Seasonal summer herbs like lavender, rosemary and chamomile don’t have to be reserved just for the kitchen. In fact, they are a wonderful addition to your beauty and wellness routine! The benefits of integrating herbs into your life are endless. From anti-inflammatory properties to pain relief to cleansing and toning the skin, there’s an herbal remedy for almost anything. It’s also simple to refresh your skin and spirits by creating an herbal soak for those much-needed bathtime retreats.

Whether you grow them yourself, find them at the local farmer’s market, or purchase them at a garden center, there’s no wrong way to get ahold of summer’s freshest herbs!

Herbal Benefits

Here’s a breakdown of a few of our favorite herbs and their most powerful wellness benefits:

Chamomile Flowers – calming effects on children and adults, soothing anti-inflammatory properties, and aids in relaxation during nighttime routines.

Lemon Balm Leaf – calming properties that help alleviate anxiety, menstrual cramps, and restlessness.

Lavender Blossom – both calming and cleansing for the mind and skin.

Rosemary Leaf – invigorating with pain relieving properties, which can also soothe skin irritations. Not recommended for pregnant women, however.

Rose Petals – naturally high in antioxidants, beautifully fragrant, and tones and moisturizes the skin.

Summer Fresh Herb Bath Soak

The most difficult part of this homemade bath soak is deciding on which herb or combination of herbs to use!

• Herbs, your choice (handful)
• Sauce pan
• Filtered water
• Strainer (optional)

To begin, take a handful of your chosen herbs and add them to a sauce pan of filtered water. Heat the covered pot on the stove until the water starts to simmer. Remove before the mixture boils. After the herbal water has reached a simmer, remove the pan from heat and let it stand for 20 minutes. Once you’ve filled your tub, use a strainer to remove the herbs and pour the infused water directly into the tub. Or simply add the entire mixture into your bath. The floating herbs will certainly create a relaxing atmosphere. Just take note that herbs like chamomile break down in the water and can be a bit of a pain to clean up. Enjoy!

Photos by Ana Stanciu

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