As more and more people are pursuing a natural lifestyle, bath therapy (balneotherapy) is popularized in many parts of the world. While bath therapy is incorporated into Natural Medicine today, it has existed in Chinese culture for thousands of years and been a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), called medicated bath or herbal bath. In general, herbal bath can bring the results from cleaning the skin/getting rid of body odor, promoting blood circulation and metabolism, strengthening immune system, to preventing and healing illness.
“The components of an effective herbal bath comprise not only the right ingredient (herb), but also the right water temperature,” TCM Practitioner said. “The liquid is absorbed through the bather’s skin and respiratory system and takes effect by activating the potential life functions in his/her body.”
Today, herbal baths are commonly suggested for conditions such as arthritis, fever, fungus infections, itchiness, pain, skin sores, wounds, and even beauty treatment. And the choice of herbs would be based on individual condition.
In fact, you can try it at your own home. Here are some formulas provided by TCM Practitioner.
For Improving Skin Texture
Ingredients: Ginger juice (1 ounce / 30 ml), vinegar (0.5 ounce / 15 ml), wine (1.7 ounces / 50 ml)
Method: Pour all ingredients into warm water (around 100 degree Fahrenheit / 38 degree Celsius) and soak for 30 minutes.
For Enhancing Blood Circulation And Promoting Metabolism
Ingredients: [For 10 times use] Pilose asiabell root (1.2 ounces / 35 grams), angelica root (1.2 ounces / 35 grams), safflower (4.2 ounces / 120 grams) and rose (4.2 ounces / 120 grams)
Method: Grind all the ingredients into a powder mixture. Pour 1 ounce / 30 grams into warm water (keep the water temperature between 102.2 – 107.6 degree Fahrenheit / 39 – 42 degree Celsius) directly and soak for 20 minutes. Take the bath daily, 10 times as one cycle.
For Easing Tiredness And Preventing Common Cold
Ingredients: Dried tangerine peel (1.4 ounces / 40 grams); fresh tangerine (4 pieces)
Method: Use a gauze bag stuffed with the dried tangerine peels and put into warm water (around 100 degree Fahrenheit / 38 degree Celsius). Cut the fresh tangerines into slices (with skin) and also put into water. Soak for 20 minutes.
For Treating Insomnia
Ingredients: Jasmine (0.5 ounce / 15 grams), rose (0.3 ounce / 9 grams), processed poria (0.5 ounce / 15 grams), nutgrass (0.5 ounce / 15 grams).
Method: Grind all the ingredients and pour into warm water (keep the water temperature between 100 – 107.6 degree Fahrenheit / 38 – 42 degree Celsius) directly and soak for 30 minutes. It can calm the mind and smooth the flow of “Qi” (essential energy).
When having herbal bath at home, a rule of thumb is to set the water temperature between 98.6 – 107.6 degree Fahrenheit / 37 – 42 degree Celsius. Steep in the water for not more than half hour while slightly rub the body surface, then rinse the body with clean water. Drink a glass of water to replenish body fluid after a 30-minute rest.
“Herbal baths are easy to use and generally safe. They don’t carry the impacts that oral medicines usually bring to the oral cavity, mucous membrane, digestive canal, and stomach; they also reduce liver’s burden of its detox system. However, they are not suitable for children, the aged, and seriously ill people,” TCM Practitioner noted. “Also, for person who has heart, kidney, or lung problems; or a tendency to bleed easily, he/she should consult a Practitioner first.”
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