Herbal Sitz Bath Soak (6oz organic muslin bag great for using in the bath tub itself)

One of my favorites of all time- is the soothing comfort of an old-fashioned #herbal sitz bath. 

Often used to relieve issues related to #postbirth discomfort, etc., a #sitzbath is also ideal for easing general lower-body soreness and fatigue!

A sitz bath is a shallow #bath in which you can add salts, herbs, and other ingredients to create a clean, warm, healing pool in which to sit. 

There are small tubs made specifically for this purpose, which are ideal for concentrating the salts and herbs where you need them most. 

However, when dealing with #pain and #fatigue that impacts the lower back and legs, a bathtub is the appropriate vessel.

The word “sitz” is from the German “sitzen”—no surprise, it means “to sit.” 

There are other names for these short, soothing baths as well. 

I make sitz baths much the way my grandparents did, with #Epsomsalt and baking soda, as well as whatever skin and muscle soothing herbs are appropriate for the occasion: 

often lavender, calendula, and comfrey, and sometimes additions like oatmeal for extra skin pampering. 

I also like St. John’s wort and #arnica flowers when I’m achy, and #ginger when I’m feeling a little under the weather and need to warm up. 

In #Ayurvedic tradition, you may see “warmer” herbs and spices included to stimulate skin circulation and rejuvenate tired muscles.

For this specific sitz bath I created, here are the ingredients: 

Epsom salt, baking soda, sea salt, comfrey, calendula, St. John’s Wort, rose, and arnica

optional if you do not want to sprinkle it right into your bath tub: Cotton tea net or muslin bag full of organic herbs of choice (approximately 1/2 cup)

Directions:

1) Fill tub with just enough warm water so it will just cover your hips when you sit down. Do not add other oils or soaps.

2) Hang the optional herb bag on the drain so the water runs over it as the tub fills. (Or drop the contents right into water) We recommend half the bag to a full bag per soak.

3) Climb in and soak for 15-20 minutes, making sure to keep the most affected areas of your lower body in the water.

4) Repeat 3-4 times a day when actively treating postpartum or aches and pains.