It's such a great time of year to take a relaxing soak in the tub and as with most any area of your life Herbs make a difference! Scented baths are soothing and easy to prepare. Here are three different methods:- Put the herbs in a nylon stocking or a piece of cheesecloth. Tie the cloth to the water spout and let the warm water wash over them.
-Place the herbs in a pan of water and boil for ten minutes. Strain and add the decoction to your bath water.
- Make a large muslin herb bag to hold the herbs or tie the herbs in a wash cloth along with a bar of castile soap. Wash with the bag. This works well in showers too.
Mix the herbs ahead of time and use about 4 oz per bath.
Different herbs have different properties.
- comfrey -- healing and regenerative
- camomile - relaxing
- ginger -- relaxing for muscles
- lavender -- relaxing, aromatic, soothing for skin
- lemon thyme -- antiseptic, mildly deodorizing
- lemon and orange peel -- aromatic, stimulating and uplifting
- linden flowers -- relaxing
- patchouli -- regenerative
- peppermint -- aromatic, cooling, opens sinuses, refreshing
- rosemary --astringent, relaxing for muscles and our favorite of course!
- roses -- aromatic, moisturizing
- yarrow - astringent
I am helping a friend plan an April tea party. She is making tub teas as a party favor (lavender, camomile and oatmeal). She's using teapot-sized paper tea bags (unbleached). She adds the herbs, then sews them shut. She attaches a string and label. SOOOO cute and marvelous favors!
ReplyDeleteWhat great suggestions! I'll look forward to trying some of these. (And I'm glad you saw the mention of your tea strainer collection on my blog. What lovely accoutrements you shared with us readers of Tea A Magazine!)
ReplyDeleteMy good friend and I have a date to visit your shop this spring. I can't even believe we haven't been there yet. We did call to join one of your teas last year but unfortunately you were already booked. That's always a good sign of a great tearoom!
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