Evergreens provide a wealth of benefits when it comes to beauty. Used in a bath, they can boost circulation and serve as cleansing skin and hair treatments.
It's easy to identify evergreens by their leaves or needles, as each species has unique characteristics. Needles are considered mature leaves and are usually bundled in clusters called facicles. You may want to consult a guidebook or visit your local nursery to learn what grows in your area. Make sure that the plant material you harvest has not been sprayed or treated with any chemicals - and harvest responsibly.
Nordic Baths
In Nordic climates, evergreens grow in abundance, and this popular aromatic bath features two favorite evergreen ingredients: pine needles and juniper berries, both of which help soothe sore and tired muscles. The calming fresh scent offers the perfect way to start or end your day. (The most energizing bath temperature is one just at or slightly above body temperature.)
- 1/2 cup almond or oat flour
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup fresh pine needles
- 2 tablespoons juniper berries
- 6 bay leaves
Place all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and grind until you have a coarse, fragrant mixture. Spoon approximately 1/2 cup of this mixture into a muslin bag or onto the center of a square of cheesecloth and tie the ends with a bit of cotton string. Store bags in an airtight container.
To use: Fill your tub with warm water and allow the bath bag to float in the water, giving it a squeeze every now and then. Use this same bag to scrub the body all over. Yield 16 ounces, enough for 3-4 bath bags.
Juniper Berry Footbath
Juniper trees produce small blue berries that can be used in cooking, distilling, and in refreshing bath and body products. Autumn is actually the best time to gather fresh juniper berries and dry them to use in recipes, but you can also finds some during the winter months and even at some well-stocked natural food stores and gourmet kitchen shops. Juniper berries are naturally antiseptic, making them well-suited for a cleansing and refreshing foot bath.
- 1/4 cup fresh juniper berries, slightly crushed, or 2 tablespoons dried berries
- 1/4 cup Epsom salts
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
Fill a large tub or basin with warm water. Add the juniper berries, Epsom salts, and baking soda, and stir well until the salts and soda have dissolved.
To use: Soak your feet in the fragrant water for 15-20 minutes. After your footbath, massage your feet with some natural oils or your favorite rich cream. Yield 4 ounces, enough for one footbath.
