Relaxing Bath Herbs

We're in for severe winter weather later this week. The temps will drop, wind will come, and we'll get snowstorms. Tomorrow will be spent in preparation for the rest of the week--shopping, trying to get the packed snow shoveled up, especially on the stairs that my dogs use, and filling the car with gas. What could put me in the mood for a nice, warm bath better than cold winter weather?

Here is my final post on relaxing bath herbs.

~ Vanilla - simply relaxing and pleasant. I don't know that vanilla will perform any therapeutic function for your skin, but if you like vanilla, it will be pleasant and will probably provoke memories of times past that you treasure. Chopped vanilla beans are just the ticket!

~ Hops - Surprised? Not only are hops used in beermaking, they have herbal use, as well, as a relaxant. Their scent is not unpleasant, and will contribute much to that totally wonderful "I-have-not-a-care-in-the-world" feeling.

~ Passionflower - Desipite its name alluding to something quite the opposite of relaxation, that is what it is known as. You'll love this distinctive flower if you ever see it blooming, and you'll love it in your bath.

What do you want in your bath?

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More about bath herbs!

It's been a busy holiday season and beyond for me. I hope yours has somehow been less hectic!

We did get to visit our daughter, son-in-law, and their children, including the new baby. It was a wonderful visit that made me wish they had announced that they would soon be moving back to Rochester. I can always wish, can't I? We also took a detour to visit family in MI, which was also a very happy time. Not the driving, the company, LOL.

I had a medical procedure performed on Monday that has to be repeated in four weeks. Sigh.

My dad turned 80 years old today. What a milestone! I spoke with him by phone this evening, and he was in a very good mood as my mom invited the in-town family to a nice restaurant dinner to celebrate the momentous occasion. Wish I could have been there.

I don't know how, but somehow, this all brings us to the topic of baths and particularly, herbs to use in the bath. Maybe it's the fact that a nice bath makes us feel healthier, beautiful, and relaxed. :-) Let's delve into a few more herbs that can be used to enhance our bathing experience.

* Rose petals - These can be used either dried or fresh, although you'll want to use more of them if you choose fresh petals. The scent alone is both relaxing and delightful. In addition, the rose has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac because of the heady perfume it exudes. Rose essential oil has been recommended to help prevent wrinkles and scarring, as well as a help for adult acne. What's not to like?

* Rose hips - Did you know that the hips are an excellent source of vitamin C? Think antioxidants!

* Calendula - Also known as Pot Marigolds, this cheery annual's rays are well known for their healing and soothing properties. I use it when I make butt balm for my grandbabies, as well as a general skin healing, soothing salve for a large variety of skin issues for my family. It's easy to see how soothing and beautifying it would be for the skin. The rays on the fresh flowers are as soft as rose petals, just in case you're thinking about growing it.

Don't forget the January offer. Buy 5 products, and get the 6th one free!

It's 2009!

It's hard to believe that another year has gone by, already. I'm working at catching up on all I've fallen behind with during the holidays, and will be setting goals for the new year. This month, I'll be catching up record-keeping for tax time. What about you? What goals do you have for 2009?

Right after Christmas, we drove to see our newest baby, Giovanna, as well as her siblings, Noah and Frencesca, and their parents, David and Amy. We had a good trip, and enjoyed them all very much. It's great to be home, though.

I would be remiss if I didn't add how spoiled I was by my family today, on my birthday. They helped clean up, shopped, and cooked a delicious dinner for me, and I had a wonderful day. They even got me some sweaters, one a periwinkle cashmere. How nice!

Now, I'm energized for getting back to normal and accomplishing what I set out to do this year; one of which is convincing my readers to take a bath. But, don't take an ordinary bath, take a bath with something that helps your skin, or just smells lovely.

We've seen how bath salts, oils, milks, oats, baking soda, and cornstarch all play a part in a therapeutic regime. Now, let's see how herbs can help.

* Chamomile has been used historically for skin healing and for relaxing. Do you remember Peter Rabbit's chamomile tea? Use this herb in a bath for its cosmetic value, and relax at the same time! If you have ragweed allergies, however, use it with caution, as they are of the same family.

* Lavender is a classic bath herb, thought to have both cleansing properties as well as relaxing properties. It also has been used historically for skin healing. Just like chamomile, lavender is an ideal bath herb, and most people love its scent.

* Comfrey has little scent to add, but does contain allantoin, a cell-regenerating ingredient. This herb is a plus for any bather!

Now, add lip balm to the list of products that are not on the website. For just $3/tube, you can protect and moisturize your lips with many terrific flavors.

Throughout January, I'd like to extend this offer:

Buy any 5 products, and get the 6th free! If the item is not on my site, just email me, and I'll take care of things for you. All products are included, and the free item will be the one at equal or lesser cost than the other 5. Shipping is not included.

Tell me more!

