Sunburn Bath Soak - Bath Blend of the Month

Remember just because the summer is ending, the effects of the sun are not diminishing, so create this blend and use it to soothe the skin after a bit too much sun.

• 1/4 cup dried mint leaves
  
• 1/4 cup calendula flowers and/or leaves
• 1/4 cup dried chamomile flowers
• 1/4 cup dried lemon balm leaves
• 1/4 cup green tea leaves

Blend all dried ingredients together and store in a jar with a tightly fitting lid.

TO USE: add 1/2 to 1 cup of blend to a small muslin bag.  Fill bathtub with slightly warm water and allow bag to steep for a few minutes as water cools.

Stimulating Tub Tea - Bath Blend of the Month

This blend is perfect for energizing in the before spring doldrums.  It has lavender and lemon verbena as well as citrus peel.

The lavender is balancing and will rejuvenate when combined with citrus scents. With lemon verbena the scent is relaxing and the effect is anti-bacterial.  Add to that the antibacterial and anti-viral properties of the citrus peel and you have a blend that will stimulate as well as heal. And the lemongrass essential oil is a great germ-fighter.

Stimulating Bathtub Tea

• ½ cup lavender flower buds
• ½ cup lemon verbena (or lemon balm) leaves
• ½ cup chopped lemon or orange peel
• 10 drop lavender essential oil
• 6 drops lemongrass essential oil

Mix well in a large bowl.  Add essential oil.  Place ¼ cup of mixture into a cotton sachet or the center of a wash cloth and tie shut. 

To Use: Place sachet in hot bath water for 3 to 5 minutes before sliding in to enjoy the bath.

 

 

Spring Awakening Bath Soak Recipe - Bath Blend of the Month

Benefits of Ingredients in this simple bath sachet:

Peppermint:

Peppermint is known for its invigorating and refreshing properties. It can help to relieve headaches, reduce muscle pain, and improve mental clarity. The cooling sensation it provides is perfect for awakening the senses.

Eucalyptus:

Eucalyptus has powerful anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties. It's excellent for soothing sore muscles, easing respiratory issues, and providing a sense of calm. The aromatic fragrance helps to clear the mind and revitalize the spirit.

Lemon Balm:

Lemon balm is celebrated for its calming and uplifting effects. It can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being. The gentle citrus aroma adds a delightful freshness, making it ideal for a spring-themed soak.

Embrace the energy of the new season and rejuvenate your spirit with this refreshing and revitalizing bath blend.

Spring Awakenings Bath Soak  

1 cup of dried peppermint leaves 

1 cup of dried eucalyptus leaves  

1/2 cup of dried lemon balm 

10 drops of peppermint essential oil

10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Directions:

Mix the dried peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon balm in a bowl.  Add the essential oils to the dried mix, and blend thoroughly. Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid.

·      TO USE: Fill muslin bags or rounds of cheesecloth with 2 to 4 TBLS of the mixture and tie securely. Place a bag in your warm bath water and let it steep for a few minutes before entering the tub. Relax and enjoy!

Stress Relief Aromatherapy Bath Salts - Bath Blend of the Month

This blend of sea salt and baking soda is easy to make and the scent is great for helping with stress. The blend of these essential oils delivers reduced stress and anxiety, lifts mood and give you radient skin as well!

Stress relief Aromatherapy salts  (Each packet separate)

     1 Tbls Sea salt

     1 Tbls Baking soda

     5 drops lavender oil

     3 drops sandalwood oil

     2 drops clary sage oil

Prepare theses salts in small bowl by adding salt and baking soda, then measuring in the essential oils by the drop.  Stir until the essential oils are evening distributed, then place the salts in individual packets or muslin bags (2 Tbls per bag) and place in a jar with a tight fitting lid.  Pull them out and pop one into the bathwater as you fill the tub, or use the bags by hanging from the shower to allow the warm water to release the scent that will soothe and reduce stress.

 

Everyday Bath Blend - Bath Blend of the Month

This unique combination of herbs and flowers can be used as a bath tub tea, or as a shower scrub.  

