Take a bath with your plants – you’ll be glad you did

June 8, 3:10 PMSF Backyard Herbal Projects ExaminerLisa Ludwigsen

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Forego the shower & try a bath. Photo: Harry Frank

It’s too bad that people have forgotten the simple, satisfying practice of a daily bath.

A bath doesn’t need to be a long drawn-out event, set aside for special occasions. In fact, in 10-15 minutes a bath can brighten or relax, soothe or stimulate. Baths are good for us all, regardless of age. Showers are quick and to the point but they strip skin of natural oils. Baths do just the opposite.

Bathing every day instead of showering offers a multitude of benefits, both externally and internally. The mere sound of flowing water is soothing and immersing ourselves in water is transformative.

To begin or end the day, simple herbal infusions from backyard garden plants, and minerals and salts from the kitchen create a daily bath that not only hydrates and tones the skin, but effectively treats ailments of all types.

Herbal Infusions - a pot of tea for the bath
An easy way to bring the medicinal qualities of backyard plants into a bath is to make an infusion, which is quite simply a pot of tea. Place a handful or two of fresh medicinal plants into a pot or bowl, pour four cups boiling water over the herbs, cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Add the infusion to a warm bath.

A bundle of soaking herbs
Tie a handful of fresh herbs into a square of cheesecloth or cloth napkin or even a piece of old sheet. Hang from the spout as the tub fills.

Which plants to use
For congestion, sore muscles, or poor circulation: eucalyptus, California bay, thyme, or rosemary;
For relaxation add lavender flowers, rose geranium, lemon verbena;
For skin ailments like sunburn, eczema, or insect bites use calendula flowers, lavender, yarrow and/or borage. Oats are exceptionally soothing to the skin. To use, tie a ½ cup of plain oatmeal into a bundle and tie to the spout. You can also rub the bundle on effected areas.

Homemade bath salts
Fragrant prepackaged bath salts are abundant in stores. It is easy to make them at home using sea salt, baking soda, Epsom salts and essential oils. Sea salt adds trace minerals and softens water, baking soda soothes skin, and Epsom salts balance the ph of the blood and remove toxins. Use 2 parts sea salt to 1 part each baking soda and Epsom salts. Essential oils or herb infusions can also be added for additional benefit. Depending on tub size, use ¼ cup to a ½ cup of the mixture per bath.

Essential oils
Essential oils are concentrated distillations of plants that make excellent additions to baths. Buy them at health food and other stores. Use sparingly – about ½ teaspoon per bath. For bath salts, mix in 1 teaspoon per 4 cup batch of bath salts and store in an airtight container. I like to make batches of plain bath salts and add essential oils as my need dictates.

Make it quick — footbaths
If you don’t have a tub or want the benefit of a quick pick me up, try a footbath. My friend Rebecca makes regular after dinner footbaths for herself and her boyfriend. They make an herbal infusion then add flowers and essential oils.

The right temperature
Warm baths relax, cool baths stimulate.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re too busy for a bath. This is an easy and rewarding daily practice.

Always make sure you have the correct plant before using or consuming and consult with a trained herbalist or reliable text (of which there are many) if you have questions. Always consult with a doctor before using any herb if you are pregnant.

Remember: Plants are here for our respected and appreciative use. It is our job to grow, get to know, and use them!

For more information, contact Lisa at lisa@schoolgardenco.com.