Hydrotherapy is a modern word for an ancient remedy. From olden times, people have submerged themselves in hot water to cleanse, refresh, rejuvenate, repair, and relax. Adding herbal blends to hot water enhances the natural healing and soothing qualities of a hot bath.

Directions to make:

Prepare a clean work surface. Pour the loose herbs into a wide mouth bowl. Combine thoroughly. Then, simply place the loose herbs inside the bag and seal the opening closed with a hot iron for about 10 seconds. Each heat seal pouch can hold about .4 oz. of herbs.

Directions for use:

Simply place them in a tub of hot, running water and fill bath half way, let steep for 10 minutes, fill the bath with cooler water to the desired temperature and enjoy your herbal bath! Can be re-used if set out to let dry.

Note: As a rule of thumb when purchasing, one large heat sealable bag holds approximately .4 ounce botanicals and the small heat sealable bags hold about .1. So, if you need 50 bath teas, you would purchase about 20 ounces of botanicals (50 X .4). Or if you have 20 ounces of botanicals on hand, you would calculate 20 divided by .4 = 50 large bath bags needed.

Herbal Bath Tea Recipes

Combine herbs and essential oils in a bow and add to a muslin bag.

Note: If the "parts" measurement you are using is 1/4 cup, add 15 drops essential oil. If you are using 1cup parts, add 40 drops essential oils.

Drop muslin bag in running water or tie to the faucet.

Lemon Joy

2 parts lemon balm or lemon verbena
1 part lemongrass
1 part lemon peel
1 part peppermint or rose
1 part green tea
Lemon or peppermint essential oils

Calming Combo

2 parts lavender
2 parts chamomile
1 part skullcap or hops
1 part rosebuds or mugwort
Lavender essential oil

Therapeutic

2 parts yarrow flower
2 parts ginger, cut small
1 part cayenne pepper, crushed
1 part rosemary
Rosemary, tea tree or eucalyptus essential oils

Stress Relieving

1 oz. chamomile
1 oz. comfrey
1 oz. hops
1 oz. marjoram
1 oz. rose petals

Healing

1 oz. chamomile
1 oz. spearmint
1 oz. hops
1 oz. calendula
1 oz. comfrey

Basic

1 oz. lavender
1 oz. chamomile
1 oz. rose hips
1 oz. hops
1 oz. lemon grass
1 oz. passion herb
1 oz. rose petals

Rejuvenating

1 oz. Lavender
1 oz. Rose Petals
1 oz. Sage
1 oz. Rosemary

Skin Toning
1 oz. Chamomile
1 oz. Comfrey
1 oz. Lavender
1 oz. Lemon Rind, Dried
1 oz. Peppermint

Sweet Dreams

1 0z. mugwort
1 oz. hops
1 oz. chamomile
1 oz. lavender
1 oz. rose petals

Pampering

1 oz. Lavender
1 oz. Uncooked Oatmeal
1 oz. Dry Orange Peel
1 oz. Chamomile
1 oz. Rosemary
12 Bay Leaves, Crushed

Lavender and Calendula

1 part chamomile
1 part oatmeal
2 part Epson salt
1 part crushed lavender buds
1 part calendula petals

Goat's Milk and Oatmeal

1 oz. powdered goat's milk
1 oz. marjoram
1 oz. lavender
1 oz. chamomile
1 oz. ground oatmeal

SOURCES: Various