Equal amounts of: 

• Chamomile
• rose petals
• juniper berries
• rosemary
• spearmint

Combine these in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake well.  Use 1 to 2 Tablespoons on a muslin bag or coffee filter for a bath or 4 Tablespoons in a washcloth for a shower.

To Prepare:

Add 1 cup of water to a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Place the bag in the water and steep for 10 minutes. Add the liquid to the bath water.  Or used the washcloth to rub or scrub your skin while in the shower.  

Herbal attributes for skin and body

Chamomile:

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce skin irritation and redness. It is often used to soothe sensitive or irritated skin. It may help alleviate stress and promote better sleep.

Rose petals:

Rose petals are known for their hydrating properties, making them beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin. They help lock in moisture and maintain skin's natural balance. Rose petals also contain antioxidants that can help protect the skin against damage from free radicals and environmental stressors. Roses have soothing and toning properties, making them useful for reducing redness and inflammation.

Juniper berries:

Juniper berries have natural antiseptic properties that can help cleanse the skin and prevent infections. They can also help remove toxins and impurities from the skin. They have a mild astringent effect, which can help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores.

Rosemary:

Rosemary has stimulating properties that can help promote circulation, which is beneficial for a healthy complexion. Additionally, Rosemary contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals with antimicrobial properties that can help prevent bacterial growth on the skin. It can help regulate oil production, making it useful for oily or acne-prone skin. It can help reduce excess oil and minimize breakouts.

Spearmint:

Spearmint has a cooling sensation that can provide relief to irritated or overheated skin. Spearmint has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent bacterial growth on the skin, making it useful for treating acne and preventing breakouts. It has mild astringent properties that can help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores.

Please note that individual experiences may vary, and it's always a good idea to perform a patch test before using any new herb or ingredient on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or any known allergies.

Comfort from the Cold Bath - Bath Blend of the Month

 Each month we showcase a bath blend to make at home.  This month I thought something to soothe cold symptoms might be in order. I originally shared this for Advent 2020 on Facebook and thought it would be a good reshare.

The lavender will have antiseptic as well as soothing properties, the rosemary and ginger are warming and germ fighting and the eucalyptus has antioxidant properties as well containing ceramides which are great for dry skin.

Comfort from the Cold Bath

2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers and leaves

2 tablespoons dried rosemary leaves

1 tablespoon dried gingerroot powder

2 tablespoons dried eucalyptus leaves

Mix together dried herbs. Place them inside a square of natural fabric or a metal tea ball. Secure your bundle by tying the ends with a bit of sting.

To use : Hang the herb bag under your water tap. Fill the tub with warm (not too hot) water, letting the water flow through the herbs. Get in the bath, squeeze out your herb bag and place it behind your neck as you bathe. You also may use it to scrub your body with a bit of soap.

Splendor Bath Blend - Bath Blend of the Month

March is a time to rejuvinate.  Spring is coming. Daylight savings time is around the corner. And we emerge from the coccoon of a northern hemisphere winter. This year more than ever I am all about emerging, changing, growing, and being aecited about change.  So this is a perfect time to boost the body, cleanse the skin and help the rest of me get ready for change.

Splendor Bath Blend 

• 1/2 cup thyme
• 1/2 cup sage
• 1/2 cup lavender
• 1/2 cup mint
• 1/2 cup bay leaves
• 1/2 cup rosemary
• 1 1/2 cup powdered milk
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
• 1/8 cup baking soda
• 2 Tbls cornstarch

Basic Instructions:

Make drawstring pouches out of cheesecloth, organza or muslin, enough to hold anywhere from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of the herbal. Tie them tightly shut so the loose ingredients won’t float out. After use the contents can be emptied, the pouches rinsed out then washed to be refilled and reused.  Or use a large drip coffee filter or bandana and tie with ribbon.

Preparation:

Two ways these can be enjoyed, either hang them on the tap while the hot water is running, making sure the water is running through them. Once the tub is filled, let them float around.

Infusion Method: Boil a quart of water, turn off heat, add pouch, cover, then steep (for at least 20 minutes for best results). Add the piping hot infusion (and the bag) to a full tub, being careful while pouring to avoid burning yourself.

