Bath powders are a wonderful way to incorporate the relaxing, uplifting, or clearing benefits of herbs into your daily routine. They can be wrapped up in cheesecloth or put in reusable tea bags to help prevent bits of plants and flowers from making a mess in your tub, and can be made in large batches for easy future use as long as they’re stored well.

• ¾ cup baking soda
• ¼ cup citric acid
• ¼ cup herbs
• 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
• 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil
   

Taking time to bathe can be one of the most peaceful, transformative acts of self-care we can engage in. The comfort of warm water alone is deeply relaxing, and adding herbs to the bath only enhances that experience. Some of our favorite herbs to incorporate into relaxing bath powders include lavender, chamomile, jasmine, rose and calendula.

There’s no question why the word “bright” is so often used to describe the aroma of fresh citrus. It’s hard not to smile and say “mmmmm...” when we peel open that orange, lemon or grapefruit and inhale its delightful scent. Citrus peels like lemon and orange can be uplifting to the mood and energy, and are great additions to bath powders.

When making essential oils through steam distillation, the aromatic compounds are released from the plants using hot water and steam; that same process happens when adding whole plants to a hot bath. Clearing herbs like peppermint, spearmint and eucalyptus can be added to the bath recipe to release their aromas into the steam, creating a whole-plant aromatherapy experience.

No bathtub? No problem! The clearing herbs can easily be added to a glass or ceramic bowl along with boiling water; lean over with your face over the bowl (5 to 10 inches above), place a large towel, tent-like, over your head, shoulders and the bowl, and practice your slow, deep breathing!

• ⅓ cup Epsom salts
• ⅓ cup coarse sea salt or Himalayan pink salt
• ¼ cup herbs
• Optional: 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil with 1 teaspoon jojoba oil