Bathing in Burdock root

Yes, my love for herbs and roots has gone to that level! I bath myself in them, and with good reason:

Medicinal bathing with decoctions of aromatic herbs goes back to 1500 Bc, the Egyptians would bath for hygienic as well as medicinal purpose. After bathing the would apply perfumes (such as cinnamon, peppermint, frankincense and white lily) and ointments (almond, castor, olive and sesame). Ancient scholars recommended aromatic baths for urological and genital disorders, as well as for tumors, wound, colds and fatigue.

The Greeks and Romains built elaborate bathhouses used for entertainment and social functions as well as a healing practice. Wounded soldiers were known tot take a soothing bath before returning home.

When asked why he bathed once a day, a Roman emperor replied: Because I do not have the time to bath twice a day.

The Romans would have as many as 7 healers per bathhouse each with a different field of expertise such as knowledge of herbs and oils. The popularity dropped when bathhouses were linked to the spreading of diseases such as the plague. After the Renaissance and reformation the European bathhouses were nearly extinct. People turned to powders, perfumes and cosmetics to hide body smells. Only the Finnish, Russian and Scandinavian people continued their herb baths.

Ancient manuscripts show that there were over 50 aromatic oils of herbs and flowers being used and many of the old recipes have been revived and have shown their value in dealing with health problems.

Bath teas are developed from medicinal herbal baths and are composed of raw herbs and only raw herbs. For example: Golden rod helps treat arthritis, willow bar relievs muscle pains and burdock root for skin problems.

Burdock root happens to be one of my favourite roots, the smell alone makes me smile. It’s packed full with fabulous healing properties. The anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties enable burdock root to be used for several skin conditions. Dry skin, eczema, acne, dermatitis and psoriasis will all benefit from the use of burdock root. A versatile herb and I’m now just focussing on the et-external uses!

I want to share with you this blend of herbs for a ski soothing bath tea using this incredible root for overall improvement of skin conditions and maintaining healthy skin:

• Burdock Root / Arctium lappa
• Eucalyptus / Eucalyptus globulus
• Linden / Tillia cordata Mill
• Nettle / Urtica dioica
• Oregano / Origanum vulgare
• Rosemary / Rosmarinus Officinalis
• Thyme / Thymus vulgaris

Mix 3 tablespoons of each and pour over 1 liter of boiling water. Let steep for a couple of hours and strain out herbs and root. Add to a hot bath and soak yourself in this fragrant the bath for about 15/20 min.

There must be quite a few things that a bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them. (Silvia Plath)

Enjoy !