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Page 9
| If you like to soak in the tub but have dry skin, consider mixing up a rich bath oil of 1/2 cup each of the following: avocado oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil and almond oil; then add 1/2 ounce of pure lavender oil. Shake the oils together and add 2 tablespoons to the bath. |
| You can also enhance your bathing with the addition of a mixture of herbs tied into a washcloth and allowed to steep in the tub. Moisturing herbs that feel and smell wonderful include chamomile, fennel, comfrey leaves, violet leaves, elder blossoms, rosebuds, lavender and calendula. To use herbs in the bath, simply tie a handful of them in a washcloth securely with a rubber band or hair tie. Use a dark cloth, since the herbs may discolor a light fabric. Alternatively, make a few muslin bags, sewed on three sides for this purpose. Make a strong herbal tea with about one half-cup of herbs. Simmer lightly for 20 minutes, then strain the tea into the tub or make the tea with four or five standard herbal tea bags. |
| Before you get into the tub, dry brush your skin and write down some of the things you need to take care of tomorrow so that your mind will feel unburdened. When the bath is a comfortable temperature, immerse yourself. Feel the enveloping, comforting warmth. Use the herb-filled washcloth to gently scrub your body as you deeply inhale the fragrance. When you are finished, add the used herbs to your compost or garden. |
| An even easier way to prepare a bath incorporating plants is to use 5 to 10 drops of essential oil. Add these after filling the tub to keep the oils from evaporating too quickly. Swish the oils before getting in the tub so they don't all collect on one part of your skin. Close the shower curtain, if you have one, to hold in the steam and fragrance. Many of the herbs listed below can either be used as bath herbs or as pure essential oils. |
| Athlete's bath: Ginger, juniper berries, lavender, marjoram, mustard, rosemary, thyme. |
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