Body & Soul: English Lavender Bath

By Janice Cox
Published on June 30, 2011
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Fresh lavender is very easy to dry on your own. Simply cut small bunches of fresh flowers and hang them upside down to dry in a warm, dark spot.

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

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried English lavender flowers (or whatever species you prefer)
• 2 cups whole oatmeal
• 1⁄2 cup baking soda

Instructions

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.

Find more recipes and tips for using aromatic lavender inBody & Soul: Make Lavender Spa Products.


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.

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