Having a hard day at work, at school or at the university?

Luckily, we know how to soothe your nerves! 

It turns out that herbal baths not only perfectly relax, but also provide quick nutrition for the entire body. This is a real shoot that improves skin condition. Try out the relaxing and nourishing power of herbs – check out how they work and how to make the best homemade herbal baths.

The benefits of herbal baths 

Why herbs, instead of the traditional bubble bath? It turns out that herbs added to a hot bath not only have a beneficial effect on the skin, but also act as an aromatherapy: they relieve tension, relax the body and calm the mind, improve mood, and even make us sleep better. In addition, herbs do not contain artificial, skin-irritating additives, so they are completely safe. When added to the warm bath, they deliver oxygen to the whole body, stimulate blood circulation, strengthen metabolism in skin cells.

How to prepare a herbal bath?

There are many options to choose from – you can go to a healthy food store and purchase ready-made herbal blends and essential oils that are a condensation of nutrients contained in a given plant. You might as well use ready-made herbal liquids.

Nevertheless, collecting and drying herbs yourself may turn out to be a real fun giving you lots of satisfaction. Such methods are popular especially in the Scandinavian countries because they strictly relate to  Hygge – not only allow you to sit back and relax in the comfort of your own home, but – thanks to hand-picking the plants – they determine your time spent in the open air, among plants and greenery, that is in harmony with nature.

Furthermore, such a bath is aimed at delivering as much relaxation and pleasure as possible. Apart from the herbal infusions, you can also lit a scented candle that will enchant the atmosphere, or set an oil burner and turn on relaxing music. This will all make you feel well-rested, happy and all the unpleasant things that might have happened earlier that day will just go away.

What herbs can you use for a relaxing bath?

You might use one, or combine a few varieties of herbs and prepare the brew beforehand that is to be poured into the bathtub filled with warm water.

There is a wide range of herbs to choose from, all abounding in amazing beautifying and relaxing qualities. Here are the most popular ones:

• rosemary – has a relaxing and calming effect on the skin
• lavender – perfectly soothes the body and senses; relaxes
• chamomile – soothes all irritations, improves skin condition, relaxes, contains a high dose of flavonoids and oils that improve the skin condition
• basil – smells great and improves well-being, contains plant sterols, flavonoids, tannins and carotenoids
• rockrose – improves the condition of damaged skin, strengthens general immunity, improves skin and hair elasticity; contains phenolic acids, tannins, and flavonoids
• sage – ideal for all types of skin infections and inflammations, smoothes and firms the epidermis, accelerates healing; it is a source of flavonoids and triterpenes
• valerian – ideal for evening baths, because it facilitates falling asleep and soothes the nerves (contains esters of valeric acid known for calming properties)
• lemon balm – has a beautiful and soothing scent, relieves stress and all tensions, including muscles; bath infused with lemon balm will be perfect after training; it also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, soothes abrasions and skin irritations. In addition, a bath with lemon balm extract is ideal for summer – the herb has an antiseptic effect and prevents the proliferation of bacteria and excessive skin sweating
• marigold – this pretty, inconspicuous little flower is beneficial for dry skin, because it moisturizes and smooths it well; bath with the addition of marigold infusion will have soothing effect on the skin and it will prevent it from drying, eg after sunbathing or long exposure to the sun or in an air-conditioned or dry room. Calendula bath perfectly soothes even very irritated and dry skin
• nettle – contains a huge amount of vitamins and minerals, and at the same time helps fight acne and skin inflammation.

How to prepare a herbal brew?

Select the herbs you wish to use. They can be combined in various ratios. Place them in a pot and pour with water. Cover and simmer on low heat for more or less 30 minutes. Remember no to bring them to boil. After cooling it down, strain it out and pour into a dark glass bottle. If you want to keep the shelf life longer, add about 200 g of magnesium chloride or jojoba oil (it acts as a gentle and natural preservative).

For bathing, about 100 ml of infusion will be enough, and the bath should last no longer than 20 minutes.

Enjoy your relaxation!