained muscles, after a hard day’s work. Or this one is great for a real pick-me-up.
Simmer 1/2 cup of bay leaves in two cups of water for five minutes. Steep for 10 and strain directly into a hot bath.
Tranquil Breeze:
* 1/2-cup lavender flowers
* 1/2-cup chamomile flowers or you may use four chamomile tea bags
Complimentary oil is four drops of ylang-ylang oil and one dropper of lavender oil.
To complete your herbal tea bath, take carrier oil like sweet almond oil, add three drops of the complimentary oil from the recipe and massage your feet, then feel the tensions drain from your day.