Relaxing and Energizing Bath Sachet - Bath Blend of the Month

September is fraught with worry this year as school starts and Covid-19 rages, so I thought a bath blend that would give you energy and help you de-stress might be in order.  This blend can be placed in muslin bags and used as needed in a warm bath.  If you are more of a shower person, grate some gentle soap and mix into each bag and use as a bath scrub.  They can be used over and over until soap or scent is gone.

The herbs in this blend have both energizing and relaxing attributes which can help both with their vital chemicals and the aroma:

Lavender – is balancing will calm or rejuvenate

Lemongrass – is antiviral, anti-bacterial

Spearmint – is an antioxidant which is good against stress and has some anti-viral attributes

Peppermint – is effective against stress headaches

Relaxing and Energizing Bath Sachet Blend

1/2 cup lavender flowers

1/2 cup peppermint, dried

1/2 cup spearmint, dried

1/2 cup lemon grass, dried and chopped

10 drops lemongrass essential oil

5 drops peppermint essential oil

5 drops spearmint essential oil

Directions:

Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Add the essential oil and stir to spread the oil throughout the mixture.  Allow to meld for a week in a covered container, shaking frequently.  Then measure into bags. (It can be used right away if you need to relax.  The scent just improves with a bit of age.) 

To USE: add ¼ cup of mixture into a 8 muslin bags. Place a single bag under the faucet and allow to hang there as the tub is filled.  Bags can be reused until the scent is gone if allowed to dry out between uses.

Lemon Healing Bath Mix - Bath Blend of the Month

This nice flower rich lemon herb-centered salt blend is soothing to the skin and the scent is healing to the body. It will help you relax and clear away the funk of garden work in the hot summer.

Lemon Healing Bath Mix

1/4 cup sea salt
1/4 cup chamomile
1/4 cup roses
1/4 cup lemon peel
1/4 cup calendula
1/4 cup lemon verbena
3/4 cup lavender
3/4 cup lemon balm

Blend the herbs and salt together and place in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake well before using.

TO USE: Place 1 Tablespoon of the mixture in a tea ball or coffee filter.  Place the blend in the bath while filling and swish to dissolve the salt.  Soak and enjoy.  For a stronger scent use 2 Tablespoons.

Milk and Oatmeal Bath Tea - Bath blend of the month

It is that time of year where wind, dry heat and other aspects of the season change begin to effect the skin.  So I thought a quick and easy bath tub tea might be the way to go.  This tea uses milk to sooth and soften skin along with  oatmeal to soothe dryness and itchiness. With this recipe you fill cloth bags or coffee filters  and then allow the bag to steep in the bath water before you slide in to enjoy your bath.

If you want some extra herb properties in this bath tea, choose to add 1 Tablespoon of any of these herbs to each bag.


Lavender – is balancing will calm or rejuvenate depending on your need 
Lemon Balm – an infusion strained into the bath make for happy thoughts

Roman Chamomile – is calming and relaxing

Bergamot - stimulates

Rosemary – lightly astringent; stimulates rejuvenates and promotes elimination of waste

Sage – purifying, restores skin tone

Rose – deeply healing

Geranium – deeply healing

Milk & Oatmeal Bath Tea 

1 ½ cups regular oats, not quick

1 cup powdered milk

Blend the ingredients together in a plastic bowl, then fill the muslin bags.  Add 1 Tablespoon of herbs (if desired) to each bag shaking to combine.  This recipe will make up to 8 bags.

To Use: Place filled bag under the tap while bath is filling, then slide into the water.  Use the bag as a scrubby to get even more herbal energy!

Victorian Bath Tea - Bath Blend of the Month

Coming up May 1, 2019 I will being doing a special demo program called Body Beautiful Bath Botanicals (at Schaumburg Library) which will focus on how easy it is to use herbs to enhance your skin, refresh you hair and make your bath experience more relaxingly aromatic.  

I will be showing how to make bath and spa items, everything from bath tea to bath salts to lotions, salves and other items.  Participants will be able to take home a little something for themselves as part of the program.  

