History of Herbal Baths

Herbal Baths Herbal baths have been around for hundred and thousands of years. The herbal bath was used often for three reasons, medicinal, hygienic and cosmetic. The more proper name for the herbal bath is thalassotherapy, named so for two reasons, one of which is because of the Greek word meaning small sea which is thalassa and also a Greek philosopher Thales. He believed that our physical world came from one single underlying substance and that is water. This practice of herbal bathing stretched from Rome to the Middle East.  

The appreciation of herbal baths has increased in the 20^th century though still in relatively low demand. Traditionally an herbal bath was often prescribed to treat conditions ranging from insomnia to rheumatism.  Consider the fact that instead of taking a pill to alleviate pain from arthritis from your body what you needed was a bath in Golden Rod bath tea. The key ingredient in this bath is the White Willow bark which is known for its aspirin like compounds. This is supported by modern studies. There is not a more potent treatment for skin care. The right herbal bath can help fight signs of aging, men and women health as well as a great stress reliever promoting relaxation.  

Herbal bathing is still seen as an obscure way to heal or treat oneself to free the body and the mind of what ails it. With the movement towards a more natural and holistic way of life more and more people are looking to learn and understand the benefits of herbal bathing. In medieval times you would see that herbal bath teas were brewed in special kettles and then poured into the bath at the beginning of the treatment or prior to the beginning. 

While fresh herbs are recommended there are different references that point to the use of dried herbs. For an herbal bath anywhere from a half pound to several pounds of herbs can be used, depending on the length of the herbal bath. Usually the bath can last from 20 minutes to 40 minutes. Adding herbal essences to the bath are acceptable as well, this is then a combination of the herbal bathing and aromatherapy a true mind body treatment.  

There are many benefits to the herbal bath. Working with the entire mind/body treatment the herbal bath puts the advantages of direct skin application with the herbs. Herbal baths can improve healthy skin as well as scalp and hair conditions. These conditions include acne, eczema, dermatitis and dandruff just to name a few. 

The herbal bath can also decrease exhaustion, improve your resistance to the common cold and flu, alleviate muscle aches, spasms and pains. There is nothing better to reduce stress and anxiety with out having to take a pill or consume a drink to wash away your day.  

A few popular herbs to keep in stock in your bathroom include bay leaves, these will help reduce aches and pains as well as cleanse the skin of oil, and they offer a beautiful fragrance and will provide a stimulating effect.  Looking for herbs to help provide soothing comfort and relaxation then make sure you have catnip, chamomile and violet leaves. Give and herbal bath a try, what do you have to loose other then a few aches and pains.