Mel loves creating and making her own herbals, cleaning products, air fresheners, bath, beauty, and body products.

Relaxing Herbal Baths Can Help Soothe and Alleviate Tension

Let's face it; life is hectic! There just never seems to be quite enough hours in the day to get our list of to-dos finished. The ever-increasing busy demands of today's society can take their toll on our mind, body, and spirit. The challenge to keep up can lead to tension headaches, strained and sore muscles, and sometimes even trouble falling asleep.

If you suffer, as most of us do, with the ailments and side effects of living life in high demand, perhaps a relaxing, herbal bath is just what you need. Herbal baths are deeply relaxing and calming. They can take the edge off of your day, relieving your muscles of strain and tension, quiet your mind, and encourage deep, restful sleep.

In the past, herbal baths were more commonly used than they are today. The value and benefits of a good, relaxing soak to calm our bodies and minds has been set aside and is now, oftentimes, replaced with a quick hop into the shower. While a good hot shower is certainly efficient and can be quite relaxing as well, there is nothing quite as soothing and nurturing as a long soak in a hot bath.

Common Relaxing Herbs Used for Bathing

Herbs commonly used for relaxing baths include:

• Lavender
• Chamomile
• Feverfew
• Lemon Balm
• Comfrey Leaf
• Calendula
• Rose Petals

Although roses and calendula aren't particularly considered herbs, they are often used in soothing baths and also in facial and body care. They may help to soothe and soften the skin, adding to that calming, pampered feel that we all know and appreciate so much.

How to Use Herbs in Your Bath

Adding beneficial herbs to your bath couldn't be easier! The easy-to-follow steps below will have you on your way to a much needed soothing and relaxing retreat right in your own home!

1. Select and choose your herbs. Ideally, you will want approximately 1–3 tablespoons per herb. Feel free to adjust amounts to your specific personal needs and preference.
2. Place your herbs in the center a piece of cheesecloth or a clean washcloth and tie securely. (Rubber bands or ponytail ties work wonderfully).
3. Choose your preferred and ideal water temperature. Start to fill your tub.
4. Toss in your tied bundle of relaxing herbs as your tub fills with water. The longer you allow the herbs to "steep" the better.
5. Climb in and enjoy your herbal bath!

Keep in mind, although you do not want your bathing water to be too hot (for safety reasons), you do, ideally, want it comfortably hot. Especially if you intend to soak for 20–30 minutes. If your herbal water starts to cool during your bath, feel free to add more water during your bath to extend your stay. Squeezing your herb bundle periodically during your bath will help to replenish the potency of the herbal water.

Don't Forget the Little Extras!

And finally, now that you know what things to use and how to use them, adding a few little extras to your herbal bath "me time" routine can make the whole herbal bathing experience even better. Try adding soft music, candlelight, incense, a favorite book, a glass of your favorite wine and some peace and quiet (if possible) to enhance your relaxation experience even further.

If you cannot make this an everyday enjoyment, try once a week at first. Experiment! Slowing down, being present, and really relishing this experience, however infrequent, is sure to add some perhaps much-needed quality to your life experience.

Source

Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2020 Melissa Meadow

Comments

Melissa Meadow (author) from United States on March 04, 2020:

Thank you, Den!

Den from United Kingdom on March 04, 2020:

Nice ideas. I will be trying this.

Melissa Meadow (author) from United States on March 03, 2020:

Thank you, Tori!

I've had wonderful results from this and it's very versatile, too. I love trying different herb combinations in my baths. It feels good to be able to do something so simple yet beneficial!

Best wishes to you and if you do give this a try, I hope you have terrific results.

Thanks so much for reading and commenting!

Melissa Meadow (author) from United States on March 03, 2020:

Thank you so much, Thelma, for stopping by to read and for commenting! I appreciate it.

It really is simple and the benefits have been wonderful for me. I am able to relax easier, I carry less tension throughout my day to day activities and I sleep more soundly.

If you give this a try, I hope it works just as wonderful for you as well!

Blessings!

Tori Leumas on March 03, 2020:

This is an amazing article! I often have trouble with relaxing due to some hard emotional things in my past. A nice, warm, relaxing bath seems like the perfect thing for me.

Thelma Alberts from Germany on March 03, 2020:

Wow! This is so easy to make. I love lavender bath and I just buy it in the drugstore. Thank you very much for sharing.