Mother’s Day (May 14) will be here before you know it! Instead of gifting Mom a candle, perfume, or a basket of body washes, lotions, and bath bombs that will collect dust, treat her to a mini spa day at home. All it takes are some herbs and a few items you probably already have around the house.
Three different methods to create the perfect herbal bath:
- Combine herbs in a pot and simmer for about 15 minutes. Strain them through a cheesecloth, then pour the water directly into your bath. This works best if you pour it in near the faucet so it gets mixed in well and you get the maximum scent.
- Add herbs to an unbleached muslin bag and tie it closed. When the tub is about half full, toss the bag into the water and allow it to stay in the water while soaking. A clean white cotton sock could also be used as a substitute for the muslin bag.
- Place herbs in a coffee filter, then place it in your coffee maker and run hot water through it as if you were making coffee. Pour the resulting pot of herbal water into your bath. You can also tie up the filter and toss it into the tub.
Methods 1 and 2 will give you a stronger solution and scent, but the third solution is good if time is limited.
Please note: You do NOT want your mom’s relaxing bath to turn into a call to the plumber for a clogged drain! Don’t add loose herbs directly into the water, even though those Instagram photos look lovely. Always use a type of flow-through bag or similar item to contain the herbs.
Great, but what herbs should I use?
Glad you asked. You can use one herb or a combination of herbs, depending on the desired result. Using three or more herbs together creates a complex fragrance, and adding rose petals to any combo creates a wonderful scent – as long as you like roses.
Use a total of three to four ounces of herbs, keeping all your herbs to about a 1:1 ratio.
- Basil eases stress, relieves muscle soreness, and improves skin softness and moisture.
- Calendula (aka Common Marigold) helps heal skin problems such as minor abrasions, eczema, and sunburn.
- Chamomile is known as a natural remedy for stress and anxiety. It also can help relieve muscle soreness, inflammation, and redness.
- Eucalyptus is famous for clearing nasal passages, but it also helps ease joint and muscle pain.
- Green tea provides protection from sun damage.
- Lavender is often used to relax, reduce stress, and ease headache pain.
- Lemon balm is a great refresher, heals minor wounds and skin issues, and soothes tired muscles.
- Peppermint is another energizing herb. It also relieves muscle pain and cramps, skin irritation, and eases cold and flu symptoms.
- Yarrow helps reduce fever and swelling while helping to relieve cold and flu symptoms.
These are just some of the herbs that are great for baths. The internet is full of specific recipes for herbal baths, but the list and directions above should help get you started on creating a relaxing and healing day for Mom (or yourself!). All she needs now is a nice cup of tea and a book.
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No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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