Bathe Your Kids in Herbal Tea

Herbal baths are a great way to use medicinal herbs with your kids.  When you bathe in herbs, your skin absorbs the beneficial properties of the plants while you breathe in the therapeutic aromatic oils.  The first time I gave my babies a bath, I used a simple Chamomile tea.   So relaxing and grounding.  I still reach for it any time my kids need to bring down their energy level before bed time.   Herbal baths can help to calm an over excited toddler, relax a fussy baby, decongest a stuffy nose, gently lower a fever or soothe itchy skin.  The possibilities are endless!  Here are some of my favorite herbs for making herbal bath teas…

Chamomile*: Chamomile is my favorite herb for kids and one of the best ways to use it is in the bath.  Chamomile relaxes the nervous system making a great bath for nighttime when you need some extra calming energy.  It is soothing and anti-inflammatory for the skin. It also promotes healthy digestion making it useful when your child has an upset tummy.

Lavender: Lavender soothes the nervous system which also makes it perfect for nighttime relaxation baths.  It is specific for soothing itchy skin and is also a great antibacterial that can be added to the bath when your little one is sick.

Thyme: This is an excellent herb to add to the bath when your kids are sick.  It is antiviral and antibacterial.  It relaxes irritable or spasmodic coughs and the oils in thyme help to reduce congestion.

Calendula*: Soothing and anti inflammatory, Calendula is an excellent herb for the skin.  In the bath, it can provide relief for dry, itchy, inflamed or irritated skin conditions.  As a natural anti fungal, it also can be helpful for diaper rash.

Marshmallow: Marshmallow is a demulcent herb which means that it soothes the skin and mucous membranes.  When steeped in cold water, rather than hot, it creates a thick, slimy consistency that provides incredible relief for hot, dry, irritated skin conditions.

Elder Flowers: A gentle fever reducer, Elder Flower can be added to the bath when you want to cool the body down.  It is also helps to reduce congestion.

Lemon Balm: Lemon Balm can be added to any bath, it is great for so many things! It is a gentle fever reducer, antiviral, relaxant, and soothes upset tummies.

*Both Chamomile and Calendula are in the same family as Ragweed.  If you or your kids have an allergy to Ragweed, avoid using these herbs.

How do I prepare an Herbal Bath Tea?
There are two ways to prepare an herbal bath tea.  The first is to take a large muslin bag, fill it with a cup of dried herbs and place it in the bath.  Gently squeeze the muslin bag several times throughout the bath to release the tea.  This will make a light herbal bath. The second, and my personal favorite, is to prepare a strong infusion by steeping 1 cup of dried herbs in 8 cups of boiling water, covered, for about 30 minutes.  I use a half gallon mason jar to steep my bath tea.  Strain the tea and pour into a warm bath.  BE SURE TO POUR THE TEA INTO THE BATH AND TEST THE TEMPERATURE BEFORE YOUR CHILD IS IN THE BATH.  You do not want to burn them with hot tea!  Keep the bathroom door closed allowing the aromatic oils of the herbs to fill the room and enjoy!  Here are some fun recipes to try…

Nighty-Night Bath Tea
2 part Chamomile
1 part Lavender
1 part Lemon Balm

Skin Soothing Bath Tea
1 part Calendula
1 part Chamomile
1 part Lavender
1/2 part Marshmallow

Decongestant Bath Tea
1 part Thyme
1 part Lavender
1 part Elder Flowers

Fever Relief Bath Tea
1 part Elder Flower
1 part Lemon Balm

Have fun, get creative and make your own herbal bath teas.  It’s fun to include your kids in the process too. My 3 year old son loves to pick out the herbs and scoop them into the jar himself.  I hope you and your kids enjoy bathing in herbal teas as much as my family!

Where can I buy these herbs?
If you have a local apothecary, they will probably have most of these herbs on the shelf. You can also purchase them online at Mountain Rose Herbs*.  They are an excellent resource for quality, organic herbs.

*This is an affiliate link.  If you decide to purchase any products through this link, I do receive a small commission.  You have my deep appreciation if you choose support the little herbal when making your purchases.  As always, I only recommend companies & products that I believe in 100% and buy from myself.

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