Winter Serenity: Nourishing Herbal Milk Bath
Befriending winter and sinking into a warm herbal bath is one way to surrender to the season.
Winter gifts us the quietude to journey within, to pause, and to rejuvenate in preparation for the upcoming renaissance of nature. And, making a winter bath tea has become a seasonal ritual that gently lulls me into harmony with nature’s rhythm.
The herbs I’ve chosen for my milk bath—plantain, passionflower, butterfly pea powder, lemon balm, chamomile, and lavender—share several key properties that make them ideal for calming and nourishing both the skin and the mind. Here's what they have in common:
1. Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
All of these herbs help reduce inflammation, making them effective for calming irritated, inflamed, or itchy skin. This is especially useful for sensitive skin conditions or after exposure to environmental stressors.
Examples:
Plantain and chamomile calm skin redness and irritation.
Passionflower and lavender soothe both the skin and the nervous system.
2. Antioxidant Benefits
These herbs are rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals that can damage the skin. This supports skin regeneration and provides protection from environmental stress.
Examples:
Butterfly pea powder has high levels of antioxidants for hydration and anti-aging effects.
Lemon balm helps protect against oxidative stress and refreshes dull or maturing skin.
3. Hydrating and Moisturizing Effects
They are all beneficial for nourishing dry skin, either by providing moisture directly or by creating a barrier that retains hydration.
Examples:
Butterfly pea powder moisturizes the skin.
Chamomile and plantain support hydration and healing of dry, flaky skin.
4. Calming and Stress-Relieving Qualities
Beyond their skin benefits, these herbs share the ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Their aromas and natural compounds work to calm the mind, ease tension, and enhance overall well-being.
Examples:
Passionflower and lavender are well-known for their ability to reduce stress and promote calmness.
Lemon balm and chamomile offer both physical and mental relaxation.
5. Antibacterial and Healing Support
They all contribute to maintaining clean, healthy skin by offering mild antibacterial or antimicrobial properties. This can help cleanse pores, prevent breakouts, and support the skin's natural healing process.
Examples:
Lavender and plantain have antibacterial effects that prevent irritation.
Lemon balm and chamomile gently cleanse while encouraging healing.
Ingredients:
Herbal Infusion:
1 tablespoon dried plantain
1 tablespoon dried passionflower
1 tablespoon butterfly pea powder
1 tablespoon dried lemon balm
1 tablespoon dried chamomile
Milk Base:
1 cup dehydrated milk powder
Carrier Oil Blend:
1–2 tablespoons carrier oil (e.g., sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil)
5 drops essential oil blend (see below for suggestions)
Suggested Calming Essential Oil Blend (Alternative to Chamomile & Lavender):
3 drops Frankincense essential oil (for grounding and relaxation)
1 drop Sandalwood essential oil (for deep calm and tranquility)
1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil (to promote emotional balance and relaxation)
Directions:
Prepare the Herbal Infusion:
Combine the dried herbs (plantain, passionflower, butterfly pea powder, lemon balm, and chamomile) in a bowl.
Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs and let steep for 15–20 minutes. Strain out the herbs, reserving the liquid.
Mix the Milk Base and Oil Blend:
In a separate bowl, combine the dehydrated milk powder with the carrier oil and essential oil blend. Mix well until evenly combined.
Assemble the Bath:
Fill your bathtub with warm water. Pour in the herbal infusion and milk mixture, stirring to dissolve the milk powder.
Swirl the water to distribute the oils and herbal nutrients.
Relax and Enjoy:
Soak for 20–30 minutes, breathing deeply to take in the calming aromas and letting your body and skin absorb the benefits of the herbs and oils.
Why This Blend Works:
Frankincense promotes deep relaxation and soothes the mind, offering a meditative quality.
Sandalwood enhances tranquility and helps ease stress and tension.
Ylang Ylang balances emotions, offering a sweet floral aroma to complement the earthy tones of frankincense and sandalwood.
This combination harmonizes beautifully with the soothing properties of the herbs, creating a deeply relaxing and skin-nourishing experience.
Favorite EOs: Click here to purchase the essential oils you’re missing.
Favorite Home Herbalism Store: Click here to purchase the home herbalism ingredients you’re missing.
