The History of Herbal Baths
The healing powers of herb-infused waters have been celebrated for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Egyptians where Cleopatra was said to bathe in rose petals. It was the famous Greek physician Hippocrates who adopted the Egyptian’s practice of using water for more than just hygiene and further advanced the healing properties of water, which today is known as hydrotherapy.
From there, the Romans, who were known for loving a good party, morphed the art of the bath into a celebratory destination with their famous bathhouses, which were appointed with teams of masseurs who applied aromatic herbs to bathers to improve circulation and relieve physical and mental pain.
But this evolution of an enriched bath wasn’t just about a good throw-down and evoking luxury; it unfolded out of medical need pre-modern medicine. Herbal baths, layered with both fresh and dried natural elements, were used to fight colds, reduce aches and pains, heal wounds, lift bad moods and soothe everything from uterine cancers to hemorrhoids to irritated skin.
Here at Star Bright Farm, we believe in the healing mental and physical powers of bathing. We are inspired by these ancient bathing rituals that promote the healing effects of herbal baths on skincare and overall wellness. We’ve designed our Herbal Bath Tea and Lavender Bath Salt as modern takes on those old recipes to combine complementary herbs that treat and soothe the skin and provide a relaxing aromatherapy.
Today, we make it easy for you to enjoy your own healing bath at home with our Lavender Bath Salt or pre-mixed, six ingredient Herbal Bath Tea, some herbs of which have been used since Cleopatra, and without the messy clean-up in the bathtub.
How to use our Herbal Bath Tea: Use the provided scoop to pour one serving of Herbal Bath Tea into a provided tea bag. Steep tea bag in hot bath water until fragrant. Remove tea bag and dispose.
Natural Ingredients in Star Bright Farm Herbal Bath Tea:
1. Milky Oats: The rich and hydrating milky nature of oats is welcome relief for soothing itchy skin conditions such as poison ivy, chicken pox, or other stress-related skin conditions.
2. Chamomile: We often think of chamomile as a relaxing and calming tea, but soaking in chamomile has similar effects on the skin, meaning it soothes irritated and sensitive skin.
It helps to reduce redness and is antibacterial, helping to minimize scars and marks. Literature from the 18th century recommended bathing in chamomile to ease pimples and reduce inflammation of the skin.
3. Rose Petals: Rose petals symbolize luxury and elevate the bath with their visual elements and fragrance. (And if it was good enough for Cleopatra, it is good enough for us).
4. Calendula: Calendula is a super herb, loaded with benefits for the skin. It promotes supple, nourished skin, provides protection against free radicals, which can promote signs of premature aging, and promotes wound healing. It's even been shown to decrease healing time for C-section scars. It also helps plump the skin for the appearance of firmer skin. Super herb! Read more about calendula on our blog.
5. Lavender: Studies have shown that lavender can improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and provide calming effects. The steam from a hot bath makes it easy to inhale the lavender fragrance. Lavender has natural antimicrobial and anti-bacterial properties that also promote hygiene, which is why we also use lavender in our bath soaps.
6. Cornflower: Great for soothing aching muscles after a tough workout or muscle strain.
Enjoy 15% off Lavender Bath Salts and Herbal Bath Tea
Bring home two of our quintessential bath products to create your own home spa. Shop now for 15% off Lavender Bath Salts and Herbal Bath Tea.
