Bath time bliss

With the right herbal ingredients you can quickly turn bathtime into a therapeutic experience. Here’s how

A spa break is the perfect antidote to the stresses and strains of 21st century living. But what if you don’t have the time or the money to indulge in a full day of ‘away pampering’. The answer is simple. Why not set aside an hour or two and create a herbal experience in the privacy of your own bathroom.

The first thing to do is to set the scene. Start by dimming the lights and lighting a scented candle to get you in the mood – look out for lovely lavender or lemongrass. Next switch on  some soothing sounds in the background. Ideally go for something with a slower rhythm than your heartbeat to re-create the tranquillity of  a spa.  And how about a relaxing herbal tea to sip at while you are running the bath? Try camomile or a mug of warm water with a thin slice of lemon or grated ginger.

ADDING THE HERBS

There are several ways to create a relaxing herbal bath. You can either steep the herbs in hot water, strain, allow to cool and add the liquid to your bath or wrap them in a cheesecloth or muslin bag and hang it from the tap so the water runs though as your bath fills up. Alternatively, you can crush the herbs slightly, place them in a saucepan, cover with an inch or so of water, simmer for around 20 minutes before straining and adding to your bath. See below for herbs to choose to suit your mood.

BEFORE YOU GET IN …

Try a spot of skin brushing before you take your herbal soak. Rub yourself briskly with a natural bristle body brush, starting at your feet, working upwards and always in the direction of your heart. Brush your abdomen, using a gentle circular clockwise movement. Aim to do it for five minutes.

RELAX AND INDULGE

Next step into the bath and lie back and relax. Really savour the moments and enjoy the therapeutic herbal benefits. Mind you don’t fall asleep though! If you start to feel drowsy get out straight away, but don’t linger - wrap yourself in a warm towel or a soft fluffy robe and relax somewhere quiet and calm for as long as you can.

When you feel ready to get going again a quick going over with some aromatic body lotion will provide the perfect finish to the body beautiful.

HERBS TO SUIT YOUR MOOD

• For relaxation, choose camomile, rose and hops
• For soothing aching muscles, try thyme, lavender and rosemary
• To relieve stress and anxiety, combine rose, jasmine and sage
• For a quick boost, opt for mint or rosemary
• For energy, try lemon verbena, bay leaf and basil
• To calm your nerves try geranium