Every now and again you need to carve a chunk out of the day for some self-care. Not only does this help you maintain your sanity, but it also helps you focus on nurturing your body. This self-care time can come in many forms, including meditation, a walk in the neighborhood, a nap, or soaking in a bath. We enjoy the bath option because you can add herbs or fragrances to the water that help soften the skin and relax the mind. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?
Let Us Introduce You To Tub Teas
A tub tea is simple: it’s essentially a giant tea bag filled with herbs, spices, essential oils, and salts that you steep in your tub. Don’t put a straw into the tub and start slurping; rather, this tea bath is meant to transport you from the stressed world into a soothing, tranquil place. The ingredients you fill your tea bags with will depend on what you are trying to get out of the bath. We just recommend purchasing muslin drawstring bags or large paper tea filters to put the ingredients in because they are effective and occasionally reusable. You can also wrap the herbs in cheesecloth and put the bundle in stockings.
Relaxation Blend
Lavender
Lavender has traditionally been used for its therapeutic and curative properties, which have helped treat parasite infections, manage neurological disorders, and promote relaxation. It is very easy for the skin to absorb the soothing properties of lavender, making it a great ingredient for tub teas. The antidepressive, calming, and sedative properties will transport you into a calmer, stress-free state.
Chamomile
According to several studies, the inhalation of chamomile oil vapor helped reduce stress hormone levels, and the application of chamomile oil further reduced these hormones. It has been reported that chamomile is an excellent remedy for general anxiety disorder (GAD). One study found that anxiety subjects experienced reduced symptoms after consuming chamomile.
Sage
Sage is a powerful herb that popularly used in aromatherapy and spiritual cleansing practices. It contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been known to improve skin health. Sage is an excellent herb for stress, and research has indicated that it can help calm nerves by stimulating the senses with the soothing aroma.
Lemon Balm
This scented herb belongs to the same family as the mint plant, and it has traditionally been used to improve mood and boost cognitive function. More recently, researchers have studied lemon balm for its ability to combat psychological stress. A 2004 study found that lemon balm increased a sense of calm and reduced alertness. A different study in 2014 concluded that lemon balm reduced nervousness and symptoms of anxiety.
DIY Tub Tea Blend
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons dried lavender
- 6 tablespoons dried chamomile
- 6 tablespoons dried sage
- 6 tablespoons dried lemon balm
- 6 tablespoons dried calendula
- 2 tablespoons Epsom salt
- 2 tablespoons old fashioned oats
Instructions:
- Add all of the ingredients to your bag and tie it up to ensure minimal leakage of ingredients. If some herbs manage to go rogue and make their way out of the tea bag, it isn’t the end of the world.
- Hang the tea bag from the faucet and draw a warm bath (there’s no need to make it boiling to infuse the ingredients). As the water fills the tub, it will run through the herbs and fill the water with the relaxing properties from the herbal ingredients.
- You can remove the tea bag when the bath is ready, or you can leave it floating in the bath as you soak.
- Discard the ingredients when finished.
