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10 Herbs To Use For An Herbal Bath

What herbs should I use in an herbal bath?

By , About.com Guide

Not just for cleansing, bathing in herbal scented water can help reduce stress, soothe the skin and just be a relaxing experience for everyone.

Herbs can be chosen for their therapeutic offerings; such as softening, soothing muscles, stimulating circulation or drawing out infection. Despite your ideas for an herbal bath, there are some basic rules to follow in order to get the most out of the experience.

When creating an herbal bath, enclose the loose herbs in a sachet, or bag to keep them from sticking to the skin. Also, avoid using extremely hot water, as it is very drying to the skin. Plan on a 10 minute soak, to enjoy the full benefits of using herbs in this way.

1. Chamomile

Chamomile© Eggybird

Of course chamomile makes the list. Its gentle, fruity scent will whisk away your stress like no other. This is a wonderful choice for small children, but any age will benefit.

Chamomile is an herb that can be used alone in the bath. I use it for my fussy babies, to help them settle before bedtime. It is safe enough for the youngest bathers, and the scent help calm the frazzled mom as well.

2. Basil

Basil© The Marmot
Basil is an herb of choice if you are creating a stimulating bath. The pleasant aroma will wake up your senses and leave you feeling refreshed.

3. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus brigdesiana© Dhobern
Eucalyptus has that recognizable scent we all know of. Use it in a stimulating type bath, or one where the user is feeling congested.

4. Fennel

Fennel© A. Jeanroy
Another wonderful ingredient in a stimulating bath mix, fennel has a lovely, sweet scent - reminiscent of licorice. It is enjoyable for young and old alike.

5. Lavender

Lavender© Limbo Poet
Of course, lavender makes the list of bath herbs. Who doesn't enjoy a soothing soak in lavender scented waters? Perfect for any type of bath, lavender is a wonderful supporting scent for most herbal blends.

6. Lemon Balm

lemon balm© Jessbeemouselab
The lemony scent of lemon balm is a wonderful bath herb. Unlike its use as a relaxing herb, in the case of a bath, it is considered a stimulating addition. Try adding it to your bath mix, to see if it leaves you feeling refreshed.

7. Rosemary

Rosemary© PDPhoto.org
Rosemary offers itself as a wonderful bath herb. Its piney scent will help when you are feeling under the weather, and congested. I find that a rosemary bath helps after a long day working in the garden. The aches and pains seem to melt away.

8. Sage

Sage© Cyancey
Sage is included in the list of stimulating bath herbs. It may not be pleasing to everyone, so a test before using in a tub mixture, would be wise.

9. Calendula

Calendula© Orgazmika

Calendula is a true must have for any bath mixture. It is used as a soothing and healing herb, wonderful for those with dry skin, to soak a healing wound, consider this when trying to soothe an area that is out of reach - soaking in a warm, calendula infused bath would feel wonderful!

I use calendula for my children's baths when they have chicken pox, any eczema symptoms, too many mosquito bites, or a stubborn diaper rash. It is always the perfect answer.

10. Yarrow

yarrow© Cliff1066

Yarrow is an unusual addition to the list. It is often overlooked by the home herbalist, they may even cut it down from their own yard and not use it for anything!

Yarrow is a wonderfully healing herb. Use it for a soaking tub, for irritated skin and to soak healing wounds in.

I find that yarrow has a pleasing scent, but it is a bit different for most folks. Try a light hand when mixing in your bath herb mix.

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