Guest Author - Amelia Tucker
Herbal Baths
An herbal bath is a relaxing and soothing way to administer remedies. Although often considered simply a treat, there is a lot of therapeutic value to an herbal bath. The basic concept is to create a strong decoction, strain and add to the hot bath. Your skin will absorb small quantities of the decoction and the heat will stimulate circulation. Once you get out, try to lie down in bed. The heating and then cooling of your temperature signals your body that it is time for rest and you will enjoy a healing sleep.
Like any herbal remedy, herbal baths can be created for many symptoms: Improving breathing, calming, help ease muscle aches and pains, stimulate healing of tissues with astringent herbs and the drawing nature of some bath soaks are perfect for helping heal wounds and infection.
I have included a few of my favorite reasons to use an herbal soak and the recipes that work for me.
Flu-like illness with coughing and aches:
Thyme
Rosemary
Oregano
Using the above herbs, create a quart of decoction(Boil a quart of water, remove from heat, add herbs and cover tightly. Steep until cool)
Add strained decoction to a tub of hot water along with
1 Cup Epsom salt
Stir to dissolve
I add only enough water for person I am helping to lie comfortably immersed. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes, dry well and slip into bed. This should help promote a restful sleep as the Thyme relieves upper respiratory problems and all the herbs help to ease breathing.
Minor infection remedy
I use this for a minor skin problem that need deeper cleaning and drawing than a wash with soapy water and a cloth. I also am a big proponent of hydrotherapy, or using water to stimulate healing. This herbal bath contains astringent and soothing herbs.
Lavender blossoms
Calendula
Strawberry leaf
Plantain
Add strained decoction to a tub of hot water along with
1 Cup Epsom salt
I have actually seen this decoction pulling infection from on wound on more than one occasion. When the infection is on a lower extremedy, only fill tub deep enough to cover the wound to keep the decoction as strong as possible.
Sitz Bath
A sitz bath is the same principal as an herbal bath but it is for a smaller area and can include a more concentrated mixture of herbs. I also include this recipe for an after birth kit for friends as it is wonderful for cleansing after urination for the first few days after having the baby. In this case, fill the squirt bottle with 1/4 decoction and the rest warm water. You can make the decoction ahead and keep in fridge until you need to add warm water. Use the above recipe and instead of adding to a hot bath, place in the fridge.
