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By Witchipedia, Herbs & Oils

Herbal Bath: How to Do It & Which Herbs to Pick

Updated on:

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Written by: Dawn Black (Witchipedia)

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Reviewed by: Tina Caro

An herbal bath incorporates herbs into your bathing experience. This may be in the form of whole herbs, (the most convenient way to do this and the least messy is via bath tea) or by adding infusions, essential oil.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Herbal baths incorporate herbs into your bathing experience, using methods like bath teas, infusions, or essential oils.

Be cautious with essential oils in baths as some may cause skin irritation and be challenging to wash off if sensitive skin areas are affected.

Essential oils can evaporate quickly in hot water, so using an infusion in the bath and diluted essential oils afterward may be more effective.

Although it is popular to use essential oils in the bath, some may cause skin irritation and other unpleasant sensations.

Oils do not dissolve in water and can bind to your skin, which is primarily made of fat. If you are sensitive to the oil, it can be very difficult to wash it off to relieve your discomfort and if it is given access to particularly delicate areas, this can be a big problem. Proceed with caution.

Also, essential oils are delicate; some may evaporate quickly when exposed to heat, which wastes a rather costly product. It may be best to use an infusion in the bath and then anoint yourself with well-diluted essential oils at the close of your bathing ritual.)) or other herbal products.

An herbal bath allows the magickal or healing attributes of the herbs used to surround the user completely. The skin is the largest organ of our body and can absorb medicine in the form of herb-infused water at a great rate. 

How to add herbs to bath water?

  • it is possible to dilute the essential oils (one drop of essential oil for one drop of base oil such as Sesame) and add them to the water;
  • hang a muslin bag containing fresh or dried aromatic herbs under the hot water tap when filling the tub;
  • pour 600 ml of strong herbal infusion into the water.
  • Immerse yourself in the warm bath for 10-20 minutes.

When herbs are used in this way, the essential oils taken from the plant are absorbed through the pores of the skin which open thanks to the heat of the water.

The oils are also transported by vapor which is simultaneously inhaled from the nose and mouth into the lungs and, from here, penetrate into the blood circulation.

From the nose, olfactory messages are transported to the brain via nervous pathways.

Herbal preparations are thus assimilated quickly and directly, overcoming the long digestion necessary when the herbs are taken by mouth.

Furthermore, these baths are particularly useful for relaxing and relaxing the nervous system and for relieving mental and emotional tension.

StepsDescription
Intent SettingBegin by setting your intention for the herbal bath. Determine the purpose of the bath, whether it’s for relaxation, purification, healing, or manifestation. Focus your thoughts and energy on your desired outcome as you prepare for the ritual.
Herb SelectionChoose herbs that align with your intention and magical goal for the bath. Consider the properties, correspondences, and associations of different herbs in magical practice when selecting ingredients.
PreparationPrepare the herbs by either brewing them into a strong infusion or placing them in a muslin bag or sachet. Fill your bathtub with warm water, ensuring it’s at a comfortable temperature for bathing.
InfusionAdd the prepared herbs to the bathtub and allow them to steep for several minutes, releasing their beneficial properties into the water. You can also swirl the water gently to help distribute the herbal infusion evenly.
VisualizationBefore entering the bath, take a moment to visualize the energy of the herbs surrounding you and infusing your aura with their magical properties. Focus on absorbing the healing, cleansing, or empowering energy of the herbs as you immerse yourself in the water.
SoakRelax and soak in the herbal bath for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing the herbal infusion to work its magic on your body, mind, and spirit. Use this time for meditation, reflection, or visualization to enhance the effectiveness of the ritual.
CleansingAfter soaking, visualize any negative energy or unwanted influences being released and washed away by the herbal bath. Allow yourself to feel cleansed, purified, and rejuvenated by the magical properties of the herbs.
GroundingOnce you’ve finished your bath, take a few moments to ground and center yourself by connecting with the earth’s energy. Visualize roots extending from your body into the earth, anchoring you firmly to the ground and stabilizing your energy.
Table: Steps for Taking an Herbal Bath

