Bath Tea

Sometimes when I am feeling overwhelmed and need to relax, I like to make bath teas. Bath teas are essentially a mix of flowers, herbs and sometimes sea salt that are placed in a cotton bag, cheesecloth, organza bag, nylon sock or strainer.  I like to tie the bag onto the nozzle of the bathtub so the warm water can run through it, turning the bath water into a botanical infusion of goodness. Since the skin is the largest organ in the body, the skin can absorb the beneficial nutrients of the botanicals infused in the bathwater.  My favorite botanicals to use in bath teas are rose, calendula, comfrey, lavender and chamomile.  I combine a handful of each of these ingredients together in a mortar and pestle. This works best if they are dried beforehand.  If my muscles are feeling achey, I like to throw in some sea salt.  Once the ingredients are combined, I typically place them in a square of cut cheesecloth and tie it up with string allowing extra string to remain on the ends. Then I tie the strings to the faucet of the bathtub, turn on the warm water and let the bath infuse with the botanicals. The biggest benefit to me of using bath teas is that it helps to press the restart button on my day or week when feeling overwhelmed.  It’s soothing for both body and mind.