English lavender is especially aromatic and one of the most widely planted varieties. Many traditional herb gardens include English lavender. This bath recipe contains lavender, as a relaxant, as well as oatmeal and baking soda, which are soothing to dry, sensitive skin. With it’s healing properties, this is an ideal bath for calming a bad sunburn or insect bites. Packaged inside a pretty jar or bottle it also makes a wonderful gift from the garden. MAKES 28 OUNCES
• 1 cup dried English lavender flowers (or whatever species you prefer)
• 2 cups whole oatmeal
• 1⁄2 cup baking soda
1. Place ingredients inside a food processor or blender. Grind until you have a smooth, fine powder. The powder should have the consistency of whole grain flour.
2. Pour into a dry, clean container. To use: Pour 1/2 cup into your bath as you fill the tub.
Janice Cox is the author of Natural Beauty at Home (Henry Holt and Company, 2002) and she and her daughter, Lauren Cox co-authored EcoBeauty (Ten Speed Press, 2009). For more recipes and ideas visit her website at www.janicecox.com.
Click here for the main article, Body & Soul: Make Lavender Spa Products.