I am a newbie when it comes to learning about herbs and home remedies. I tended to lean toward the skeptical side but with a “it doesn’t hurt to try” mindset. It wasn’t until recently, when I started to learn about how my anxiety could be related to nutritional deficiencies (and managed with herbs/oils), that I started to take a closer look at herbal remedies. So, I decided to make this DIY Herbal Bath Tea for myself and thought I would share it with you all.
What is Bath Tea?
Herbal bath teas are a mix of herbs and minerals you add to your bath as you soak away long stressful days or soothe your body after a day in the sun. Adding tea to your bathwater allows you the opportunity to add nutrients to the water that your skin will soak in, and scents to improve your overall well being.
How to Make Bath Tea
There are 2 methods to making your bath tea.
Method one: Assemble herbs in a muslin bag and steep in your bath tub of hot water for 15-30 minutes – similar to making a cup of tea.
Method two: Add herbs directly to a pot of water and bring to boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain through cheesecloth and add to bath.
Herbal Bath Tea Ingredients
The ingredients I am using in this recipe are:
Epsom salt: A classic cure for muscle soreness and stiffness.
Magnesium flakes: Aid in relaxation.
Rose: In addition to adding a nice smell to your bath, rose can reduce inflammation and stress.
Hibiscus: Packed with antioxidants, hibiscus has also been shown to lower blood pressure.
Rosemary: Improves skin and hair health as well as uplifts your mood.
Instructions:
Method one: Mix 1/4 cup each of rose, hibiscus, and rosemary and add to a muslin bag. While running your bath, add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt, 1/2 cup of magnesium flakes, and your tea bag to the bath. Allow to steep for 15 minutes before getting in.
Method two: Mix 1/4 cup each of rose, hibiscus, and rosemary and add to a pot of water. Bring to boil. Once boiled, turn down heat and simmer for minutes. Strain through cheesecloth into a second pot, jar or bowl. Add to bath water with 1/2 cup each of Epsom salt and magnesium flakes.
For more herbal combinations and bath time ideas head over to my Pinterest board. (And don’t forget to follow me to have my pins pop up in your feed!)
Soak Your Way to Self Care
Regardless of what herbs (if any) you add to your bath, there are benefits to simply taking a bath. Some bath time benefits include:
- improved sleep
- hydrating for skin (as long as the water is not too hot)
- soothing for muscle aches and joint pain
- supports heart health
- lowers blood pressure
- reduces stress
- reduces anxiety
- improved hygiene
Get the Most Benefits from Your Bath Time
There are some things you should be aware of when it comes to your bath time.
- Don’t take a bath everyday as it has a tendency to dry out your skin. Try to keep it to twice per week and shower in between.
- Use only warm water. If your water is too hot it can cause dizziness and raise your blood pressure.
- Opt for gentle cleansers to avoid drying out your skin.
- Moisturize post bath to lock in the moisture from your bath.
I have to admit to you though, I love my bath time so much I take baths much more often than recommended by the experts. Are you a bath or shower person? Do you enjoy a nice soak after a long day? Do you add things like bath teas to your baths?
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