Our skin is the largest organ of the body and it absorbs all kinds of stuff from our environment. This can work to our benefit, providing us with a gentle way to infuse our bodies with the medicinal properties of herbs.
Why Use Herbs In Your Bath Water?
Sometimes ingesting medicinal herbal teas, taking tinctures, or swallowing herbal supplements is more than we require. Often a gentle connection to our plant friends is all we need to keep us healthy and to nurture our well-being. An herbal tea bath is a great way to maintain that connection.
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Common Herbs To Use & Why
Most herbs have a variety of uses. Here are just a few highlights of the benefits of some common herbs.
Chamomile - Soothing to skin irritation and overall health. Decreased stress. Encourages sleep.
Lavender - Soothing to skin irritation and overall health. Alleviates headaches. Decreased stress. Encourages sleep.
Calendula - Soothing to skin irritation.
Mint - Alleviates dry, itchy skin. Alleviates headaches. Energizing. Soothes sore muscles. Reduces fever.
Catnip - Reduces fever. Encourages sleep.
Rosemary - Alleviates dry skin. Alleviates headaches. Energizing. Anti-Inflammatory. Pain reliever.
Thyme - Anti-microbial. Anti-Inflammatory.
Rose - Anti-Inflammatory. Mood booster.
Lemon Balm - Mood booster. Reduces fever.
Self-heal - Helps heal skin irritations.
White Willow Bark - Anti-inflammatory. Pain reliever. Reduces fever.
Comfrey - Helps heal bruises, sprains, and joint pain. (Use for bath only, do not ingest.)
Arnica - Alleviates aches and pains. Helps heal bruises. (Use for bath only, do not ingest.)
Turning Your Herbs Into A Herbal Tea Bath
When it comes to creating a herbal tea bath, there are 2 basic options.
Brew in your tub - place your herbs in a muslin bag, a compostable tea bag, or a fabric bag. Place them directly into your tub with some really hot water (the hotter the better). Allow to steep for 5-20 minutes, then add the rest of your water as you normally would to create a comfortable bath.
Brew in your kitchen - make a big batch of herbal tea, either in a French press, a large teapot, or even in a large glass measuring cup. Steep for 5-20 minutes, strain, and pour this tea into your tub of water.
What If I Don't Have A Bathtub
Even if you don't have a tub (or just aren't in the mood for a bath), you can still enjoy the herbal benefits of a tea bath by trying one of these methods.
Herbal Tea Foot Bath - simply make a small version of your bath, just for your feet! You can absorb a lot of herbal medicine through your feet!
Herbal Tea Compress - make a bowl-sized herbal tea bath, soak a cloth in the liquid, and use it as a compress. Place on the forehead for headaches or fever, the neck and shoulders for relaxation, or anywhere on the body that needs a little herbal attention.
Disclaimer
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please be sure to research herbs and consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing. The information provided should not be considered healthy advice. You are responsible for consulting a medical professional before implementing a new herb or herbal remedy. Allergic reactions and reactions with prescription and over-the-counter medications can occur and can be serious.
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