Herbs - Preparations, Methods, and Techniques - Baths

The most effective method of absorbing herbal compounds through the skin is by bathing in a full body bath containing approximately 500mL herbal infusion or decoction. Alternately, you may use an undiluted herbal infusion for hand and foot baths.

Any herb that can be taken internally can be used in a bath. Herbs are also commonly used to give the bath a pleasing fragrance. Fresh or dried herbs can be placed in infusion bags (1 tablespoon dried or 3 tablespoons fresh) and placed under the running water or allowed to steep in the hot bath for 10 to 15 minutes before bathing. Herbs in the form of essential oils are also very well suited to baths. Add 5 to 10 drops essential oil to the bath just before entering.