DIY: Botanical Baths for the Ultimate Self-Care
Hello friends. I know it’s been a while, how are you all holding in there? Such a strange, uncomfortable and yet also inspiring time to be alive! As always, I am sending you all thoughts of health and vitality.
I’ve been taking a lot of time over this quarantine period to research and write my next book, which is all about the health and wellness benefits of plants. I’ve been working on all kinds of recipes and DIY projects for incorporating more plants and nature into our lives and I wanted to share a recipe that I’ve been using when I need to pamper myself. And who couldn’t use a bit of pampering right now?!
Its fascinating and empowering to dive into the world of medicinal herbs and flowers. I’ve had fun learning about the many therapeutic benefits of so many of our common culinary herbs and edible flowers. Therapeutic benefits for our bodies, minds and souls.
Some of the best ways to use these herbs and flowers (aside from cooking that is!) is to make teas with them. Another beneficial way to use these plants is to make a tea not to drink - but to bathe in!
Adding botanical infusions into your bath water, allows the therapeutic plant compounds to embrace your whole body! They are absorbed through your skin right into your blood stream where they are spread throughout the body. Botanical baths are ideal for reducing fevers, soothing aches and pains and restoring mental wellness. Plus add some floating flowers on top and they just look so pretty too!
The power plants have to improve our state of being is nothing short of incredible.
A Note on Salts for the Bath:
Salt is a great additive to your botanical bath as it provides its own therapeutic benefits.I recommend Epsom Salt to relieve physical discomfort and regular Table or Sea Salt for mental discomforts.
Epsom Salt is not actually a salt at all, but is instead made up of magnesium sulfate. Due to its high magnesium count , Epsom salt is great for easing sore bodies, relieving insomnia and diminishing migraines.
Table or Sea Salt - Regular mineral salt, composed mainly of sodium chloride (NaCl), is ideal for purifying emotions and energy. In Pranic Healing salt is used as an energetic cleanser, clearing away stagnant prana. Prana is the Sanskrit word for vital life force energy and is also referred to as chi, qi, ki and mana. It’s the reason why jumping in the ocean always feels so cleansing.
A BATH FOR MENTAL RESTORATION:
BATH TEA
4 TBSPS rosemary - promotes mental clarity, reduces stress and stimulates and tones the skin
2-4 TBSPS lavender (flowers and/or leaves) - promotes feelings of rest, soothes the skin, supports the nervous system, anti-inflammatory.
4 TBSPS sage - soothes anxiety & depression, and supports the nervous system. Also improves circulation.
2-4 TBSP chrysanthemum flowers -
OPTIONAL FLOATING FLOWERS
Handfuls of the following:
-lavender flowers
-california poppy flowers
-chamomile flowers
-chrysanthemum flowers
OTHER MATERIALS:
Saucepan
long-handled fine strainer
or…
cheesecloth and colander
Gather and prep all your herbs and flowers by rinsing (if fresh) and patting dry. For long sprigs of herbs you can chop lightly.
Add to medium size saucepan. Bring to boil stirring occasionally. The bring down the heat to low and allow to simmer for 30 - 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While you bath tea is coming toward the end of its simmer, go draw your bath. Add 1 cup of table or sea salt to your bath as the water is filling the tub. As water gets near the fill spot, lovingly scatter your flowers throughout the tub.
Remove tea from heat and strain the plant material away from the liquid by pouring liquid through a long-handled fine strainer or through a cheesecloth over a colander. Pour tea into your bath. Give it all a nice stir with your hand or foot (great way to test the water too!) and then allow yourself to marinate in botanical bliss!
(I found the long-handled strainer/colander really helpful for clearing out the flowers from the tub as well).
THANKS FOR READING!
RACHAEL