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By Root 959 0

of the herbs beforehand, a couple handfuls of dried herb can be put into a cotton muslin bag and the opening of the bag held tightly around the hot water tap. Turn on the hot water and let it flow into the bag. This will make a fresh infusion as the hot water flows through the herbs into the bath. Once the tub is filled, tie off the bag and let it continue to soak in the bath water. This method is better used in partial baths and not normally in a full baths for in the latter (except for small children’s little baths) it becomes quite diluted.

Often a warm, sensually aromatic bath is prepared for a friend to savor and indulge. If aromatic volatile oils are used to provide the magic of the moment, it is imparative to agitate the surface of the water briskly before entering—particularly if it is a gentleman bather—for undiluted aromatic oils can burn tender, delicate skin which usually makes up one of the first parts of the male anatomy to plunge through the water’s surface. This experience can radically alter the serenity of the moment for him if the oils are concentrated on the water’s surface. Although probably to a lesser extent, this experience can also be disturbing to a lady bather’s bottom.

Of course, one can simply harvest medicinal and aromatic plants, throw them into the hot bath water, and climb in with them. Normally, this preparation is only appreciated by individuals who also enjoy swimming in fresh water ponds, or in kelp beds, and don’t mind the water flora (and attendant fauna) touching their skin. My first herb teacher, Norma Myers, used to soak herself in herb and seaweed baths routinely, but she was a wild woman; she thrived in that lifestyle.

Any herb that can be taken internally can also be used in a bath. The following are some suggestions for particularly good herbs to use for special occasions:

• Relaxing herbs that help relieve tension and promote restful sleep—Lavender (Lavandula spp.), Linden blossoms (Tilia spp.), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), or Valerian (Valeriana officinalis); for children use the more gentle Red Clover (Trifilium pratense), Chamomile, and/or Linden blossoms.

• For relief of itchy skin—Chickweed (Stellaria media), Black Walnut leaves or bark (Juglans nigra), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), or Chamomile; for dry itchy skin fill a sock with oatmeal and tie it at the top, steep this in the bath water for a while, then rub the skin with the bag.

• For relief of muscular tension and pain—Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), Chamomile, Horsetail (Equisetum arvense).

• To help circulation use any of the following stimulating herbs—Rosemary (Rosemarinus spp.), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Marigold (Calendula officinalis), Cayenne (Capsicum minimum), Ginger (Zingiber officinalis). Use small amounts of the Cayenne and Ginger.

These are only a few of the limitless possibilities one can come up with.

SUMMARY

I’m giving you the above suggestions and precise techniques as helpful guidance. If you are a water person and inclined to use the bath as a means of health care, you will need to use your intuition and good judgment as you implement these procedures in your home. And, of course, the bather will be the final judge as to how good and helpful it all feels. When the results you seek are manifested, please make notes on these successful experiences. If you make mistakes, learn from them and annotate your experiences. These notes will be invaluable to you and to others as we relearn how to employ the remarkable healing energy of hydrotherapy and simple herbal baths.

There has been an inspired reawakening of Western herb lore in the minds and hearts of the citizenry in North America. Individuals within nearly every society of our diverse culture are seeking knowledge about the utilization of self-medicating materials that were once commonly used in the homes and communities of our ancestors. One by one, we are rediscovering the simple vehicles that efficiently deliver the healing virtues residing in our garden