These days so many of us are rushing about with too much on our plates. As we plan the meals, shop for ingredients, try to make healthy choices, rush to work and back, shuttle family members to and fro ~Probably my most favourite bath, you may not be surprised to know, is quite simply often called "Tub Tea" ~ the transformation of bath water into an herbal infusion!! It's easy ~ and so good for us.
These herbal baths are easy to put together for ourselves and make WONDERFUL gifts!
Herbal bathing can:
Calm our nerves (and entire nervous system)
Encourage restful sleep
Encourage better digestion
Moisturize our skin
Relax the body
Stimulate blood flow
Here's a SEDATIVE BATH (oh yes, after a long day ~ as a sleep assist)
This is a list of soothing supportive relaxing ingredients. One or two or more ~ your choice!
Sage
Add chamomile to any above to assist with achy muscles.
To assist calming of sore joints (as in cases of arthritis), add bay leaves or lavender flowers or sage leaves.
ENERGIZING BATH ~ Can aid digestion + improve circulation
Lemon peel
as well as Grapefruit, Orange and Lime peels
Peppermint, Spearmint
Rosemary
Using a dry brush technique before an energizing bath can help to invigorate the skin and increase circulation. There are many styles of 'dry brush'. Pick one that suits you.
Ok here we go… Do like TUB TEA? It's tea for your tub….
HOW To Make "TUB TEA" :
Guideline only ok? We are NOT baking here!
1 -2 cups or 2 large handful of herbs of your choice
3-6 cups water
Steep herbs in lightly boiling water for three minutes and then simmer gently for fifteen minutes.
At this point, transfer the water into 4 cup glass measuring cups and use this to safely transfer the 'tea' into the warm bath water. (alternatively: bring the pot and large strainer and strain into bath water.
Try to relax while breathing slowly. Deep breaths.
A relaxed mind can be a great pain reliever.
For added relief, sip chamomile (often over-estimated) or a nice relaxing tea blend.
Note: willow bark or oak bark tea is 'pain relief specific' and can be helpful before and during the bath.
For another option: Put the ingredients into a fill-able tea bag,
like this one : ^ Finum Disposable Extra Small Size Tea Bag Filters, 100-Pack, White
,
and either proceed as above or steep the herbs right your very warm bath!
Make this is truly memorable Tub TEA ~ It's one of my favourites!
- 2 tablespoon rose petals
- 2 tablespoon chamomile flowers
- 2 tablespoon calendula flowers
- 2 tablespoon lavender flowers
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Put all the herbs into a bowl and mix well
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Use a cotton muslin tea bag or just about any kind of tightly woven cloth.
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Often these muslin bags come with a 'tie' to close the bag and secure the herbs.
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Use a ribbon, string or elastic band if using a cheesecloth or other fabric to make a sachet.
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To use the bath tea bag, affix the sachet of herbs under the tub spout so the water will pour through the bag as your bath fills up.
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Alternatively, toss the sachet of herbs into the tub.
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Squeeze the bath bag several times while bathing to release the fragrance and healing elements
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Breathe in the scent and watch the water change color.
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Remove the bath tea bag when you are finished with your bath. Herbal bath tea bags can be used 3 times within about 4 days.
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You can use the same sachet for 3 days in a row but then to avoid 'spoilage', it's best to rinse the pouch out.
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You can re-use these wee sachet bags. Just wash the material with non-toxic soap and it's ready to go again.
Additional options include adding powdered milk or 2-3 tablespoons of olive* or sesame oil plus 3-5 drops of your favourite essential oil. I like lavender or ethically wild-crafted sandalwood, rosewood, and sometimes rose geranium.
*olive and sesame are my favourites but good quality nut oils or vegetable oil.
^ this link is an 'affiliate link' with Amazon to show you what kind of tea bag filter I use for this tea, sometimes.(see below for affiliate disclosure info)
These same sorts of tea bag filters can sometimes be found at health food stores or tea shops.
Dry skin? Try making an easy 'oatmeal sachet'.
Put a cup of oatmeal into a square of cheesecloth. Take this into your 'spa' with you.
Gently rub elbows and knees etc
Put some ZING into cold weather with Citrus Bath Salts
Stir ingredients together.
Slowly add in about 20 drops of essential oil, slowly & stir until mixed thoroughly.
Let your bath salts sit for a day or two to get infused with essential oils.
Here's to feeling well + allowing a little self-care in our day
~~~ maybe a new ritual waiting to be discovered !
xo Carol
Shelby @Fitasamamabear
Herbal baths can be sooo relaxing! They also help immensely postpartum to speed up the healing process.
Carol Little
Agreed! Thanks for that great reminder!
Nadia
I SO need one of these this week! Thank you so much - I've got a whole lot of calendula and can't wait to try!
Melissa @Real Nutritious Living
This sounds amazing! I never would have thought to add hops!
Tanya
My 4 yr old granddaughter always gets an herb bath at my home. And has rarely ever gotten sick, I think she has had a mild cold twice in her life. She loves them! My tub not so much. The stains are a real pain to get rid of. But well worth it.
I just wish my aching body could handle the tub for even 10 minutes. But since I can't I utilize a basin for occasional foot baths.
carollittle
Thanks for sharing Tanya! Maybe try herbs that don't stain.. or add some baking soda?
Foot baths can be very healing too! Hope you feel better soon.
linda spiker
This sounds so luxurious!
carollittle
And yet, Linda, it's so easy to make/do.. Hey.. there's a healthy habit!!
Thanks for stopping by!