How to Make an Herbal Bath

An herbal bath is a marvelous way to pamper yourself, relax and unwind. The following instructions are a good guide to preparing your own herbal bath.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aromatherapy Candles
• Cheesecloth
• Herbs
• Enamel Cooking Pots
• A Small Piece Of String

1. Cut a 10-by-10-inch or larger square of cheesecloth.

2. Place 2 to 3 c. dried herbs on the cheesecloth and tie it with string. Keep the bag loose but be sure the herbs won't escape.

3. Place the bag in an enamel pot and fill it with water until the bag is submerged.

4. Bring the water to a boil, then remove the pot from the heat.

5. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let it steep for 15 minutes.

6. Fill a bathtub with water of the desired temperature, then pour the water-herb mixture into the bath.

7. Relax and enjoy.

8. Discard the bag of herbs after your bath.

Tips & Warnings

• Recommended herbs to use are bay leaves, chamomile flowers, lavender flowers, lemongrass, marjoram leaves, mint leaves, thyme leaves and rose petals.
• Add to your herbal bath experience by surrounding the bathtub with aromatherapy candles. Certain candle scents, such as lavender, chamomile and honeysuckle, are known for their soothing qualities.
• If you are susceptible to allergic reactions, test a bit of cooled-down herb-water mixture on a small area of your skin before submerging the mixture in a bath.

[blj7150]

on 2/18/2009 this sounds nice. What herbs do you recommend?

[Chaundravaughn]

on 1/13/2009 I am doing this TONIGHT! Glad I ran across this.

on 12/28/2005 If you don't have any herbs around, steep some soothing herbal tea for your bath instead.

on 11/22/2005 If you don't have cheese cloth and can't get it, use the foot of an old pair of pantyhose. Just tie the end and voilà, instant sachet or cheese cloth substitute!

on 11/22/2005 Before you enter the bath, put a few drops of lemon in the water. The lemon keeps you fresh and it helps in keeping your skin fresh and your hair shining. Also try putting rose petals in the water before entering the bath.