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Soothing away stress
Try a relaxing herb such as camomile to ease away the strains of a hectic day.
'Camomile is a deeply soothing herb,' says Andrew. 'Brew a tea with two teaspoons of loose, dried camomile, or two camomile teabags, then strain into a bath. This aids rest, and the herb's anti-spasmodic action can also help to soothe period pain.'
Herbal baths can be particularly helpful for children, adds traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Richard Blackwell. 'Children can be reluctant to take herbs internally, so putting them in the bath can be useful.' Camomile can help to comfort fractious infants – follow the directions above but with just one teaspoon of loose dried camomile or one teabag.
Easing aches
Common kitchen herbs can effectively relieve aches and muscle tension.
Andrew recommends using invigorating rosemary to relieve rheumatic or sports-related stiffness. Brew eight des-sertspoons of dried rosemary in hot water, leave for 10 minutes, then strain into a warm bath. For a classic, naturopathic way to relieve muscular aches and pains, naturopath Jan de Vries suggests dissolving a handful of bicarbonate of soda in your bath.
Easing skin conditions
Skin conditions can be improved with the right herbs in a herbal bath.
'Nettles can help dry, itchy conditions such as eczema and hives,' says Andrew. 'Take a generous handful of fresh, or dried, young nettle leaves, infuse in hot water for 10 minutes then add to bath water – or simply add a nettle teabag to your bath.' Porridge oats can help soften skin and calm any irritation; put a couple of handfuls into a muslin bag (or an old pair of tights) and tie over the bath tap.
Alternatively, in his book The Nature Doctor, Dr Alfred Vogel suggests adding an infusion of wild pansy (also known as heartsease) to the bath to help moisturise dry and flaking skin.
Steam sense
Internal congestions can be effectively relieved by taking a steam bath.
Jan de Vries explains: 'A steam bath is very useful for increasing urine flow in both men and women. It can help urinary retention often experienced by older men, and those with cystitis. Infuse aromatic herbs, such as camomile or thyme, in hot water, leave to stand for 10 minutes, then strain into a bath. Sit on the edge of the bath, or on a plastic stool in the bath. Stop heat escaping by draping a towel around your body.'
Beating winter colds
Cold and flu symptoms can be eased with stimulating spice or herbal bath.
'Ginger is extremely warming and dries out dampness associated with colds,' advises aromatherapist Eileen Fairbane. Add 50 g of ground ginger and two handfuls of sea salt to a bath. 'A bath such as this, taken when the first, achey symptoms of colds and flu start, can allay the onset of syptoms,' says Eileen. But she warns that those with high blood pressure should be wary of using circulation-boosting ginger. Andrew Chevallier recommends using anti-fungal thyme for chest infections. Brew eight dessertspoons of the dried herb in hot water, leave it to stand for
10 minutes, then strain the mixture into the bath.
Invigorating detox
Eliminate toxins and improve your circulation with a classic pine soak. Kick-start your day with an invigorating pine bath. Place a few handfuls of fresh pine needles in a muslin bag or an old pair of tights, hold under the running hot tap and swirl around the bath. Then jump in for an energising boost.
Healing footbaths
Poor circulation can be boosted with DIY hydrotherapy treatment. Jan de Vries recommends the hydrotherapy footbath programme known as the 'cold dip.' Place a bowl of cold water beside the bed with a towel close to hand. When you wake, place both feet in the water for 10 seconds, then remove and place them on the towel to dry. Now exercise your toes as if you were trying to pick up a marble. Repeat this process between 10 and 30 times. 'Do this each morning on rising and at night before bed for at least three months to experience optimum benefit,' Jan says.
Tired and sore feet can be pepped up with a warming herbal footbath. 'For a quick, reviving remedy, add a teabag of stimulating peppermint or even thyme to a bowl of warm water,' advises Jan. Alternatively, blend three teaspoons of mustard powder with a small amount of water to create a smooth paste, add the mixture to a bowl of warm water and plunge your feet in. Then sit back and relax for 15 minutes.
Tip
Place a few handfuls of fresh pine needles in a muslin bag, hold under the running tap and swirl around the bath.
Where can I buy herbs?
