Most herbalists are empirics, having to rely on practical experience much of the time because the majority of research scientists have been stuck in the chemical pharmacology warp for the past 50-60 years. We sometimes receive criticism for relying on herbal remedies that have not been tested in a lab.

The fact is, it takes money to run a research foundation and there is no profit in discovering that a weed, growing in your backyard, can be picked by you and used as medicine. The "big bucks" come by extracting constituents from that plant and selling them to you as a new drug. Never mind the fact that those constituents could have harmful side effects when the whole plant does not. Success is measured by the profits.

Well ... the times, they are a changin' ... "natural is back and it looks like it's here to stay. Mr. & Ms. G.P. Consumer are getting wise to the facts. But, don't expect the "big bucks boys" to stop criticizing. Just ignore them, and keep on picking those little weeds ... I mean herbs :-)

HERBS FOR YOUR BATH, PART I

Hydrotherapy has been in use for centuries. Its first recorded use was by Hippocrates in the fourth century B.C. Virtually all medicine was practiced at the public baths in ancient times.

Water can be very healing in many ways. So why don't we hear more about this? You guessed it. There's no money in it.

A simple bath, especially when enhanced by some of those "weeds," can do wonders. Hot baths are good for easing joint pain, constipation, and respiratory problems. Cool baths relieve fever and combat fatigue. Then there's the neutral bath, the sitz bath, the sauna ... mmmm ... it all sounds good to me. Throw in a therapeutic massage and I'm in heaven!

WHAT'S A NEUTRAL BATH?

A neutral bath uses water that is slightly cooler than body temperature. This bath is used to treat insomnia, emotional agitation, and menopausal hot flashes. You immerse the whole body up to the neck for at least 20 minutes, adding water to maintain the temperature at about 90°F. By the way, a regular oral thermometer can be used to test the water.

WHAT'S A SITZ BATH?

A sitz bath uses cold water at temperatures ranging from 40° to 85°F. Soak in this bath for 2-5 minutes with enough cold water to reach your navel. That's a sitz bath. It can relieve anal and vaginal irritation, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and improve the pelvic muscle tone of those suffering with incontinence.

THROW IN SOME FLOWERS

Not only do they look pretty floating in the water, some flowers are very healing. For instance ...

Pansy (Viola tricolor), also known as Heartsease, is extremely beneficial to the skin. Yep, I'm talking about that pretty little flower that is planted in the esplanade. It contains methyl salicylate which is healing to both eczema and acne. Pansy is gentle enough for use in a baby's bath and is very effective on all types of skin diseases, even cradle cap. A strong decoction of the aerial parts (flowers, leaves, and stems) is even said to cure syphilis and other venereal diseases. It is best to use fresh pansy. It looses most of it's efficacy when dried.

Chrysanthemum, known as Ju Hua in China, makes an excellent antiseptic bath good for acne, pimples, boils, sores, and other skin problems. Other related species, tansy and feverfew, have similar benefits. Try this little tip: Warm some chrysanthemum flowers and place them over each eye, replacing them as they cool with another warm flower. They also make a wonderful eye wash. Infuse a handful of flowers in water, strain well, and use the infusion to wash sore red eyes. If you drink some of this tea, it will improve your eyesight, counter infection, reduce fevers, and detoxify the body. And, chrysanthemum flowers look beautiful floating in bath water, too!

Roses are astringent and cleansing, and deserve to be mentioned for their therapeutic effects above all. Being a perfect companion to wine, they elevate the bath to luxury. I suggest you pick a time when you'll have about an hour to yourself. Gather your softest lounge clothes and towels. Light some candles (not heavily scented). Toss as many rose petals as you can possibly get your hands on into a warm bath. Float 40-80 drops of Rose Otto on the water surface. Pour yourself a glass of fine wine and slip into this tub fit for royalty. Could the bath get any better than this?

We haven't mentioned gardenia, magnolia, scented geraniums, lavender, camellia, nasturtium, carnation, daffodil, daisy, elder flower, peony, fuchsia, hibiscus, hollyhock, honeysuckle, jasmine, jonquil, lilies, lobelia, lotus, lupin, marigold, orange blossom, passionflower, periwinkles, snapdragons ...

Did I mention chamomile? Brew up a few extra cups of chamomile tea. Pour one into your cup and pour the rest into your bath. That makes a quick and easy, 20 minute calming bath.

SO MANY POSSIBILITIES

The bath never has to be boring again. Before you run through the shower, give it some thought. Take a look around the house or garden and see what might be available to toss into your bath.

We'll be back next week to give you a few more ideas. And, remember, don't leave the kids out of the fun. Give them an herbal bath treat occasionally, too.

Got to go now! My Texas Tansy Sitz is ready :-)

Our goal is to bring collective knowledge together to provide accurate herbal information, giving references whenever possible, for the purpose of being informed when choosing self-help and alternative approaches to health and lifestyle. At no time should this publication be considered prescription or treatment, nor should any information published herein be misinterpreted as such. The publishers can not be held responsible for the mishandling of information by its readers.

Please do not take herbal information lightly.
Remember our motto is ... When in doubt, don't!
Until next Monday I remain,

Herbally yours, Abby

Lynda "Abby" Trahan
Abby's Herb Company
P.O. Box 213
Round Top, TX 78954

lynda@abbysherbshop.com
www.abbysherbshop.com

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