Try it, you'll like it, your own homemade Herbal Baths
To ensure that you're soaking in a chemical-free bath, buy herbs
that are certified as organically grown from a mail-order supplier or
health-food store.
An alternative to commercially-sold herbal bath items such as, bath
foams, salts and oils, which usually contain only artificial fragrances
and preservatives, mineral oils and harsh detergents that can promote
allergies, irritate your skin and even encourage vaginal infections, is
a trip to a garden or your local health-food store.
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Tip:
In the bath, exfoliate your skin with a course sea sponge or loofah
to improve circulation and absorption of an herb's healing
properties. |
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Herbal Bath
Recipe
Herbal Bath Blends
For dry or chapped skin
1 cup dried rose petals
1/2 cup dried lavender flowers
For acne or eczema
1 cup dried chamomile flowers
1/2 cup dried lavender flowers
For poor circulation
1 cup dried rosemary leaves
1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers
For muscle aches and stiff joints
1/2 cup dried lemon-balm leaves
1/2 cup dried rosemary leaves
1/4 cup dried chamomile flowers
For colds and congestion
1/2 cup dried thyme leaves
1 cup dried sage leaves
1/4 cup dried rosemary leaves
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- Place the blend in the center of a 12-in. by 24-in.
cheesecloth,
folded in half to make a 12-in. square piece. Tie the cloth's ends
together, using a rubber band to secure. Place the sachet in a 2-qt.
pot (not aluminum or copper), add 1 1/2 qt. of boiling water.
Cover; steep for 1/2 hr.
- Add the infusion and the cheesecloth bag to the bathwater. Gently
squeeze the sachet from time to time.

Tea bag bath
If you don't 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; then steep, covered for 30
min. 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 the year.
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Application:
Keep your bathwater between 98.6F and 110F 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. |
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Ingredient
Benefits:
Rose petals for a rosy glow:
The petals of the rose (Rosa spp.) 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 (Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula vera) 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
irritations, such as minor cuts, scrapes and burns.
Chamomile for skin inflammation:
Both Roman (Anthemis nobilis) and German (Matricaria recutica)
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 (Rosmarinus officinalis) 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 (Melissa officinalis) bath is a perfect way to end your
day. Its tart, lemony scent helps revive spirits, lifting depression.
Quality Counts: To ensure that you're soaking in a
chemical-free bath, buy herbs that are certified as organically
grown from a mail-order supplier or health-food store. You can also
grow your own organic garden filled with favorite herbs. Once your
herbs are ready to be harvested hang them in a sunny location or
slowly heat them at about 125ºF in the oven until dry.
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Shop For Your Supplies Here
Since 1987 Mountain
Rose Herbs has become the Leading Organic Supplier in not only
the finest organic botanical products, but the freshest as well.
From their bulk organic herbs and spices, to their essential
oils and herbal teas, the quality and integrity of what they
offer is unparalleled. In fact, we firmly believe nobody can
deliver a better product. |
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