Natural Healing: Herbal Bath Delights

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Herbal Bath Oils:

• Energizing Aromatherapy Bath Oil
• Relaxing Bath Oil   

It is said that at the ancient Roman baths of Caracalla, citizens could choose from 20 types of soaks, including steams and massages, mineral water and oils, friction rubs and saltwater brews. All were designed not only to cleanse, but to heal and beautify.

The Romans were onto something with the healing bath. Herbal soaks can turn your bathtub, whether humble in its setting or ornately constructed, into a spa — a place to relieve tension, soothe aching joints, stimulate circulation or chase away a cold. All you need is a little herbal know-how and 30 minutes or so of happy solitude.

Basic Bath Steps

• Reserve the bathroom for yourself when you’re sure you won’t be interrupted, or obtain family support for your 30 minutes of bath time if your only chance for an uninterrupted soak is between midnight and 6 a.m.

• Prepare your herbal bath.

• Shut the door behind you and begin filling the tub with comfortably warm water.

• As the tub fills, add your herbal bath treatment; if you’re using a diluted herbal essential oil, wait until after you begin your soak to add it to the water.

• Light a candle or two and turn off the lights.

• When your tub is ready, immerse yourself in the healing water. Sit back, relax and close your eyes. Roll up a hand towel and place it behind your neck for soft support. Breathe slowly and deeply, inhaling the scent of the herbal bath treatment you’ve chosen.

• Stay in the bath for as long as you feel comfortable, or no longer than 20 minutes if you’re ill and concerned about dehydration. When you’ve finished, pat yourself dry with a clean towel.

• Put on a clean robe or pajamas and slippers or warm socks. Make yourself a cup of calming herbal tea (such as chamomile) and relax in an easy chair or in bed, indulging in the effects your herbal bath has had on your body.

Bath Bags

An herbal bath means more than tossing a few sage leaves or lavender flowers into your water. Indeed, this would be a messy way to take an herbal soak. Instead, make an herbal bundle, or “bath bag.”

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