Herbed Milk Bath - Monthly Bath Blend

Summer sun can dry skin in ways that winter weather does not, but it is just as harmful to your skin's elasticity.  So soothe that sun damaged skin with a milk bath.  This recipe is great for summer use because of the mix of herbs.

Garden Spa Milk Bath

2 cups powdered milk

1 cup cornstarch
2 Tbls. mixed herbs (finely ground) -- see below

Combine powdered milk, cornstarch and herbs in a glass jar and shake to blend.  Use 1 to 2 Tbls of mixture in muslin bag and place under the tap as you draw your bath.  Luxuriate!

Herbs to use -- 
Choose any mixture from one to more herbs based on what you want them to do for you.

1. Chamomile

Chamomile’s 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. It is safe enough for the youngest bathers, and the scent help calm the frazzled mom as well.

2. Basil

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 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

Another wonderful ingredient in a stimulating bath mix, fennel has a lovely, sweet scent - reminiscent of licorice.

5. Lavender

Lavender always 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

The lemony scent of lemon balm is a wonderful bath herb. Unlike its use as a relaxing herb in tea, in the case of a bath, it is considered a stimulating addition. Adding it to your bath mix with  leave you feeling refreshed.

7. Rosemary

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 is included in the list of stimulating bath herbs. It may not be a pleasing scent to everyone, but it has anti-fungal and anti bacterial properties.

9. Calendula

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 

It is good to use for my children's baths when they have chicken pox, any eczema symptoms, too many mosquito bites, or a stubborn diaper rash.

10. Yarrow

Yarrow is an unusual addition to the list. It is often overlooked for its healing properties. 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.