Herbal baths are not only good for your skin, but for your mind as well as you lay back to relax and allow the scents to surround you and diminish the stress and worries of the day. You can add herbs to invigorate and stimulate your circulation, to relax sore, tensed muscles, to help heal a skin condition, or simply to enjoy the aroma.

Try to keep the water temperature around body heat. If it is hot enough make you sweat you will not absorb the therapeutic herbal properties. Very hot water will also dry your skin out.

The easiest and least messy way of adding herbs to your bath is to make an herbal infusion:

Add a large handful of the fresh herb to 2 ½ cups of boiled water. You can substitute 10 oz. of dried herb if you wish. Leave set for at least 10 minutes, then strain and pour into the tub. You can let it stand longer for a stronger infusion. It can be stored in the refrigerator overnight if needed and used the next day. The herbs may also be placed in a secure cheesecloth pouch and let dangle in the bathwater as long as you need it.

Therapeutic Bath Herbs

Troubled Skin Bath

1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried thyme
1/4-cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried calendula blossoms
1 quart boiling water

Prepare an infusion and add to your bathwater.

Deodorizing Bath

1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried thyme
1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
1 muslin bath bag
1 quart boiling water

Prepare an infusion and add to your bathwater.

Fragrant Bath

1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried sweet marjoram
2 tablespoons fresh or 1 tablespoons dried lavender buds
2 tablespoons fresh or 1 tablespoons dried peppermint
1 muslin bath bag
1 quart boiling water

Prepare an infusion and add to your bathwater

Relaxation Bath

1/2 cup fresh or 1/4 cup dried lemon balm
1/2 cup fresh or 1/4 cup dried German chamomile blossoms
2 cups boiling water

Prepare an infusion and add to your bathwater.

• Grow your “Bath Time” container garden in full sun.
• The herbs are best harvested in the mornings, carefully washed and refrigerated until needed. They may be stored for up to 2 days, but are always better the first day!
• Water as needed, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Apply a slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote early in the season or fertilize occasionally with a liquid fertilizer.