Holiday Herbal Gift Series - #17 Tub Tea

For those of you following along, I apologize for the missed day and will do 2 entries now. We have an chronically critically ill family member and that can complicate the simplest plans. So here goes...

#17 TUB TEAS

Aside from the hundred years here or there when bathing was considered dangerous and wicked, we have always enjoyed our baths. Entire vacations and resorts are planned and built around mineral springs. In many places the water itself is thought to cure, bringing throngs to soak in it. Currently, new homes are built with luxurious spa-baths….huge tubs, multi-head showers, heated floors, and built-in speakers. Once again we are turning to water to sooth our cares and wash away the worries of the world. Bubble baths are fun occasionally, but those of us who enjoy our herbs can concoct delightful additions that far surpass a brief wave of bubbles.

To assemble the apothecary, begin at the grocery store. Powdered milk, Epsom salts, sea salt and oatmeal are good bases to start with.

At the herb shop it gets really interesting. Choose some (or all) of the following:

Chamomile ~ Lavender ~ Rose Petals
Comfrey ~ Irish Moss ~ Tarragon
Elder Flowers ~ Calendula ~ Lemon Balm
Mints ~ Rosemary ~ Violet Leaf

Also wonderful additions, but optional are:

Rose water ~ Orange Water ~ Aloe extract

And essential oils:

Relaxing
Lavender
Frankincense
Chamomile

Uplifting and Energizing
Eucalyptus

Grapefruit
Peppermint

Exotic/Romantic
Patchouli
Jasmine
Ylang Ylang

Cheering
Bergamot
Tangerine
Petitgrain

Mix the dry ingredients well, and store in a pretty jar or canister.
To use, muslin bags are very handy but a square of light cloth works well too.
Tie about ¼ cup of the mix into the cloth.
Fill a ½ gallon pitcher with very hot water and steep the herbs, etc. for 10-15 minutes.