health & beauty

Balance & Reset: Herbal Tea Bath

March 7, 2016 by Ashleah 2 Comments
Ingredients for an herbal tea bath. Dried lavender, calendula and green tea on wood cutting board

To be completely honest, I have never been a huge bath person other than when I’m feeling a bit under the weather. The water running, dewy aromatic steam filling the air . . . my bathroom transforms almost instantly into a mini spa. So why wait to nurture myself until there’s a bug to shake?! I read a quote the other day that really resonated with me. “If you listen to your body when it whispers, you won’t have to hear it scream.” I love that sometimes the simplest words can be so profound. I have promised myself that I will slow down a bit and take the time my body and mind are so humbly asking me to take.   Drawing a relaxing and healing herbal tea bath is a simple step in self-care.

There are countless beneficial herbal tea baths and soaks you can concoct at home. I chose a delicate and harmonizing blend of green tea, Calendula and lavender.

Lavender in a Mason jar. An ingredient for an herbal tea bath.

  • * Green Tea: detoxifying, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic
  • * Calendula: antibacterial, antifungal, antibiotic, antiseptic
  • * Lavender: antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, relaxing, balancing

 

To make this calming tea bath, simply add 4 to 5 heaping tablespoons loose organic green tea, 3 tablespoons dried Calendula flowers and 2 tablespoons dried lavender to a glass or ceramic bowl. (I find it easiest to gently combine the ingredients with my fingers or shake it up in the bowl so I don’t crush any of the flowers.) Transfer your herbal tea to a large bath tea bag (I got mine in the Whole Foods tea isle), several regular-size tea bags, or cheesecloth, and tie. Fill your tub with hot water and toss in your tea! Steep for 10-15 minutes or until the water turns a greenish brown hue. Feel free to add whatever soothing essential oils you desire as well. I usually add a few drops of lavender oil for an extra aromatherapy boost. You can also add in a cap-full of apple cider vinegar for a mellow astringent, or a cup of Epsom salts to help your muscles relax.

I hope you all take a few moments at least once this week to soothe, relax, and balance your mind, body & soul!