Relax and Soothe With Herbs
Using dried and fresh herbs to relax and soothe isn't just
a trick the spas use. You can do that same thing at home!
I keep dried chamomile to use in the bath and for tea, as well
as lavender, rosemary and mint. Herbal bath teas and bath
salts are very easy to make, and if you allow yourself to
experiment a little bit you will find your perfect combination!
HERBAL BATH TEASThese are very strong "teas" that you add to your bath. Remember that you can experiment with combinations as long as you follow the basic recipe on the amounts. If you are allergic to plants of any type do be cautious, but you also are not ingesting the tea, so you should be fine keeping with the guidelines. So much of the commercial bath products we buy are very harsh on our skin, and these will soothe you...Skin Soothing Bath TeaYou will need:2 tablespoons dried thyme 2 tablespoons dried calendula blossoms 2 tablespoon dried chamomile blooms 1 quart boiling water Add the herbs to the boiling water and steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain the infusion and add to your bathwater. NOTES: You can use just chamomile and double the amount. Spring Herbal BathIngredients:1/4 cup dried lemon balm 1/4 cup dried chamomile blossoms 2 cups boiling water Cover the herbs with the boiling water and brew for 20 minutes. Strain and add to your bathwater. NOTES: You can use fresh lemon balm, but increase it to 1/2 cup. I also use mint with chamomile. Relaxation Herb TeaYou will need:1 cup rosemary 2 cups lavender 2 cups rose petals 1 cup mint Mix these dry ingredients together and keep in a sealed, dry jar. Use about 1/2 cup for each bath. Pour 1-2 cups boiling water over the herbs and brew for 15-20 minutes. Add to your bath. Herbal Milk BathYou'll need:2 cups cornstarch 2 cups dry milk powder 2 tablespoons of your favorite herb, crumbled Mix these dry ingredients together. For your bath tie about 1/2 cup of the mix in cheesecloth, or a muslin bag and tie very tightly. Add to your bath. You can tie kitchen string to the bag and float the bag in your bath as the water runs. Keep the bath mixture in a sealed container. HOMEMADE BATH SALTSBath salts are so easy to make and there are SO many variations once you start making them yourself. The basic recipe is as follows:
You will need: Mix together and keep in a covered jar. Allow the salts to sit for a few hours or overnight. Add about 1/2 cup to running bath water.
VARIATIONS: You can use any type of essential oil that is soothing. Nice choices are lavender, rose, calendula or patchouli oils.
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