Botanical baths

Botanicals are a great way to add zest to tub time. Just place them in a scrubbing sack made of cheesecloth and steep it in the tub water before you get in . You can use on especial fragrance or go for a potpourri. Basil stimulates the intellect, relieves stress and cures the blues, while rosemary stimulates the memory. Sage will give you an invigorating all-over body soak.

If you use essential oils, add a few drops of shampoo or liquid soap to help the oils disperse more quickly.

Try lavender to promote alertness or rose oil to cure depression, insomnia, tension and stress. Neroli eases anxiety, hysteria and exhaustion while orange blossom promotes the healing of scars.

Lavish lavender
Ingredients:
1/2 cup dried lavender flowers or 1 cup fresh
1/2 cup dried rose petals or 1 cup fresh
1/2 cup dried lemon verbena or 1 cup fresh
1 muslin bath bag or a pair of old nylons

Methods:
Combine and place in the bag or the nylons. (if you use a bag, secure the top tightly with string; nylons should be knotted.) Tie the bag or nylons under the tap so the water can run through it, stimulating the aromatic properties. Float the herbs as you soak. Close your eyes, lie back and breathe in and out gently. You'll feel calm and ready for bed after 20 minutes.