Thursday, August 28, 2008

Bath Salts

1/2 c Epsom salt
1/2 c Baking soda
1/2 c Borax
2 dr Food coloring
40 dr Scented oil

Mix together and put in a pretty bottle.

Bath Bag

1 7 inch square piece of muslin or other light fabric
12 Inch lenght of ribbon
1 c Potpourri

Make a potpourri of equal amounts of comfrey and chamomile.

Place the potpourri in the center of the fabric square. Gather all edges of fabric over the potpourri and tie with ribbon or string.

A Sleep Inducing Bath

4 tb Dried chamomile
3 tb Dried lemon balm
2 tb Dried passionflower
1 tb Dried valerian

If you're feeling agitated at bedtime, the right herbal combination can help you drift right off into the REM stage. Herbs that you might use in a bedtime bath include chamomile, hops, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram, passionflower, sandalwood and valerian.

A Bath To Help Varicose Veins

2 tb Dried ginger powder *OR* 4 tb Fresh gingerroot; chopped
4 tb Dried juniper
2 tb Dried rosemary
4 tb Dried lemon peel *OR* 1 Whole lemon; quartered

Although most often associated with women, bulging, enlarged veins can be a problem for both sexes. The condition is largely hereditary, but a case of varicose veins can be made worse by had habits; standing for long periods of time, wearing tight clothing, and sitting with the legs crossed. Hormonal fluctuations also can contribute to varicosity.
Herbal baths can help, although you should be careful not to take baths that are too hot (extreme temperatures can exacerbate the problem). Whole herbs that you can use in a bath to help boost circulation in the legs include geranium, ginger, juniper, lemon, peppermint and rosemary.

A Bath For Emotional Balance

1/2 c Dried orange peel *OR* 1/2 Whole fresh orange; sliced
3 tb Dried jasmine flowers
2 tb Dried sandalwood chips

When everything seems just a bit too overwhelming, a bath can be extremely good medicine. This season, you might appreciate herbal remedies for feelings like nervousness, tension, anxiety or emotional fatigue. Try whole herbs like chamomile, jasmine, juniper, lavender, orange, rose, rosemary or sandalwood.

For a bath that'll restore your sense of balance, make an infusion of the listed herbs; sit back and enjoy.