Blog

By: Miranda Powell

Bringing together the physical and energetic benefits of herbs through baths is a centuries old practice. Ultimate relaxation combined with the powerful use of herbs can support all areas of your life. In this blog, I’ll share some of my favorite herbal combinations and rituals. 

“Happiness lies in the fulfillment of the spirit through the body.”  – Cyril Connolly 

Transform Your Bath with Botanical Brews 

I absolutely love the act of taking baths. If I’m feeling physical pain in my body, stress, or feeling caught in fight or flight, a bath soothes so many ailments. It gently forces me to calm my nervous system, slow down, and look inward. 

Growing up, I loved getting fancy bath bombs and bubble baths from the grocery store. It was fun mixing colors and aromas in the bath water! So my journey of listening to my intuition began, making potions for the bath. Soon I realized I was left with an almost chemically sweet smell- too much synthetic fragrance. Our skin is the body’s largest organ. What we put on it directly affects so much more than we realize. 

I went to my local library and checked out a few books on DIY home spa days. I was happy to find out I already had half the ingredients for some of the recipes in my pantry… things like sea salt, himalayan pink salt, and essential oils. Drawing inspiration from one of my favorite resources, The Scented Bath: A Gift of Luxury from Nature’s Garden by herbalist Maribeth Riggs, I went down the rabbit hole. I discovered these ingredients smell and feel amazing. I also intuitively picked oils and salts that were supporting me on a deeply spiritual and energetic level! SO COOL!

Working with essential oils led me to research the plants and flowers they come from. Next, I learned about herbal bath soaks! Now, I’m someone who loves to work with their hands and am always making and crafting. So mixing together herbs to make a bathtime brew for many different needs sounded like a dream. There’s something tender about crafting with my own hands that simply slows me down. 

Soft Skin and Soothed Mind

While herbal bath soaks are a dreamy ritual, it’s also quietly doing AMAZING things for your skin. Here are a few of my favorite herbs with their benefits to incorporate in bath blends:

Chamomile – calms irritation/redness, great for sensitive skin, smells like sweet sunshine

Lavender – balancing, supports relaxation, smells like peace   

Rose – tons of antioxidants, hydrating, smells like love 

Calendula – soothes dry/itchy/irritated skin, gentle, smells like soft earthy sunshine 

What You’ll Need

This is one of my favorite, nostalgic, botanical blends! Safe for all skin types and has incredible support for self love, protection, purification, and positive energy.  It’s important to use organic herbs whenever possible. Remember! Your skin is your largest organ so we want to treat it with kindness:)

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups Epsom salt
• Handful of dried rose petals 
• Handful of dried chamomile flowers
• Handful of dried lavender flowers
• Handful of dried calendula petals 

Optional: Colloidal oatmeal (be cautious if prone to infections) 

All of these herbs are very easy to find at your local herbal shop, health food stores (check bulk section), and online. I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs if looking online!

Step by magical step:

You’ll see many different methods for how to brew! My preferred method is to put all the herbs in a clean cheesecloth or muslin cloth, tie it tightly so no herbs escape, and brew on the stovetop. Then, pour the strongly brewed tea and wrapped cloth right into the tub. 

Step 1: Gather herbs

Before you get to mixing, pause and think of an intention for your bath. This could be many things! Some examples could be for self care, ease sore muscles, or maybe you’re manifesting something. Whatever it is, be specific and bring that energy when grabbing your ingredients. Mix all the herbs in a bowl and fill a large tea bag/steeper/clean cheesecloth, whatever you got! Or you can brew it loose leaf, just remember if you use this method to strain everything before adding it to your bath!

Step 2: Brew Tea

Brewing on stovetop:

In a large pot, bring water to boil. Then, add the tea bag, stir, turn off the stove, and cover. Let steep for at least 30 min (but the longer the better). 

Step 3: Draw your bath

Now is your time to pour your intentions into your bath. Create a dreamy supportive environment! Think high vibes! I love bringing in crystals, lighting some candles, turning off “the big light”, and coming back to my intention.  Now is when I add my epson salt and colloidal oatmeal (if using). Then bring your strongly steeped tea from the stove and pour into your bath. Imagine all the amazing qualities of each herb infusing into your tub and know how much you deserve this time and sacred space. 

Step 4: Slide into your steeped garden 

Let the delicate aroma of the petals and steam carry you away. Come back to your intention and ease into the tub. Sometimes I put on a guided meditation, other times I’ll watch my favorite reality tv show! Whatever fills your cup, honey.

From My Cottage to Yours

Spring is the time for small joys. The flowers are beginning to bud and bloom, the trees are filling in, and everything is slowly waking up. Nurture yourself extra during this time of transition and honor your connection with the Universe. Soften your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and soak in a springtime garden of herbs.