MAKES1 CUP (Enough to fill an 8-ounce jar)
Soothing baths are a great way to use up all those fragrant, healing blossoms from your garden. They are also available in bulk at health-food stores. Oatmeal is used in commercial bath products as a skin smoother.
• 3/4 cup oatmeal (not instant)
•3 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
• 1/4 cup dried rosebuds
• 1/2 cup dried calendula petals
• Cotton balls
Packaging:
You can simply mix all the ingredients in a jar, but they make a beautiful presentation layered like sand bottle art. To do this, pour in all the oatmeal so that it forms a peak in the center of the jar. Pour in the lavender flowers around the edge. Place the rosebuds around the outside of the jar. Fill the empty center to the top with the calendula. Pack the top tightly with cotton balls so the layers remain intact. As part of decorating the jar, you may want to attach a fancy washcloth with instructions on using the scrub.
Prior to using:
1. Pour the contents into a bowl and mix well. Return to the jar. 2. For each bath, put a small handful (2 to 3 tablespoons) of bath blend into the center of a dry washcloth or prewashed muslin square. 3. Bring the corners together and twist the cloth so the herbs form a ball. 4. Secure with color-fast ribbon or a rubber band. Toss the cloth into the tub while it’s filling. Scrub your skin with the ball or just soak in the infusion.
Read the original article: Homemade Herbal Gift Ideas.
Debbie Whittaker, a frequent contributor to The Herb Companion, demonstrates her healthy cooking style as the “Herb Gourmet” in Denver, Colorado.