Herbs, or combinations of them, have been used for centuries. At one time, in fact, they were the only forms of medicine and the only material available to create scents. Depending on their special properties, they were used to soothe or tone muscles, to ease a tired mind, or to just make people feel beautiful.
Bathing in a tub of water juiced with herbs can be an almost mystical experience. There are hundreds of herbs and probably thousands of combinations that can be made of them, so the recipes I have chosen are only a small taste of what the possibilities could be.
There are two methods for using the herbal baths you prepare. One is to mix the dried herbs and then tie them up in a square cloth about 5x5 inches. The bag is then hung over the hot water faucet, where the water will pass through it. The bag can also be dropped directly into the tub along with your body, and stay there during your bath. (Herbs floating free can clog up the drain so be sure to keep them captive). If you want to make up bags of herbs to give away, use different colored fabrics to act as a key to the contents. A red striped fabric can indicate a spicy mixture. Yellow can be used for a calming chamomile brew.
The second method of using herbal teas is to simmer the herbs for 5 minutes, steep them for 10 minutes, and then pour the mixture directly into the tub through a strainer. This method is much more satisfactory than the first. The "tea" is stronger and does a better job, plus the fact the fragrance created by simmering the tea is a beautiful bonus. You can also add a complimentary dropper full of essential oil to a quart of material if you want.
Mint Cooler:
Mix equal parts of peppermint leaves, pine needles, and alfalfa mint leaves. Complimentary oil is 1 dropper of rosemary or bergamot to a quart of dry material. Sweet Bath:
A partially wholesome, partially sensuous combination for people who want a little of both worlds. 1/2 cup sweet woodruff 1/2 cup sweet cicely 1/2 cup angelica leaves 1/2 cup hyssop leaves 1/2 cup patchouli leaves Complimentary oil: 1 dropper of bergamot or 4 drops of patchouli oil. Bath in Bay:
This mixture is for those tired and strained muscles, after a hard day’s work. Or for a real pick-me-up.
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