Best herbs for herbal baths

  • Lavender, Melissa, Basil, Rose and Chamomile not only have an excellent fragrance, but are also calming, relieve stress and anxiety and promote restful sleep.
  • Chamomile is excellent for irritable children, particularly when they are unwell, as it not only has antimicrobial properties, but helps to induce sleep, the best natural remedy for fighting infections and promoting self-healing.
  • Baths with Rosemary, if on the one hand they are relaxing, also have a light stimulating action because, by promoting blood flow to the head, they help wakefulness and concentration.
  • Herbal sitz baths can be very helpful in relieving pain and irritation caused by cystitis, vaginal infections and hemorrhoids. It is sufficient to fill a basin with a liter of filtered, strong infusion, so that it reaches the necessary areas. Sit and relax for 10-15 minutes.

Best recipes for better body and mind

DRY AND IRRITATED SKIN

If you have dry, irritated skin or suffer from psoriasis, it would be best to avoid industrial soap for washing. Instead, take a couple of handfuls of oat flakes, put them in the toe of a pair of old tights and tie a knot.

Place the sock with the oats in the tub while you are filling it.

Once full of water, the oats will swell and the sock will begin to exude an exceptional milky substance to combat itching and skin irritation.

NOTE: Make sure the water is not too hot, as otherwise it could increase the itching.

COLD AND FLU

Try a herbal bath: rosemary, bay or eucalyptus leaves are the best for fighting seasonal ailments. You can use them individually or mix them together.

NOTE: If you don’t have enough time or you don’t have a bathtub at home, an alternative way to clear the nasal passages is to hang a bundle of these herbs, tied with string, at the top of the shower to inhale their aromas.

STRESS

To encourage a positive and peaceful state of mind, prepare a mix of 2 parts chamomile, 2 parts lavender, 2 parts rose petals and 1 part comfrey leaves. Place a handful or two of herbs in a muslin or sock and tie everything to the bathtub tap.

Turn on the hot water and let it pass through the herbal mix, creating a real infusion. Add cold water to bring the water to the desired temperature.

LOW VIBES

You will need half a cup of fresh rose petals, 1 sliced ​​lime and 1 cup of coconut milk. Prepare the bath and, when the tub is almost full, add all the ingredients and mix. Soak for at least 20 minutes to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the active botanical ingredients.

Then rinse off in the shower to remove the toxins and sweat released during the bath.

Tips for Enhancing Herbal Baths

TipsDescription
Moon PhaseChoose the timing of your herbal bath based on the phase of the moon to align with specific magical intentions and energies. For example, bathe during the waxing moon for growth and manifestation, the full moon for heightened intuition and psychic abilities, or the waning moon for banishing and releasing.
Candle MagicEnhance the ambiance of your herbal bath with candle magic. Light candles in corresponding colors or scents to amplify the magical energy of the ritual and create a sacred space for relaxation and introspection.
Crystal HealingPlace crystals or gemstones around the edge of the bathtub or in the water to enhance the healing properties of the herbal bath. Choose crystals that resonate with your intention, such as amethyst for spiritual connection, rose quartz for self-love, or clear quartz for amplifying energy.
AromatherapyIncorporate aromatherapy into your herbal bath by adding essential oils or flower essences to the water. Choose oils that complement the properties of the herbs you’re using and evoke the desired mood or sensation, such as lavender for relaxation, rose for love, or citrus for uplifting energy.

Conclusion

Herbal baths are such an incredible powerful way to use herbs and enjoy their benefits while feeling good thanks to the soothing vibes of a warm bath.

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About Morningbird (Witchipedia's Founder)

I am a homesteading hearth witch who grew up along the shores of the Hudson River and has lived among the Great Lakes for the past 20 years. Together with my musical husband and youngest child, I steward a one-acre mini homestead with herb, vegetable and flower gardens, chickens, ducks, geese and rabbits, and areas reserved for native plants and wildlife. 

I have three children; two are grown, and I have been practicing magick alone and with family and friends for over 30 years.

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