Focus on Herbs:
Getting into Hot Water

by Lynne Latella

There's something to be said for the benefits of hot water steeped with herbs and flowers. The aroma and medicinal effects can do wonders to de-stress, soothe the tummy and the emotions, and wash away more than just dirt and grime. As the recent robins bring the promise of better weather, so a mellow cup of tea or scented bath can bring a smile to our lips and put a song in our hearts. It's easy to prepare these concoctions. Mixed in quantity in advance, they keep well in a cool, dark and dry place or in the freezer.

Here are some recipes that can sooth the nerves and provide a feeling of comfort and well being. Many can serve double duty as a fragrant, delicious cup of tea and an addition to the bath. All ingredients can be obtained through the Coop.

Use one to two teaspoons of the mixture for a cup of tea, sweetened to taste, or place a handful in a muslin bag or bath ball for a luxurious bath experience. Another method is to simmer ½ cup bath herbs in 1 quart of water for up to 15 minutes. Pour the strained solution into the bath water. For tea or bath, test carefully to be sure of no allergic reaction.

Relaxation Blends

For Tea or Bath:
Choose one of the following recipes:

1. 1/8 cup each dried lemon grass and spearmint. 1/2 cup lemon balm and 1/4 cup catnip
2. 1 teaspoon each of dried peppermint and lemon balm
3. 1/2 cup each of dried lavender, rosemary and spearmint, 1/4 cup chamomile and 1/8 cup dried cloves
4. 1 ounce each of dried spearmint, catnip, red clover and dandelion
5. Equal parts of dried pennyroyal, lemon peel, catnip, strawberry leaf and thyme
6. 1/2 cup each of dried peppermint and comfrey, 1/4 cup licorice root and 1/8 cup ginseng root
7. 1/4 cup each dried mint, sage, rosemary and comfrey
8. Equal amounts of basil, lavender, sage and rosemary

For Bath:

1. 1/2 cup each dried rosemary and mint and 1 cup each of rose petals and lavender
2. 1 cup each cornstarch and dry milk and 1 tablespoon dried crumbled lavender, sage, rosemary or a favorite herb
3. 2 tablespoons each dried thyme, calendula flowers and chamomile
4. Equal parts of patchouli, savory, vetivert, linden, sandalwood and comfrey, mixed with a small amount of patchouli oil (simmer first)
5. 1 ounce each lavender, rosemary, peppermint, comfrey root, lemon thyme, rose petals and aloe
6. 1 ounce each dried orange peel, orange flowers, lemon peel, comfrey, chamomile and almond meal (almonds ground to a fine consistency
7. Equal amounts of laurel, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, lavender, southernwood, wormwood, sage, pennyroyal, sweet basil, balm, mint, hyssop, anise, fennel (simmer first)
8. Handful each of roses, rose leaves, rose hips, chamomile, orange flowers, orange peel, lemon peel and orange leaves (simmer first)
9. Fresh pine, fir or cedar needles mixed with clover or marjoram and a drop of pine/fir oil

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