I'm sure we're all extremely busy for this holiday season, rushing here and there to shop or to attend events. Even at home, we're cooking and baking and cleaning so that we can accept guests into our homes. It's not easy finding time for ourselves, is it? Even so, we should make it a priority to do so. Eat healthy foods, get exercise and adequate rest. Stay hydrated. They're all important to maintaining a healthy life, even during the holidays. Take time to relax and unwind, too. I'm sure you can guess what I'm about to say as a perfect method of relaxation.

Take a bath!

To continue on with my previous post on bath additives, I'd like to add a few more to our list:

1. Salts - I don't recommend normal table salt, but natural sea salt. Unrefined is best. What's so great about sea salt? It contains trace minerals that table salt does not that will help pull toxins out of the body. Mix these with epsom salts if you're sore and achy.

2. Oils - Use pure vegetable oil in your bath to moisturize your skin and to make it feel soft and silky. Oils contain nutrients such as vitamin A and E.

3. Milk - You may have heard of milk baths, but never tried one. Use 1 - 2 cups of fresh whole milk to the bath or goats milk. Here is a case where fat is good for you!

If you don't want to make all of these products yourself, or want them nicely scented, see my website, www.soapandgarden.com, to purchase them ready-made. I focus on making the best products that are easy for my customers to use. You'll love the quality and convenience! If you can't find something, just ask. Not everything is on my site, and I gladly do custom orders whenever I am able to accomodate you.

Here is my weekly ad:

It's the gift-giving season, but don't forget to pamper yourself!

Every order over $25 before shipping, gets a free bar of soap, anything I have in stock, or any other item comparably priced.
Every order of at least $70 (before shipping) or over gets free shipping.

Products not on the site:

Shower glow: $10

Herbal Bath Teas: $2

Liquid soap: 2 oz. for $4;
4 oz.

$6.00 Lotion: 4 oz, $7

Limited Edition Soap: Lavender Patch, a lovely blend of lavender and patchouli. Very few bars left, $6.50 ea.

More on bathing

Besides relaxing and cleaning, what can a bath do for you? A bath can also be therapeutic. Hydrotherapy has been used throughout the ages for various afflictions of the human body. Old skin cells and even lesions are soaked off, blood circulation is stimulated, promoting elimination of body toxins, and it aids the digestive system.

How do I take a therapeutic bath?

At it's very simplest, a bather fills the tub with warm water that is comfortable, not too hot, and not cold. However, other products can be added to the water to treat specific circumstances.

Here are some:

* Oatmeal - oats are known for soothing itchy and/or irritated skin and conditioning it, as well as relaxing the person using them.

* Baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) - Add a cup or two to the water to soften it, and to make the skin feel silky. It is a deodorizer, also.

* Cornstarch - soothes irritated, dry or itchy skin. Makes the bath feel "silky."


Order by Tuesday at midnight EST, to get Cyber Monday specials for your Christmas gifts!

To celebrate, take 20% of your order placed until midnight Tuesday, EST only! Shipping is additional.

The rest of the week, take 15% off any order of $15 or more, not counting shipping.

Every order over $25 gets a free bar of soap, anything I have in stock.

Every order $70 or over gets free shipping.

Products not on the site:

Shower glow: $10
Herbal Bath Teas: $2
Liquid soap: 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: 4 oz, $7
Limited Edition Soap: Lavender Patch, a lovely blend of lavender and patchouli. Very few bars left, $6.50 ea.

Another new grandchild!

We have just added a precious, new family member, Giovanna. Even though she was big at 8 lbs., 14 oz., she came quickly and naturally. As soon as I figure out how to add her picture, I will, LOL.

More about the bath, and a personal note

My daughter Beckie, and her son, Matt, have become the proud parents of their second son, Wyatt. He has an older brother, Taylor, who will soon be three years old. Although the title, Grandma, does take some getting used to, it's a lot more fun than non-grandmas might think, and a great reward for raising their own children. :-) We made a quick trip to New Jersey this past weekend to meet the little darling, and it was worth every mile.

Now, back to bathing.

Bathing has been used throughout the ages for therapeutic purposes. We have recorded history of Greeks using baths, from a quick dip in cold water, to more popularly, hot-air baths and hot water tubs, to vapor baths. They were commonly places of social discourse for men, and included business dealings and recreation.

In Archimedes' time, bathers were plunged into vats of olive oil, and then their skin was rubbed with salt to cleanse and exfoliate.

And, why not? Greece was hot and dusty, so it's not surprising that Greeks found a welcome reprieve in the bath.

We don't generally think of bathtime as social time, unless we consider swimming, hot tubs, and although it's a stretch, saunas. As it turns out, we love our private and public baths!

So, go take a bath.

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A final note: please use your right to vote tomorrow. We as citizens have the privilege and responsibility to research issues and candidates and to vote on the persons we want to represent us in governmental affairs. Don't leave the decisions to someone else.