Herbal Bath & Shower Bags

Bath sachets (also known as bath tea) make a lovely, luxurious soak that can be beneficial to skin, ease stress and help soothe aches and pains.
IngredientsThey’re similar to Shower Spa Bags (details at bottom of page) except these steep in the tub, making a luxurious soak. If some tender therapy is needed to ease sore feet, you can try these foot soaks.
Basic Instructions:
Make drawstring pouches out of cheesecloth, organza or muslin, enough to hold anywhere from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of a favorite herbal mix. Tie them tightly shut so the loose ingredients won’t float out. After use the contents can be emptied, the pouches rinsed out then washed to be refilled and reused.
Preparation:
Two ways these can be enjoyed, either hang them on the tap while the hot water is running, making sure the water is running through them. Once the tub is filled, let them float around.
Infusion Method: Boil a quart of water, turn off heat, add pouch, cover, then steep (for at least 20 minutes for best results). Add the piping hot infusion (and the bag) to a full tub, being careful while pouring to avoid burning yourself.
Note: Do not steep in an aluminum pot.
How about some nice teas? These amounts will make a batch at a time to be stored in an airtight container until needed. For convenience, fill up drawstring pouches then store.
Basic Starter:
1 1/2 cup powdered milk
1/2 cup Epsom salt
1/8 cup baking soda
2 TBS cornstarch
This is the base and add whatever dried flowers and herbs are preferred.
Heavenly:
1/2 cup lavender
1 cup Epsom Salts
Floral Deluxe:
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup lavender
Splendor:
1/2 cup powdered milk (or the starter recipe above)
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup lavender
Soothing Mix:
1/2 cup Oatmeal
1/4 cup Rosemary
1/4 cup Chamomile (tea is fine)
Chamomile Brew:
1/2 cup each: Epsom salt, lavender, chamomile
Splendor Blend:
1/2 cup each: thyme, sage, lavender, mint, bay leaves, rosemary
Soother:
1/2 cup each: Lavender, Rose Petals, Sage, Rosemary
Basil Blend:
1/2 cup rosemary
1/2 cup basil
1 cup oatmeal
Bonus Idea: Also add 1/2 cup of honey to the tub while the water is running. Or mix the starter with honey.
Prefer something for the shower? Start the day with a pampered feeling by filling a cloth pouch with the ingredients below then use them to scrub and exfoliate.
The fabric can be muslin, handkerchiefs, cheesecloth, or even strips of nylon pantyhose cut to size then knotted at both ends (good for repurposing ruined nylons).
Tie the end securely closed with a rubber band.
Size them to fit the palm of your hand. Fill as full or as loosely as you like.
Ingredients:
2 parts coarse oatmeal
2 parts mixed dried herbs
1 part grated soap
Tip:
Make a batch ahead of time, just store in an airtight container.