Sassy Mama DIY: Skin Nourishing Bath Tea

Here’s a great recipe (and Christmas is coming) that makes a beautiful gift too! At the end, I give some suggestions for herbs to use along with their different properties – hope you like it!

We make this bath tea recipe at home at least once or twice a week! It’s a favourite around here for two very specific reasons:

1. It makes my girls instantly co-operate during bath time, and that means no tantrums, everyone is happy!
2. It takes minutes to make, is really inexpensive –  yet feels so luxurious!

Now, this tea is perfect for anyone, of all ages. I make it mostly for my girls, but I also enjoy the occasional soak for myself – though finding the time is not always easy. Must make it more of a priority though, because I’m always happier for doing it. It really helps to soothe tired muscles and I love how it leaves my skin soft, and smelling of flowers…

On those days when the girls are less than excited about bath time, I’ll ask them ”shall we make a bath tea?” The answer is always a roaring “yes!” We pick out our ingredients from the pantry and the girls sit at the counter to begin the serious work of mixing. Then I pour hot water over the herbs to steep, as the girls excitedly prepare for their bath in anticipation.

Our routine during the dangerous skin burning or finger chopping portions of this recipe, is to say, “hands-up, you’re under arrest for being too cute!” Their hands go flying up and I always smile. It’s sweet, and it gets me every time.

Sometimes I’ll pour it into a toy tea kettle, and the girls will play tea time in the bath. If this is for you –  perhaps skip the toy kettle and opt for a candle or book instead. The scent is beautiful and your skin will love you for it!

Here’s a list of herbs that you can try – each one offering different properties. You can use loose herbs, or even tea packets! Whatever is easiest for you:

• Chamomile – relaxing and skin nourishing, it has a softening effect on the skin. It’s also anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal, so is great for skin irritations like insect bites, nappy rash, skin rashes and eczema.
• Lavender –  calming to the senses, it’s great for relaxation. Lavender is antibacterial too so is great for cleansing the skin.
• Rose –  this beautiful, happy scent helps to soothe away stress and headaches. Rose contains vitamin C, the beauty vitamin, which helps to build collagen and maintain youthful skin. It also has astringent properties, helping to clean and tighten pores.
• Green Tea/White Tea – helps to detoxify and replenish. It’s packed with antioxidants, and is great for ageing skin. It does contain caffeine, so you may not want to use it on the kids!

Bath Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

(I only run the bath half-way, if you run a full bath, double the ingredients)

• 1/2 cup loose herb or 3-4 tea bags
• 1 cup of boiling water

Directions:

1. Fill a heat proof container with the herbs, and pour in boiling water.
2. Allow to steep for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain and pour tea into the bath.

• I buy most of my herbs in bulk from Phoon Huat or Mustafa;
• Also, check out iherb for buying herbs in bulk.