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Hot water opens the pores of the skin, allowing the body to absorb herbal properties while eliminating toxins and mucus. An herbal soak can get the properties of herbs into the body without the need to ingest them, making them a good fit for children and the elderly who may have issues taking herbs orally. In addition to the properties of the herbs, heat and water have healing benefits on their own, such as increase in circulation, stimulation, opening channels inside the body for more flow and fluid movement, and relaxing muscle and tissue to name a few.
Baths
An herbal bath is like immersing yourself into a big pot of tea without having to drink it. It is my favorite method to administer herbs to children and those that will not take herbs orally. As an added bonus it is so relaxing!
Tea Bag/Sachet
Fill a muslin bag or sachet with herbs of choice and tie up. Hang over the faucet as the hot water fills the bath, then throw it in the bath water while bathing. Alternatively you can also place the herbs in a wash cloth, handkerchief, or nylon stocking and tie up the ends, throw the bundle into the bath water.
Note: When the bath is finished, you can use the soaked sachet as a compress.
Herbal Infusion
This is my favorite method for herb baths. Make a strong herbal infusion, strain, and pour the tea into the bath. I use a French press and fill the vessel ½-¾ full with herbs then cover with hot water and steep for at least 20 minutes.
Loose Herbs
This can be messy, but fun. Throw your herbs of choice right into the bath water, the heat from the water will extract the properties into the water. When you drain the tub the herbs will stick to the sides and bottom, just wipe out with a cloth or towel.
Other
Other ways you can incorporate herbs into your baths would include:
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Essential oils
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Herbal oils
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Herbal extracts
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Bath salts
Foot Bath
A foot bath is more concentrated than a bath and sometimes easier to administer than a full on bath. The feet have the largest pores of the body therefore absorbing the herbal properties quickly into your body.
Foot Soak
Fill a bin, basin, pan, dish, or whatever means you choose to hold water in with water as hot as the person can handle. Use one of the methods above to incorporate herbal properties into the water. Soak until the water cools with an option to add more hot water as it cools.
Remove feet from bath and pat dry. I like to then apply an herbal oil, salve, cream, tincture, or essential oil to the bottoms of the feet at this point and put on a pair of socks to complete the process.
Foot Spa
Use an actual foot spa bath for the ultimate experience. Many models have heating, massage and bubbles all of which make for soothing experience. Massage stimulates the points of the feet used in reflexology adding another layer of aid to the body in releasing toxins and stagnant energy.
Steams
Steams are used for opening sinus and respiratory channels to drain mucus and bring sinus relief. They are also used for facials to open and cleanse pores while nourishing and toning the skin.
Steam inhalations are wonderful for clearing even the most stubborn of sinus congestion. It brings immediate relief, but generally needs to be repeated as congestion builds back up throughout an illness or allergic reaction. After a good steam inhalation, I like to strain out the herbs and use the now concentrated tea for a bath (full body or foot), while making a wrapped poultice with the herbs for any area of infection (chest, sinus, eyes, etc.)
Steam Inhalation
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Add herbs to a bowl or pan (mullein, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, yerba buena are all great for sinus relief)
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Cover with boiling water, stir to incorporate
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Lean head over the bowl and cover with a towel
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Inhale steam for 10-15 minutes or until there is no more steam. Come out for air when needed.
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Rinse face with water and pat dry.
Facial Steam
Choose herbs based on what you'd like to achieve. I like a good blend of cleansing, nourishing, and toning properties. Rose petals, chamomile, calendula, lavender, and plantain are some of my favorites.
After steaming, immediately rinse face in cold water, toner or spritz with herbal wash or hydrosol. Pat dry. At this point I love to massage my face cream all over the face and neck.