I have been debating what recipes to have guests make and one of the must haves is a bath tea blend.  The blend I am using is different than the one below, but in my search I found this one that I once sold at the Wheaton History Center gift shop.  It is a blend of appropriate Victorian Herbs and flowers with a refreshing traditional scent.

Lavender is balancing and will calm or rejuvenate depending on your need and what you combine it with.  Including rose petals and the geranium essential oil creates a deeply healing blend with this Bath tea.

Victorian Bath Tea

1/2 cup rose petals and buds

1/2 cup lavender buds

1/2 cup comfrey

8 drop lavender essential oil

8 drops rose geranium essential oil

Directions:

Blend the herbs together in a plastic bowl, then add each essential oil separately and stir to combine.  Allow to meld overnight, scoop ¼ cup into each muslin bag and store in an airtight container.  This recipe will make up to 8 bags.

Oatmeal Floral Deluxe Milk Bath - Monthly Bath Blend

October is a month where your skin starts to dry out.  The heat may be on in the hime, the sun screen is not liberally applied anymore, and because it is no longer hot you are drinking less water and your skin begins to dry out.

Bath sachets (also known as bath tea) make a lovely, luxurious soak that can be beneficial to skin, ease stress and help soothe aches and pains. These steep in the tub, making a luxurious soak. If some tender therapy is needed to ease sore feet, you can try these as a foot soak instead.

Obtain a drawstring pouch or make a bag out of cheesecloth, organza, terry cloth or muslin, large enough to hold anywhere from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of this herbal mix. Tie them tightly shut so the loose ingredients won’t float out. After use the contents can be emptied, the pouches rinsed out then washed to be refilled and reused.

These amounts will make a batch at a time to be stored in an airtight container until needed.

Oatmeal Floral Deluxe Milk Bath 
1/2 cup powdered milk
1/2 cup Epsom salt
1/8 cup baking soda
2 Tbls cornstarch
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup lavender

Preparation:
Fill the bag with a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the Sachet Blend. Two ways these can be enjoyed, either hang them on the tap while the hot water is running, making sure the water is running through them. Once the tub is filled, let them float around.  Or the Infusion Method: Boil a quart of water, turn off heat, add pouch, cover, then steep (for at least 20 minutes for best results). Add the piping hot infusion (and the bag) to a full tub, being careful while pouring to avoid burning yourself.
Note: Do not steep in an aluminum pot.

Re-energizing Bath Sachet - Monthly Bath Recipe

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This is a blend similar to our previous energizing bath sachet from 2017, but this one is perfect with summer available herbs.   Mix it ahead and keep in a jar near the tub.  Then place 1/4 cup of blend in a muslin bag or wrap in a terry cloth washcloth.  

Re-energizing Bath Sachet

½ cup lavender flowers
½ cup lemon verbena
½ cup finely chopped orange or lemon peel
10 drops lavender essential oil
6 drops lemon grass oil
Fills 8 bags

Blend the herbs together in a bowl or glass jar, then add each essential oil separately and stir to combine.  Allow to meld overnight, then set aside and fill bags as needed, or pre-fill muslin bags and store in an airtight container.  This recipe will make up to 8 bags.

To Use: Place filled bag under the tap while bath is filling, then slide into the water.  Use the bag as a scrubby to get even more herbal energy!

Summer Lemon Bath Blend - Monthly Bath Blend

Lemon baths are especially refreshing in hot weather.  The healing agents in lemons will refresh & revive tired skin.  Lemons will also cool the skin, and help tighten large pores!  For this recipe you will use lemons, and lemon herbs to get a variety of lemon and herb benefits. Lemon Balm with help you maintain a sunny disposition.

Lemon Bath Recipe

Squeeze and drop 5-6 lemons into your running bath.
Add to a muslin bag  1 Tbls Lemon Basil (fresh or dry)
                                  1 Tbls Lemon Balm (fresh or dry)
                                  1 Tbls Lemon Thyme (fresh or dry)

Place the herbs in a muslin bag or tie into a cotton wash cloth and drop into the water.
Soak & relax.

NOTE: If you don’t have lemons, 3/4 cup of bottled lemon juice will work just as well.