Enhance the stress-busting power of a good long soak in the tub, by having a relaxing herbal bath. See our favorite bath herbs opposite.

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A lovely herbal pillow can help lull you (or a restless child) to sleep. Some even suggest it can impart good dreams! Here’s how to make your own:
• Choose a fabric. Try soft and cuddly velvet, flannel in a fun print, or luxurious silk or satin in your favorite color. A 6 or 8-inch square is a nice size, but you can make your pillow any size you like. You’ll need two pieces of fabric cut to the size of your finished pillow, plus a half-inch on each side for seam allowances.
• With the right sides together, sew pieces along three sides, leaving one side open for stuffing.
• Turn right side out and press.
• In a small bowl, combine the herbs and a fixative.
• Place the herbs in the pillow, then hand-stitch the open end closed.
• Place the pillow in a plastic bag for a day or two before using, to strengthen the scent.
* Fluff your pillow each night before sleep, then lay it next to you, or tuck it inside your regular pillow.

Restful herb choices include: Chamomile, lavender, lemon verbena, mugwort, hops, rose petals and mint. Orris root powder (about 1 teaspoon per cup of herbs) is a good fixative.

Try these herbs to enhance your stress-busting bath:

Simply make an infusion (a strong tea), using about one cup of herbs per quart of water. You can use one favorite herb, or a combination. Let the infusion steep for half an hour or more, then strain and pour it into your bathwater. Or wrap the herbs in cheesecloth, tie shut, and hang it from your tub faucet. The hot water will run through the herbs when you draw your bath.

Chamomile, lavender, linden flowers, rose petals, lemon balm, passion flower, mugwort, marshmallow root, sassafras, vervain, burdock root, meadowsweet, comfrey root, agrimony, pennyroyal, and orange peel. A little mint will revitalize you, too.

Massage is a great relaxer. How can I incorporate herbs into my massages?

To transform your plain massage oil into an herbal treat

• Place about 1/4 cup of herbs in a jar.
• Pour your favorite massage oil (apricot kernel, sweet almond or grapeseed for example) over the herbs; add enough so that a couple of inches of oil remain after the herbs are soaked.
• Cover the jar and let it stand in a warm place for a couple of weeks. Shake the jar daily.
• Strain the oil and gently warm it before using.

More Tips:
» Herbal foot bath
» Herbal Tea

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