Relax: Create Your Own Herbal Relaxation Rituals

While many herbs are the perfect ingredients for soothing teas, their benefits extend far beyond the cup. They can also be incorporated into relaxing bath rituals and bedtime routines. Herbal tub teas, infused with calming herbs like rosebuds and lavender, can get you ready for a quiet restful sleep. Add epsom salt to relax tense muscles, or oatmeal for soothing irritated skin.

Lavender-filled sacs can be placed in the dryer with your sheets to add a subtle relaxing scent to your bed.

Here are some of my favorite recipes you can create at home using relaxing herbs.

Relaxing Tub Teas

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

You can use thin muslin bags, organza bags or tea bags to create your herb tub teas. I prefer the tea bags with drawstrings.  They are thin and allow the water to easily flow through. You can pitch them in the compost pile once you are finished. Muslin bags or organza bags will need to be emptied and washed and dried. The herbs are one time use only.

Dried Lavender Buds: 1/4 cup

Epsom Salts and/or oatmeal if you like.  Old fashioned oats or instant. 1/2 cup

I also use dried roses if I have them.

Teabags with drawstrings.

Instructions:

1. Combine:In a small bowl, mix the lavender buds with the epsom salts and oatmeal if you choose to use.
2. Fill teabags:Spoon a few tablespoons of the mixture into a teabag with drawstring.  Don’t overfill the bag, as you want the water to flow through it easily.
3. Run your bath: Start running your bathwater at a comfortable temperature. A warm bath rather than really hot is more relaxing  Drop 1 or 2 of the teabags into the tub as the bath is filling.
4. Set the Stage for Relaxation: Tell everyone you are not to be disturbed! Light a few candles, turn on some relaxing music and enjoy!

Where to Buy Them:

Tea bags:   

Lavender Buds: If you haven’t added lavender to your garden yet, or need to plant a few more, you can purchase lavender buds.

Epsom Salt.