About Herbal Baths
Aromatic herbal baths have been enjoyed since the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Classic societies recognized the value of different herbs by noting their effect on health, healing, and beauty. Today, herbal baths are a simple way to combine the benefits of aromatherapy with a direct application of medicinal herbs to the skin. They can help to soothe aching muscles, combat fatigue, relieve itchy skin and calm nerves. Does this Spark an idea?
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Introduction
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The world today is a vast array of overwhelming pressure and ever increasing demands upon your time. Most days, there is little room left for relaxation. One of the simplest ways to bring a bit of peace and harmony into your life is by relaxing in a hot bath. A long soak in the tub is a pleasant way to unwind and reduce stress. By adding herbs to your bath, you can further enhance its therapeutic properties
History
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In the days of the ancient Greeks, bathing was considered an essential part of every day life. Classic societies constructed of elegant bathhouses and elevated the act of taking a bath to the level of art. Herbal baths were popular medicinal and beauty treatments. Different herb mixtures were sprinkled into the steaming water to produce a variety of effects. One type of herbal bath would be used to promote weight loss, while another would be used to calm the nerves. According to recent studies by K. Ammer and P. Melnizky, herbal baths have been shown to improve sleep and overall well-being. They can encourage feelings of calmness and well-being or leave a person feeling energized and invigorated. When herbs are added to the bath, their active components are released and can then be absorbed directly through the skin. This type of topical application provides an effective delivery method, allowing the influential compounds to interact with your system without being broken down by the digestive tract; the same method used by modern day skin patches.
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Functions of Different Herbs
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There are an endless range of herbal combinations you can use in the bath. They can be found at your local grocery store or health food center. When selecting your herbs, try to buy them in unaltered form. If possible they should look like leaves, stems, or flowers. Ground and powdered herbs can be difficult to use. As you choose herbs, certain herbs aid in relieving specific symptoms. Herbs for a tranquil bath include bergamot, chamomile, comfrey, geranium, lavender, lemon verbena, sandalwood, thyme and vanilla. Herbs for an energizing bath include bay, elder flowers, hops, jasmine, lemon balm, marjoram, patchouli, peppermint, rosemary, savory, spearmint and ylang ylang. Herbs for a comforting bath include aloe vera, calendula, catnip, comfrey, elder flowers, flaxseed, hibiscus, hyssop, mugwort, oat straw, rose, sage, sassafras, tansy and yarrow. Herbs to help treat dry skin include aloe vera, caraway, chamomile, comfrey, elder flowers, orange petals (not peel), parsley, rose, yarrow and oatmeal. Herbs to help treat oily skin include lavender, lemongrass, tangerine peel, vinegar and witch hazel.
Instructions
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You can create an herbal bath bag by placing ¼ cup of herbs in a cloth bag. The bag can be made from almost anything; the material is not important as long as it holds the herbs and has a handle attached. Hang the bag over the faucet of the tub and allow the water to run through it, or over it. When you're finished with your bath, rinse out the herbs and allow the bag to dry thoroughly between uses. You can create an infusion by pouring boiling water over ¼ cup of herbs and allowing it to steep for 20 minutes. Strain out the herbs and add to bath water. A less traditional method makes use of an automatic drip coffee maker. Place a coffee filter in the basket and add your desired herbs. Fill the coffee maker with water and brew as usual. Once the brew cycle is complete, add this potion to your bath water for an easy, mess free herbal bath. For an even stronger brew, run a second pot of water over the same herbs. This is an economical way to maximize the value of an herbal blend.
Warning
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Allergic reactions can occur with exposure to any herbal ingredient. It is wise to test any new bath preparation on a small area of your skin prior to soaking in it. If you experience any itching while taking a bath, stop bathing and rinse off in the shower.
Conclusion
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To further enhance your relaxation while taking a bath, play light music in the background and surround yourself with scented candles. Herbal baths feel great. Through this pleasure and enjoyment, the stress and tension of daily life can be erased from the muscles and transformed into revitalizing healthy energy.
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